Kodak Theater Friday, February 17th, 2012. Photo: Mari Cartel/EntertainmentHeartbeat.com and HollywoodOutbreak.com.
A quick reminder that it’s that time of year again. The street closures begin tomorrow in Hollywood so production can set the stage for the 84th Academy Awards (Sunday, February 26th, ABC).
Sure it’s a bit of an inconvenience for residents, but it’s also pretty fun to check out the action as the viewing bleachers, overhead camera positions and red carpet is laid out. Still, it is congested, so plan for extra time.
If you’re visiting or have time, it’s worth the trip to the Hollywood-Highland complex. It’s open to foot traffic until end of day the Saturday before the Oscars on Sunday, but the streets are shutdown tight beginning Sunday, February 19th, 10:00 p.m. PT through to Tuesday, February 28th.
There are plenty of viewing areas nearby and you can see what’s happening (up to a point). However, don’t even think about busting the closed-off areas. Guards are posted and credentials are needed to get past all the checkpoints.
The subway station just below the Kodak Theatre is bypassed beginning 6:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25th and will resume, 6:00 a.m. Monday, February 27th.
Additional streets and sidewalks will also be closed the day of the Academy Awards, so if you need another route through the construction check out Navigatehollywood.com.
Don’t feel too bad for the merchants in the complex. The publicity for this one week of inconvenience is worth its weight in gold for the businesses in and around the area.