Proud parents head to Hollywood for son's Oscar nomination
"Since I was very young, the Oscars were a big deal to me and my family. I'm star-struck," said Karen Sirota.
LOS ANGELES -- A "pinch-me" moment. That's how Rob and Karen Sirota describe hearing their eldest son is nominated for an Oscar.
David Sirota, an Abington, Pennsylvania native, is nominated for Best Original Screenplay for his work on "Don't Look Up." He was a journalist and syndicated columnist who collaborated with his friend, Malvern, Pennsylvania's Adam McKay.
Come Sunday, he is bringing two special guests, his parents.
"Since I was very young, the Oscars were a big deal to me and my family. I'm star-struck," said Karen.
So, you can imagine Karen Sirota's sheer joy when she found out she was going to the Oscars.
"It's a dream. It's been a dream of mine for forever," said Karen.
Karen and Rob say it's no surprise their oldest son David's 25-year journey in journalism brought him to this moment.
"It's an enormous honor. And it was, for me and for Rob, it was very moving. When we saw that, we gasped. It was a little bit of a teary moment," Karen reminisced.
When "Don't Look Up" was first released, the Sirotas went to Times Square to take their picture beneath the billboard.
"It took your breath away when we saw it. We just paused and we got out the car and we started snapping pictures. And I said to the police officer: 'That's my son!'," said Karen.
Now, the Sirotas are following the film, and their firstborn, to the Oscars.
"The nomination is big enough for me. But it honors what he's done and how hard he's worked all these years," said Karen.
Besides their son, there is one other star they're looking for on the red carpet, David's very famous, former little league teammate.
"I wouldn't mind seeing Bradley Cooper. I would love to say hello to Bradley Cooper," said Rob.
They have their outfits picked out, packed, and ready to go for Sunday night.
"I am thrilled, totally thrilled. And red carpet ready," said Karen.
The 94th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC on March 27 starting at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes are hosting.
Check out the full list of nominations for the 2022 Oscars here.
