We saw the searchlights stroking the sky before we got to the George Eastman House for its 2008 Academy Awards Party. As we pulled up to the University Avenue entrance as instructed, the presence of flashing police cars was a bit unsettling, until we realized they were there for us, the beautiful people. As we waited in the car putting the finishing touches on our make-up and watching the valet guys running to and fro, our excitement began to build. Pulling up, our doors were opened and we were helped out of our seats, with wishes of a good evening as we were led to the red carpet. The doors were opened and the paparazzi were upon us - Flash! Flash! Flash! What fun! Even more fun knowing that our pictures weren't really being taken, so there was absolutely no chance of there being a bad one.

Inside we were given programs and our drink tickets. The hallway was lined with feeding stations with movie themes. "The Godfather" was Italian, of course, with olives and peppers, ziti with sauce, and really yummy tortellini in a cream sauce, and garlic bread, all surrounding a stick pony head with blood. "The Wizard of Oz" had mini pigs in a blanket, quiches, veggies, and cheeses. "Brokeback Mountain" served a cowboy menu of barbequed meat, cornbread, biscuits, and baked beans. "King Kong" offered every dessert imaginable, with a chocolate fountain to die for. My fave was dipping the crème puffs into the chocolate and topping with a dollop of fresh whipped crème.

Prying ourselves away from the food, we made our way into the Dryden Theatre to watch a bit of the Oscars. Unfortunately, we arrived during a commercial. It was pretty empty in there, but I can imagine it being a wonderful place to watch the show with a big bag of popcorn.

Throughout the museum, there were tables of items for silent auction. In the dining room, which was not roped off for the event, a lovely blue Tiffany bag had my name on it. Alas, the silent auction sheet did not. There was also a wine bottle grab bag. For $10 you could pull a tag out and get that bottle of wine. Surprises are fun.

Nik, in the Consevatory, with an ax. (A Clue reference.) Really, in the Conservatory Nik and the Nice Guys (and gals) inspired people to move in unmentionable ways underneath their formal wear. The huge elephant head was a perfect centerpiece for the zoo-like atmosphere. They stopped playing way too soon.

The night was a blast, except when the guy in the ill-fitting tux told my friend her hair was "horrid." Some people shouldn't drink and criticize. Back in the car there was a pretty little wrapped-up present containing two Hedonist truffles, a yummy farewell favor.

Next up: Dancing at Lughnasa