Confessions of a Southern Girl During Hollywood Awards Season…

Awards season madness has come to a close…and what a crazy, yet amazing few months!

A few adjectives to describe this experience: starstruck, exhausting, exhilarating, Leo-fied

When I started my new job in the Awards department at Paramount, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Lots of late night screenings, tastemakers with super famous stars (so difficult, I know) and bunches of awards shows. No wonder I haven’t written in months!

Who would have thought that Hollywood’s awards season was built around such a big campaign – making sure you get every aspect of the film out to the members of the illustrious Academy or your movies might just miss the mark of a nomination? Just watch E!’s Secret Societies of Hollywood and you’ll learn exactly what I’m talking about…

And for this small town girl, getting to see Leonardo DiCaprio every couple of weeks wasn’t too shabby. You can only imagine my reaction…Jack Dawson, is that you?!

By the time the Academy Awards aired, I was certainly invested in the filmmakers and actors, hoping and praying they’d get some recognition.

By far, the nicest cast of all time – NEBRASKA! June Squibb is literally the sweetest woman EVER. She’s always happy and had so much fun at all of the events. Then, there’s Will Forte – mister MacGruber. Did y’all know he’s been to Abingdon, VA? He even guessed that’s where I was from when I told him I grew up on the TN/VA line. Small world, huh?

You just never know who’s going to show up to the awards shows or events. Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck…I mean will my jaw ever stop dropping?! I guess some people are just used to this kind of life, but one thing’s for sure…I’ll never take it for granted. These experiences and opportunities I’ve gotten during awards season will stay with me for a lifetime. Not only that, but being around so many people who’ve followed their passions and are living their dreams is so INSPIRING! 

The Golden Globes and Oscar parties didn't hurt either. Here we are at the Paramount Golden Globe Party… Go TEAM AWARDS!! :)

How cool would it be to go to those all the time?! It makes me wanna keep makin’ moves and accomplish my goals. One day I’ll be interviewing all of these talented people myself! ;)

Now that things are slowing down… it’s that time of year for country music awards shows and Vegas trips. What can I tell ya…I’ll never have too much of Vegas and country in my life!

Stay tuned for what’s next in 2014 and 25 - the year to thrive!

And of course, always have faith!!