The Oscars are known for their glitz and glamour, with the iconic red carpet being the centerpiece of the event. However, in an unprecedented move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the carpet for this year’s Oscars will not be red. This will be the first time since 1961 that the iconic red carpet will not be rolled out for the biggest night in Hollywood.
The red carpet has become a symbol of the Oscars, signaling the start of the glamorous event as the world tunes in to see the biggest stars from film, music, and fashion gather to celebrate the best of the best in the movie industry. The tradition of rolling out a red carpet for VIPs can be traced back to ancient Greece, where red carpets were used to welcome important dignitaries.
In 1961, the Oscars switched to a red carpet, and it has since become an integral part of the event. The red carpet provides a platform for designers to showcase their latest collections, with celebrities donning the most extravagant gowns and tuxedos. It has become a spectacle in itself, with fans eagerly waiting to see what the stars will wear to the biggest night in Hollywood.
However, this year, the red carpet will be replaced by a specifically designed carpet in shades of gold and black. The decision to alter the iconic red carpet was taken due to COVID-19. The pandemic has forced the Academy to change plans and implement strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the event.
This year’s Oscars will be a scaled-back event, with fewer attendees and strict health and safety measures in place. Only nominees and their guests, presenters, and performers will be allowed on-site. Everyone involved will be required to follow strict COVID-19 protocols, including testing frequently and wearing masks when not on camera.
It is not just the carpet that will be different this year. The Academy has announced that the event will take place at two venues – the usual Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The move is to ensure social distancing and to create a safe environment for everyone involved. Viewers can expect to see more intimate and organic elements, as the emphasis will be on recognizing the nominees and their achievements.
The decision to forgo the red carpet is not only due to practical reasons. The move is also part of a wider push for environmental sustainability. Red carpets require a significant amount of resources to produce, and with the Academy aiming to be more eco-friendly, the change is part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Academy has made significant efforts to promote sustainability in recent years. In 2019, the organization launched an initiative called “Academy Gold” aimed at promoting diversity and sustainability in the industry. As part of the initiative, the Academy invited university students and recent graduates from underrepresented communities to participate in a six-month program aimed at enhancing diversity in the entertainment industry.
The Academy has also been working to reduce waste and promote sustainability at the Oscars. In 2015, the organization introduced a recycling program aimed at reducing the amount of waste generated during the event. The program has since led to a significant reduction in the amount of waste produced.
The decision to forgo the red carpet at this year’s Oscars is another step towards creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly event. It highlights the Academy’s commitment to promoting diversity and sustainability in the industry.
In conclusion, the absence of a red carpet at the Oscars this year is a significant departure from the norm. It marks the end of an era and a new chapter in the event’s history. The change underscores the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The move also reflects the Academy’s commitment to promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in the entertainment industry. While the red carpet may be gone this year, the magic of the Oscars will continue, albeit in a different form.