Feb. 24, 2007 | 02:00 PM EST
The Oscar Red Carpet's Deepest, Darkest Secrets
Photo by: Reed Saxon / AP
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The red carpet at the Academy Awards is truly the pimp-my-shag of floor coverings. It's 40,000 sq. ft. of custom-made, California-manufactured, specially dyed carpet, that's cared for by its own S.W.A.T. team of tux-clad rug technicians who watch out for – and immediately repair – any crease or wrinkle. But before the carpet was even laid down, all the cracks and potholes on Hollywood Boulevard had to be filled with different types of sand to create a smooth, seamless surface. Once
Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett and
Reese Witherspoon click over the flooring in their spiky stilettos, the rug is cleaned, rolled up and stored away – to be used just one more time. At the end of each rug's second show (this year's
made its debut on Wednesday), it's cut up into pieces that go to various charities. Yes, like many stars in Hollywood, the red carpet lives a very, very short career.
Don't forget! After the Oscars visit People.com for photos of the best dressed, the biggest parties and all the backstage action you couldn't see on TV!
