Pfft, forget the Olympics! It’s the awards season that’s the real highlight of the calendar for any self-respecting pop-culture vulture, a time when Los Angeles rolls out the red carpet for the entertainment industry. And with that special time of the year soon approaching, isn’t it time we got the low down on who will win, the parties, and – perhaps most importantly – what tours are out there that feed on this excitement and give travellers the chance to experience some of its glitz and glamour for themselves? Read on to find the answers to all these questions and more.
The Golden Globes
Jimmy Fallon fanatics will be pleased to learn that the funny man will be the host of the 74th Golden Globe Awards (sadly ousting Ricky Gervais), which will be held on Sunday 7 January 2017 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The annual awards ceremony rewards excellence in both film and TV, both in the US and overseas. HBO’s “Divorce” staring Sarah Jessica Parker, and FX’s “Atlanta” are both favourites to win Best TV Comedy Series. For film, experts are tipping “La La Land” starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone to take out Best Motion Picture – Drama. Historically, the Golden Globes have been pretty good at predicting Oscar winners; just saying!
Those wishing to rub shoulders with the celebs can do so at an exclusive Golden Globe After Party. But be warned: tickets don’t come cheap! A more affordable option is to take a celebrity spotting tour with TMZ and check out the hottest spots in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip where the celebrities go to play. Don’t forget to pack your camera.
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The Academy Awards
Hollywood’s night of nights, the Academy Awards – aka the Oscars – will be held and broadcasted to hundreds of millions of people all around the world on Sunday 26 February 2017 at the historic Dolby Theatre. Now in its 89th year, the Academy Awards recognises the best films and actors of the previous year. Jimmy Kimmel has only recently been announced as the host of next years' event.
Favourites for taking out an Oscar this year include Emma Stone as Best Actress for her performance in “La La Land,” Denzel Washington as Best Actor for his role in “Fences,” and the musical “La La Land” for Best Picture. Visit the iconic Dolby Theatre on a tour and step beyond the red carpet and see a real Oscar statuette, visit the exclusive Dolby Lounge, and view images from previous awards ceremonies. Or join a private tour and watch the stars rehearse their parts for the big show.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards
It’s all about incredible performances in film and TV at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. As the only televised awards show to honour actors exclusively, the SAG Awards, as they’re also known, are highly respected in the industry – winning one of these bad boys totally means you’ve made it!
Next year’s SAG Awards will be held on Sunday 29 January 2017 and will mark the 23rd year of the prestigious awards ceremony. Nominees for the SAG Awards will be announced later this month at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood – so stay tuned.
Travellers intent on having their own SAG Awards Experience can do so next year: apart from being greeted at the airport like a celebrity and driven to their luxurious accommodation, guests will also dine at Hollywood hotspot restaurants and attend a special VIP experience of the awards. Priceless!
