The Oscars red carpet extended 2,038 miles from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California to Writers Theatre in Glencoe for one special Oscars night on Sunday, March 10.
Hollywood Boulevard came to Tudor Court when the 96th Oscars unfolded live at the annual WLC Annual Oscars Viewing Party at Writers Theatre. The Women’s Library Club of Glencoe and North Shore has hosted the event for several years.
“The purpose of this is just to get together and enjoy watching the Oscars with other people,” said Jennifer Maxwell Parkinson of Glencoe, president of WLC North Shore.
“People can come in their finest Oscar attire or their pajamas,” Parkinson said. “This year, the movies have been exceptional.”
The $30 fee included movie snacks such as theater-sized boxed candy and popcorn in festive red and white striped boxes. While there was no red carpet, one could maybe unwrap a red candy ring pop as ruby bling.
Daylight saving time kept the sun high on the horizon as sunshine streamed into the second floor party room as the show live streamed at 6 p.m. Glencoe time.
“I come every year,” said David New of West Rogers Park. “But the weather has never been this nice. It’s really nice.”
New made the ballots that attendees could fill out for drama and fun on Oscars night.
“I watched a lot of TV in the last couple of days,” New said, making a prediction right as the Oscars show began. “‘Oppenheimer’s’ going to clean the house and it’s the one movie I didn’t see.”
“Oppenheimer” won for best picture, best director and five other awards, including Robert Downey Jr., as winner of best actor in a supporting role award and Cillian Murphy, winner of best actor in a leading role.
Beth Ann Papoutsis of Winnetka, WLC member, wore a scarf with gold ribbon detailing and gilded jewelry with a puffer vest to round out a casual golden age Oscars look.
“It’s so much fun,” Papoutsis said. “Just being able to watch the Oscars together is really a lot of fun.”
Attendee Josh Spinner, 19, of Glencoe, of the New Trier Township High School Class of 2022, said the Oscars appeals to, “all ages, I think everyone watches movies.
“I would say for my age group, we’re very into the Hollywood entertainment, movies, music,” Spinner said. “It’s relevant.”
Spinner saw the “Wonka” movie a couple months ago in a theater.
“It was fun,” Spinner said. “I do say that it’s better to watch a movie in a movie theater. But I think a lot of people my age go and watch Netflix or watch HBO Max or Amazon Prime…Hulu.”
Rowena Festin of Lake Forest wore a silver sweater for a sparkling fashion Oscars statement.
“I just like keeping up with what’s going on in the movies,” Festin said. “I think they reflect our society.”
Judy Phillips of Northbrook, a former Glencoe resident of 40 years, has been a club member for four decades, joining as a way to give back to the community.
“I’m an award buff, I watch all the award shows,” Phillips added. “And I watch the preshow and the red carpet.
According to the WLC website, the club began in 1874 and serves the needs of women who, “want connection and community, and programs that support lifelong learning and personal growth and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to our North Shore community.”
Parkinson indicated the club has 90 members, including several men, and is looking to grow its membership with adults aged 18 and up. The annual membership is $75.
“People need community and it’s very important to us to foster community, to be there for each other, to be kind, anyone is welcome, it doesn’t matter religion, political views, we’re gender fluid,” Parkinson said. “We’re growing.”
Marla Simon of Evanston is a new club member.
“I’m really excited because everyone’s been really friendly,” Simon said. “And I’m looking to make connection and so I’m excited to have an opportunity.”
Events include a May 18 philanthropic adult prom, fireside chats, a fall fashion show plus special opportunities such as axe throwing. Members are also encouraged to suggest ideas.
“We want this club to be the members’ club,” Parkinson said. “We try all different things so people can experience things that they might not ordinarily do.”
This year, the WLC will donate $50,000 to recipients via a grant application process.
“Our message is that we are a welcoming community where people can feel safe, have a good time, formulate lifelong friendships, give back to the community and learn together,” Parkinson said. “Our purpose is to foster friendship, learning and philanthropy.”
Learn more at https://www.wlcglencoe.com/.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
