When it comes to going to the Oscars, you’d think a room full of the most powerful and famous people around would be able to do more or less what they want.
You only have to look as far as this year’s Grammys debacle involving Kanye West and Bianca Censori to see why you’d think celebs basically have free reign.
The truth is actually far from this, as everyone from Timothee Chalamet to Cynthia Erivo will have to follow certain rules or risk being thrown out.
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Of those film stars attending the Oscars today, here are some of the rules they will actually have to follow, as found by researchers at Northerner.
Wristbands
So, believe it or not, if the celebs want to be let in they need to have a wristband that will allow them access to the awards.
You want in Demi Moore? Don’t care if you’re on the poster behind us, you better have your wristband.
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In reality many of the bigger names would probably be fine to get around this, but if they want to follow the letter of the law or you don’t have the sway of a big name, you'd better remember your wristband.
Oscar winning speeches
Now this goes beyond the Will Smith debacle, as the rules saying you can’t walk up and slap someone mid-speech is more so just common sense.
The rules around speeches are actually that they have to be kept under 45 seconds.
If you go over that amount of time, there is a real and clear chance those running the event will simply start playing music over you until you bugger off.
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The longest ever speech? Four minutes, all the way back in 1943 by Greer Garson.
Though not explicit rule, the content of your speeches can also get you in hot water, as Richard Gere was banned for 20 years after ignoring his script to speak about China’s occupation of Tibet.
Rules for seat-fillers
Believe it or not, not everyone at the Oscars is a celebrity, as the awards pick 300 people to be ‘seat-fillers’.
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Their role is simple – when Christopher Nolan goes for a pint at the bar or to the little director’s room for a wee, someone is plopped in his seat to give the audience the appearance of being full on the broadcast.
These select people have to arrive at 10.00am for the ceremony, have to have their outfits approved, and even have to wear badges saying they are a seat-filler.
In addition to this, they are asked not to speak to those around them unless spoken to.
While I’m sure they don’t have snipers on the ready in case a member of the public tries to say hi to Greta Gerwig, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Topics: Oscars, Film, Entertainment, TV and Film, Celebrity, Academy Awards
Michael Slavin