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For those unfamiliar with Hollywood, two landmarks immediately stand out: the iconic Hollywood sign and the renowned Hollywood Boulevard, home to the star-studded Walk of Fame. Created in 1958 and managed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the path to getting a star is far more intricate than many realize.
The first step is for a celebrity to be nominated, after which an application must be submitted to the selection committee. This committee consists of a chairman and five members, each representing a different sector of the entertainment industry. As Ana Martinez, producer and vice president of media relations at the Walk of Fame, explains, these sectors include TV, Recording, Motion Pictures, Live Performance, and Radio. Each application allows for two attempts; if unsuccessful, Martinez notes they “can reapply as many times as needed.”
The key criteria for selection include: Who has the most public appeal? Whose star will attract the largest crowds? Celebrities must also have a minimum of five years in the industry (which Martinez refers to as “longevity”). Other factors include charitable work and accolades, meaning that even a nomination is a significant honor in itself.
The cost for a 'star sponsorship' is approximately $30,000, which covers the physical star, a replica plaque to take home, and all the associated ceremony costs: security (personnel and barricades), publicity, photography, staging, and recording. Although celebrities could likely afford this sum (a mere drop in the ocean, as the saying goes), their stars are 'sponsored' by studios, fan clubs, record labels, or other parties invested in the celebrity’s success. These are also the same individuals who nominate the celebrity in the first place.
According to Martinez, the prime locations for a star include the W Hotel, Roosevelt Hotel, and Hollywood and Highland. “To me, these spots are perfect for bigger stars due to the larger space,” she explains. “Every location is chosen thoughtfully, often connecting to the person’s biography—near family, places they’ve worked, or spots tied to their favorite star. Celebrities are fans, too.”
The latest star recipient was Jane Lynch, who received her star during a ceremony on September 4. Currently, there are 2505 celebrities with stars on the Walk (Jennifer Lopez received the 2500th star). The next group of honorees includes Orlando Bloom, Ray Dolby, Sally Field, Jack Harris, Jessica Lange, Matthew McConaughey, Liam Neeson, Paul Mazursky, Tom Sherak, Dabney Coleman, Kaley Cuoco, Claire Danes, Giancarlo Esposito, Deidre Hall, Cheryl Hines, Don Mischer, Tavis Smiley, Katy Perry, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Rick Springfield, and—posthumously—Phil Hartman and Tupac Shakur.
However, Martinez clarifies that this list doesn’t guarantee a ceremony for each individual next year. In fact, there’s a five-year window to schedule a ceremony before the offer expires. (For instance, Denzel Washington was selected and approved at one point but never finalized a date.) Over the years, there have been significant delays, such as the case of Charlie Chaplin, who didn’t receive his star until 1972, partly because of his refusal to testify during the Red Scare before Senator Joseph McCarthy. (Chaplin’s son even sued the Chamber for $400,000 for excluding his father, but the case was dismissed.)
When asked about why Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, and Julia Roberts are missing, Martinez explains that it’s because they turned down the honor. Eastwood, for instance, has had a reserved spot for years. “I’ll keep trying a little longer to get Eastwood,” Martinez says, “but I might have to move on to someone else. I already have my eyes set on another star at the moment.”
The Chamber’s office is situated right on the Walk of Fame. Half of the $30,000 star sponsorship fee is allocated to the ceremony, while the other half supports the Hollywood Historic Trust, which manages restoration projects. After all, in Hollywood, aging is considered a major faux pas. With years of constant foot traffic, the Walk is starting to show its wear and tear. Martinez comments, “She’s 52 and in desperate need of a facelift, and these ceremonies help cover those costs.”
