Recipients of the Cinematic Support Star Award during the SALA Oscar Night Party are, from left, Jonathan Creel, Kristen Hollis, Todd Nickols, Kaity Burke, Gordon McDonough, Liz Martineau and Leslie Linke. Not pictured is Kelly Stewart. Photo Courtesy SALA
Jeff Favorite, far left, and Kaity Burke, far right pose with their ‘Oscars’ March 10 during the Oscar Night Party at SALA. Also pictured are SALA owner Allan Saenz and Patricia Burnside. Photo Courtesy SALA
Kristen Hollis with her ‘Oscar’ during the SALA Oscar Night Party March 10. Photo courtesy SALA
SALA owner Allan Saenz, left, and Jonathan Creel chat during SALA’s March 10 Oscar Night Party. Photo Courtesy SALA
SALA NEWS RELEASE
SALA Event Center was a spectacle of glamour and celebration as it hosted its second Oscar Night Party, March 10, paying tribute to the local talents who contributed to the making of the critically acclaimed movie “Oppenheimer.” The event was marked by an atmosphere of pride and excitement, particularly because “Oppenheimer” led the Oscar race with 13 nominations, a project that saw significant contributions from the Los Alamos community.
The red carpet welcomed SALA Members, movie extras, and locals involved in the production, all dressed in their finest attire to celebrate the movie’s success and their personal contributions. The evening was filled with music, courtesy of the talented Xander Mancino, whose performance added a touch of elegance to the festive ambiance.
Allan Saenz, the owner of SALA, expressed a deep sense of pride and connection to the film’s achievements, highlighting the community’s integral role in the movie’s production.
“This evening is not just about the global success of ‘Oppenheimer’ but also about recognizing and celebrating our local community’s contribution to this cinematic masterpiece,” Saenz stated.
The event kicked off with the charismatic Jeff Favorite, a local celebrity and movie extra, who brought humor and warmth as the evening’s host. Attendees enjoyed a trivia session about the Oscars and “Oppenheimer”, interspersed with captivating behind-the-scenes stories shared by Leslie Linke, Todd Nickols, Kris Hollis and Liz Martineau.
Scene from SALA’s March 10 Oscar Night Party. Photo Courtesy SALA
Highlighting the night were the award presentations, acknowledging the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles behind the scenes and on screen:
Cinematic Support Star Award:
- Gordon McDonough
- Liz Martineau
- Kristen Hollis
- Todd Nickols
- Kaity Burke
- Leslie Linke
- Kelly Stewart
- Jonathan Creel
Community Contribution to Film Award:
- Austin Nichols
- Bill Somers
- Jackie Dorhout
- Matt Bergren
- Shane Fogerty
- Thomas Tierney
- Lauren McDaniel
- Jeff Favorite
Lisa and David Hampton enjoy the Oscar night festivities March 10 at SALA. Photo Courtesy SALA
The celebration reached its peak as “Oppenheimer” clinched 7 Oscar awards, instilling a sense of collective triumph among the attendees. “It felt as though we all won tonight, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community,” Saenz said.
The SALA Event Center’s Oscar Night Party not only celebrated the international accolades of “Oppenheimer” but also shone a light on the local talents and contributions that helped bring the film to life, reinforcing the bond between the Los Alamos community and the world of cinema.
Liz Martineau and ‘Oppenheimer’ share a moment during SALA’s Oscar Night Party. Photo Courtesy SALA
Enjoying the Oscar Night Party March 10 at SALA are, from left, Becky Shankland, Lisa Hampton, David Hampton and Barbara Calef. Photo Courtesy SALA
Some of the recipients of the Community Contribution to Film Award March 10 during SALA’s Oscar Night Party. Photo Courtesy SALA