Kevin Clifford/Nevada Appeal Lindsey Brenhinger, 17, watches as "Memoirs of a Geisha" is nominated for best original score Sunday night during the Night at the Oscars hosted by the Soroptimist International of Carson City.
Everyone had their favorites, whether they were rooting for Reese Witherspoon for best actress or for the underdog "Crash" for best picture when it comes to the Academy Awards - there is always an opinion.
Area residents got a taste of the glamour of the Oscars while raising money for the Soroptimist International of Carson City Sunday during the third annual Night at the Oscars event at the Pinon Plaza Casino Resort.
"It started as just a social event, but we had so many people want to come that we decided to use it as a fundraiser," said club president Kristy Servati.
Participants dressed in true Hollywood style to enjoy a buffet dinner while watching the awards on a big screen. During commercial breaks, guests could bid in a silent auction or have a glamour photo taken.
"We really have some people, especially women, who go all out. They rent limos for before and dress up in the formalwear and the furs," Servati said.
The event also featured eligible-bachelor volunteers who attended to the single ladies at the event.
Jennifer Duve, 33, of Carson City, recruited four bachelor from her job at Miles Brothers Construction in Mound House.
"Fundraising is always good, and this really is a good fundraiser," Duve said.
Sitting at the next table, Hollie Pliske, of Carson City, was hoping to see Reese Witherspoon walk away with the Oscar for best actress.
"I really enjoyed 'Walk the Line,' and I'd like to see Reese Witherspoon win," Pliske said.
She said she took part in the event because it's a good cause and a good time.
"This is my second year coming, and I enjoy it. They are a worthy organization," Pliske said.
Approximately 100 people spent a night at the Oscars, helping to raise more than $2,000 for the Soroptimists. Servati said that the success of the event is due in large part to the Pinon Plaza Casino.
"They do so much. We really do owe them a lot of thanks," Servati said.
Once seated, guests had their own Oscar scorecards, allowing them to see all the nominees and pick their favorites.
Servati said she had tried to see all the movies nominated for best picture and was routing for "Crash" to win. She said, however, that she would enjoy the evening anyway.
"It's just more fun to watch the Oscars with other people," she said.
-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.