Mt. Oscar
PEAKING
OH YEAH, AND MY WIFE: The new “Thank-You Cam” backstage allows winners to read their mandatory Tinseltown gratitude lists in the privacy of the Internet. But will Brad Grey still get his props on national TV?
CLIMBING
RED-CARPET MAKEOVER: Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley provides red-carpet fashion commentary. The obvious sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada.”
HOPE THERE’S A WATCH IN HER SWAG BAG: The last time Laura Ziskin produced, the show clocked in at 4 hours and 23 minutes. This year, she’s trying to move the acceptance speeches to the Web.
AT BASE CAMP
PAGING POSH AND BECKS: Sure, the governor and the mayor and the police chief are all on the guest list. But can the Oscars land L.A.’s really big fish -- David and Victoria Beckham?
PLEASE REMAIN SEATED: In an effort to keep the audience from defecting during commercials, a DJ has been hired to play during the breaks at the Kodak. If they really wanted to make a difference, they’d get the Dixie Chicks.
IT REALLY IS HIGH SCHOOL WITH MONEY: Governors Ball scraps assigned seating in favor of a Tuscan-style buffet with casual seating and 14 interactive kitchens. Do winners get cuts in line?
LOOKING FOR A SHERPA
AIR KISSES OPTIONAL: Vanity Fair installs a live webcam at its Oscar party. Let’s hope it’s not in the ladies’ room.
NO SEXY TIME FOR OSCAR: Producer Laura Ziskin said Sacha Baron Cohen was asked to present but declined. But does that rule his alter-ego Borat?
STILETTO ALERT: Emergency fix-it work is underway to repair buckling sidewalks on the Walk of Fame outside the Kodak. Think of it as Botox for another kind of Hollywood star.
