Well that’s award season finally over! Perhaps now we can get our lives back…..
While the rest of LA were moist with anticipation for last Sunday’s Oscars, among the Brits in LA community the last month was all about The Toscars, and last Thursday’s event at the Renberg Theatre in Hollwood underlines just how proud Eileen and I are of this community which YOU have helped create. Members rallied round to get involved in either making the films, helping us produce the event and volunteered to help things run smoothly. Speacial thanks go to Christine Peake, Andy Tyler, our performers Annie McQueen and Matthew Cheadle who performed the Oscar-winning track “Shallow”, and former participants who had appeared in winning films in the past (including moi), who knocked it out of the park with a rousing version of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. And of course our host Stephen Marcus, who did a fantastic job.
It truly takes a village to make the Toscars happen, so thank you so much to our sponsors: Beltran Brito & Casomayor Immigration Attorneys, Final Draft, Silent Pool Gin, Peroni and Auburn James Wines. And all of our gift givers including Cecconi’s restaurant, The Cat and the Fiddle Pub, Lamo Footwear, Montecristo Social Club, Fake Bake, Nuude Botanical and Lyfe Spa.
Guests enjoyed a red carpet cocktail reception and in honor of the nominated film “Roma” Tacos were scoffed down and unique Toscars Chocolate Cookies by Sweets Party Treats. Speaking of “Roma” it’s parody film “Coma” took home five awards including best picture. Team leader/Producer Victoria Hoffman has been a part of The Toscars for the past five years and she also nabbed a Golden Fist for Best Whactress. A testament to hanging there and putting in the work. Congrats to everyone who took part, it was a great year and everyone had a great time. Our after party was hosted at Tramp Stamp Granny’s, a fun piano bar owned by Emmy winner Darren Criss. Guests sipped Hendricks’ Gin and sang showtunes all night long.
I barely had time to recover before Sunday, when I had the good fortune to attend Elton John’s Oscar soirée at West Hollywood Park where they raised a whopping $6.5 million for Sir Elt’s AIDS Foundation. I’m still amazed at the great work Sir Elton and David Furnish do. The musical act was The Killers and boy did they ever. It set the tone for the after party and so many stayed into the wee small hours.
On a sadder note. At he ripe old age of 45 I’ve come to the conclusion that I need help with my vision. So Eileen pointed out that Costco offer eye exams for $59. Such a bargain and it somewhat softens the blow for those of us who are finally getting grips with ageing… and these are little reminders to enjoy our youth and vigor for as long as possible. And to have as much fun and make as many memories as we can. I don’t take my youth and vitality for granted that I am fortunate enough to attend these great events but I sure as hell appreciate the opportunities I am given. With that said I don’t intend to go anywhere any time soon, (or even be ready for my senior discount) because until then there’s so much fun to be had at any age. Just ask Bernard, our resident host at the BiLA Breakfast Club every Tuesday. Yorkshireman Bernard has just celebrated his 91st birthday and is a shining example to us all, to wake up smiling and love every day as if you’re still 21.
Till next time!
Craig
