Deepika Padukone made history as the only Indian cinema personality to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She joined names like Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett, and others on the coveted list this year. As always, the announcement reignited the age-old rumour mill that celebs just throw money to buy the honour. But as Variety reports, this isn’t new, the organisers say they get flooded with emails every year asking, “Why don’t they already have a star?” or “Can someone just buy it?”
“You cannot just buy a star. People don’t understand that there’s a process. They think if they have money, it can be bought — and that’s not the way it works,” the Walk of Fame producer told the outlet earlier. So, what is the process? Who actually qualifies?
Also Read: Deepika Padukone becomes first Indian to be honoured with Hollywood Walk of Fame star
What is the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
In simpler terms, the Hollywood Walk of Fame marks a major win in the entertainment world. But those who make it to that sidewalk don’t just show up, there’s a process, and it’s stricter than most think. The stretch runs across 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, with over 2,800 brass-and-terracotta stars permanently installed since 1960. It features names of actors, musicians, producers, directors, and more.
As for who qualifies, stars are handed out across five categories: Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Recording, and Live Theatre/Performance.
To qualify, the person must have at least five years of solid work in the industry. They’ve got to be widely known, and not just in their country, but globally. There also needs to be proof they’re active in philanthropic or charity work. The nominee (or their representative) must agree to attend the unveiling ceremony. And if it’s a posthumous nomination, they need to have been gone for at least two years.
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Nomination and selection process
Anyone can file a nomination, be it friends, fans, managers, or sponsors. There’s a $275 application fee, as per the official website. Consent is mandatory. The nominee has to sign off for the application to move forward. Every June, the Walk of Fame Committee goes through nearly 200 submissions. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce then filters and approves the nominations, picking around 20 to 30 names each year based on career merit, public goodwill, and overall impact. Once that’s done, a sponsor, usually a studio, a brand, or even a fan group, has to foot the bill for the star, which currently costs between $75,000 and $85,000. That’s where most of the confusion starts. People assume celebs are buying their way in. But the truth is that money goes to the Hollywood Historic Trust, a nonprofit that maintains the Walk, handles repairs, and keeps the street in shape.
So far, there are over 2,800 stars embedded in its sidewalks. While getting the star doesn’t exactly change one’s career, it’s seen as a lifetime achievement. These stars have become one of the top tourist spots in Los Angeles. Every year, thousands of fans from around the globe flock to the scene to get their photo clicked alongside their favourite names. From the first official star granted to director Stanley Kramer in 1960 to the modern-day ceremonies watched by fans worldwide, it remains one of the most iconic events of the cinema.
