Unforgettable Performances
FEBRUARY 24, 2007 Listen to this Story
- An Oscar Statuette
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This weekend at the Oscars, Hollywood's glamorous will don their suits and gowns to praise this year's best performances. But at the Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theatre in Austin, Texas, audiences will reminisce about performances best forgotten from some of this year's Oscar nominees. Weekend America's guest host Alex Cohen speaks with Lars Nilsen who has been collecting the best, or rather worst, footage for the movie event.
Notes From Weekend America Host Alex Cohen...
My Oscar Moment
When I was in high school, I had the good fortune of landing the ultimate spring break job — working on the Oscars. I was hired for about a week to help coordinate a segment of the show called "The Young Hollywood Talent" number. The premise was to showcase some of Hollywood's youngest up-and-coming stars, which at the time included people who are now quite famous like Rikki Lake, Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, and Savion Glover.
The job itself wasn't too glamorous. I was basically a go-to girl who made sure everyone had their coffee, was where they needed to be, and I was responsible for making sure Chad Lowe's dermatologist made it to the hotel where all the "talent" was staying to take care of a last-minute break-out. But, being at the Oscars was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life! The rush of live television, seeing all those stars in their finery up close... I think my heart actually stopped beating when I bumped into Jack Nicholson coming out of the men's room.
When I started the job, my boss told me that it would be natural to get a little star struck. And she gave me this advice "Just remember — everybody's poop stinks, be they the queen of England, or a normal Joe." It was good advice. Probably the only way I was able to keep composure as a teenage girl amidst so many handsome celebrities. (OK, except Christian Slater, who I still have a huge crush on.)
And that's what I love about the Alamo Drafthouse's tribute to nominees' embarrassing moments. It's good to remember that even the best actors and actresses have performances that may not have been brilliant works of art. By the way, if you are ever in Austin and have the chance to go to the Alamo Drafthouse — be sure to order the Five Dollar Milkshake. It's the most fabulously sinful drink on the planet!
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- Music Bridge:
- Parents Just Don't Understand
- Artist: DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
- CD: Very Best of (Jive)
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