Award Shows

When traveling to Los Angeles, check to see if any award shows are going on in the area. In late February, for instance, LA hosts the Academy Awards, a prestigious award given for outstanding achievement in cinema. Due to tight security, it is best not to show up at the Kodak Theater (6834 Hollywood Blvd.) on Oscar night. However, there are a handful of bleacher seats given out by random lottery in the fall and a small number of people can apply to be seat fillers during the ceremony.

Every year in January, the glitterati turn up at the Beverly Hilton (9876 Wilshire Blvd.) for the Golden Globe Awards. Slightly less formal than the Oscars, this awards ceremony recognizes great achievement in entertainment.

Nicknamed the "anti-Oscars," the MTV Movie Awards in June stand out as the only awards show that lets the public vote on and pick the winners.

And don't forget about the Emmys. The Primetime Emmys are held annually in mid-September, right before the new television season starts.