Film Festival Plays Host to Full House on Oscar Night

For those in attendance it was Gig Harbor's version of the next best thing to being there.

A full house of moviegoers filled the VIP room at the Sunday night to be part of the 's (GHFF) third annual red carpet Oscars bash. They came dressed up and dressed down, with bling and without in order to watch the 84th Academy Awards ceremony on the big screen. 

Guests began arriving at 4:30 p.m. for the pre-Oscar cocktail party, where they mingled, ate cold shrimp and lettuce wraps from the appetizer buffet, and sipped wine from the cash bar. Film Festival Executive Director Marty Thacker introduced local luminaries in the crowd, including Seattle filmmaker Steve Edmiston, Executive Director Terry Lee and members of the GHFF board.

As with past events, posters of the films nominated for best picture were raffled off during the commercial breaks once the show began. Realtor Cyndi Wilson, the decorator for this year's Oscar gathering, was an early winner.

"I'm taking Brad Pitt home with me tonight," she declared, making a quick beeline for the poster of .

Attendees also submitted ballots with their picks for the top eight Oscar categories. Those with the best predictive powers were announced at the end of the event. Harbor residents Marilyn Hoppen and Norma Rudametkin were among them. Each picked six winners and were awarded passes to this year's Gig Harbor Film Festival for their effort.

"It definitely pays to do your homework," said Hoppen, who admitted to searching the Internet for nominees favored to receive Oscars.

The GHFF departed from past practice by selling tickets publicly for this year's Oscar event. In prior years, it was invitation only.

"We had to turn people away this year," said Thacker. 

As a result, film festival directors are already making plans to better accommodate the demand next year. Thacker said they will be hosting Oscar night in one of the Galaxy's larger theaters.