In anticipation of Hollywood’s biggest night, the 96^th Oscar Awards, the weeklong slew of pre-event parties are now getting people in the celebrity community all excited.  Among the many functions staged days before the glittery awards ceremony is one that is mounted by the biggest talent and media representation agency in Hollywood, WME.   The WME event is staged to honor and celebrate the phenomenal works of the Academy Award nominees as well as those of the other invitees.  My personal stylist and good friend, Oli Sara, now based in Beverly Hills, was one of the lucky ones to have gotten an invite to the prestigious gathering and shared his “very close” encounters with the stars.    

“There’s a sense of mystery to attending the event,” Oli shares. “After getting an invite, attendees were whisked to an undisclosed venue, which eventually turned out to be The Godfather mansion.  Sorry, but I cannot fully reveal how we got there.”

The moment he stepped into the party venue, Oli could not entirely believe the people he came face to face with: “I stood there in from of Hollywood’s biggest A-List stars including Robert de Niro, Austin Butler, John Legend, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Robert Downey, Jr., to name a few.”

The talented stylist that he is, Oli couldn’t help but notice one celebrity who clearly stood out among the stars who tried to outdo each other in showing off their fashionable attires for the night.  “Out came Leonardo di Caprio, who decided to go fully casual, wearing a t-shirt and a cap!” While Oli thought getting near Leo was rather unachievable, given the attention being showered on the Titanic top-biller, he never expected that his exclusive time was fast approaching.

While queuing to do some touch-ups, Oli had to wait for a long time as there was only one restroom available for all the stars in the mansion.  Playfully tinkering with the mobile phone in his hand, he got a poke from the back and was surprised when he turned to the person he was about to have a long conversation with.

“It was Leo! I didn’t realize na nasa likod ko pala siya! He then asked me, “Do you have gum?” kasi nakita nya siguro na I was chewing gum at that time,” Oli narrates.  Giving the “Leo” the gum that he wants, Oli got complimented for an accessory he was wearing at that time.  “Leo said, “I love that rose,” pointing to the red flower I had on my lapel.”

Introductions were made. Oli introduced himself as someone from Manila, Philippines. Insisting that he be called by his first name, di Caprio immediately reacted to what Oli had just said as his native land.   

Oli shares: “Sabi nya:  “Oh, the Philippines.  It brings back a lot of good memories when we visited one of your islands, Aman Pulo.  Those were some of the most wonderful times of my younger years.  It is truly beautiful with its pristine waters.” Di ba, sikat ang bansa natin?” 

While surely a big no-no in the Hollywood scene, a quick snap materialized between the two after Oli allowed Leo to go ahead of him in using the washroom. 

“I told him: I know it is impossible but would it be ok for a snap?  To which he responded: Of course. You let me into the restroom.  Let’s do it.  Leo’s very, very nice.”

Another big star Oli managed to cross paths with that night is Austin Butler, the 32-year-old star of Dune 2, which is now showing at number 1 worldwide. Also famous for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the biopic Elvis last year, Butler has won both the Emmys and the BAFTA. 

As a fashionista who loves fellow fashionistas, Oli has been manifesting to meet Butler, who is also known for his tasteful fashion choices.

Seeing his target from a distance, Oli immediately approached Butler, with a prepared opening line.

“Sinabi ko agad, I’ve been manifesting to see you this whole week, after seeing you at the Vanity Fair party last year.  Oh, by the way, a big congratulations on the success of Dune 2,” which turned out to be effective as Oli says the line made Butler warm up to him right away.

After Oli introduced himself as a Filipino, it was Butler’s turn to say something good about the Philippines.

“His reaction was, “The Philippines? It’s close to my heart because my former girlfriend is a Filipina (Vanessa Hudgens).”

The night progressed, and the two discussed film and fashion.  When Oli asks Oli how he feels whenever he is in the company of these Hollywood stars, he says, “What I’ve learned is that these people want to be treated not as stars but as ordinary people.  They want a taste of their humanity every time they are off-camera. If you want them to respond to you positively, then you’ll have to be cool when you’re around them so they’ll feel human, too.  Don’t let your encounters with them be a fan moment so they’ll feel as human as possible.”