Preparing for the Oscars: Bruce Vilanch Shares Insights on Writing for the Awards Show and How Celebrities Get Ready to Present
Recalling an award-winning role
Bruce Vilanch, known as the king of Oscars writers, reminisces about Sharon Stone flashing her “basic parts” in the movie “Basic Instinct.”
He recalls the joke made at the time: “This year’s biggest part was Sharon Stone’s in ‘Basic Instinct.'” Stone’s reaction to this joke was a grimace.
During Oscar nights, writers like Vilanch sometimes get audience seats, which could be in the balcony. Once, Vilanch offered tickets to Chris Henchy, Brooke Shields’ husband, but Shields declined, stating, “No. Forget it.” They didn’t even stay for the show.
Vilanch also recounts a moment when documentary winner Michael Moore gave a speech about George W. Bush, and stagehands started booing. The host, Steve Martin, jokingly announced that the stagehands were helping Moore into the trunk of his car.
He goes on to talk about how some stars need rehearsal for jokes, like Jane Fonda who wanted a pre-reading, and Johnny Depp who improvised his lines by pretending to be slightly intoxicated.
Vilanch reveals that he began his career with Bette Midler, as they both hailed from New Jersey.
Not my fault
After Friday’s earthquake, radio listeners shared their reactions, with one person jokingly saying they thought former Governor Chris Christie had fallen out of bed.
Pumped up
Oil prices are rising as predicted, and there is concern about more instability in the Middle East. Analysts are forecasting a potential peak in production at the Permian field, which could affect the oil supply in the Southwest. The situation in Iran is also a factor to watch.
Insufferable supporter?
This paper’s Johnny Oleksinski critiques movies and theater shows, claiming to never be wrong. He questions Hillary Clinton’s involvement in showbusiness and her Broadway production of the show “Suffs,” criticizing her lack of experience in the theater industry.
He also jokes about the show’s poor sales during its previews and speculates about its Tony Awards campaign.
Oleksinski faces consequences if he continues to complain excessively.
Murmurings
Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse’s daughter, Nicole, is entering showbiz, while Fosse’s grandson, Sean, is set to star in the film “Beyond the Rush.” Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Halle Berry seek a good neighbor in Frank Schilling, who is auctioning off his property in Malibu.
Rob Lowe reflects on his consistent presence in TV shows and movies since 1999.
White House: Its resident spent two weeks in a revolving door looking for the knob.
Likes to steal the spotlight, plus maybe anything that can be moved.
Asked a question while hobbling toward the helicopter, its occupant thinks with his legs.
The only thing he understands is that a vice president’s biggest talent is having none at all.
Only in America, kids, only in America.
