For years, every event or Hollywood award show has ensured to have a red carpet for all its celebrity guests to pose on. While it has served as a runaway for some of Tinseltown’s biggest stars, the history of the iconic red carpet goes much deeper. In fact, the roots of the glamorous tradition seem to go way back to the early days of La La Land. However, not many people know where and when the practice of it began.

With stars getting ready to stun their fans at the 94th annual Oscars ceremony in just 9 days, here is everything you need to know about Hollywood’s red carpet history.

Origins of the red carpet tradition

The tradition of using red carpets dates back to ancient times, specifically in 458 BCE. It all began when Aeschylus, the father of tragedy, gave the world The Oresteia. It was a trilogy of Greek tragedies written in the 5th century. In one part of the story, the character, Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, returns home from the Trojan War home only to be met with a red carpet that ultimately leads to his death in a bathtub.

He was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, who had laid out a red carpet for her husband’s return. She had played it off as a gesture of love and adoration. However, she had a much more sinister plan in mind. While the setting may have seemed like one of honor, it had an underlying tone of danger as well. Despite being around for decades, in 1821, red carpets were still being used to represent the status of the rich, famous, and the ones in power like US President James Monroe.

The President’s riverboat red carpet arrival was a spectacle. However, it gave way to what the world knows as “red carpet treatment.”

Evolution of the term “Red Carpet Treatment”

From 1902 to 1967, there was a luxury train, 20th Century Limited, that played a huge role in popularizing the term “red carpet treatment.” The passenger train became well-known thanks to its first-class service and fancy amenities. At its prime, the train and its staff made all their passengers feel like they were royals. With no spared expenses and fluffy crimson carpets, they managed to make everyone feel like a superstar and coined the term.

In the 20th century, Hollywood decided to jump on the bandwagon and use the red carpet for its celebrities and dignitaries. However, that has now seemed to change. With various events using the once-royal rugs to welcome celebrities, TikTokers, and more, it looks like the history of the iconic carpet could be getting a little tarnished.

Hollywood’s red carpet tradition

The first recorded instance of a red carpet being used at a Hollywood premiere was back in 1922. At the premiere of Robin Hood in the Egyptian Theatre, they had chosen to use the crimson fabric as it projected the extravagant attire of the celebrities walking on it. However, after that, it started being rolled out a little more often until it became a tradition at any film premiere or awards ceremony.

The iconic rug did not become a staple at the Academy Awards until the 1960s. The publicist/event planner of the Oscars, Sidney Skolsky, was credited with bringing in the idea and executing it to perfection. The carpet was soon seen as a symbol of elegance by people all over the world. Since then, the red carpet has become an integral part of the Academy Awards ceremony. However, it might be changing soon.

Academy Awards red carpet evolution

After Sidney Skolsky introduced the idea of a red carpet at the Academy Awards, it became a reality in 1961. At the 33rd Academy Awards, celebrities arrived at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to be greeted by a bright red carpet at the entrance. That day ended up going down as a huge milestone for the Oscars before it took over the world as Hollywood’s biggest event of the year.

The red carpet moments from the Oscars first made an appearance back in 1966, 5 years after the award show had embraced the tradition. While the years may have gone by, the stars made their way to the same venue once more. However, this time it became a spectacle worldwide. Apart from being the first time the world saw the Academy Awards red carpet, it was also the year Julie Andrews’ The Sound of Music’ won the Best Picture award.

There is no doubt that the red carpet and its look of luxury stunned viewers watching at home. However, there is also a lot that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the carpet is breathtaking.

Behind the scenes of the Hollywood red carpet

The Oscar Awards have had a special weapon up their sleeve with their red carpets for years now. It has been the American Turf and Carpet Company. While they had found their carpets for years, in 1992, the two collaborated to design and produce a custom red carpet exclusive to the Academy Awards show. Ever since then, they have been the only company to supply and install the iconic rug for the event each year.

Apart from having a custom color, the Oscars also have to prep the red carpet for television before the big day. It usually undergoes a special treatment to keep it looking fresh and bright with all the flashing lights. After a good scrub, cleaning techniques are used to make it look as good as new. Once the cleaning has been completed, the carpet may also need to be steamed based on how easily the material could wrinkle. After all, the carpet does get walked on all night.

Maintenance and logistics of the Hollywood red carpet

As with any red carpet-event, celebrities can show up in stilettos, boots, and other heavy and spiky footwear. With there being swarms of people walking around, there is no doubt that these awards show rugs see some bad damage. However, there are some ways that event planners can avoid any unwanted mishaps. From laying down protective coverings to picking out resilient material, Hollywood has tried and tested it all.

Despite going to all these measures, there are still other factors that could affect the duration and complexity of red carpet installation. From the area of the venue to other specific requirements for each awards show, various factors could mess up an event. However, with an experienced and problem-solving crew, those potential mess-ups could be avoided completely.

What do you think about the history of the red carpet in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.