Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party continued to be the most exclusive bash in town. The Sunday-night event once again took place at a custom-built space between the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts and City Hall, and was hosted by new Vanity Fair editor Radhika Jones.
A wall of greenery and marquee signage created an instant photo op at one end of the bash, while the rest of the party had simple decor, allowing the unique paneled ceiling and 50-foot bar to take center stage.
Guests dined on fried chicken prepared by chef Thomas Keller, as well as 1,700 In-N-Out Burgers that were served throughout the night.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel hosted his own private party on Sunday night at the Lot in West Hollywood. The venue was transformed into a mini food and cocktail festival, with chefs from Tartine Bakery, Frankies 457 Spuntino & Prime Meats, A.O.C., and more serving Kimmel’s favorite foods and drinks from Tequila Don Julio and Ciroc.
Later, a 14-piece jazz orchestra called Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band took the stage, followed by performances from Snoop Dogg, Rita Ora, and Bebe Rexha.
Sugarfina provided a candy bar with boozy treats such as champagne-filled gummy bears.
Guests at the viewing party could vote for their picks for Best Picture.
The magazine hosted its 11th annual Black Women in Hollywood awards on Thursday at the Beverly Wilshire. Intended to honor and celebrate Hollywood's most impactful African-American women, this year's honorees included Lena Waithe, Tiffany Haddish, Danai Gurira, and Tessa Thompson. The full gala was televised on OWN on Saturday night.
While last year’s event switched to an evening gala to honor the award show’s 10th anniversary, this year returned to its standard luncheon format. “The luncheon format is what makes the event distinct,” explained Jovanca Maitland, director of live events and experiential for Essence. “Guests build their schedules around our daytime event, making it a priority.”
Show development and production—including the overall design and fabrication as well as the eye-catching stage backdrop and set design—was handled by AgenC in partnership with the Essence event team.
Typically held the day before the Oscars, the Film Independent Spirit Awards honor indie filmmakers. This year's ceremony, held Saturday in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, handed out top honors to Get Out, Call Me By Your Name, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The ceremony took on a blue and orange color scheme, and sponsors included Lindt Chocolate, Fiji Water, and Bulleit Frontier Whiskey.
