What Do the Oscar Nominees Do Until March 7, Besides Wait?

"It's an honor just to be nominated". "I just couldn't believe it, I'm so excited". These are two often spoken quotes by people in the film community who suddenly find themselves nominated for an Oscar - an Academy Award. There is a great flurry of excitement and quick interviews. "Where were you when you heard the news". "What does it feel like?". "What does your family think?"

But have you ever wondered what the nominees do for that stretch of nearly a month until the ceremony? After they have called everyone they've ever known to tell them the news of course. Here are some of the activities to keep those nervous nominees busy until the big night.

1) Make the Rounds on Talk Shows
All the first-time nominees will usually do this. The "been there done that" actors, like Meryl Streep, will skip this particular exposure unless pressed to do so. However newcomers like Gabourey Sidibe, nominated for Best Actress in Precious, has been seen on every couch available in the talk show world. Luckily, she is bubbly and entertaining.

2) Attend the other Awards Shows
There seem to be more and more awards shows getting attention in the time leading up to the Oscars, and it doesn't hurt to pick up additional awards. These include the Golden Globes, Actors Guild, Writers Guild, Directors Guild, NAACP Image Awards, and BAFTA Awards. This can help the cause of a particular film - like The Hurtlocker - which continues to pick up buzz as possible Best Picture on its way to Oscar, and a possible win for its director, Kathryn Bigelow. It's also a venue to practice one's speech should you get that win at the Oscars.

3) Line up your Dress (or Tux),and Jewelry
Fashion Designers are falling all over each other these days to outfit the famous for their walk down the Red Carpet. Even the men are asked "Who are you wearing". And several of the entertainment shows "rate" the attire of both the men and the women during the live telecast. The jewelry shtick is not a secret anymore - it's rented! Or borrowed from luxury designers and shops and must be returned after the show.

4) Be Sure You Have A Date
As for dates - even the highly visible, such as Sandra Bullock, aren't sure who will be accompanying them to the big show. Bullock's devoted husband, Jesse James, is tired of the awards scene and has said so publicly. Many of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors bring their moms - sidestepping the "who are you dating" question. Of course there are those who attend with an entourage - such as James Cameron - who is king of the world in case you hadn't heard.

5) Attend the Yearly Awards Luncheon
This annual event is a civilized truce of sorts where all the nominees come together to meet each other and engage in polite conversation, schmooze to the max and charm anyone in sight with an ounce of power. One hundred and twenty-one nominees attended this year. Each received a lovely lunch, a Certificate of Nomination, participated in the group picture, and were warned to "keep it short" in regard to their speech "thank yous".

And now...the envelope please.