The Oscars: Why the need for tight security

This year’s Academy Awards did not have its normal storyline. The evening was not just a matter of entertainment…It was an issue of security. Since his inception in 1929, Oscar had never seen such precaution as he had on this, his 75th year.

Despite their smiling faces on the red carpet, members of the Academy and the guests themselves could not help but take to a more somber note. In fact, many of the ladies walking the carpet were wearing black instead of the usual colorful couture. The gentlemen wore dove pins and peace signs in place of their red roses and carnations. It may have been business as usual, but this night was clearly out-of-the-ordinary.

Days before the event the road in front of the theater was already blocked-off from traffic and well guarded in entry points. Early Oscar day, metal detectors were set-up in Hollywood Ave. Also, roadblocks and barricades were placed two blocks from the site to keep protestors and fans alike from getting too close to the site.

The SWAT teams were obviously present on-points and armed security was everywhere. Evidently, even airspace around Hollywood and Highlands as well as every manhole was secured. The actors and guests had to go though heavy vehicle check points before heading up to the venue. To limit the media frenzy, about 500 media outfits were cancelled by the AMPAS Board. Also, the red carpet experience was shortened to a few feet with only a handful of reporters in between. Most members of the media were only given a small-elevated vantage point to view the Stars. The usual elbow-to-elbow inter-action was an impossibility this time around. Close coverage was only granted to a few.

Security had been so tight that members of the media were even banned from the major post-Oscar parties. When they say, "By Invitation Only" they really meant it. Then again, given the latest developments, and the guest list for these events, who could blame them? Security in all major cities in the US have been stepped-up, most especially where crowds gather.

The Kodak Theater in Hollywood and Highland sat 3,300 people, a good percentage of whom were international glitterati. The show itself was viewed by millions of people in over 150 countries. This particular telecast actually got people everywhere both excited and worried at the same time.

In as much as people tried to put their worries aside for the event, the evening was definitely colored by the concerns over in Iraq. The speeches given by the winners clearly outlined the general mind-set of the audience.

The conflict brewing outside the Oscar’s doors definitely seeped through. Michael Moore of Bowling for Columbine (Winner of Best Documentary Feature) made a spectacle of himself as he openly voiced his anger towards President Bush and war. He received an ovation from the crowd as he went up to receive his award and yet, was ironically heckled as he left.

Adrien Brody, who won for Best Actor for The Pianist, left the spectators with a better note when he accepted his award. He called for universal peace and simply hoped for a swift resolution to the armed conflict. Of course who would not be inspired, especially after kissing Halle Berry the way he did?

The floor was clearly divided along these lines, and somehow every participant tried to express their take on the current situation; perhaps some more veiled than others.

Host Steve Martin played his role quite well in making light of a few hot spots that hit the stage. The tension of the awards ceremony was tough enough as it was. There were enough politics going-on outside and within the theater to keep everyone on their toes and holding their breath.

It would be note worthy to point out and seemingly ironic that Peter O’Toole was given the year’s Honorary Award. He was best remembered for his role in Lawrence of Arabia. This was obviously an apolitical nomination. It simply makes for an intriguing and timely coincidence.

Interestingly enough note though, this year’s two great wins were of Chicago, a fantastic musical, and The Pianist, a film about war and survival. If there was anything to be drawn from this particular event and how the votes were cast, it could be this – That we must acknowledge the truth about the tragedies of war, but despite that, people will always seek to be entertained and that one way or the other, the show must always go on.