Go for GOLD

WHen I was in Los angeles for an assignment early last month, it was the start of the awards season. Celebrities (from a- to d-listers) were in town to attend the Golden Globes awards as well as the after parties – all held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The atmosphere around Beverly Hills, where I put up, was exciting. Boutiques along robertson Boulevard and deparment stores like Bloomingdale’s had in their window displays suits for men and glamorous gowns for women to entice customers lucky enough to score invites to one of the five after parties.

If you didn’t have the right connection but had deep pockets, you were in luck because invites to the Harvey Weinstein party were for sale.

“US$5,000 (rM16,000) per ticket!” the concierge at the hotel informed me just in case I was interested. I told him I was already on the list for nBC/ Universal’s after party.

“Is this your first time to an awards show party? You’ll love it. Celebrities everywhere you turn. and this is only the Golden Globes. Wait till the Oscars come around,” he enthused.

He’s right. The Oscars are the grande dame of all award shows in Hollywood. The biggest stars attend it; the best dresses and diamonds are reserved for the Oscar red carpet; the most lavish parties are thrown to fete those in filmmaking (the most soughtafter ticket is to the Vanity Fair party).

Word has it that Prs for major fashion labels beg and bribe stylists, while designers wine and dine a-list actresses so their outfit gets picked for the red carpet.

nothing’s spared when it comes to the Oscars.

Which is why we are going big for the academy awards this year. For once, the whole of

Star2 is dedicated to all things Oscars. From movie stars and music to fashion and foreign films, here’s Star2’ s comprehensive guide to the 86th academy awards.

The Oscars will be held in Los Angeles on March 2.