The SAGs and the Sluggish Stars (Sheridan Pierce - Supplemental Post #2)

While watching the red carpet coverage of the SAG awards, I was shocked when Jennifer Aniston and Julianne Moore refused to participate in the infamous “mani cam,” which is basically a small red carpet where actresses flaunt their manicures.  My first thought was “How dare they?!”  I felt that I as an audience member should be able to see their manicure when the opportunity presented itself.  This is a red carpet after all, and since actresses are flaunting their designer gowns and jewelry anyway, why not participate in something as fun as the “mani cam.”

For me, this point ties into audience perception.  Although the situation was ridiculous, it changed my perception of these actresses.  It made them appear to be stand-offish, as if they were “above” the rest of the people who had participated in the “mani cam” bit.  And if they really thought it was that absurd, well isn’t the act of standing on a red carpet telling an audience what you’re wearing just as ridiculous?  This made me come to the conclusion that the things that stars say or do often affect their image.  And in many cases, that persona can overshadow any talent that the star might have.  In the case of Lindsay Lohan, (who was actually a very capable actress before her life became derailed) her image has been so tarnished by her “party lifestyle” that audiences do not associate her with acting anymore.

The same weekend as the SAG Awards, there was an event by LAX where television stars from the 80s gathered for a “fan event.”  Among them were Joan Collins, Angie Dickinson, and Penny Marshall, who were very big celebrities in their heyday.  What was surprising about the event was that fans were lined up outside and had to pay to get an autograph or picture with their favorite celebrity.  The fact that stars that were at the peak of fame in the 80s were now selling their autographs for $25 is astounding.  However, one has to also consider that when these stars were at the height of their careers, they didn’t make nearly as much money as TV stars do now.  This event shows the other side of stardom, when the star does not shine as bright and relies on fans to keep them feeling relevant.