Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Several dozen serious movie buffs—some of them three to four times a week moviegoers—gathered at the Georgetown N Street home of Ellen Waugh March 2 to watch and celebrate the 97th Academy Awards.
Many ladies wore fancy dresses, and some gentlemen came in tuxes. Waugh wore a sky blue dress with multiple bouffant layers of skirting. She served glasses of bubbly and other drinks and gave everyone large ballots listing every category of award and the nominees for guests to make their best guesses. Waugh’s top selections included “I’m Still Here” and “Conclave.”
Most gathered in the dining room made into a large viewing studio with an 85-inch television on the wall encased in a gold picture frame (it typically displays a painting). There was a hot dog and a popcorn stand set up and later ice cream cookie sandwiches and brownies were served.
“I go to so many movies all year and used to watch the Oscars all alone,” Waugh told The Georgetowner. “So three years ago, I decided to start hosting an annual Academy aAwards party for fellow movie fans in Georgetown.”
Her preparations this year took her into a deep internet search for small Academy Award molds with which she was going to make fudge. Unfortunately, the molds were too small so she made favor bags with scented and colored soap instead. As people were leaving she realized most thought the soaps were candy and she had to issue a broad warning: “Do not eat the favors!”
There was no clear favorite for Oscar winners this year among party goers—nor for gowns worn by the stars since most seemed simpler than in former years—mostly slim strapless with beautiful necklaces—probably subdued in respect to the extensive destruction of parts of Los Angeles by wildfires earlier this year.
“Anora” turned out to be the big winner. Everyone left the Georgetown Oscar party satisfied that they had fested the art and producers of filmmaking in style.
Academy Awards lover Ellen Waugh dressed appropriately for her party.
Party-goers each got an Oscars score card as seen on the big Oscars board.