TFA Students Roll Out Red Carpet for Oscar Party
Movie lovers who can’t make it to Hollywood for the Academy Awards ceremony still have the chance to watch the televised event in style during the seventh annual Television and Film Arts (TFA) Night at the Oscars, Sunday, February 22, from 8:00 p.m.to midnight in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall on the Buffalo State campus.
Students in TFA director Jeffrey Hirschberg’s Film and Criticism course organized the event, which is open to the public. This year’s theme is “Red, White, and Beautiful,” and should promise to provide a little fun and glitz into an otherwise cold and dismal month.
When guests arrive, students will conduct red carpet interviews about what they are wearing and who they expect to win in different categories. During the Oscars ceremony, which will be projected on a giant screen, guests can mingle and enjoy catered food and beverages. A local band also will perform.
“Planning this kind of party is a lot like doing a short film,” said co-chair Madeline Allard. “You have to be a good problem-solver, have to cooperate, and must be creative. Even though it can be stressful at times, it’s worth it in the end when it all comes together and we make something magical.”
What sets the TFA event apart is its inclusion of student films. Guests have the chance to watch students’ five to 10-minute films on iMacs and cast their vote for favorite actor, actress, screenplay, director, and picture. The TFA Pioneer Awards will be announced throughout the evening, as will best-dressed awards for audience members.
Overall it’s a production that demonstrates production skills.
“Students have to use the same skill set—coordinating the food, hiring the band, and planning the theme that they would for producing a short film or TV show,” said Hirschberg. “Night at the Oscars is perfectly aligned with what we do in TFA. We’re all about the movies. What better opportunity for students than to own the Oscars?”
Tickets to TFA Night at the Oscars are $10. Students with ID will be admitted for free. All proceeds fund TFA scholarships and help students afford course-based trips.