Graydon Carter's Critical Reflections on the Oscars

In a striking revelation, Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair, has taken a critical stance on the Oscars while commenting on Meghan Markle's 'detachment from reality.' Carter’s reflections come in the wake of his new memoir, "When the Going was Good," which is poised to drop on bookshelves.

Early Days at Vanity Fair

Carter, who has been at the helm of Vanity Fair since 1992, is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, in his memoir, he describes the early years of his editorship as "dreadful," marred by a toxic work environment and loyalty conflicts within the magazine.

The Legendary Oscars Party

Faced with staff who were once loyal to former editor-in-chief Tina Brown, Carter decided to launch Vanity Fair’s now-legendary Oscars party in 1994, filling a gap left by the deceased Hollywood agent Swifty Lazar, who had famously hosted his own Oscar bashes. The first event was humble, hosting only around 150 guests for dinner, but quickly morphed into a must-attend gala drawing in A-listers wanting to rub elbows rather than dance.

Growth and Competition

The event grew to the point where the guest list sparked intense competition and even bribery. In a testament to its popularity, a Saudi prince once offered a staggering cash gift, all for access to Hollywood’s elite. Carter's policy became clear: get as many stars—and their Oscars—into one room as possible. Guests with Oscars enjoyed a "speed lane" entrance, while the rest patiently waited their turn to enter.

Amusing Anecdotes and Bans

Amusing anecdotes abound from these parties, including a 1996 incident when a man entered with a pig on a leash claiming it was the famous Babe, only to be later identified as an imposter. Despite the chaos, one of Carter's key decisions was to permanently ban Harvey Weinstein, who frequently violated guest limits and bullied staff, a move Carter did not take lightly.

A Shift in Focus

As the entertainment landscape evolved, Carter expressed that if he were still in charge of Vanity Fair, he’d pivot towards celebrating television with an Emmys party instead of focusing on the Oscars, which he hasn’t watched in seven years.

Reflections on Meghan Markle

Carter’s insightful reflections also touched on his interactions with Markle. He recalled her challenge during an interview: "Is this going to all be about Prince Harry? Because I thought we were going to be talking about my charities." Carter’s response pointed to Markle's apparent disconnect: "This woman is slightly adrift on the facts and reality." This comment not only illuminates his view of Markle’s current state but also hints at the complexities of her transition from Hollywood actress to royal family member.

Nostalgia for Princess Diana

Carter’s memories also extend to his interactions with the late Princess Diana, indicating a deep admiration for her compassion and curiosity during their conversations. Diana's influence in Carter's life is significant, as he once co-hosted a party where she donned the now-famous "revenge dress." Carter believes Diana would be troubled by her son Harry's estrangement from the royal family, suggesting that she would feel sorrow for the rift it has created.

Humorous Exchanges with Tom Cruise

His tenure at Vanity Fair also included introducing the world to Suri Cruise, resulting in humorous exchanges with Tom Cruise, who reportedly sent a document of Scientology principles for Christmas.

Concluding Thoughts on Adaptability

Drawing insights from his time in the media world, Carter concludes his memoir with sage advice on adaptability and planning. "Always be open to a new line of endeavor," he asserts, echoing a message of resilience in a rapidly changing industry.

Embracing Cinematic Narratives

Even as he moves away from the Oscars, Carter remains a fervent admirer of cinematic storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on their roles in their own narratives: "Put yourself in the movie... Are you the hero in this story, the villain, or someone in between?"

A Glimpse Into Hollywood's Spotlight

With his blend of nostalgia, criticism, and candid anecdotes, Graydon Carter’s memoir promises to be a fascinating glimpse into the intersections of fame, media, and the complexities of human relationships in the unforgiving spotlight of Hollywood.