Get the Chance to Walk the Red Carpet and 'Hold' an Oscar
 A.M.P.A.S. |
Experience the Academy Awards like never before.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently developed and launched an interactive sidewalk display in New York City that will allow everyday people to virtually experience the Academy Awards from a winner’s perspective.
The Oscar-themed display, primarily made up of nine linked 46-inch LCD screens, illuminates a life-size picture of the red carpet and activates paparazzi flashes and spotlights with specially designed motion sensors meant to react to movement from passers-by.
Once people have crossed the “red carpet” they receive an on-screen invitation to tune in and watch the 83rd Academy Awards presentation on Sunday, February 27, live on ABC. “Our theme for this year’s Academy Awards presentation is ‘You’re Invited’, and we have tried to extend that idea across as many platforms as possible,” said Janet Weiss, director of marketing for the Academy.
Viewers can complete their virtual Oscar experience with a chance to “accept” a virtual Oscar statuette at digital photo booths located on either side of the display. Using a touch screen keyboard, people can share their five minutes of fame by e-mailing their customized photo to friends and family.
Chris Beauchamp, CEO of Monster Media, the masters behind the development and installation of the virtual display said, “Through this immersive display, everyone has the chance to connect with the Academy Awards and send the proof to their friends and family… And who hasn’t dreamed of holding an Oscar? Well, now they can!”
The Academy will continue their annual tradition of opening the popular “Meet the Oscars” exhibition in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal on February 23. Both displays will be open to the public through Oscar Sunday.
The interactive Oscar-themed sidewalk display is located at 1333 Broadway in midtown Manhattan.
