Hollywood Chamber Holds Exclusive Annual Awards Media Welcome Center at the Hollywood Museum, March 1st
For one day only from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hollywood Chamber hosted its exclusive annual press event to promote Hollywood to local, national, and international members of the media who are in town covering the Academy Awards®. The Chamber offered an opportunity for the AMPAS accredited press to convene and interview Academy Awards® insiders, book authors, museum owners, including business and civic leaders and Hollywood Walk of Fame experts. The Media Welcome Center featured an array of exhibits on Hollywood and interview opportunities from entertainment insiders. The press was treated to the best of Hollywood as exhibitors showed off what makes Hollywood the entertainment capital of the world.
Returning as presenting sponsor this year is Variety, the entertainment industry’s leading provider of the most comprehensive and in-depth news coverage of the motion picture, television, and the digital arenas. Platinum level sponsors included The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building and Pink’s Hot Dogs; Gold level sponsors included Top End Constructors, Inc.; Silver level sponsors included Bliss Spa, Drinks with Dee Dee, Hint Water, Mel’s Drive-in, Miniso USA/Hollywood Blvd, and Monster Energy.
“Our exhibitors are eager to meet with the press and update them on what’s happening in Hollywood,” said Kaylee Kiecker, Executive Vice President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. “This event features such interviews that the visiting press compiles and sends out through their newscasts, the world to learn more about the entertainment capital of the world,” she added.
A host of celebrities were in attendance including Carolyn Hennesy (Diane Miller - “General Hospital”), Darby Hinton (Israel Boone - “Daniel Boone”), Kym Karath (Grelt Von Trap, “Sound of Music”), Kate Linder (Esther Valentine - “The Young & the Restless”), actor Randal Malone, President of Southern California Motion Picture Council, Academy Award winner Margaret O’Brien (‘Tootie’ Smith - “Meet Me in St. Louis”), actor, producer Michael Schwibs (“Rat Pack Fever,” “Metal Man”), comedienne Judy Tenuta (“Love Goddess”), Johnny Whitaker (Jody Davis - “Family Affair”).
Academy Award winner and Walk of Famer Margaret O’Brien spoke of her experience as one of only twelve child actors to be honored with a special ‘Child Oscar.’ The Academy Juvenile Award or ‘Child Oscar’ was a special honorary Academy Award which recognized performers under the age of eighteen for their contribution to screen entertainment. O’Brien brought her rare ‘Child Oscar’ with her. O’Brien has two Walk of Fame stars in Motion Pictures at 6606 Hollywood Blvd. and Television at 1634 Vine Street.
Emmy-award winner Dee Dee Sorvino and renowned actor Paul Sorvino served the ‘Hollywood Star’ cocktail from their new cookbook Pinot, Pasta, and Parties.
The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building invited the press to experience a self-guided tour of the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia. The museum’s recent exhibit Batman ’66 features a one-of-a-kind, collection of costumes, props, and collectibles of the iconic 1960s show. Additionally, the museum had on display costumes and props from past Academy Awards® nominees and winners. Donelle Dadigan, Owner & Founder of the Hollywood Museum and Co-chair of the Hollywood Historic Trust, discussed the first ever exhibition of the 1960’s Batman TV show, BATMAN ’66. In collaboration with Burt Ward and world-renowned Batman ’66 collectors, the exhibit features original costumes, props, and much sought-after collectibles of this timeless fictional superhero.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell of Hollywood’s 13th District discussed the state of Hollywood. Passionate about improving the quality of life and safety, Councilmember O’Farrell shared the success story of Los Angeles’ first scramble crosswalk at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland.
Leron Gubler, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, discussed the revitalization of Hollywood and how the Chamber continues to champion the economic growth of this world-famous community.
Chamber’s Stargirl Ana Martinez, Vice President of Media Relations/Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame for more than 30 years, shared her unique experiences about this famous landmark, its history, and what it takes to be the producer of the star ceremonies.
Top End Constructors held a live demonstration of the making of a Walk of Fame star. Attending media had an exclusive opportunity to experience and interact with the process.
Hollywood’s Legendary Pink’s Hot Dogs, providing ‘Hot Dogs to the Stars,’ served their delicious dogs and boasted their ‘Celebrity Wall of Fame’ which showcases stars who have written about their love of Pink’s.
The famous Mel’s Drive-In offered chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and quinoa salad from their iconic 1950’s themed restaurant.
Miniso USA/Hollywood Blvd presented special VIP gift bags containing a treasure trove of stylish, well-made products in home, beauty, electronics, fashion, stationery, and more.
Bliss Spa, located at the beautiful W Hollywood Hotel, offered neck and shoulder massages while showcasing their unique line of products and special goodie bags.
Hint Water supplied flavored water to attending media showcasing their sweet, healthy drink.
Monster Energy Drink provided beverages to quench the media’s thirst with a delicious drink that enhances stamina and energy.
AMPAS has graciously donated this year’s 2018 Oscar® poster featuring this year’s host Jimmy Kimmel.
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Photos by Marlene Panoyan ©2018 Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
About Hollywood Chamber of Commerce – www.hollywoodchamber.net
For more than 97 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership, advocacy, business development resources, networking, and government affairs programs and services to keep the Hollywood business and residential communities safe, relevant and economically vital. Jeff Zarrinnam is the Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2017-18) and Leron Gubler is the President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. For more information please visit www.hollywoodchamber.net
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