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Inside the World of an Oscars Awards Columnist

Published March 9, 2024

It's one thing to watch the glitz and glamour of Hollywood awards from the comfort of a living room sofa, but for pop culture reporter Kyle Buchanan, it's his everyday reality. Working as The Projectionist columnist, Buchanan dives deep into the frenetic scene of the awards season, where stamina is just as crucial as the notepad and pen.

The Rigors of Awards Season

For reporters like Buchanan who cover the bustling awards circuit, the job requires an exceptional level of endurance. Award shows are marathons, not sprints, with events like the Independent Spirit Awards and the Oscars demanding long hours, keen attention to detail, and the versatility to juggle unexpected distractions—like protesters disrupting a ceremony.

From Childhood Fascination to Professional Beat

Buchanan's passion for award shows can be traced back to his youth, a time when the Oscars were a window into a world of artistry unknown to him. Now, with over 50 award ceremonies covered and numerous high-profile interviews under his belt, his early intrigue has evolved into a celebrated career.

Navigating Celebrity Interviews

With this year's 96th Academy Awards on the horizon, Buchanan not only anticipates the spectacle but also gears up for the challenge of interviewing celebrities who might be elusive or overly polished due to media training. The key, he finds, lies in the approach—tailoring questions to penetrate the veneer and reveal something genuine.

Oscars, reporting, celebrities