CELEBRATING THE 85TH ANNUAL OSCAR AWARDS

CELEBRATING THE 85TH ANNUAL OSCAR AWARDS

By: Â Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

Photographer: Â George Whylie

Videographer: Â Maxine Nolan

It is the night that shapes movie legends. Â It is the night that defines the top names in filmmaking and acting. Â It is none other than the biggest night in Hollywood , the 85th Annual Academy Awards telecast live on Sunday, February 24, 2013.

This year’s show was broadcast live on ABC Television and with a long list of categories, the show came close to 3 1/2 hours in length. Â There were some moments of humor from our host, Seth McFarlane, and moments of glamour as stars hit the Red Carpet in the most magical of gowns and tuxedos that would turn heads.

There were more unforgettable moments such as when singer/actress, Jennifer Hudson,Â gave the most powerful performance of the evening with a song from “Dreamgirls” receiving a standing ovation or the unstoppable Shirley BasseyÂ proving that she still has what it takes belting out her classic Bond song ‘Goldfinger’. Â AdeleÂ sang her heart out with a more recent rendition of ‘Skyfall’ from the current James Bond movie. Â And then there was the ever so talented Barbara Streisand claiming the stage as her own and still impressing the fans over and over.

There was dancing and who better to highlight the influence of dancing on film than Saturday Night Fever’s ,Â John Travolta.

There were awkward moments such as Seth McFarlane’s ‘Boob Song’ or a limping Kristen Stewart and a graceful ‘caught on film’ fall by the lovely Jennifer Lawrence. Â A moment of surprise was the presentation of the Best Motion Picture by not only Jack Nicholson but jointly with First Lady Michelle Obama who opened the envelope to reveal the winnerÂ .

Combine all the elements together and you have the winning formula for an evening of dreams that do come true especially for ‘Argo’, the big champion of the evening.

Picking the perfect gown is how it all begins and although it can be a difficult decision to make, the choices were splendid.

Halle Berry stood tall and gleaming in a plunging metallic Versace gown with long sleeves and exaggerated shoulders.

Elie Saab, a favorite at Fashion Week, dressed Sandra Bullock in a gown that made her smile in black lace.

Although Anne HathawayÂ is a winner in every sense of the word, her pale pink Prada with diamond necklace may not have made her shine as much as she could have but we loved it all the same.

Jessica ChastainÂ portrayed old Hollywood glamour chic in an Armani Prive gown with structured bodice and Swarovski crystal embellishment.

Looking as if she just stepped off a wedding cake, Jennifer Lawrence, one of the evening’s winners, wore a strapless Dior Haute Couture gown with Chopard diamonds.

Bringing brightness to the festivities, Kerry Washington, was dazzling in a coral Miu Miu gown with sequined and strapless bodice.

Flaunting it on the Red Carpet and moving with a sway in her step across the stage, Charlize Theron was super chic with a confident air in a white Dior Couture column gown and accessorized with Harry Winston jewels.

It was such a thrill to see Robin Roberts looking stunning in blue velvet and an attitude of joy and exuberance.

A metallic beauty that stood out for her classic elegance yet unique style was Naomi Watts in a one-shouldered Armani Prive gown. Â She added a touch of class with Jimmy Choo shoes and Neil Lane jewelry for the complete look of elegance.

So many appealing looks caught our eye adding to the grandeur of the event. Â The Red Carpet is one of the high points of the whole evening.

And so the night continued on and one of the most rewarding parts were the trophy bearers as these young adults received their chance to be a part of a night that would prove to be one of the most memorable ones of their lives. Â It was symbolic of discovery of young and blossoming talent, aspiring filmmakers with an opportunity to possibly be seen on this same stage in the future as recipients of the great Oscar themselves. Â Six students were chosen from around the country as part of a contest asking the question, “How will you contribute to the future of film?” Â These winning students turned in their essays and a 30-second video about their aims in the film industry. Â Each one agreed that appearing on the Oscars award show is life changing and has to be one of the largest accomplishments yet. Â It is more than a dream come true.

I myself had the pleasure to share the experience of the evening at Â ‘Oscar Night America’ with a group of enthusiastic people in Palm Beach County who all share that love of film and Â this was only one of 45 cities in the United States chosen to hold this very special event as part of the OscarsÂ celebration. Â The 85th Annual Academy AwardsÂ were presented on the Big Screen at Muvico Parisian 20 in CityPlace under the stars of Palm Beach as guests sipped on cocktails, socialized and enjoyed delicious appetizers. Â This was a platform to raise funds for a local cause, The Palm Beach International Film Festival, an enlightening film event which makes its annual debut again on April 4 – April 11, 2013. Â This great non-profit organization is committed to emerging filmmakers of today and those of tomorrow. Â Randi Emerman, Executive Director of the Palm Beach International Film FestivalÂ , has been instrumental in making this a successful annual event. Â Residents and tourists from all over the world look forward to this every year. Â As the guests comfortably settle in at the theater on this evening, a silent auction takes place with some exciting items to choose from as part of the festivities.