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TikToker Repurposes Discarded Oscars Red Carpet, Highlighting Event Waste

award · 2026-03-22

After the 2026 Academy Awards, Los Angeles resident Paige Thalia discovered the Oscars red carpet discarded in a skip behind the Dolby Theatre and took a portion to use in her home. She shared her find on TikTok, drawing attention to the single-use nature of the carpet, which spans approximately 50,000 square feet. The incident has sparked discussions about sustainability at major awards shows, with comparisons to practices like the Golden Globes reusing carpets and the Baftas using recycled materials. The Academy has made some eco-friendly efforts, such as donating food waste, but Thalia's viral story raises concerns about waste and the durability of the carpet.

Key facts

  • Paige Thalia found the Oscars red carpet in a skip after the 2026 ceremony.
  • The carpet covers about 50,000 square feet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
  • Thalia shared her discovery on TikTok, gaining viral attention.
  • Other awards shows like the Golden Globes and Baftas have sustainable carpet practices.
  • The Academy donates excess food to Chefs to End Hunger but discards some carpet.

Entities

Institutions

  • Academy Awards
  • Dolby Theatre
  • Golden Globes
  • Baftas
  • Chefs to End Hunger

Locations

  • Los Angeles

Sources