Having the Oscars, the movie industry’s premier award show, at the end of February is just plain genius. For those of us enjoying a long, cold New England Winter, it provides a welcome reason for a party. Luckily, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society hosted a grand one at the new Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, Tisbury Market Place, Vineyard Haven.
Usually for the Oscar’s, I sit home in my PJ’s, enjoying a glass or two of wine, but not this year. My friend Daylin got a couple of us girls together to go to the MVFS’s Oscar Party, and one of the stipulations was, you had to dress up. Even with it being a cold and rainy night, I was ready, and put on a little sparkle.
When we walked into the MV Film Center, it was all a buzz. Packed with movie enthusiasts who were all a twitter about this year’s films. Many people were 
dressed to impress, including floor length gowns and tuxedos.
Richard Paradise, the executive director of the MVFS, was in heaven. The place was packed, prosecco was flowing, and there was laughter throughout the center.
One of the best parts of the event was the red carpet that led to a photo op with a real, genuine Oscar.
This Oscar belongs to Bob George. It was his father’s, Robert George Senior. He won the Oscar in 1948 for a documentary on disabled Veterans of WWII, Toward Independence.
Bob was kind enough to 
share the Oscar for the night. Photographer David Welch was taking the photos with the Oscar. It was so fun to watch how this iconic statuette made everyone so excited.
People of all ages had a lot of fun taking pictures with an Oscar. I have to admit, that it was pretty fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I should also note, that it’s actually quite heavy.
When we were not hogging the camera with Oscar, we were sampling some delightful light fare from Bernadette Cormie’s Herring Run Kitchen. She and her staff made some of the most amazing sushi. It was a nice treat to add to the fun of the evening.
Once it was time for the Oscars to start, Richard rallied us all to the theater and our seats, but before we headed in, there was popcorn for us, including my favorite type, kettle corn. I was in heaven. Armed with a box of popcorn and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, I was ready to get down to business, movie business that is.
I don’t know about you, but I have never seen the Oscars on the big screen before. What a difference it makes. It felt like we were there. It was amazing. The sound, the picture quality, being in a movie theater. It was magical, and the best way ever to enjoy the Oscars.
Knowing that the MVFS will be doing this again next year, I am marking my calendar now. Being in a theater, surrounded by a crowd, clapping and laughing throughout the show, I have never enjoyed this night more in my life.
With the Oscars, everyone has an opinion and their favorites. For me, I wasn’t able to see as many films as I would have liked, but I was not shocked or really disappointed with most of the wins.
I was glad that Ben Affleck won for best pic. Argo was amazing, and he’s a Boston guy with a great love for his family. So, I am always rooting for him. And for the record, I liked Seth MacFarlane as the host. I thought he was funny, perhaps a little inappropriate at times, but at least it wasn’t boring. It doesn’t hurt that he’s adorable too.
Also, how about the musical performances? On that screen, Adele’s Skyfall took my breath away, and Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger – wow. How about Catherine Zeta-Jones’ All That Jazz. I wanted to run home and watch Chicago again. Everyone in the Film Center’s audience was moving along to this one.
Of course, we also have to discuss the dresses. My best dressed was definitely Jennifer Aniston – that red dress was amazing! If I had something grand to attend, that would be my top pick. I liked Charlize Theron’s dress as well. One question I have to ask, what was Nicole Kidman wearing? Seriously.
Once again, another wonderful Winter night on Martha’s Vineyard! Who says there’s nothing to do during the off-season. There’s so much going on, and the Winter is flying by.
If you are a movie fan, be sure to put the MVFS’s Oscar Party on your to-do list next year. The event was $30 for non-members and $25 for MVFS members. That admission price included appetizers, snacks, desserts, beer, wine, beverages, and the chance to watch the Oscars on the big screen. A pretty fabulous night out.
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