05/30/2012
Sarah Knight Shares What It's Like to Cover Award Shows
Giuliana Rancic's assistant extraordinaire Sarah Knight dishes on what it's really like to work the exciting and glamorous awards season, which starts with the Emmys and concludes with the Oscars. Read on for the scoop...
Of all the awards shows that you cover with Giuliana, which is your favorite red carpet to be on and why?
They are all so much fun, but if I had to choose, I would say the Golden Globes! The Globes is a mix of both television and movie stars, so you really get the whole package! The ceremony is held at the famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills and there is just something about the Globes that is über-glamorous.
What exactly do you do on the day of a major awards show. Please break down your schedule for us.
Usually, we arrive at the location early in the morning to start prepping. I'm normally helping G go over her question cards while she is getting her hair and makeup done. I will read the questions that have been written on the cards for each celeb and jot down notes if she has any. It's kind of like studying for finals! It helps Giuliana to hear the questions out loud first, and she is always extremely prepared. When Giuliana is all glammed up and ready to hit the red carpet, we make our way to E!'s position and wait for the fun to start. I'm typically sitting on a wooden apple box in a teeny tiny corner to stay out of the way of the cameras. I've got G's book of questions and I'm responsible for handing her the correct card for each celeb. Plus, did I mention I have a front row seat for all the action? So fun!
OK, it's time for the most important question. How do you decide what to wear to an awards ceremony?
It's important to wear a dark color just in case I do get in the shot of one of the cameras. This way, I won't stand out too much. I typically wear a dressy yet comfortable dress that I can sit down in easily. My favorite look is from the Golden Globes this year (pictured above). My dress was from Asos and my heels were by Christian Louboutin.
What do you always have to have in your purse when attending these big, glamorous events?
Amazing question! There are several key items I always have in my purse on the red carpet. Here they are: iPhone, iPhone charger (my phone dies SO fast on busy days!), tissues, mints, water bottles, straws (so G's lipstick doesn't smudge on a water bottle top!), perfume, mini mirror, lint brush, itinerary for the day and G's book of questions. Needless to say, my shoulder is a little sore at the end of the day!
Do you actually go inside and watch the show—which show is the best, in your opinion, and why?
I've never gone in to watch an awards show. Usually, we go back up to the hotel room or trailer, where G gets ready, and we watch on TV together and eat room service—or raid the mini bar!
You've seen so many couture gowns up close! Which was the most breathtaking to see in person?
Angelina Jolie in that emerald green Atelier Versace gown at the 2011 Golden Globes was breathtaking. That was a pinch me moment! When she and Brad Pitt came gliding down the red carpet it was like they parted the red sea! Everyone just stopped and stared. She looked amazing.
What's the biggest mishap (wardrobe malfunction, etc.) that you've witnessed firsthand on the carpet?
I won't name names, but I have literally seen a stylist sewing up a split zipper on the red carpet! Poor thing!
Award shows looks so fun! But what's the most stressful part about covering one with Giuliana?
Definitely sticking to the schedule and being on time everywhere. Live television is scary! Not an option to be late!
Whenever there's a major event there's an even bigger after-party! Do you hit up those late-night soirees?
No, I never hit up the after-parties. Giuliana and I always have an early morning wake up call for Fashion Police the next day. I'm talking 5 a.m. call-time and it's still dark outside! Sleep is definitely much more important to me!
PHOTOS: Giuliana's Red Carpet Glamour >>
