Chicago got the Hollywood treatment Feb. 24. when the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) rolled out the red carpet for 300 guests at the 20th annual Oscar Experience. The fundraising party — one of 46 across the country officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — has raised more than $36 million for local communities since its inception. Hosts Amanda Puck and Jason Felsenthal escorted attendees dressed in their Oscar best down the red carpet, where they got camera-ready with the help of makeup by Claudio Riaz and hair by Blow by Blow, then enjoyed bites from Pure Kitchen Catering. Once inside, the crowd settled into the Film Center’s movie theaters to cheer on their favorite stars alongside co-chairs Kristin Anderson and Splash editor Susanna Negovan. The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen

Chicago got the Hollywood treatment Feb. 24. when the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) rolled out the red carpet for 300 guests at the 20th annual Oscar Experience. The fundraising party — one of 46 across the country officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — has raised more than $36 million for local communities since its inception. Hosts Amanda Puck and Jason Felsenthal escorted attendees dressed in their Oscar best down the red carpet, where they got camera-ready with the help of makeup by Claudio Riaz and hair by Blow by Blow, then enjoyed bites from Pure Kitchen Catering. Once inside, the crowd settled into the Film Center’s movie theaters to cheer on their favorite stars alongside co-chairs Kristin Anderson and Splash editor Susanna Negovan.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen