Oscar Takes a Giant Step Forward and You're Invited

The Oscars are going Social Network-y. ¬†No, not in the way that you think. ¬†But they are moving forward with technology. ¬†This was, ironically enough, announced ON Facebook. ¬†I got my press release from the AMPAS but I didn’t really read it until I saw it on the Facebook. ¬†If you live in NYC you can check out their interactive display:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched an interactive Oscar-themed sidewalk display at 1333 Broadway in New York City. The expansive window display in midtown Manhattan features nine linked 46-inch LCD screens that literally envelop passers-by in a virtual “red carpet experience.” As people walk past the eight-foot high wall of LCD screens, specially designed sensors react to their motion, triggering a flurry of virtual flashing paparazzi cameras and spotlights. Completing their sidewalk “celebrity experience,” pedestrians will receive an on-screen invitation to tune in and watch the 83rd Academy Awards® presentation on ABC Sunday, February 27.

The virtual Oscar sidewalk display also features two unique digital photo stations, located on either side of the LCD wall, where people can pose for photos while “holding” a virtual Oscar statuette. Once they digitally “accept” their Oscar, a virtual keyboard appears on the touchscreen, utilizing the same capacitive technology as the iPad and iPhone, allowing them to e-mail their customized photo to either themselves or to friends and family, sharing their moment of stardom.

“Our theme for this year’s Academy Awards presentation is ‘You’re Invited,’ and we have tried to extend that idea across as many platforms as possible,” said Janet Weiss, director of marketing for the Academy. “We’re excited that this innovative, interactive experience gives our fans a fun new way to engage with and share in the Oscars®.”