The Golden Globes are billed as one of the most glamorous nights on the Hollywood social calendar, but Cate Blanchett has another view.
The Australian actress, in the running on Sunday (Monday midday AEDT) for her performance in the romantic-drama Carol, compares taking a seat in the Beverly Hilton ballroom to enduring a rock concert.
"It's like a mosh pit, actually," Blanchett, speaking on US comedian Jimmy Kimmel's TV talkshow, said.
"If there's not enough ketchup, you literally lean over and get (Leonardo) DiCaprio's ketchup from the table behind you.
"You're all very tightly packed."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Blanchett should know as this year's Golden Globe nomination is her ninth since her first, a win, in 2000 for Elizabeth.
The return of the sharp-tongued British comic Ricky Gervais, who in past years has skewered the A-list audience with bad taste jokes, will also add a layer of nervous sweat on nominees.
Blanchett will be joined at the Beverly Hilton by prolific Australian filmmaker George Miller, who has two nominations for Mad Max: Fury Road: directing and best dramatic picture.
The third Aussie nominee is Ben Mendelsohn who is up for his supporting performance in the TV series Bloodline.
The Globes are an important stop for Blanchett, Miller and others hoping to score an Oscar at the Academy Awards on February 28.
Blanchett and Miller aren't favourites, but a win at the Globes - where most of the film categories are split into drama and comedy/musical - will add fire to their Oscar campaigns.
Brie Larson for Room is the Globe dramatic actress frontrunner, followed by Brooklyn's Saoirse Ronan.
Blanchett's chances will likely be hurt by her Carol co-star Rooney Mara, who was thought to be a supporting actress candidate but was elevated to Blanchett's lead category.
Blanchett plays a mother in 1950s New York going through a tough divorce who unexpectedly falls for Rooney's character, a younger photographer.
Miller, in the directing category, is considered the biggest threat to frontrunner, The Martian's Ridley Scott.
Mad Max: Fury Road is also second favourite for best drama, with Spotlight the favourite.
The shortest-priced favourite of the ceremony is Leonardo DiCaprio for best dramatic actor for his performance in The Revenant, a role that is expected to win him his first Oscar after five nominations.
Competing with Mendelsohn for the Globe supporting actor in a TV series, movie or mini-series are: Damian Lewis (Wolf Hall); Christian Slater (Mr Robot); Alan Cumming (The Good Wife); and Tobias Menzies (Outlander).
The Globes are also known for nominees' and presenters' drunken behaviour, with alcohol flowing for guests throughout the ceremony.
Blanchett, who doesn't mind a drink, says it presents a problem.
"Normally you're so stitched into those dresses that you can't even drink anything because if you have to pee, it's a disaster," Blanchett said.
The Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday.
