Dency Nelson, Oscar stage manager extraordinaire

Dency Nelson reviews his many notes -- he still uses paper rather than an electronic device, unlike some of his younger colleagues -- during rehearsals backstage for the 2012 ceremony. He gets stationed at the stage-right wings, where most of the telecast’s presenters enter and winners exit.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

At last year’s ceremony, Dency Nelson, right, shows previous Oscar winner Sandra Bullock where to stand before walking on to the stage as a presenter of the 84th Academy Awards show.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson is flanked by presenters Owen Wilson and Penelope Cruz as he preps them before they take to the stage at last year’s ceremony.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Meryl Streep gets a helping hand from Dency Nelson in 2012. “You’ll push me out when it’s time?” she asked him at one point. Streep went on to win the lead actress Oscar for “The Iron Lady.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson gives fellow stage manager Valdez Flagg a hug in 2011 as they walk on stage at the conclusion of the 83rd Academy Awards.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Hudson talks with Dency Nelson before her turn onstage at the 2011 Oscars.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson shows the way offstage to Jeff Bridges, clutching his lead actor Oscar (for “Crazy Heart”) just presented to him by Kate Winslet at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson gives cues to Penelope Cruz during rehearsals days before the 2010 Oscars ceremony.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson congratulates Sandra Bullock for her lead actress Oscar (“The Blind Side”), presented to her by Sean Penn at the 2010 awards show. Nelson is often the first to greet the winners.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Eddie Murphy gets cues from Dency Nelson right before taking his turn onstage at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

As Dency Nelson keeps his eye on the TV monitor, Sophia Loren, from left, Shirley MacLaine and Halle Berry wait in the wings backstage in 2009.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Cameron Diaz goes over her movements onstage with Dency Nelson during rehearsals for the 80th Academy Awards in 2008.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson shows Jennifer Garner where to stand as they hide behind the scenery during the 2008 Oscars.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

As Keri Russell awaits her turn onstage, Dency Nelson keeps his eyes glued to the TV monitor in 2008.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson shows Helen Mirren where she will move during backstage preparation at the 2008 show.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson works with Jessica Alba onstage during rehearsals for the 80th Academy Awards in 2008.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Dency Nelson confers with Reese Witherspoon at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Tom Hanks coordinates with Dency Nelson during rehearsals for the 2006 ceremony.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

John Travolta is shown details of the set and lighting by Dency Nelson after rehearsing his role as presenter days before the 2006 show.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Presenter Nicole Kidman and Dency Nelson walk offstage after rehearsals in 2006.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Charlize Theron gets the cue from Dency Nelson to walk onstage during the 78th Academy Awards in 2006.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times )