Experiencing the Oscars Firsthand: Curiosities, Surprises, and What’s Forbidden

Share:

Millions of people follow everything that happens at the Oscars from their TVs at home, but can you imagine stepping onto the iconic red carpet of the Dolby Theatre and rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest stars in the world?

It feels like another planet, a world separate from everyday life, but Hollywood is real. This year, despite the tragic Los Angeles wildfires, March 2 is set to be one of the most anticipated nights of the year.

A night sure to be full of emotions, with predictions and bets already placed—though without a clear favorite—and one that we’ll be covering at LOS40. Cadena SER and El País will have on-site coverage with professionals like cultural journalist Pepa Blanes and El País’s Los Angeles correspondent María Porcel.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida de EL PAÍS US (@el_paisus)

In fact, at LOS40, we spoke with Porcel, who knows firsthand what happens in the City of Stars. She covered the awards on 2024 and gave us insight into the behind-the-scenes of the most glamorous and talked-about night of the year. The hot topic this year? The controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón. How is Hollywood reacting to it?

The Oscars 2025 main topic: Karla Sofía Gascón

“Things here are experienced a little differently because, although we think we know Americans from the movies, they are very different: they think and behave in another way. The concept of ‘cancel culture’ wasn’t even a real discussion until much later. When the director of Emilia Pérez spoke about her, it was so harsh that many people wondered if we were going too far,” Porcel explains.

She tells LOS40 that little information has been shared about Gascón’s appearance—whether she will walk the red carpet, what she will wear, or even if a designer will dress her. One thing seems certain: she is far from winning the Oscar. This is also reflected in media rankings and predictions, where she doesn’t appear as a contender.

“It would be a huge surprise if Karla won. The most likely winner is Demi Moore. Mikey Madison could be a surprise, or Fernanda Torres. But Karla is practically out of the race,” she adds.

Curiosities about experiencing the Oscars firsthand

The awards season doesn’t start the week of the Oscars—it begins much earlier, marking the end of a period of intense coverage and hard work. After a week of events, including the traditional Oscars Nominees Luncheon—which was canceled this year, with funds donated to wildfire victims—the big day arrives.

Porcel explains that journalists must be on-site early (around 4 p.m.), starting on the red carpet at Hollywood Boulevard in front of the iconic theater.

“It’s huge, and honestly, everyone is scrambling to get celebrities’ attention. But very politely, and everyone is dressed impeccably,” she says.

One surprising fact for those watching from home? The Oscars aren’t as packed with celebrities as you might think.

“People assume the event is overflowing with A-listers, but that’s not the case. Sure, there are celebrities, but mainly in just a handful of categories—four or five. However, there are about 20 categories in total. You also have teams for makeup, hairstyling, animated short films… a lot of regular people. Some dressed amazingly, some terribly, and some completely lost,” she explains.

Another interesting tidbit? Some celebrities stop being famous at the Oscars if they’re not nominated.

This is something Gaby Cam, host of LOS40 México and LOS40 USA (El Brunch and De Estreno), who covered the event in 2023, also pointed out:

“You could see the biggest star on the planet walk by, but if they’re not nominated, no one in the press will call them over for an interview. I saw Nicole Kidman, and she was just standing there like, ‘So… does anyone want to interview me?’ Because she wasn’t nominated. The Oscars are the one place where celebrities are only as relevant as their nominations—even if they’re Emma Stone or Andrew Garfield,” Cam says.

@gabycam40 Nuestra amistad es real. #TheRock #dwaynejohnson #oscars #fyp ♬ sonido original – Gaby Cam

What’s the Oscars dress code?

The Oscars have a strict dress code, and breaking it can get you kicked off the red carpet or even barred from entry. The dress code follows white tie standards, the most formal attire: floor-length evening gowns for women and tailcoats, white bow ties, and wingtip collars for men. Dark colors are also recommended.

And no, these rules aren’t just for celebrities and nominees—they apply to everyone, including staff.

“Everyone must wear formal attire, even journalists, catering staff, and other workers. Even people in the press room or adjacent rooms where they aren’t seen. Sometimes, they even provide a color code,” Porcel explains.

What can’t you do at the Oscars?

One thing we’ve learned over the years? If you don’t want a 10-year ban like Will Smith, you definitely shouldn’t walk up on stage and slap the host.

Now, we also know you can’t wear shorts or flip-flops—unless you’re Steven Spielberg, Porcel jokes.

The Oscars have a strict code of conduct for their members. The Academy enforces ethical rules centered around dignity, inclusion, and fostering a supportive environment that fosters creativity.

“There is no place in the Academy for those who abuse their status, power, or influence in a way that violates recognized standards of decency,” the code states.

Another restriction? No filming or taking pictures inside the venue on Oscar night.

“The Academy is very private and very strict. Photography and video recordings are heavily restricted. They control their own signal and images and don’t allow you to take pictures, even in adjacent rooms. For example, in the press room, I can’t take a single photo,” Porcel explains.

The Big Night

The ceremony takes place on the upper level of the Dolby Theatre, followed by the Governors Ball, where winners can have their Oscars engraved with their names.

And what’s the party like inside?

The theater is divided into multiple levels, each with bars, food stations, and screens broadcasting the ceremony. According to Porcel, it’s not uncommon to see celebrities casually enjoying a drink.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EL PAÍS (@el_pais)

However, you can only enter or leave the main auditorium during commercial breaks.

“There’s definitely a special energy in the air. And after the show, a lot of people head to the Governors Ball or one of the many after-parties. Most major studios—Warner, Netflix—host their own,” she says.

The Impact of Donald Trump on the Oscars

Throughout the awards season, there have been sporadic mentions of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. From Lady Gaga’s pro-trans rights speech at the Grammys to Jane Fonda’s recent criticism of the term ‘woke’ at the SAG Awards, many figures have spoken out. Even in Latin music, Shakira and Ángela Aguilar have voiced support for immigrants’ rights in the U.S.

However, on the eve of the Oscars, Trump doesn’t seem to be a major topic of conversation, despite making daily headlines.

“Trump has been largely absent from awards season. This year’s host, Conan O’Brien, isn’t particularly political, so we don’t know how much of a presence Trump will have. But we assume some actors, directors, or winners will comment on him,” Porcel says.