Graydon Carter Reflects on Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party Legacy

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Graydon Carter, the former editor of Vanity Fair, has shared his experiences and memories from his time leading the magazine in his new memoir, “When the Going Was Good,” released Tuesday. Carter, who helmed the magazine from July 1992 to late 2017, discusses the creation of the iconic Vanity Fair Oscar party in 1993 and the lessons learned from his years at the magazine.

The 75-year-old Canadian journalist recalls the initial tumultuous months at Vanity Fair, commenting in his memoir that the first few years were ‘dreadful.’ Carter described the work environment as ‘poisonous,’ filled with toxic remnants from former editor-in-chief Tina Brown’s leadership. He notes, ‘I wouldn’t even bring my family into the office’ due to the hostility displayed by some staff who remained loyal to Brown.

Despite those challenges, Carter opted to take a bold step following the death of Hollywood super-agent Swifty Lazar in December 1993. He envisioned that Vanity Fair could recreate Lazar’s Oscar parties to fill a gap in the industry. ‘I had not thrown any big parties up to that point,’ Carter admitted in an exclusive interview with Page Six. ‘But I do believe that if you think there is a possibility of failure, don’t have too many eyes on it.’

The inaugural Vanity Fair Oscar party in 1994 was modest, accommodating about 300 guests. Carter quickly recognized that the allure of Hollywood did not lie in dancing, as guests preferred to network instead. ‘Why dance like a fool when you could be networking with someone who could say yes to your next movie?’ he reflected.

As the event grew in popularity, the pressure on staff to curate a star-studded guest list escalated. Editor Sara Marks faced bribery and threats during the invitation process, with Carter recalling that one Saudi prince offered between $150,000 and $250,000 to secure entries. The system became highly exclusive, with guests flaunting their Oscars to gain quicker access.

Carter also recounted instances where impostors attempted to sneak into the party, including a 1996 incident where a man arrived with a pig claiming it was the one from the film ‘Babe.’ ‘As you might have guessed, this was not the real Babe,’ Carter said humorously.

Among the few who were permanently banned from the event was disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, who was notorious for overstepping his guest count and berating staff. Carter explained, ‘He got banned from everything because he was rude to the staff and I didn’t like that.’

The memoir also includes anecdotes about celebrities at the events, including Courtney Love, who famously yelled a profane remark about Marks while trying to sneak her manager into the party. This diverse range of personalities contributed to the unique atmosphere that became emblematic of Vanity Fair.

Carter has hinted at how he would run things differently today, suggesting a shift in focus towards television and contemporary entertainment. ‘I’d probably do an Emmys party,’ he stated, acknowledging that he hasn’t watched the Oscars in seven years. He reflects on his tenure at Vanity Fair with mixed emotions, describing it as ‘hard work swathed in cashmere.’

The memoir also delves into Carter’s complicated relationship with his former colleague at Condé Nast, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue. He described their interactions as unpredictable, often oscillating between warmth and tension.

Looking back on his career, including his encounter with Meghan Markle—who was featured on one of his final covers—Carter admitted that he was unfamiliar with her before her rise to fame through her marriage to Prince Harry. ‘This woman is slightly adrift on the facts and reality,’ he commented about Markle’s expectations during their interview.

Carter’s insights extend to Princess Diana, with whom he had a friendly rapport, recalling her curiosity about the Kennedy family during social events. He speculated that Diana would feel sorrow for Harry’s estrangement from his family, underscoring the complexities of familial relationships within high-profile circles.

As Carter reflects on his legacy at Vanity Fair and the iconic parties that became a hallmark of his leadership, he emphasizes the lessons learned from each experience. ‘Always be open to a new line of endeavor,’ he advises, illustrating a mindset that has shaped his successful transition into new projects like his digital newsletter, Air Mail.

Graydon Carter’s memoir, ‘When the Going Was Good,’ offers a candid glimpse into the life of a man who shaped Hollywood’s perception and remains a significant figure in the realm of entertainment journalism.