Graydon Carter, the 75-year-old former editor of Vanity Fair, has unleashed his scathing critique of the Oscars and Hollywood elite in his new memoir, “When the Going was Good.” Carter, who took over the magazine in 1992, recounts how he turned the Oscars party into a networking event, where stars and dignitaries mingled with the wealthy and powerful.
Carter’s strategy was to create an atmosphere of exclusivity, with a strict guest list and a “speed lane” for celebrities carrying Oscar statuettes. The party quickly grew in size and notoriety, with Carter facing criticism from stars like Harvey Weinstein, who was banned from the event after bullying staff.
One notable celebrity who received a personal critique from Carter is Meghan Markle, whom he called “slightly adrift on reality.” He also shared his complicated feelings towards Anna Wintour, his former colleague and rival. Carter recalled how Wintour showed up to a school fashion show wearing sunglasses, leaving him amused but also embarrassed.
Carter’s memoir offers insights into the excesses of the Vanity Fair era, where he was treated like royalty due to Condé Nast’s lavish spending on staff perks. He defended this lifestyle, citing the need for glamour and competition in the industry.
Throughout his career, Carter has had encounters with celebrities like Tom Cruise and Princess Diana, who shared his passion for cinema and philanthropy. He reflected on how these experiences have shaped his approach to storytelling and advice-giving, including the importance of being open to new endeavors and planning one’s exit before entering a new field.
Despite his passing interest in the Oscars, Carter remains an expert observer of Hollywood’s inner workings, offering wry commentary and practical wisdom for those navigating the world of high-stakes entertainment.
Source: https://pagesix.com/2025/03/23/celebrity-news/graydon-carter-disses-oscars-says-meghan-markle-adrift-on-reality