The 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 23 in Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, presented an opportunity for visitors to experience the proximity of celebrities and the social importance of the event.

Before and after events such as the Emmy Awards, many celebrities and socialites can be seen walking through the lobby of the J.W. Marriott located only a few yards from the show. Paula, a waitress at the hotel restaurant L.A. Market, often has the opportunity to see such people. She especially enjoys the Emmy Awards because she knows many of the people featured in the show.

“We think [celebrities] don’t behave like humans, [but] they really do. They eat with their mouth open, you know,” Paula said. “The [award winners] are so well known that it doesn’t matter how old you are. […] Television is still television.”

Jolene Helgeson, an Iowan native, was thrilled to learn that the Emmys corresponded with a trip she and friends had planned to Los Angeles.

“We had this trip planned to come to L.A., but we didn’t know that the Emmys were here at the time, and when we found out that the Emmys were here, it was kind of a cherry on the top,” Helgeson said. “It just made [the trip] a little more special.”

However, not everyone around the Nokia Theatre was as excited for celebrity watching as Helgeson. Police Officers White and Lamas were not as star struck by the proximity of the celebrities.

“We see them a lot, so they’re just like anybody else to us,” Lamas said.

Sharae Nikai, seated at the Red Carpet viewing area, was chosen to ask Melissa McCarthy and her husband a question. Nikai asked about the actress’s previous experience on The Weird Al Show as a production coordinator on various episodes.

“It was so fun talking to Melissa and her husband. They’re really sweet and I think they’re so funny from [the movie] Bridesmaids,” Nikai said.

The Emmy Awards Show took place from 5-8 P.M. on September 23.