New York magazine's Oscar viewing
Photo: BizBash
While the festivities in Los Angeles got most of the attention last night, New York had its own (considerably more low-key) Oscar viewing parties. After Entertainment Weekly called off its party at Elaine's last week, shortly after Vanity Fair's cancellation, New York magazine’s gathering at the Spotted Pig jumped to the top of the (relatively short) totem pole.
New York’s communications manager, Lauren Starke, planned the casual bash, the magazine's third Oscar party. Roughly 150 guests crammed into two floors of the West Village gastropub, where they munched on roasted pig and other hors d'oeuvres, and shouted enthusiastically as the awards were announced. As the cocktails (like the "There Will Be Blood-y Mary," named after the Best Picture nominee) flowed, we asked guests what they thought of the show, the writers strike, and how well New York parties stack up against those on the West Coast. Here's what they had to say.
“Vanity Fair is probably kicking themselves right now for canceling their party. The show is going great, and this party got a great turnout. I do have some complaints about the pig they’re serving [gesturing to the waiters holding trays of whole roasted pigs]. It looks like my chihuahua!”
—Kate Shelter, creative director, stylist, and owner, Kate Shelter LLC“I’m a vegetarian, so there aren’t many food options here for me. But I’m content to sip on my delicious ‘Juno Juice’ cocktail! It’s so clever how they made drinks out of the nominees.”
—Maggie, yoga instructor
"This restaurant is working out well. It's getting crowded, but it's not unbearable. [There are] lots of TVs so it's not hard to see. It's cool that you can stay downstairs to get the crazy party vibe, or go upstairs for a more low-key atmosphere—which is where all the celebs are hiding out."
—Stephen, investment banker
“I’m enjoying the show, I’m so glad it was able to happen. Jon Stewart is a great host because he is so versatile. He can talk about politics, then switch to celebrities, sex, everything. There’s nothing he’s afraid to discuss.”
—New York magazine editorial department staffer
“Jon Stewart is all right, but he can’t compare to some of the old hosts. Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson. Billy Crystal—now that was a show!”
—Debbie Allen
“I think Jon Stewart is the perfect host to have in a political year. He really influences public opinion, so I think it was quite smart to have him.... The show is going very well, as is the party. I went to the Vanity Fair party in L.A. last year, but to be honest, I’m having more fun here. There is a nice, neighborhood-y vibe. You don’t have to get dressed up. You can just come, relax, have fun.”
—Julia Chaplin, freelance writer for The New York Times
“I’m having a great time. New York parties are just as good as L.A. parties, though they probably have less cocaine! Just kidding. I did hear rumors that Madonna and Demi Moore were throwing impromptu parties tonight, but I think that this one is the one to be at.”
—Victoria Brown, co-founder and C.E.O., BigThink.com
“There’s definitely been a buzz going around town about this party. [With Entertainment Weekly’s being canceled] we’re kind of seen as the only place in town. We were getting tons of calls requesting invites. It’s very cool.”
—New York magazine intern
“I’m originally from L.A., but from what I’ve seen, I might prefer New York parties. I love how we can look over and see famous people just sitting around. Look, Alan Cumming, Eddie Izzard, right there! In L.A., there’d be so much paparazzi around.”
—Sophie Leddick, model for Roxy and Quicksilver
“There is a clear different between this party and the usual L.A. party. Parties in Los Angeles are very grand, but in New York, it’s real. Both serve the purpose, but I’m a fan of real.”
—Phylicia Rashad
New York’s communications manager, Lauren Starke, planned the casual bash, the magazine's third Oscar party. Roughly 150 guests crammed into two floors of the West Village gastropub, where they munched on roasted pig and other hors d'oeuvres, and shouted enthusiastically as the awards were announced. As the cocktails (like the "There Will Be Blood-y Mary," named after the Best Picture nominee) flowed, we asked guests what they thought of the show, the writers strike, and how well New York parties stack up against those on the West Coast. Here's what they had to say.
“Vanity Fair is probably kicking themselves right now for canceling their party. The show is going great, and this party got a great turnout. I do have some complaints about the pig they’re serving [gesturing to the waiters holding trays of whole roasted pigs]. It looks like my chihuahua!”
—Kate Shelter, creative director, stylist, and owner, Kate Shelter LLC“I’m a vegetarian, so there aren’t many food options here for me. But I’m content to sip on my delicious ‘Juno Juice’ cocktail! It’s so clever how they made drinks out of the nominees.”
—Maggie, yoga instructor
"This restaurant is working out well. It's getting crowded, but it's not unbearable. [There are] lots of TVs so it's not hard to see. It's cool that you can stay downstairs to get the crazy party vibe, or go upstairs for a more low-key atmosphere—which is where all the celebs are hiding out."
—Stephen, investment banker
“I’m enjoying the show, I’m so glad it was able to happen. Jon Stewart is a great host because he is so versatile. He can talk about politics, then switch to celebrities, sex, everything. There’s nothing he’s afraid to discuss.”
—New York magazine editorial department staffer
“Jon Stewart is all right, but he can’t compare to some of the old hosts. Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson. Billy Crystal—now that was a show!”
—Debbie Allen
“I think Jon Stewart is the perfect host to have in a political year. He really influences public opinion, so I think it was quite smart to have him.... The show is going very well, as is the party. I went to the Vanity Fair party in L.A. last year, but to be honest, I’m having more fun here. There is a nice, neighborhood-y vibe. You don’t have to get dressed up. You can just come, relax, have fun.”
—Julia Chaplin, freelance writer for The New York Times
“I’m having a great time. New York parties are just as good as L.A. parties, though they probably have less cocaine! Just kidding. I did hear rumors that Madonna and Demi Moore were throwing impromptu parties tonight, but I think that this one is the one to be at.”
—Victoria Brown, co-founder and C.E.O., BigThink.com
“There’s definitely been a buzz going around town about this party. [With Entertainment Weekly’s being canceled] we’re kind of seen as the only place in town. We were getting tons of calls requesting invites. It’s very cool.”
—New York magazine intern
“I’m originally from L.A., but from what I’ve seen, I might prefer New York parties. I love how we can look over and see famous people just sitting around. Look, Alan Cumming, Eddie Izzard, right there! In L.A., there’d be so much paparazzi around.”
—Sophie Leddick, model for Roxy and Quicksilver
“There is a clear different between this party and the usual L.A. party. Parties in Los Angeles are very grand, but in New York, it’s real. Both serve the purpose, but I’m a fan of real.”
—Phylicia Rashad
