Lights, Camera, Champagne Action!
2024 kicked off with a bang, with the Hollywood awards season…and lots of travel – officially underway. The 81st Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, was tremendously successful. The red carpet and ceremony had every major film and television star in attendance.
After the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that crippled Tinseltown for almost the whole of last year, celebs were genuinely delighted to see friends and colleagues that they hadn’t seen in forever. So it was like one big happy reunion, paired with free-flowing champagne on the red carpet (even for the press!)
In addition to Taylor Swift, who was the talk of the evening – Jennifer Lopez was also one of my faves for Best Dressed – in a Nicole + Felicia Couture gown with oversized rose-adorned sleeves, a dramatic back-train, and a form-fitting strapless silhouette. She was excited about the start of awards season and how she had done a good workout beforehand.
Dua Lipa wore a custom Schiaparelli dress and was busy as a nominee for her song Dance the Night from Barbie and as a presenter. The dress was exquisite, but perhaps a tad too snug, as she posted a photo of herself struggling to sit down in the dress – almost needing to lean back in an angle on a straight, rigid dining chair.
It was my first Golden Globes, and I felt honored to be there in person to watch Hollywood history. A lot of people ask me how I do it. It’s not easy, and the competition to receive a press credential is extremely fierce.
My five tidbits of advice
- Keep note of the application deadlines. They come several months in advance, and the window is tight, so be ready to submit your work samples and a Letter of Assignment from your Editor.
- Have an unusual angle you cover and make yourself the authority. Comb your social platforms – as they will be checked.
- Don’t request too many areas or people, especially from a lesser-known outlet. Get used to working solo and doing everything yourself.
- Travel bookings. Yes, book in advance, but NEVER book a non-refundable hotel. If you book a flight, be prepared to be issued flight credit if you don’t receive credentials.
- Be prepared to stand for 8-10 hours in various weather conditions. Check your equipment and always be way early. Bring power banks, snacks, and water. Remember, you are there to work, focus, and deliver immediately after. Enjoy!
My first stop was the Beverly Hilton Hotel – which was the venue for the Golden Globes (9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210). The Beverly Hilton Hotel is in the heart of Beverly Hills, right near the famous Rodeo Drive, and has been home to the Golden Globes since 1961.
The renovated guest rooms, with the most comfortable beds, were exquisitely appointed, and I loved the signature Golden Globes key.
As the hotel was sold out on the night to all the nominees and presenters of the Golden Globes – I moved over to the nearby Cameo Beverly Hills (1224 Beverwil Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90035), which was the former Mr. C, but is now part of the Hilton Hotels group.
A snowstorm was brewing on the U.S. East Coast, and friends were texting, and meteorologist friends were tweeting, so at the last minute, I had to check out much earlier than anticipated and run to the airport.
Thank you to John Morrill, the Front Office Manager of the Cameo Beverly Hills, and his whole team for all the hospitality and the cute cap to add to my hat collection.
See you next time at Sundance!
