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Oscar Party Etiquette

As I learn every day, Los Angeles has it's own set of customs:

THOU SHALL NOT PITCH. For many the whole point of attending an Oscar week party is the chance to meet people they can't get on the phone the rest of the year. While subtle pitching is acceptable — as in "Hey, George, can I drop something by next week?" — overt pitching of screenplays and story ideas during an Oscar party is a serious faux pas.

"Even though the invitations don't say 'No pitching,' most people understand there's no pitching," Mr. Tisch said. "Blatant pitching and blatant self-promotion can mean no invitation the following year."

GIVE YOUR ENTOURAGE THE NIGHT OFF. Yes, traveling with an entourage is a standard way of flaunting power in Hollywood, and thanks to a certain HBO series they have a kitschy hipness. But this is not the weekend to roll up to Barry and Diane's with a dozen friends from your hometown.

In 2001 when Donatella Versace tried to sweep a posse into the V.I.P. lounge of the InStyle-Elton John Oscar party, she was turned back for having too many guests. After five minutes of confusion and loud Italian, she decided to proceed with a single guest.

"It is truly the one night of the year where entourages are not tolerated," said Judy Levy, an owner of Levy, Pazanti & Associates, an event coordinating and fund-raising firm. "The fire marshals rule in L.A., and they close down more parties than anyone else."

--The Tribal Customs of Oscar - NY Times

About J. Ott

John Ott is a writer, filmmaker and futurist. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.