It's safe to say all of Sacramento is extremely proud of native Greta Gerwig, the director and writer of 'Lady Bird.' The film is nominated for five awards at the Oscars on Sunday, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Gerwig is the first female in eight years nominated for the Director category. Only five women have ever been nominated.
Only one has ever won.
Gerwig has said that the film is her love letter to Sacramento. But within the film, you might also find another love story: one between Gerwig and her alma mater, St. Francis High School.
There is no doubt that the school loves her even more. If you drive by, you'll see a giant poster for Gerwig on one of the front gates. There are other movie posters in the front office and around campus. Students and staff have been wearing 'I <3 lady="" bird'="" pins,="" dropped="" off="" at="" the="" school="" by="" gerwig's="">
President Theresa Rodgers still remembers meeting Gerwig 2 years ago, describing her as 'easy to talk to' and 'humble.'
"When I met her, she didn't have any make-up on," said President Theresa Rodgers, referring to how many of the students are known for not wearing make-up to school. "I feel like I clicked with her, [but] I think a lot of people feel that way...it's because she's so loving and warm. She just embraces every person that she comes in contact with."
Naturally, Rodgers is hoping the film will win big on Sunday night. So are Kiera Anderson and Cheryl Watson, who both work in the school's arts department.
Anderson grew up with Gerwig doing dance and theatre. Her brother is also the inspiration behind one of the main characters, Danny.
"She was a great student, very involved," said Anderson. "She was always kind of a go-getter, just a lot of fun...a sweet individual."
"Playful too," added Watson.
Watson was Gerwig's high school drama teacher. Her daughter is not only the inspiration behind the character Julie, but she also has a brief cameo in the film as the math teacher's pregnant wife.
Watson still remembers first meeting Gerwig at high school registration, when she was still an 8th grader.
"She was talking to me about being placed in a more advanced company. I was so impressed with her. I said 'Of course!' said Watson. "I felt very lucky. I directed her in seven projects. I've seen her blossom and get more comfortable doing what she was doing."
Watson laughed at memories of Gerwig playing male characters.
"I remember I had her, I think, as Richard the 3rd in a Shakespeare play," said Watson. "She was rather tall [and] it's an all girls school!"
Watson said one thing that stood out to her about Gerwig was how well she listened, while remaining opinionated and articulate.
"She always listened and when she gave her answer, they were always pointed. I felt she really listened to the St. Francis experience to be able to recount, put that on the screen," said Watson. "She was so present when she was here. I think that makes the best story-tellers."
Rodgers agreed, bringing up how the Church and Catholic schools either have a bad rap in films or are made fun of.
"I loved the way the movie portrayed her experience here," Rodgers said. "She just portrayed it so lovingly, that sisterhood. Through and through. All those pieces put together that have made her who she is. And she didn't forget."
While Rodgers, Anderson and Watson all knew they would love the film, what they loved even more was seeing other people (with no direct connection) experience the film.
Anderson went to New York for the Film Festival premiere.
"What was really amazing was to sit in an audience that was not a Sacramento crowd and listen to them react to the film," said Anderson. "It felt personal to every single person in the theater."
Anderson added that at the end of the film, Gerwig came out on the balcony and the whole theater erupted into applause and a standing ovation.
"It was one of the most special moments of my life to watch this incredible, smart. wonderful woman who created this very beautiful film to be honored in that way and be recognized," said a teary-eyed Anderson. "Especially since she's a woman in traditionally a man's world, breaking down barriers left and right."
When 'Lady Bird' nabbed 2 Golden Globe Awards, Watson e-mailed Gerwig saying, 'I can't stop crying!' Gerwig responded that she couldn't either.
Watson said she has also received emails from alums of all different classes, some from 30 years ago.
"They still want to be a part of the St. Francis community, partly because the movie reminded them of it with how well she really captured it," said Watson. "It speaks to a lot of people in different ways. That's really art. Art is universal."
"She takes what is human and puts it on the big screen, but it's still so intimate," added Anderson. "It's so beautiful to watch the human experience, and [I think] Greta does that better than anybody."
Rodgers added that the school has seen a huge uptick in admissions interest in the last two years.
"Is it the 'Lady Bird' factor? It's hard to tell," said Rodgers. "But we'll take it. We'll take it."
St. Francis is holding an Oscars viewing party for approximately 350 people on Sunday. The gym will be transformed into a 'Lady Bird' themed red carpet affair, with a life-sized cut out of Gerwig and picture canvases of different Sacramento locations in the film.