It was April 1st. We were backstage. Standing next to me was Leonardo DiCaprio. That was the night.
"Can someone please tell me where my seat is?" I had shouted.
I remember tiny man smoking a cigarette came up to me and pointed me in the correct direction.
"Right that way, ma'am."
"Come on Leo, let's go."
He grabbed my hand and walked us to our seats. The whole crowd sat patiently, waiting. Knowing.
Oscar nominations, and Leo had been nominated. The moment of anticipation. That moment, so bittersweet. His name, announced.
"And the winner for Best Leading role goes to... Leonardo DiCaprio!"
Applause. A tsunami of applause. He walks up on the stage. His face while holding the Oscar was that of a child who had received a new puppy on Christmas morning.
In a second, ripped away. The host tiptoes behind Leo. Said host reaches in front of Leo and grabs the precious Oscar.
"April Fools." The host whispers into the microphone.
Laughter. A crashing wave of laughter.
April Fools motherfucker.