Je me prépare pour les Oscars : Le parcours d'une invitée

The Oscars represent the pinnacle of Hollywood glamour, yet the true suspense often lies not in who wins the golden statuette, but in who conquers the red carpet. This stretch of fabric is the most scrutinized stage in the world, where a single dress can define a career or damage a reputation. For the stars, the red carpet is a high-stakes battleground of image and prestige, often garnering more media attention than the ceremony itself. The transcript follows Lorraine Méhou, an actress from the series *Dexter*, as she prepares for her invitation to the prestigious event. Her journey highlights the "secret war" of Oscar fashion. Three days before the ceremony, hotel suites are transformed into showrooms where dozens of designers compete for the chance to have their creations worn by a star. To navigate this pressure, celebrities like Lorraine employ professional stylists to find a look that is both unique and "magical." The fashion world in West Hollywood operates on a strict hierarchy. Expert Cameron Silver explains that dressing for the Oscars is similar to attending a wedding: the nominees are the "brides" who must be the most beautiful, while guests must avoid being too flashy. In his boutique, high-end vintage gowns can cost between $32,000 and $50,000. Unlike many modern brands that lend clothes for publicity, some high-end sellers require stars to pay full price for these one-of-a-kind pieces. Physical preparation is equally intense. According to celebrity coach Valérie Orsoni, the process starts months in advance. Stars often adopt strict diets, such as cutting out meat to avoid a "grey" complexion. Beyond diet, there are more discreet preparations, such as Botox injections. While commonly used for wrinkles, stars also use it in their armpits and palms to prevent sweat stains and ensure a dry handshake when meeting influential producers. On the day of the event, the transformation is completed with professional hair and makeup. For Lorraine, this involves a "Bardot-inspired" look crafted by expert stylists. Once the stars arrive, the media's focus remains strictly on aesthetics. Journalists ignore cinematic achievements to ask about dress inspirations and how it feels to look like a princess. The aftermath is just as brutal, with shows like *Fashion Police* crowning winners like Jennifer Lawrence and shaming "flops" like Anne Hathaway. Ultimately, for those like Lorraine, the goal is to experience the magic of the evening without making a single fashion mistake.