The bright lights came on Sunday night as film fans came out in full force for The Lone Star Film Society’s third annual Oscar Watch Party.
Decked out in red carpet attire, from look-a-like brand name designer suits to Oscar worthy dresses, film fans gathered at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in what Alec Jhangiani, art director for the LSFS, said he expected to be the most largely populated event in one night for the LSFS.
“Last year we had about 600 and this year I wouldn’t be surprised if we had almost a thousand people the way it’s increased,” Jhangiani said.
Xan Angelovich, a senior film, television and digital media major, said she came to the event because of the unique experience it offered.
“It’s just a different way to celebrate the Oscars for Fort Worth,” Angelovich said. “It’s a way for Fort Worth residents to get involved and there’s a red carpet and photographers. It’s just a fun night out, something different to do.”
One viewing area was in the museum’s auditorium, and the second was in the museum’s lobby, where snacks and drinks were also offered.
Jhangiani said the watch party was just one of many events The Lone Star Film Society organizes each year.
“We do a five-day [film] festival in November,” Jhangiani said. “This year we had films from Mexico and Japan.”
Jhangiani said events like the watch party and the film festival are important because the main purpose of the LSFS is to bring films to Fort Worth that would not otherwise be screened and to grow the film culture of the community.
Some of the other main attractions at the watch party included an artist who drew caricatures of moviegoers’ favorite Toy Story character, prize giveaways, such as a 40-inch flat screen television, and a costume contest, in which some of the costumes were inspired by the nominated films.
The costumes included the white rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland,” a woman dressed up in full makeup like the main character from the movie “Black Swan” and James Franco’s character in “127 Hours.”
List of Major Oscar Winners
Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Directing: Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech
Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman. Black Swan
Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Actress in a Supporting Role: Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3