Schmoozing through a losing marathon

Los Angeles

SMILING and clapping through marathon rubber-chicken award banquets. Week after week, month after month.

Racking up frequent-flier miles (New York to Los Angeles to London to Los Angeles) to woo Oscar voters at question-and-answer sessions. Giving endless command performances to red-carpet reporters who ask the same five (three?) questions on loop. All the hair and makeup. All the gown fittings.