The Oscar nominations are in and Benedict Cumberbatch has been nominated for Best Actor. But let me tell you, winning the statue isn't the most important thing. As any children's soccer coach will tell you, the most important thing is for him to have fun — and, as I will tell you, the best way to do that is to live it up on the red carpet. Fortunately, his friend Tom Hiddleston is a red carpet regular and has a lot of good advice Cumberbatch can follow.
Let's say Cumberbatch loses in the Oscar race. Fingers crossed that he doesn't, but let's say that he does. He doesn't have to lose the whole night if he starts out winning the red carpet. Sometimes that's the most fun part of the broadcast anyway. There's reporters, fans, famous people, mani cams, and more. That's not to say Cumberbatch doesn't know how to have fun on the red carpet; his photobomb of U2 in 2014 proves that he does.
But I think Cumberbatch is done with the photobomb for now. He already gave us one at the Golden Globes, so he should think outside the box in terms of how to have fun. That's where Hiddleston comes in to help. Here are 12 things Benedict Cumberbatch should do at the Oscars to win the red carpet.
Dress the Part
Look at Hiddleston slaying the red carpet here. If Cumberbatch can pull something like that off, he'll be on his way to winning the night.
Fake Cry
When these GIFs of Hiddleston tearing up hit Tumblr, it broke everyone's hearts. It was only after watching the video that people realized he was jokingly crying about Thor 2 being his final Loki film. (We now know he'll be back for more.) But the fake crying GIFs are too adorable to ignore on Tumblr and that's definitely one way to win the red carpet: get Tumblr on your side. Perhaps Cumberbatch can tear up over The Hobbit trilogy ending. (Although that already lasted way longer than the 300 page novel should have allowed for.)
Woo the Reporters
In 2012, Tom Hiddleston responded to a BAFTA reporter's tweet about being cold by saying he'd bring soup when he hit the carpet. Sure enough he did, and he defrosted the reporter — and our hearts.
Be a Gentleman
Those Brits know how to be nice and, when Hiddleston handed his jacket over to a freezing journalist at the MTV Movie Awards, he solidified his nice-guy rep.
Interact With the Fans
Don't forget that hundreds of fans will line the red carpet on awards night. Cumberbatch can make their day if he signs a few things and poses for a couple of quick selfies.
Listen to Your Pregnant Fiancee's Belly
Pictured here is Hiddleston joking around with Chris Hemsworth's wife, but, since Cumberbatch has his own pregnant fiancée, he can just do this to her. Cue your "awww"s now.
Talk About Love
Cumberbatch is so quiet about his love life, so the Oscars are a great opportunity to pull a George Clooney and gush over his wife-to-be.
Praise Your Fellow Nominees
That way, win or lose, you look gracious.
Take Anything and Everything Reporters Give You
Because it's just more fun that way.
Hug People
Anyone. Everyone. Be the Oprah of giving out Cumberhugs.
Dance Your Heart Out
Every red carpet is made better by dancing.
Photobomb Famous People
OK, I admit it. In addition to all this other stuff, I also just want to see another Cumberbatch photobomb. They'll never get old.
Images: Getty Images (2); lokihiddleston, torrilla, tomhiddlestunned, tomhiddleston-gifs (4), ovarieskiller, hard-on-for-hiddleston/Tumblr; gifwave (2); giphy
