The truth is, things like this usually just don’t happen to people like me.
But here I am, a first-timer to LA, a first-timer to The Oscars, feeling like I’m living out some sort of dream and I have a few people to thank for that.
The first is Courteney Cox. Yes, you did hear that right.
On day two here the realization was quickly dawning on me that I may not get to go to all the pre-Oscar parties, Covid restrictions being what they are.
So I propped myself up at the bar at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills and there she was - all make-up free, popping off to have a facial.
Courteney is clearly way too approachable and kind to decline a photo opp so we chatted very briefly and she gave me hope that, if all people in LA are this friendly, I may actually get somewhere.
On day three I managed to get into an Oscar Wilde pre-Oscar party, only to be thrown out just as Jamie Dornan arrived.
Fortunately my moles in the party told me how he got his handcuffs out later in the night, as a nod to 50 Shades.
A day later, I was invited to the Women In Film pre-Oscar party.
There I met some of the most inspirational women I’ve ever met in the same room.
First there was songwriter and record producer Diane Warren. She’s been nominated for 12 Oscars and never won! Let’s hope tonight is her night.
Another was the talented make-up artist Oscar nominee Julia Vernon. The Manchester-born talent was nominated this year for Cruella.
Lashana Lynch was there - the London-born BAFTA Rising Star winner. But she wasn’t keen to sit and chat.
The next is make-up artist and top businesswoman Pauline Mallari - who made me look and feel a million bucks.
And the next is Adrianna Papell who supplied me with some absolutely stunning dresses for the week. It’s super hard as you get older to find outfits that feel flattering and classy but (no judgment here please) I felt good.
I also have Jason Vale to thank for his five day detox and Dr Mosley.
