Will the Weather Wash Out the Oscars?
by EG
The weather in Hollywood isn't going to be great over the weekend, but the stars say they're going to wear the same outrageous designer clothes that they've planned to wear all along, even if it means they're going to be freezing on the red carpet. The dreary weather is going to be complemented by a set of nominees that is even less inspiring than usual. All we can hope for is wins by underdog movies like Lady Bird and Get Out to potentially perk things up.
Just before 9 a.m. on Thursday, more than a dozen vest-clad production staffers — all with walkie talkies in hand and sunglasses on head — could be seen walking Lot 1 North just off of the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, the site of Saturday's Independent Spirit Awards ceremony. The massive white tent was up and ready to host 1,300 guests, and while the sun was shining down from clear skies, a couple of ominous signs could be seen inside the credentials tent.
A female Spirit Awards staffer sported a winter coat accessorized by a tightly wound yellow infinity scarf as temperatures hovered around 50 degrees. Over her shoulder, a piece of white paper was taped to the structure wall, held up by neon-green tape, to advertise the 10-day forecast. There's the dilemma: A high of 57 degrees is projected for Saturday with precipitation chances coming in at 70 percent, which together could produce a chilly and wet indie-film love fest.
According to a Spirit Awards rep, event organizers are preparing by installing a subfloor for the arrivals carpet as well as clear walls to let in natural light. Additionally, an HVAC system has been installed to provide additional heat in the main tent for guests, while escorts will be armed with umbrellas to usher talent from arrivals to the carpet as well as the main tent.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Los Angeles doesn't look any better, with a 100 percent chance of rain for Friday (with a high near 61 degrees), with rain expected to taper off in time for Sunday's telecast, with a zero percent chance of precipitation on Sunday as more than 3,400 guests descend upon the Dolby Theatre for the 90th Academy Awards ceremony. And it won't be hot: A high of 60 degrees and low of 40 degrees is expected for Sunday.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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