It’s that time of year when actors and actresses survive on a lima bean per day to look their best for the Academy Awards and the many Oscar parties in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The actual ceremony is on Sunday, February 26, 2017, but look for events all week long.
Slim to none, you’ll get close to your favorite stars on Hollywood Blvd, as seating in the bleachers for the red carpet arrivals is already maxed out with their online lottery to fill approximately 700 seats. Security is extremely tight in the general area of the Dolby Theatre, with road closures blocks away on each side of the venue. Because the Governors Ball takes place just above the Dolby, this would also rule out any interaction with your favorite celebrities at this particular party.
Home of the Academy Awards, The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood
The Dolby Theatre is located at a popular complex called the Hollywood & Highland Center. This same area has the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and a shopping mall, as well as other famous venues across the street like Disney’s El Capitan Theatre, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the legendary Roosevelt Hotel.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
One is better off catching a celebrity sighting at the many Oscar parties that take place in West Hollywood and nearby Beverly Hills. Both of these areas are just minutes west of the Dolby. Most are by invite only, but some events such as Elton John’s annual viewing party are fundraisers for important causes and tickets can be purchased.
Typically, The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills becomes sort of a headquarters for the Academy. Leading up to the Oscars, this is where you’ll find domestic and international press junkets interviewing and photographing just about every big name in Hollywood. With fans flanking both sides of the valet driveways, expect many stars to postpone their waiting limo, and greet the people desiring an autograph or quick photo.
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Hotel
Starting at 4PM on Sunday, The Elton John viewing party takes place at West Hollywood Park at Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente. Look for a massive white tent. Security will cordon off the park, but some viewing of arrivals are usually visible from the street. More times than not, the major A-listers arrive after the Oscar ceremony and a quick stop at the mostly mandatory Governor’s Ball.
Same thing goes for the nearby Vanity Fair party, which is consistently one of the toughest invites to receive. It’s hosted by Editer-in chief, Graydon Carter. For years, this was at the old Morton’s on Melrose Avenue, then it moved to Sunset Tower on Sunset Blvd. They’ve now found a home between The Beverly Hills City Hall, and The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, just south of Santa Monica Blvd.
Also, look to hotels like the London West Hollywood Hotel, The Beverly Wilshire, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Beverly Hilton Hotel for some public, but again, mostly private parties. Just about every night leading up to Oscar Sunday, there is sure to be a buzz around the Chateau Marmont Hotel on The Sunset Strip.
Hot restaurants and clubs for celebrity sightings all week long will be Craig’s, Catch, Cecconi’s, Madeo, Mastro’s Steakhouse, The Palm, Spago, Fig and Olive, The Nice Guy and Delilah.
Delilah Nightclub West Hollywood
Not sure where to go? Follow the searchlights, helicopters and just look for the paparazzi flashes. The more flashes, the bigger (or more controversial) the celebrity.
For private tours during Oscar week, or any other time of the year, contact Glitterati Tours of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
