In the face of diversity, the Academy Awards have, ironically, united film lovers on opposite sides of the globe.
As many anxious viewers and Oscar fans settled down in their living rooms to watch the award ceremony and Oscar-nominated celebrities gathered at The Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, on the evening of Sunday, February 28, 2016, two of the largest and most diverse cities in the world decided to host ‘live Oscar viewing parties.’ New York City represented the United States from the East coast of the nation. London graciously invited film industry guests on the European front. The Oscar Award Ceremony was televised live on the ABC Entertainment Network beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Oscar Night London, supported by Swarovski, gathered the celebrants at Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel to view the 88th Oscars® at a two-tier screening venue. Guests were able to enjoy a midnight feast, complete with espresso martinis, while watching the Oscars telecast, streaming live on the big screen, from the red carpet arrivals all the way through the announcement of the Best Picture award.
The iconic Rainbow Room in New York was the setting for the only East Coast event hosted by the Academy on Oscar Night. From the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, surrounded by stunning panoramic views, guests were able to watch the live Oscars telecast while enjoying an Oscar-inspired menu by Executive Chef Robert Aikens and Executive Sous Chef Mathew Woolf. The Oscar presentation was televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
The big winners on the Red Carpet for the event were Cate Blanchett in a baby blue Armani Prive’ gown, Alicia Vikander in a dusty yellow ball gown by Louis Vuitton, Charlize Theron in in a plunging red Christian Dior gown, Rooney Mara in a white Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown, Jennifer Lawrence in a lingerie-inspired gown by Christian Dior and Brie Larson in a bold lapis blue custom Gucci by Alessandro Michele dress and waist-defining statement belt. In a black rhinestone covered suit, Kevin Hart takes the fashion award on behalf of the men on the Red Carpet.
The film ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ continues to lead the pack with the most awards so far in varied categories from sound mixing to film editing to makeup and hair styling.
It is simply astonishing how entertainment still has the ability to unite through creativity, imagination and unmistaken talent. Perhaps the future holds more ‘Live Oscar Parties’ in other cities around the globe.