Kevin O'Connell
Dennis Van Tine /Landov
• Fit into the tuxedo (again): "I was rental guys for several Oscars. I bought my first tux after my 10th nomination. I am on my second Armani. The great thing about Armani is that the material stretches a little bit.
• Find a good luck charm: "I've had them all – the good luck penny, the lucky underwear, the lucky tie, the lucky shirt. This year I was at an award luncheon and I won two blue and white costume earrings, I said this is the first time I have ever won anything. Now they're my good luck charms."
• Prepare a speech no matter what: I put some serious thought into it. I've never really given as much as this year."
• Keep distracted: "I stay away from everything from the L.A. Times to the television – the pre-awards shows make me nervous. I play with the kids. Exactly 45 minutes before I am to leave I jump in the shower, I know that's how much time it takes. Then I can start thinking about it."
• Set up the post award drink: "When we hear the words 'and the Oscar goes to (not my name),' a lot of us in the sound community get up at the commercial break and go to the same bar every year. I have a grey goose straight up with a twist. We put it all behind us and then go back. This year, I hope it's a celebratory drink!"
