A dumpster-diving TikToker has struck viral gold after rescuing the Oscars red carpet from a skip. Paige Thalia, an amateur carpet fitter based in Los Angeles, discovered the famous red carpet discarded behind the Dolby Theatre the morning after the ceremony. She has since used it to decorate her own living room, posting her findings on TikTok.
The incident has highlighted the waste generated by the Oscars. The red carpet, which covers 50,000 sq ft of the Dolby Theatre entrance, is used for just a few hours before being thrown away or, in some cases, recycled. Thalia's video shows rolls of pristine carpet still encased in plastic, prompting questions about the sustainability of such practices.
Other awards shows have adopted more environmentally friendly approaches. The Golden Globes reuses its red carpet, while the Baftas use recycled carpets for their ceremonies. The Academy has made some sustainability efforts, such as banning single-use plastic bottles and composting flowers, but the carpet waste remains a concern.
The Academy also donates excess food to Chefs to End Hunger, including leftover chocolate Oscars sprayed with edible gold. However, the coverage of Thalia's find may pressure the Oscars to adopt more sustainable carpet practices in future, to avoid further embarrassment and potential 'carpet wars' among TikTokers.
