Graydon Carter’s Rocky Start and the Birth of Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party
When Graydon Carter first took the helm of Vanity Fair in July 1992, his tenure began under challenging circumstances. The Canadian-born editor, who had previously established the satirical magazine Spy, describes his initial years at the prestigious Condé Nast publication as “dreadful” in his recent memoir, “When the Going was Good,” which was released this past Tuesday.
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Carter recalls the toxic environment at the magazine, noting, “The atmosphere was so poisonous I wouldn’t even bring my family into the office.” He attributed much of the hostility to certain staff members who remained loyal to Tina Brown, the former editor-in-chief, and resisted his leadership.
A Bold Move to Establish an Iconic Event
Despite the internal turmoil, Carter decided to make a significant move. Following the death of legendary Hollywood agent Swifty Lazar in December 1993, who was famous for his Oscar parties, Carter saw an opportunity for Vanity Fair to step into the void. Reflecting on this decision during an exclusive interview with Page Six, Carter admitted, “I don’t know why I thought that. I hadn’t thrown any big parties up to that point.” He believed in minimizing scrutiny when facing potential failure.
The inaugural Vanity Fair Oscar party in 1994 was relatively modest, with around “150-odd people for dinner and then another 150 to 200 after the show.” The event quickly became the place to be in Hollywood, not just for fun but for business networking. Carter learned that a live band was unnecessary as he observed, “Why dance like a fool when you could be networking with someone who could say yes to your next movie?”
The party’s popularity surged, leading to challenges in managing the guest list. Sara Marks, the editor in charge of invitations, faced “bribery, threats, and even abuse.” Carter recounts that a Saudi Prince once tried to bribe his way in with an offer between “$150,000 to $250,000.”
The focus was clear: “Get as many movie stars and as many movie stars with Oscar statues in one room as humanly possible,” Carter explained. This led to the creation of a “speed lane” at the door for anyone carrying an Oscar, while others had to wait for someone to leave.
The strict entry policy led to some humorous incidents, like in 1996 when a man arrived with a pig on a leash, claiming it was the star of “Babe,” the Best Picture nominee. They were admitted, though, as Carter noted, “This was not the real Babe.”
Harvey Weinstein was the only person ever permanently banned from the event for repeatedly bringing more guests than allowed and being rude to staff. Carter emphasized, “It was not from drink. It was just within him.”
Controversies and Changes
Staff could nominate celebrities for banishment via a “complaints box.” One notable incident involved Courtney Love, who publicly insulted Sara Marks after being denied entry for her manager.
Looking back, Carter, who left Vanity Fair in 2017, mused that he might opt to host an Emmys party instead if he were still in charge, noting the shift in viewing habits towards television.
Describing his 25 years at Vanity Fair, Carter likened it to “hard work swathed in cashmere.” The perks were lavish, including trips on the Concorde, luxury hotel stays, a car and driver, and an ample expense account. He defended these extravagances, explaining that they were part of making the magazine glamorous and competitive.
Carter shared mixed feelings about Anna Wintour, the iconic Vogue editor, noting that their interactions varied widely. He also recounted humorous and poignant moments with Princess Diana and other celebrities.
The memoir concludes with Carter sharing lessons from his career and emphasizing the cinematic quality of life, advising readers to consider their role in their own life’s story during confrontational moments.
From his rocky start to hosting one of the most coveted events in Hollywood, Carter’s journey through Vanity Fair has been nothing short of cinematic itself.
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
