Oscar showing to unite film lovers

There might not be a red carpet lining the halls of the Indiana Memorial Union, but Sunday, students will gather to celebrate and watch what senior Eric Van Gucht calls the Super Bowl of the film industry.

Union Board will be sponsoring its second Oscar Party to celebrate the 83rd annual Academy Awards at 7 p.m. in the Whittenberger Auditorium.

Union Board Director of Films Graham Davis said last year’s party was well-attended, and this year they are hoping to build on that success.  

In addition to the screening of the award show, DVDs of movies up for awards will be given away.

This year also marks the addition of a costume contest for attendees.

Senior Shelly Kiefer said she found this aspect of the event particularly appealing.
“I think any reason to dress up is a good time,” Keifer said. “Themed parties and get-togethers are pure awesomeness, and everybody loves the Grammys, Oscars and all the awards shows.”

Students are encouraged to come dressed as a character from a nominated film for the chance to win a prize. Davis said this aspect of awarding attendees was a strategic choice.

“We’re hoping that the initial draw will be to watch the Oscars, but the raffle and prize giveaways will be appealing, fun and make it more interactive,” David said.

He also said the event was originally created in order to unite students with their love of films.

Van Gucht, a self-proclaimed aspiring actor, said he has hopes Colin Firth will win for “The King’s Speech.” Sophomore Sean Kaellner said he agreed.

“I predict that ‘The King’s Speech’ will take home many awards, the writing, Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush being the main reasons for this,” Kaellner said.

Keifer said she differed in her opinion of potential winners and said she was banking on “The Social Network” to take home some awards.

Despite differences in opinions, the collective passion for film will unite Sunday’s audience in the Whittenberger.

“I think this event is great in that it lets IU students communally enjoy the ceremony aspect of the Oscars as well as provide a fun way to spend a Sunday night during the stress of midterms,” Kaellner said.