Oscar Tickets Being Scalped For A Premium

The Oscars award ceremony is Hollywood's magic night. The elite come out to celebrate the year's finest films and performances, and who wouldn't want to go? McMurry, Inc. is offering six Oscar tickets for $175,000 each on their website and is now being sued by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as scalpers. According to the suit, the Oscar tickets are only good for the name on the ticket and having a ticket doesn't assure entrance to the event. The package includes a seven-day trip to Los Angeles in a posh hotel, and a sightseeing tour.

The Academy's main concern is that stalkers or terrorists could get their hands on the tickets and that security could be undermined. The suit claims "security experts have advised the Academy that it must not offer tickets to members of the public and must know identities of the event attendees."

The Academy has always held tickets to the gala event under tight control, requiring anyone who attends to sign a contract promising not to transfer their tickets. Because of this contract, anyone using a ticket not issued to them will actually be trespassing. McMurry is doing their own screening on prospective buyers but this may not be enough to ensure entry for anyone who buys the package.

For those who want to be a part of the celebration, there are 52 official Oscar parties that are held on Oscar night that are endorsed by AMPAS. These events feature treats such as red carpet arrival, elegant feasts, silent auctions and other fun events.