East Coast Hollywood: Philadelphia Film Society Screens Oscar Awards at Prince Theater

While not the Emerald City of Los Angeles, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection reps the 90th Academy Awards as only Philadelphia can.

Kai-Kai’s inaugural stay at a pet-friendly hotel. My baby lives the luxe life!

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

None in Philadelphia will forget the snow and wind-storm of March, 2018. I lost power for six days and had to locate (in order to cover this event) a pet-friendly hotel, hence the unexpected snap of a kitten. Thanks to the pet-friendly (at no extra charge!) The Windsor Suites for accommodating Kai-Kai Kozden, my beloved Maine Coon kitty, pictured at the hotel with Benjamin Kutner-Duff, who fell man bun-over-heels for Kai.

Nothing was left to chance in replicating the Hollywood version of the 90th Academy Awards ceremony. It was all there at the Prince Theater, from scores of beautiful people, the red-carpet entrance cum photo stop along with yet another photo hub where guests could don event-related props for snaps, exceptional catered food by 12th St. Catering, specialty cocktails, a silent auction, swag bags, non-intrusive “paparazzi” and fashion choices on both ladies and gents that would give any interviewer on the scene cause to ask the ubiquitous question, “Who are you wearing?”

What I noticed in terms of sartorial choices was the sheer variety and singular styles. Unlike the La La Land A-listers, who seem to gravitate toward a certain look or color each year (your off-shoulder gown or thigh-high dress slit, your pale lemon yellow-hued prominence), we here in Philadelphia are the quintessential non-conformists–in more ways than one. “No one likes us, we don’t care,” boomed Jason Kelce post-Eagles victory. That’s a special kind of non-conforming.

So we all of us came together, partied like the stars we were that night, then entered the theatre to cheer on our favorites during on the big screen showing. It was as close as we’d get to LA’s Dolby Theater that evening, but what of it? Seems to me all of the attendees were quite contented to be exactly where they were, particularly on such a frigid evening.

All proceeds from the event benefitted the Philadelphia Film Society.

Princely venue lighted up for the big event.

Philadelphia Film Society’s event poster harkens back to old-time Hollywood. Captivating design.

Oscar statuette a study in abstract. No worries about, ahem, private parts.

Pap(arazzi) on tap for the red carpet and more. From left: Philly Chit Chat’s Hugh E. Dillon with photographer Andre Flewellen.

Sharon Kozden debuts her Fitch. Red carpet demands stepping up. Disclaimer: I’d never buy new but one thrifty-purchased vintage, yes.

No sighting of M. Night Shyamalan. The massive-sized poster was a nice touch, but I missed having the opportunity to meet the real deal.

Props aplenty for the highly popular photo booth for guests’ snaps at no charge.

Happy to hold Mister Gold for a pretty pose.

“Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy–but mysterious. But above all, black says this: “I don’t bother you–don’t bother me.” Is this Yohji Yamamoto’s eloquent way of announcing that black is always in, always chic? Certainly, these ladies prove that one can never go wrong in black.

Just days before this event, Sharon Pinkenson of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office attended a gala, where she received PWIFT’s inaugural Elevation Award for her “tireless work in helping to lift up so many in our community.” Kudos, Sharon!

More red carpet-posing couples appropriately dressed to the nines.

Gold (and silver) rush décor sparkles, adding to the evening’s glam-fest.

Two lovely ladies joined at the hip in similar poses.

The dress that launched hordes of admirers. Francesca Ruscio wears it so well and clearly rocks the over-the-shoulder red-carpet pose as would a Hollywood A-lister.