Automakers say "Hurray for Hollywood."
The nominees in the annual Academy Awards non-category of “car brand in a supporting role” for the star-studded arrivals at dinners, parties and the event itself are Audi, BMW and Toyota. A vote by the members of the media in Lalaland was determined by the presence and number of vehicles seen during the coverage in our highly unscientific survey, which harmed no animals in its making.
May I have the envelope, please? “And the special Oscar for car brand in a supporting role goes to…
Audi!”
The German luxury brand had 40 turbo-diesel-powered SUVs delivering the stars to the anointed events, including Sir Elton John’s annual $3,500 to $5,000 per ticket fund raising party – replacing Bentley – as the vehicle du soir.
Audi goes Oscar.
A writer for quantumtom.com photographed BMW 7-series cars lined up to deliver guests to the tough-to-get ticket for Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset Towers Hotel, on naturally, Sunset Boulevard. BMW confirmed there were 20 BMW 7 Series vehicles in LA for driving luminaries to the Vanity Fair Party and other Oscar related events.
As always, the coterie of black and white stretch limos lined the way into the Kodak Theatre’s red carpet area as the invited exited the backseats, resplendent in designer gowns and tuxedos. Prices from the leading purveyors of limos indicated the going rate was $200 to $300 per hour with a ten hour minimum and a 20% tip to the chauffer.
There was a greening of the red carpet too. Many Hollywood luminaries arrived in Toyota Prius hybrids. Among those who have arrived in the vehicles were Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Freeman, Natalie Portman, Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon and Salma Haye.