I spent most of Sunday virtually attending the Oscars, including all pre- and post-ceremony events. It was a long but interesting day.

My Oscars experience actually started about two week ago when I was approved for press coverage. Next came several pages of Oscars protocol all reporters must observe. The rules covered everything, including how we needed to set our name on Zoom, what we could and couldn’t share and a detailed timeline we had to follow. With more than 600 writers going in and out of the eight-hour Zoom session, this type of organization was necessary and actually welcome.

It even included a dress code. While I always dress appropriately for Zoom media sessions, I never saw specific rules governing dress codes. It was refreshing seeing all writers at their best.

The experience was surreal. A lot of what I saw was broadcast either on television or online, but I was able to interact with other writers throughout the day. We also had opportunities to talk to everyone there, but due to time constraints and the number of writers, interactions were limited. Most of my conversations were with lesser-known nominees in lower-profile categories but still interesting folks.

The ceremony was followed by after-party celebrations. This part was a bit odd. Since there was no interaction with writers, it was like an uninvited guest peering in the window of someone’s party. After a long day for all, the party-goers deserved to celebrate without being hounded by the press.

Because this was my first time covering the Oscars, despite the large set of guidelines sent, I had no idea what to expect. In the end, it was a very smooth, professional operation. Even with the tight guidelines, I was still able to have lots of fun with staffers, celebrities and other writers.

— John Wroblewski, online writer