Park Union rolls out the red carpet for Academy Awards


By Cassie Bloombaum
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, February 25, 2005

This Sunday at the Park Student Union, expect to be treated like a star.

From 6 p.m. until the conclusion of the 77th annual Academy Awards broadcast, the films committee and special events committee of the University Activities Board will be hosting an Oscar party complete with fun, food and prizes.

Allen Menasco, a media arts freshman and vice chair of the film committee, said to expect a lot of fun.

"Sunday night, we're going to have a big red carpet gala event complete with photographers, good food, prizes," Menasco said. "It's all celebrating the Oscars and movies in general."

Alex Lau, films committee chairman, said that although it is a casual event, he would like to see people arrive in nice attire.

"There are no clothing requirements, although we would like to see people dress nicely," said Lau, a journalism junior. "We want people to come check out the party regardless of whether they are dressed nicely or plan to stay for the entire broadcast."

Lau also said there will be a "best-dressed" contest.

"We just want people to have fun and get in the Oscars mood," Lau said. "However, if people want to come dressed in casual street clothes, we certainly want them to go also."

Lau also said the party is free, as well as the prizes.

"The party will be free for everyone, yet there will be free prizes, contests and appetizers," Lau said.

According to Lau, prizes will be awarded to the winners of the best-dressed contest and the "Oscar winner prediction" contest.

Lau said there will be a photographer to simulate paparazzi, as well as plenty of Oscar-themed decorations.

"There will be someone taking pictures, movie themed decorations, a live broadcast of the Oscars projected on a large screen and displays about nominees," Lau said.

Lau also said the party is being hosted by UAB, a group that is responsible for a lot of the events that go on around campus.

"We are the group that presents film events like the Kill Bill double feature in Gallagher (Theater), ...Family Weekend, Battle of the Bands, Casino Night, Comedy Corner, craft fairs on the mall and much more," Lau said.

Lau said the main purpose of the event is for people to just come out and have fun.

"It is going to be a casual event where people can just come enjoy themselves with friends and win some prizes," Lau said.

Lau said he wants people who have never been to an event at the Park Student Union to come see it and enjoy.

"We also want people to come check out PSU ... if they have never been there before, and even if they have, this event provides an opportunity for them to see programming in a somewhat different environment," Lau said.