The Leading Ladies are, (L to R) Carolyn Stone, Barbara Walkowski, Claudia Mendoza, Rosemary McNeely, Heather Kearsley Wolf, Stephanie Dunn and Anya Crain. Ladies not pictured, Deborah Emery, Therese Nugent, Karen Collins, Jean Arnold Sessions, Linda Viviani and Caryn Weiss. Photo by Ryan Lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Locals can glam up and go Hollywood – complete with the red carpet treatment – on Feb. 24, when the Sonoma Valley Film Society presents “A Night at the Academy Awards.”
Tickets are now on sale for Sonoma’s spectacular annual awards season celebration. The event will offer guests a chance to indulge in a multi-course epicurean feast, view a live mega-screen telecast of the 80th Academy Awards, and enjoy dancing and entertainment into the night.
When the festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. that Sunday, the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall will once again have undergone a dazzling transformation into an elegant party palace. Arriving guests will receive the full red-carpet paparazzi treatment, with photographers capturing the glamorous moment in front of new Audi R8 cars.
The evening kicks off with cocktails, bubbly and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an indulgent multi-course epicurean feast by presenting sponsor Elaine Bell Catering, during a live telecast of the Academy Awards. Dress for this celebratory evening is “Hollywood Black Tie.”
Proceeds from ticket sales and a spectacular silent auction will support critical funding for the annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival, the student filmmaking program at Sonoma Valley High School, and for the Carolyn J. Stone Women’s Health and Wellness Center. To visit the online auction, now live with many incredible, exclusive items at amazing bid prices, visit www.sonomafilmfest.cmarket.com.
“We’re also offering an incredible price to entertain eight to 10 of your friends at just $200 per person,” said Greg Hittelman, festival marketing director. “Don’t just watch the Oscars from your couch – live it ‘live’ at the most glamorous party of the season.”
Some of the best wines of the region will be served, including top Sonoma Valley selections from Gloria Ferrer and VJB Vineyard & Cellars. Décor will be presented by Wine Country Party & Events, with lighting and projection by Illusions Lighting Design. Sheana Davis and the Epicurean Connection will present a special cheese dessert, and DJ Brodie Giles will provide the after-party music.
A limited number of seats at $250 per person ($150 tax-deductible) are now available to the general public. Tickets are free for members of the Sonoma Film Society, presenter of the Sonoma Valley Film Festival (April 9-13). To order tickets for “A Night at the Academy Awards,” to learn out about joining the Film Society, visit SonomaFilmFest.org, or call the Film Society at 707.933.2600.
