HIFF TUX AND SLIPPAH'S HOLLYWOOD AWARDS GALA 2016

 HIFF HOLLYWOOD AWARDS GALA

HALEKALANI HOTEL, HONOLULU, HAWAII

I am not one to attend Black Tie affairs or even put on a suit but when we were offered two tickets to a $1000 per plate fundraiser for the Hawaii International Film Festival I just had to go against my normal instincts and 1) Put on a Tuxedo and 2) sit through the Academy Awards which I hate.  Turns out it was a great evening largely due to the open bar and free flowing champagne and wine.  No complaints from me on this night.  I was happy as can be.  Began the evening at a cocktail reception where champagne and pupu's were served.  Nice appetizers and open bar put everyone in a pretty good mood prior to going upstairs to the banquet room.  I thought the event would be stuffy with a lot of people that would bother me.  In fact it was just the opposite.  Everyone was extremely friendly and gracious.  Again I think the free flowing booze helped.  We had expected the food to be amazing as this was the Halekulani Hotel and it was $1000 per plate.  The food failed to impress.  I liked the Grilled Fish best.  The Steak was a bit tough, cold and served with salsa and an overcooked egg.  Did not much care as my waiter kept filling my glass with a nice red wine.  Sitting through the Academy Awards was not my thing.  I ate, drank and visited the Silent Auction and then bolted early.

HIFF TUX AND SLIPPAH'S HOLLYWOOD AWARDS GALA

COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT THE HALEKALANI HOTEL JUST GETTING UNDERWAY

A NICE FLOWER ON THE TABLE

APPETIZER

MAGNOLIA BAKERY CUP CAKES

HOLLYWOOD IN WAIKIKI

LUCKY TO HAVE THE HOTTEST BABE IN THE JOINT

OH WAIT......I THINK SHE IS THE LUCKY ONE :)

MORE GLASSES AND FLATWARE ON THE TABLE THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN

PROGRAM AND DINNER MENU

OPEN FACE SANDWICHES

GRILLED FISH

STEAK WITH TOMATO ONION SAUCE (SALSA) AND FRIED EGG

DOBOSH TORTE

FOUND SOME MORE CUPCAKES IN THE LOBBY

SILENT AUCTION

THREE LARGE SCREENS PLAYING THE ACADEMY AWARDS

MY THANKS TO KITV FOR THE INVITE!

WATCHING THE OSCARS IN A TUXEDO......WHAT!

A new year and a fresh style for the Hawai’i International Film Festival’s annual fundraiser in support of HIFF’s year-round events and the HIFF Foundation’s education programs. 

On Sunday, February 28th, the red carpet glamour returns to the luxurious Halekulani with more fun than ever before. Guests at the Hollywood Awards Gala will enjoy an evening filled with an exciting silent auction, a LIVE KITV telecast of the 88th Annual Academy Awards and an elegant afternoon of champagne, tea with savories followed by a three-course dinner from celebrated Chef Vikram. 

All net proceeds from the Hollywood Awards Gala 2016 will help support HIFF’s free public events throughout the year as well as the HIFF Foundation’s educational programs. In 2015, the HIFF Foundation awarded over $25,000 in scholarships for students in Hawai’i to study locally and abroad in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, the following HIFF Foundation programs provided unique educational experiences to primary and secondary students throughout Hawai’i that encouraged students to produce quality short films, to view films through a critical eye, and aspire to higher education and careers in the film and television industry. 

STUDENT SHOWCASE Theater screenings of the best short films produced by students in Hawai’i.

GUEST FILMMAKER PROGRAM Local and visiting film industry professionals share their knowledge and experiences with Hawai’i’s youth through classroom visits.

CULTURAL & VISUAL LITERACY PROGRAM Free theater screenings for students featuring films that represent cultural and educational significance.

CREATIVE LAB AT HIFF Quality, immersive & public programs in the fields of motion pictures, television, new media, music, fashion and technology, coached and presented by leading industry professionals. 

Please help HIFF continue supporting our community and the students of Hawai’i by joining us for this exciting evening with the stars by sponsoring a individual seat. The Hawaii International Film Festival is a registered 501c3 organization and donations may be tax deductible. Those wishing to donate an item for our Silent Auction are encouraged to do so with the knowledge that your generous gift will be prominently recognized during the event. The HIFF Board of Directors, the HIFF Staff and I look forward to welcoming you to our new “Tux & Slippahs” Hollywood Awards Gala 2016!