I was invited on an all expense paid trip by Disney to attend the Red Carpet Black Panther World Premiere.
A few years ago I would have never dreamed that I would one day have the chance to walk down the red carpet of a movie premiere in LA. I mean that’s reserved for the stars, the film producers, their family and friends, right? But it happened – my first experience on the red carpet was about two years ago when Alice Through The Looking Glass came out. The experience was magical – there was so much to take in and see and do. A few weeks ago I had written a post inviting you to follow me back down the red carpet in LA for the Black Panther World Premiere.
Just like you, I’ve watch red carpet premiere recaps on TV showcasing interviews with the movies cast and other stars in attendance. But being there is a totally different experience. First let me tell you that it all goes by VERY QUICKLY. Getting ready for the red carpet on the other hand takes time and preparation. Unlike the stars, I have to dress myself – and I’m far from being a fashion expert LOL. Things were so crazy for me the week leading up to my trip that I didn’t even have time (or the energy) to go shopping for a dress.
Getting Red Carpet Ready
I took inventory of my closet and pulled all the black dresses that I thought could pass as appropriate for the red carpet. As I did so I kept looking at one particular one that just screamed PERFECTION for the Black Panther World Premiere. It still even had the tags on it and had been purchased in anticipation of an evening such as this – it was perfect. Except, I’ve had it in the closet for probably over a year now and in the last year I’ve put on some weight. While the dress itself was a great stretchy material, the hem – the most beautiful part of the dress – was tapered. As I wiggled my way into the dress I knew this was the one. But just in case I knew I needed to bring a back up.
Shoes – there wasn’t time to look for shoes either, and I quickly picked out two pairs from the closet that would work. The first one was a pair of Anne Klein black open toe shoes that I love which have a 2 inch heel – because I’m just not a heel girl. The other was a pair of dressy, shiny sparkly silver thong flats that could totally pass with my dress. One of these was going to have to do. The evening before my flight I ran over to Target and picked up some accessories to complete my look.
Not that I really needed one, but as I got dressed for the premiere I realized I totally had forgotten to bring a dressy purse or clutch which totally stunk because I have this one which really would have complemented the outfit. So as I’m getting ready I realize I need to put my shoes on first, but my feet are totally swollen from the flight over. Now I’m panicking because there’s no way I’m going to be able to where the heels and even the flats I can’t get the strap to close. I text my friend and she tells me to send her a photo of my shoes so she can see the strap. She texts me back quickly with a photo of similar shoes showing me how I can wear them – which was basically to close the strap and just slip it under my heel – and saved my life. FRIENDS – total life savers.
With my shoes on first, I wiggled into my dress. That’s when I realized I didn’t have a purse to match. I looked through the accessories I had brought with me and put on the really pretty long double stranded necklace. I was going to change swap my earrings too but at the last night changed my mind and put my studs back in. I grabbed what I needed and the purse I did have with me so I wouldn’t look awkward carrying things in my hands and headed downstairs to catch my ride to the premiere.
Red Carpet Black Panther World Premiere
The premiere was being held at the beautiful Dolby Theatre, which is were the Academy Awards take place. We waited in the Will Call line right across the street from the El Capitan theatre with the other guests to pick up our passes.
Finally through the line and onto the red carpet (it was actually purple and totally cool!) we started getting sneak peeks of the stars of the film – and other celebrities – walking the red carpet and speaking to media outlets.
Angela Basset
Storm Reid and I enjoying a laugh!
Who do you see here?
Sterling K. Brown
The dresses and outfits, including the African inspired clothing, headpieces and accessories were incredible to see first hand.
Once inside the building, just outside the Dolby Theatre, I started to hear name drops, including Sterling K. Brown (Randall from This Is Us) and Jamie Foxx, of those that were hanging out inside the lobby. And just before heading inside I caught sight of Susan Kelechi Watson who plays Beth on This Is Us.
My hand was shaking so badly I could barely take a picture. I said hello to her and she took a quick photo with me before she went inside. I couldn’t wait to get inside the Dolby Theatre to see who else I might be able to spot, but I knew there wouldn’t be anymore picture taking as phones were not permitted and were locked into pouches for the duration of the movie.
I grabbed some popcorn and a drink and headed into the theatre to find my seat. As I took my seat – ROW B – the 2nd row from the screen, I had a clear view of everyone coming into the theatre. As Sterling K. Brown walked past I walked a girly hello and he acknowledged with a smile and a nod! Then Usher walked by but I was a bit frozen at that moment. Jamie Foxx walked by saying hello to my fellow bloggers as he walked up the aisle. As I looked across the aisle I spotted Kevin Hart, once you spot him it’s hard to miss him. While I’m not always great about picking out celebrities, Jason is a huge Kevin Hart fan so it was pretty easy. Finally the lights dimmed for a minute to let everyone know the movie would be starting soon.
Soon the producers, directors and cast of the movie appeared on stage right before my very eyes. Some of the stars, including Angela Bassett, received a standing ovation – because ANGELA BASSETT!
The evening was magical, the movie was phenomenal, the experience was priceless. Unfortunately I can’t tell you much about the movie itself yet, but stay tuned because I’ll have my Black Panther movie review posted for you next Friday. What I will leave you with from my experience at the Black Panther World Premiere is this: WAKANDA FOREVER! If you haven’t pre-order your tickets yet, do it now – you can order them right online here!
Black Panther Movie Trailer
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as King. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young King must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
BLACK PANTHER stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER arrives in theatres everywhere on February 16, 2018!
Join the conversation online with fans around the world talking about #BlackPantherEvent and the Black Panther World Premiere!
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