There may not have been any gold statues, but everyone was a winner at the Manship Theatre and Scene Magazine’s first-ever Oscar party.
John Kaufman, director of marketing and programming for the Manship Theatre at the Shaw Center for the Arts downtown, said the event is a first for the theater.
“We have the big screen and the capability to do it,” he said. “We figured, why not?”
Kaufman said the event sold out quickly, and he believes the theater will host many more parties like it in the future.
Brinkley Maginnis, advertising and marketing executive for Scene
Magazine and University alumna, said Kaufman approached Scene to host the event.
Maginnis said she was happy to work on the party because of what it means to the community.
“Baton Rouge doesn’t have a lot of communal, fun events,” she said. “What better way to celebrate it locally than to do it like this?”
Maginnis said Scene and the Manship Theatre tried to emulate a Hollywood celebration in every way, right down to the red carpet.
Attendees were encouraged to stop at the event’s red carpet station to have their photos taken with life-size Oscar statuette cardboard cut-outs.
Residents walked the carpet wearing everything from blue jeans to formal evening gowns.
Kaufman said the event’s organizers left the dress code up to attendees’ discretion because he wanted people to be comfortable at the party.
“You can drink, you can eat,” he said. “It’s just a carefree and casual night.”
Baton Rouge resident Joe Simmons attended the event wearing a purple satin jacket.
Tricia Day, his guest for the evening, wore a long dress and a colorful caplet with feather trim to match his outfit.
“It’s the Oscars,” she said. “You wouldn’t go to the red carpet in Hollywood in a pair of blue jeans, would you?”
Simmons said he was eager to attend such a different event in Baton Rouge.
“As a lifetime resident, it’s just nice to see something shaking in downtown Baton Rouge,” he said.
Simmons correctly predicted “The Artist” would win for Best Picture at the award ceremony.
The pair said they usually record the show when it airs and watch it later without commercials, but during the party, they didn’t have to worry about that.
University alumnus and local celebrity Anthony Ryan Auld was the evening’s host. He commented on celebrities’ style choices and the evening’s winners during commercial breaks.
Kaufman said Auld, who starred on the reality show “Project Runway” last year, spoke off the cuff during the show to add to the event’s casual atmosphere.
Auld said he watches the Academy Awards every year and was eager to spend the night with members of the community.
Like many others at the party, Auld said he hoped “The Help” would win for Best Picture.
“I just really enjoyed the movie and its overall message,” he said.
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden made an appearance at the party.
“It’s really exciting to watch the community come together like this,” he said as he glanced around the crowded room.
Holden said he didn’t have any predictions for potential winners, but he enjoys watching the celebrities at the show.
“I like to just sit back and relax,” he said. “It’s always fascinating watching people win. It’s really something special.”
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]