Hollywood is the place to be especially during the award season; amongst the stars, the parties and the powerbrokers who set the scene. Plan your diary and wardrobe scrupulously ahead of the Oscars. Moreover, treat every invite as an opportunity to network, but attend fewer events based on quality rather than quantity. Charmaine Blake’s Oscar Viewing Dinner is amongst the crème de la crème. Oscar nominees and winners flocked in droves to the occasion set within the grandiose Beverley Hilton Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard.

Redcarpet Arrivals

Red carpet arrivals paraded glamourous frocks, frills, suits and bow ties against the step and repeat. Goddiva London gifted me a stunning Bardot front-split maxi dress that I teamed with a diamond necklace and silver and black open-toe shoes. Confident in front of the cameras, I smiled gracefully while sharing my take on potential Oscar winners. The infectious buzz on the red carpet created a steady rhythm and flow until the viewing dinner commenced. Hospitable and super friendly, Charmaine Blake is one of the leading celebrity publicists in Hollywood. My guest and I received VIP hospitality from the red carpet to the Ultra-Gold Celebrity Gifting Lounge experience, followed by a three-course dinner with wine.

Hollywood Tribute & Charmaine Blake’s Oscar Viewing Dinner honoured two charities— the Better Vision for Children Foundation and the Faber Ryan Youth Foundation. Both empower young people through their initiatives. Collectable items from legendary stars – past and present – were up for auction. Simultaneously, guests watched The Oscars live on big silver screens.

92nd Academy Awards: Oscar Winners

• Parasite – Bong Joon-ho – Best Picture
• Joaquin Phoenix – Joker – Best Actor
• Renee Zellweger – Judy – Best Actress
• Brad Pitt – Once Upon A Time In Hollywood – Best Supporting Actor
• Laura Dern – Marriage Story – Best Supporting Actress
• Bong Joon-ho – Parasite – Best Director
• Jojo Rabbit – Taika Waititi – Best Adapted Screenplay
• Parasite – Han Jin Won – Best Original Screenplay
• Jacqueline Durran – Little Women – Best Costume Design
• Kazuhiro Tsuji, Anne Morgan, Vivian Baker – Best Makeup & Hairstyling

The electrifying atmosphere of the Dolby Theatre seemed to ricochet off the walls of The Beverly Hilton hotel. Furthermore, the ambience intensified conversation amongst guests, some of whom were striving to be the next big Angeleno.

Enigmatic Energy

Los Angeles has enigmatic energy that connects people somewhat randomly. The Oscar experience is incredible. How one utilises such connections is one’s prerogative. However, in Los Angeles, those who often dare, win, hence the predatory style of networking. At first, the latter is intimidating until you adjust to the American way. Traditional business cards are seemingly old-fashioned (although I always carry a few in my handbag). However, an Instagram account of 20,000+ followers is deemed ‘awesome’. The London way is subtle confidence and discerningly refined taste.

On the contrary, the American way is to be loud and proud, which is sometimes the only way to be heard. It takes a giant leap of faith into a culture of excellence to help you realise your true potential. Charmaine Blake’s success epitomises the American Dream. She moved from the Caribbean (her native country) to LA. Charmaine established her PR company, which has served clients internationally for over 10 years. She is living her dream in America – the Charmaine way. I am looking forward to her Oscar Viewing party next year.

Written by @styleiconnat | Thank you Charmaine Blake PR