And the Oscar for the Best Red Carpet Party goes to… WFI!

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On Oscar Sunday, March 4, 2018, Sharing the Details team attends Washington DC Film Institute’s Red Carpet Party held at the MASON & ROOK HOTEL. Contributing writer Joey Love shares his account of the evening. 

Oh, what a night!

Since late May 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annually presents the greatest achievers in film a Golden Oscar Award. This year, we celebrate the 90^th ceremony with ABC TV host, Jimmy Kimmel, and recognizable star-studded guests, along with a theater full of unsuspecting moviegoers.

The 2018 telecast was watched by our team at the Washington Film Institute (WFI) hosted viewing party held at the Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel in Washington, D.C. Entry fee was a reasonable $25 in advance online, and $40 at the door. All proceeds go to support future WFI programs.

Ladies in Red. Photo Courtesy of Nandor Nagy 

The banquet room was elegant as were the attendees. Everyone dressed to the nines! The fashion forward in gowns and suits awaiting to win the Best Dressed Contest–I’m glad I didn’t have to be the one to judge, it would have been too hard to choose! Roughly 50-60 chairs were set up in front of the screen projection for the more devoted film fans, while the rear portion of the room remained as an open space for socializing and networking. Off to the side, light hors d’oeuvres consisted of cheese cubes, cured meat slices, and deviled eggs. Oscar-themed cocktails and a selection of bottled beer and wine were offered at the cash bar.

Guests seated to watch the Oscars on the big screen. Photo courtesy of Nandor Nagy 

At the entrance, guests were invited to pose with Oscar statues and statuettes behind a WFI backdrop for their very own “Red Carpet” moment. WFI President John Hanshaw greeted guests cordially, members and newbies alike.

Sharing the Details team from left to right: Photographer Nandor Nagy ; Founder Sherryn Daniel; Writer Joey Love.

After socializing with some of the attendees, it was clear that we all came to have a good time. Some of us were there to see personal 2017 favorites of the nominated films to win, while others were there to dress up like a Star! One guest I encountered, Juanita, was hoping to see racially-themed horror film Get Out pull a victory, stating, “Momentum is shifting towards this film,” before adding, “It’s the dark horse.” Software developer Deborah, who has seen every nominee, was very unsure of the potential winners, mentioning, “I can’t predict who will win!” David was honest in his lack of knowledge about the nominees, but was forward in his prediction that The Shape of Water would take the Best Picture crown because “it’s the most trendy.” He happened to be right.

Sharing a laugh. Photo courtesy of Nandor Nagy 

As the ceremony continued, guests took a break from the screen to mingle amongst each other. Meanwhile, the more enthusiastic viewers stayed seated until the final envelope was opened. However, the heaviest applause in the room surprisingly did not go to the Best Picture announcement. Instead, it went to Jordan Peele’s Best Original Screenplay win for Get Out. Juanita’s wish came true! Then followed by Gary Oldman’s Best Actor win for Darkest Hour, which was the veteran actor’s first ever Oscar win.

Jimmy Kimmel, hosting for a second year, filled the guests with laughter. He held his own with topical wisecracks of current events (e.g. Envelopegate, sexual harassment scandals, diversity and inclusion, and President Trump) and off-the-cuff jabs (e.g. Matt Damon). He even went so far as to offer a brand new jet ski to the award recipient who delivers the shortest acceptance speech. Perhaps the highlight of Kimmel’s practical jokes was walking next door to a movie theater with the beautiful Wonder Woman actress, Gal Gadot. His latest prank victims being unsuspecting filmgoers attending an advance screening for the upcoming film A Wrinkle in Time. The shock reactions of the patrons by the intrusion had the room rolling!

When the ceremony came to a close, President Hanshaw graciously offered his appreciation for those who attended and stayed until the final award. Overall, it was really an Oscar award winning party.

A major thanks to the Washington Film Institute and John Hanshaw for inviting ‘Sharing the Details’ to this event. For recap of the Academy Awards, visit the Oscars official site. 

March 7, 2018November 30, 2020 by Joey Love

One on One with John Legend at 6th Annual American Ingenuity Awards

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On November 29, 2017 Contributing Writer Joey Love covers the Red Carpet of the Smithsonian Ingenuity Festival. There he meets all of the 2017 Award winners and interviews renowned music artist, John Legend. 

I was privileged to cover the red carpet  for the 6^th Annual American Ingenuity Awards at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Winners are selected by Smithsonian Magazine in recognition of individuals who are transforming American culture in the arts, social change, youth, and the sciences.

This award show is oft-times known as the “Golden Globes of Intellect” due to covering individuals who encourage change and  create a better world.In subsequent years, the Smithsonian received a lot of attention and critical praise for spearheading this initiative.

In most cases, winners are sought-after celebrities in their niche field.

Courtesy of Mark Soriano 

John Legend, for example, is recognized for his prolific contributions to the Performing Arts;  Ava Duvernay, Wrinkle in Time and Selma Director, is recognized for Visual Arts; Jony Ive, chief design officer at Apple, is recognized for Technology; Marley Dias, creator of #1000BlackGirlBooks, is recognized for Youth; Sesame Workshop, creator of the first muppet with autism, is recognized for Social Progress; Dave Malloy, director of Natasha, Pierre &The Great Comet of 1812, is recognized for History; Gary Steinberg, chair of neurosurgery at Stanford is recognized for life sciences; and Natalie Batalha, mission scientist for NASA’s Kepler Mission, is recognized for physical science.

The event started out  lax. I freely walked into the reception room before the Smithsonian crew started rolling out security, camera crew, and the red carpet, itself. I watched performance rehearsals, listened to presenters’ teleprompter lines, and watched B-roll video footage rolling on giant projector screens.

Lesson learned, I must arrive early next year to secure a spot in the front:It almost felt illegal.

When the red carpet finally rolled out, and the backdrop was ironed out, the fun commenced.  Michael Caruso, editor-in-chief of Smithsonian Magazine, first appeared.

Right behind him was the ever adorable 12-year-old Marley Dias. Caruso posed with her and several of the other honorees.

Courtesy of Mark Soriano

Next up, was Sesame Workshop, which included three women (one with an Elmo-designed handbag that I wanted to steal). Following them is the original star of The Great Comet of 1812, Josh Groban. Groban was a special invitee and event presenter. He spoke graciously to each, available,  press member.

David Oyelowo followed behind, with a reserved demeanor. After our short break, in walks superstar John Legend tied at the hip to his supermodel wife Chrissy Teigen.

Courtesy of Mark Soriano

This was the moment, I inched closer to the red carpet and gained entry for a 60 second interview with the man, himself, John Legend.

First, I congratulated him on his win, thanked him for moving the industry forward, and doubled down on congratulating him on his recent pregnancy announcement.

Second, I pondered over the various awards he won in the past 20 years of his career.

I asked, “Which award are you most proud of?”

John Legend answered: “The Academy Award for ‘Glory’ the song I wrote for the movie Selma because it was probably the most meaningful thing  I have done.”

Legend later added on that  “we need to keep fighting” in reference to social change. In recent years, Legend has become an advocacy icon, combating for AIDS awareness, social and health issues, women’s rights, and drug policies.

These efforts are what pulled him into Selma, the 2014 Academy Award-nominated film directed by Ava Duvernay  that illustrated the narrative of  Martin Luther King Jr.’s march for civil rights. This stance against injustice and incivility towards people of different walks of life is precisely what Legend has been supporting for years. With his one Oscar win, he accomplished both a career and a personal goal.

After the interview, I was really hoping for the chance to interview more attendees on their future projects but I didn’t have enough time.

FYI, John Legend was scheduled to perform one of his hits and Dave Malloy’s Tony nominated song an dance team was scheduled to perform at the award show. The red carpet was just the beginning  for the Smithsonian Magazine’s Ingenuity Awards. Bigger and better things was yet to happen later that night

So who do you think will be 2018’s big winners? Comment below your thoughts.

Behind the scenes stuff:

1: Jony Ive snuck in through a side door at the last minute and avoided the red carpet event entirely, despite still being bombarded by event-goers when he reached the lobby.

2: Ava Duvernay never made it to the red carpet event before the reception began. 

December 1, 2017November 30, 2020 by Joey Love

Right to Bear Arts Benefit Gala: Red Carpet & Advocacy

 

MSNBC’s Greta VanSustern

The White House correspondents dinner tends to be a huge event in the Washington D.C area. What many non D.C residents may not know is that there’s the main dinner and there are are sprinkling of exclusive dinners connected to the big event.  With many White house Correspondent parties getting cancelled, the Creative Coalition stepped up to open up their gala.

I had an exclusive invite this year to attend the 4th annual Creative Coalition #RightToBearArts gala on April 28, 2017. This star-studded event was held at Flavio DC, one of Georgetown’s premier Italian restaurants.

Here I am with Christine Social!

This year’s gala was relevant to the times,  especially since the recent  proposed budget cuts  may eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and this program is responsible for kids across the nation to visit art museums, learn literature, music, theater, design and beyond. NEA is an independent federal agency that funds funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting President, Patricia Harrison.

The event was attended by  The Creative Coalition’s celebrity delegation headed to Capitol Hill earlier that day in an effort to bring  their “#RightToBearArts” campaign to elected officials.  The delegation was comprised of:  Tim Daly (“Madam Secretary”), The Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk, Sarah Wayne Callies (“Prison Break”), Wendi McLendon-Covey (“The Goldbergs”), Chad Lowe (“Pretty Little Liars”), Alyssa Milano (“Mistresses”), Denis O’Hare (“American Horror Story”), Nick Sandow (“Orange Is the New Black”), Aaron Staton (“Mad Men”),  and Matt Walsh (“Veep”).

Wendi Mclendon-Covey (The Goldbergs & Bridesmaids)

Along with the delegation, leading Washingtonians, top celebrities, and media convened to dine on a delicious 3-course menu.

The sweltering heat, did not stop me from having some interesting one-on-one interviews with Chad Lowe, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Matt Walsh, and Sarah Wayne Callies. 

Chad Lowe

Each star had their own views on federals cuts towards the arts. What we can all agree upon is that a slash to art funding will  not only upend the nations future by depriving a healthy outlet for children to expand their minds but will also curb resources in poorer regions to be able to cultivate one’s critical thinking skills.

Question:  What are your thoughts on the federal cuts to the arts programs?

Chad Lowe: So, ironically, enough the Federal Government wants to increase spending on Defense but wants to cut the Arts funding. Keep in mind spending for the arts is only just 0.004 percent of the budget. The federal government must set an example of prioritizing funding for the arts. What most people don’t realize is that the arts funding is not going directly, per se, to Hollywood. This funding goes directly to theaters, museums, dance classes, workshops, and other outlets that let children from all walks of life be able to participate in. Funding of the arts spreads to the greatness  of the country and even secures our status as a great nation to the world. Where we are placed in the history books is how we value and treat our citizens.  The arts shape history and also preserve our culture. The arts withstand the test of time by cultivating a society and enriching those to find their potential. By cutting out the arts from people’s lives, we are taking away a basic human necessity for further growth.

Matt Walsh: Money has been going into this infrastructure for quite some time.  A contribution to the arts directly correlates with college enrollment, top university success, and with creative minds ready to embark on making a change for the world. Without enough resources for the arts, kids will not be able to develop stronger independence skills or be able to have the confidence to make their own path, whether if it’s in the arts field or elsewhere.

Wendi Mclendon-Covey: So we all went up to the Hill today to advocate for the Arts. This is unsurprising but both parties were on our side. There’s bipartisan support for having the arts.

Sarah Wayne Callies: The arts balances out children, adults, everyone. We need the arts in order to thrive as a collective society and to get even better.

 

 

This event was also sponsored by  Hollywood on the Potomac, Maestro Dobel Tequila, Line 39 Wines,Blue Moon Brewing, and Blackwing Pencils.

About The Creative Coaltion

The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Founded in 1989 by prominent figures in the creative community, including actors Alec Baldwin, Ron Silver, Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon and Blair Brown, TCC educates and mobilizes leaders in the arts community on issues of public importance, specifically in the areas of First Amendment rights, arts advocacy and public education.

 

 

May 29, 2017May 15, 2018 by Sherryn G