Nicole Kidman sent fans into a frenzy after a viral video surfaced of her posing up a storm on the champagne carpet at the 2023 Academy Awards on Sunday night.
And some A-listers are seemingly always perfectly balanced, never failing to look less than absolutely stunning in the pictures taken of them when they arrive at showbiz events.
But with a celebrity conveyor belt, a fluttering press pack, and endlessly flashing camera lights, what’s really going on on the Oscars red carpet?
And how do stars like Zendaya ensure each photographer gets their best angles? Read on for tips from three experts.
What REALLY Happens On The Oscars Red Carpet: How Stars Like Zendaya Make Sure Every Photographer Gets Their Best Angles With These Expert Tricks
The secret: ‘Posing expert’ Christine Buzan claimed that after discovering the ‘base of her pose’, Zendaya then moves ‘one part of her upper body at a time to create new poses’
In February, Zendaya posted a video of herself posing on the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards, in which a photographer could be heard shouting praise, much to her delight.
The star wrote alongside the clip: ”’SERVING SERVING SERVING” whoever you are thank you…you made my night hahaha’, noting that she couldn’t even make out the individual photographers and yet managed to kill the shots. take.
Christine Buzan, a self-described ‘posing expert’, has claimed in a TikTok video that the secret to Zendaya’s perfect image is simple.
After figuring out the “base of her pose,” the actress moves “one part of her upper body at a time to create new poses,” according to Christine.
In short, he stated that the key is to move your “hands, shoulders and head slightly between different shots,” adding that these “slight adjustments” can make all the difference.
Alan D West is a highly respected red carpet photographer, who told MailOnline that there are a few things famous A-listers do to ensure they look good in front of the press.
When celebrities hit the red carpet, they fluently respond to multiple photographers yelling at them to look their way, while event managers direct them to move to different spots on the carpet.
Alan has captured countless stunning shots of stars, explaining that most “have a plan” for their brief time in front of the cameras, with many even rehearsing in front of a mirror in their outfit ahead of time.
Highlight your curves: Alan D West identified hands on hips as an option for anyone in non-formatting outfits (Pictured: Jamie Lee Curtis at the 2023 EE British Academy Film Awards)
He explained that the more experienced stars will try to work through each individual photographer in the press pack, going up and down and across the scrum, looking at each one with determination, knowing that eye contact is key.
The pro revealed that those who have done a lot of red carpets know better than to walk between station points with their heads down, and instead do their best to maintain eye contact with the camera lens as they go. .
In terms of specific poses, Alan identified hands-on-hips as an option for anyone dressed in non-formatting outfits, citing Jamie Lee Curtis at last month’s BAFTAs who defined her silhouette using this technique.
He also cautioned against hiding one arm behind your back, insisting that having both arms in front and in view is vital, otherwise the body can look unbalanced.
Alan added that to achieve the most flattering angle, the key is to look straight ahead, before turning slightly to the side as you tuck your chin slightly in toward your body.
In another big no-no, our red carpet expert said under no circumstances should you lift your chin, adding with a smile, “No one wants to see your nose.”
The pro photographer further added that if you’re wearing a dress with a striking slit, the trick is to bend your supporting leg while extending your front leg through the slit to “show as much leg as the slit allows.”
But, to avoid Angelina Jolie’s dreaded viral 2012 Oscars moment, when she posed awkwardly with her leg sticking out too far from an Atelier Versace dress, it’s vital to know your angles and practice if you’re unsure.
And what is the dress that has a huge train? Alan explains that celebrities often jokingly list the train to show off flashy shoes, while some have their costume designer come along to fix them and make sure everything is in place.
Uh-oh! To avoid Angelina Jolie’s (pictured) dreaded viral 2012 Oscars moment, Alan D West insisted it’s vital to know her angles and practice if he’s unsure.
Max Cisotti is another seasoned pro, granted special access to red carpets due to his work with Dave Bennett.
The talented photographer has even coached numerous celebrities on how to pose in front of step-and-repeat backdrops, for the best end results.
She insisted to MailOnline that there are three main things stars can do that affect whether a photo will turn out well: their outfit, how they stand and what they do.
When it comes to what you wear, Max explained that baggy outfits are not ideal for being photographed.
However, if you’re not wearing something form-fitting, she suggested: “Take a lot of material from the back and pull it up towards the waist to create an hourglass shape.”
Additionally, Max highlighted how loud outfits, especially items with movement, will result in the best final images, while plain, boring outfits don’t offer much to work with.
He said: “Florence Pugh always photographs brilliantly, because she always uses something unusual, something that has shape or something to play with.”
Do not be boring! Max Cisotti highlighted how flashy outfits and moving clothes make for good visuals (his photo of Florence Pugh at the A Good Person premiere is pictured)
When it comes to how you stand up, Max said: ‘Posture is key. Stand up straight and don’t slouch. Anytime you see Victoria Beckham pose, she may seem over the top in person, but she always comes off as brilliant on camera.
He explained that in that sense, the best thing to do is: ‘Exaggerate when you’re posing. Almost over acting, over accentuating, over acting.
The red carpet veteran said it’s always a good idea to create an S-curve with your body, encouraging the use of the iconic “legally blonde curve.” and ‘snap’ moves as a way to practice your curves to the maximum.
Max also gave advice on ways to accentuate your curves, noting: ‘normally people stand with their weight on their back foot, but putting their weight on their front foot automatically tightens the body and produces a slimming effect.
Stick out your chest and butt while standing tall. He feels strange and unnatural, but in the end he looks good in the photographs.’
He added: ‘Try practicing at home in front of the mirror. You have to like yourself in photos, so that’s the best way to see how you’ll feel most comfortable in front of a camera.
Have fun! “Spontaneous interaction, having fun together looks great in pictures,” said Max Cisotti (pictured, his photo of Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt at the Bablyon premiere).
When it comes to what you do, Max noted that as hard as it can be for the stars, those who look into the camera flash end up with the best images.
With the press pack at showbiz events often packed to the brim with countless photographers, he explained how those celebrities who follow the shouts of their name whenever possible give every snapper the chance to capture an eye contact shot.
In addition to stressing the importance of making eye contact with the camera lens, the professional photographer revealed how the celebrities who get the best shots play with their facial expressions.
He said: “One second they can be looking hot, sultry, almost fashionable, and the next they’re super smiley and looking delighted.”
Finally throwing all the above rules out the window, Max revealed how the best shots are often the truly candid moments caught on camera.
He said: ‘What makes it good is when there are group photos. Say a leading man and two supporting actors. Their spontaneous interaction, having fun together looks great in the pictures.’
Max cited the recent premiere of Babylon in London, when he captured a stunning image of Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie walking together, the train of her dress billowing in a pretty way.
Bottom line: When it comes to the perfect red carpet photo, it’s definitely not as easy as just standing there and looking pretty.