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Walking down Hollywood Boulevard, you will see thousands of coral terrazzo stars embedded into the sidewalks, honoring everyone from classic silent film legends to modern pop icons. But have you ever wondered how Hollywood Walk of Fame stars actually get there? The process is surprisingly structured, highly competitive, and comes with a hefty price tag.
The Nomination and Selection Process
Anyone can technically nominate a celebrity, whether it is a fan club, a film studio, a management team, or a family member. However, there is a catch: the nominee must sign a letter of agreement stating they want the star and promise to attend the unveiling ceremony in person.
Each spring, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce receives hundreds of applications. A dedicated selection committee meets annually in June to review the submissions and select an average of roughly 24 to 30 honorees across all entertainment categories. Once selected, honorees have up to two years to schedule their dedication ceremony.
The Five Star Categories (Plus One New Addition)
Honorees are placed into distinct categories represented by a brass emblem inside their star. To qualify, candidates need at least five years of professional experience in their designated field and a track record of significant community involvement or philanthropic work.
- Motion Pictures: Represented by a classic movie camera symbol.
- Television: Marked with a television receiver emblem.
- Recording: Denoted by a phonograph record.
- Radio: Identified by a vintage radio microphone.
- Live Theatre / Live Performance: Represented by traditional comedy and tragedy masks.
- Sports Entertainment: A modern addition honoring figures who have made major entertainment contributions through sports media.
Who Pays the Bill?
Earning a spot on the boulevard does not mean the Chamber pays for the party. Each star requires a sponsorship fee—currently set at $75,000 at the time of writing. This amount is typically covered by the studio, record label, network, or production company promoting an upcoming project, though fan clubs or the celebrities themselves occasionally fund it.
The fee covers several key expenses:
- The physical fabrication and terrazzo installation of the sidewalk marker.
- Security, staging, permits, and street closures for the public dedication ceremony.
- Ongoing repair, cleaning, and maintenance handled by the Hollywood Historic Trust.
Quick Takeaways
- Stars must be formally nominated, must agree in writing, and must attend their ceremony in person.
- A $75,000 sponsorship fee covers the installation, event logistics, and future maintenance of the star.
- The selection committee picks around two dozen honorees every June across six distinct categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone buy a star directly without approval?
No. You cannot simply purchase a star. Even if you have the funds ready, the nominee must undergo the formal application process and win approval from the Hollywood Chamber selection committee.
Can a star ever be removed from the sidewalk?
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce maintains that stars are permanent historical landmarks. Despite public controversies surrounding certain honorees over the decades, no star has ever been officially removed from the walk.
How many stars are currently on the Walk of Fame?
There are more than 2,700 stars stretching along 1.3 miles of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, with new additions installed regularly throughout the year.
Catch a Star Ceremony in Person
Attending an unveiling ceremony is completely free to the public, offering a great way to see your favorite stars up close. If you are heading to Los Angeles soon, check the official Walk of Fame calendar a few weeks before your trip to see if a dedication coincides with your visit.