3:33 p.m.
Inside the Nokia, guests are shocked to learn that the producers have ordered the bars closed at 4 p.m. — an hour before going to air. Nothing will be open until 5:30, and then only non-alcoholic drinks for the rest of the night. Looks like people will be actually watching the show.
3:40 p.m.
"The Office's" Paul Lieberstein is asked (unknowingly) to take pics for a guest. "Lost's" Henry Ian Cusick, strolls alone with a vitamin water while doodling on his iPhone.
4:34 p.m.
Longtime Oscar telecast joke writer Bruce Vilanch is amongst the rush to the facilities before the show — he mocks the eco-urinals at the Nokia. Ushers are pleading with everyone go inside.
4:47 p.m.
NBC's own live red-carpet coverage is playing inside the theater on the big screens — including fashion "misses" from the carpet. This creates awkward moments for the targets who are seated in the room watching.
4:54 p.m.
Telecast exec producer Don Mischer draws applause from the crowd in his pre-broadcast briefing: "We're going to try to reopen the bars later in the show."
5:52 p.m.
Former NBC Co-Chair Ben Silverman hits the lobby in one New Balance sneaker and one soft-cast on his left foot.
6:13 p.m.
Campaigning works. Supporting Actor in a Drama winner Aaron Paul skips the proscribed trip to the "winners walk" and media room to stay in the audience to sit next to his co-star Bryan Cranston, who wins moments later. Both stars on "Breaking Bad" were "regulars" at Academy events over the past few months.
6:28 p.m.
During the commercial break after the "24," "Law & Order" and "Lost" tribute parody, "Community's" Joel McHale scoured the stage for his "mark" in the dark before presenting in the next segment. Why isn't the TV skewering NBC star hosting? "I'm not nearly famous enough," McHale told TheWrap.
7:01 p.m.
Six minutes after losing to his former boss (Jon Stewart) for Variety, Music, or Comedy Series, Stephen Colbert is all smiles and posing for photos. Fellow non-winner Matthew Fox (Lead Actor, "Lost") is less gracious and heads for an exit stairway. Terry O'Quinn is literally the man "in black" and signs autographs on a bleak night for "Lost" (so far).
7:42 p.m.
Jimmy Fallon shakes hands with Tom Hanks and full "The Pacific" crew backstage. Meanwhile in the green room, everyone is on Blackberry and nobody has touched the food.
