USA: It is a rainy day in Los Angeles and Hollywood is abuzz with preparations for this weekend's Oscars ceremony.

Record ID: 449745

  • Title: USA: It is a rainy day in Los Angeles and Hollywood is abuzz with preparations for this weekend's Oscars ceremony.
  • Date: 23rd February 2007
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST JOE ZARAGOZA, SAYING: "We decided to come in here for a day and I'm very glad we did because we see all this stuff going up, we saw the Oscar go up, we got a chance to go up on top and see the actual Oscars that are going to be handed out -- it's changed a lot, I guess, over the years, and they've made it more fan friendly, but this is pretty neat." (SOUNDBITE) (English) SWISS TOURIST FELIX SCHMIDT, SAYING: "I think in America it's huger than in Europe because we recognize that, but it's not so big issue." (SOUNDBITE) (Portugese) TOURIST KIKA GARSHAGEN, SAYING: "Yes, it's wonderful to be here, I couldn't even sleep at night, it's marvellous, I couldn't even sleep thinking about today. I want to be here to see the Oscar awards ceremony, how it's going to be, the stars. It's a landmark in cinema. I think it's marvellous to be here, in front of this. (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST FRED GARSCHAGEN, SAYING: "Of course, like with so many stars that it'll be sun and stars above them and above us." (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST ANITA SEGAL, SAYING: "I don't think it would ruin it, no. It would be nicer if it weren't, but, hey, it's fine. It's not going to take anything away much, I don't think." (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST SUSIE GOODING, SAYING: "Nah, I'm sure they'll have big umbrellas, won't they?"
  • Embargoed: 10th March 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVAE9ASN8FHF1G8VBFG7B0PARYTS
  • Story Text: Rain won't dampen the spirits of several tourists looking on as preparations began for the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony. It's Oscar week and Hollywood is abuzz with activity as workers begin preparing the Kodak theatre for the high-profile ceremony on Sunday (February 25).
    As tourists looked on on Monday (February 19), workers finished putting in place the giant Oscar statue and golden curtain that grace the entranceway to the Kodak, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression to those looking for the perfect LA vacation.
    "We decided to come in here for a day and I'm very glad we did because we see all this stuff going up, we saw the Oscar go up, we got a chance to go up on top and see the actual Oscars that are going to be handed out -- it's changed a lot, I guess, over the years, and they've made it more fan friendly, but this is pretty neat," says Joe Garazoga.
    It wasn't as exciting for everyone witnessing the hooplah though.
    "I think in America it's huger than in Europe because we recognize that, but it's not so big issue," says Felix Shmidt, visiting from Switzerland.
    Every year, millions of tourists from all around the world visit Los Angeles with hopes of getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the entertainment world. The Academy Awards represents the film industry's biggest day, with planning for each ceremony beginning before the previous years' awards show. To witness the last leg of preparation before the big day gave several tourists a personal connection to the event that will be attended by some of the world's biggest celebrities.
    "Yes, it's wonderful to be here, I couldn't even sleep at night, it's marvellous, I couldn't even sleep thinking about today. I want to be here to see the Oscar awards ceremony, how it's going to be, the stars. It's a landmark in cinema. I think it's marvellous to be here, in front of this," says Brazilian tourist Kika Garshagen, visiting with her husband, Fred.
    It was a rainy day in Los Angeles, which could be a bad omen for the Sunday ceremony if the bad weather continues, but even if it does, most believe it won't dampen the spirits of those attenting the Oscars this year.
    "Of course, like with so many stars that it'll be sun and stars above them and above us," says Fred Garschagen.
    "I don't think it would ruin it, no. It would be nicer if it weren't, but, hey, it's fine. It's not going to take anything away much, I don't think," adds Anita Segal.
    "Nah, I'm sure they'll have big umbrellas, won't they?" says Susie Gooding.
    Rain or shine, the Academy Awards will be handed out at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on February 25.
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