Oscar party draws fans

Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre and the entrance of the Whittenberger Auditorium had some striking similarities Sunday night.  

Students walked down a red carpet as balloons lead to banquet tables and finally the big screen at Union Board’s second annual Oscar Party.

Union Board Director of Films Graham Davis said he was worried that the rain that had started outside might thin out the crowd. However, students still lined up early before the doors opened at 7 p.m. There was talk of who would win, which films trumped others and debate about the greatest films of the year.

Though the award ceremony wasn’t scheduled to begin until 8 p.m., Davis said the choice to start early was strategic.

“We opened it up early so people could watch the red carpet. I mean that’s half of the draw,” he said.

Tables filled with sandwiches and crudités platters evoked the essence of a gala event for the students in attendance. As they entered, each student received four raffle tickets to enter in the chance to win prizes throughout the night.

Caity Wright, Union Board’s assistant director of films, said there would be seven winners throughout the night. Prizes included DVDs of the best picture nominated films and the board game Scene-It in addition to a DVD for the larger categories.

Wright participated in another facet of the evening — the costume contest. Clad in black tights, leg warmers and a pink tutu, she attended the evening dressed as Natalie Portman, a nominee for her role in “Black Swan.”

“I didn’t actually see the movie. I really want Helena Bonham Carter to win,” Wright said. “She was the best in ‘The King’s Speech.’ It was my favorite
movie.”

Groups of friends waited for awards to be announced as they predicted the winners. Junior Sheema Qurashi, freshman Kaynaat Syed and senior Meesha Awan had differing views on who the winners would be.

While Qurashi thought Portman would take home the Oscar for best actress, Syed and Awan debated over best picture.

“‘The Social Network’ is a real story, so it’s not as creative as ‘Inception,’” Awan said.

Qurashi added that “Inception” was the more popular of the two films.“‘Inception’ will at least win for effects,” Syed said.

Despite differing opinions and tastes, all those in attendance were there to appreciate the artistic medium of film and to take part in the Union Board’s new tradition.

Graduate student HuiGuo Liu said he stumbled upon the gala last year and made a point of attending again this year.

“It’s always better to have something institutionalized as a tradition,” Liu said.