The Greatest Showman #1236 – Top Party

The 85th Academy Awards ceremony has finally come to an end.

"Escape from Tehran" has indeed made history, claiming the Best Picture statuette and becoming only the second film in 13 years, after "Driving Miss Daisy" in 1990, to win Best Picture without a Best Director nomination. Remarkably, "Escape from Tehran" joins a rare club of only four films in Oscar history to achieve this feat, alongside "Wings" and "Grand Hotel," works from a much earlier era.

This year's Academy Awards have been marked by many historical moments—from the nominations to the winners, from Daniel Day-Lewis to Jennifer Lawrence, from Ang Lee to Adele. The Academy has ushered in a new era, and the reshuffling of the film industry will undoubtedly continue.

One surprise of the evening was the Best Sound Effects win by "Edge of Tomorrow," an unexpected victory amidst stiff competition. However, the Best Editing nomination was claimed by "Escape from Tehran," further solidifying its status in the Oscar race.

As the turbulence of the awards season winds down, the end of the Oscars signals the beginning of another celebratory cycle. While the Oscars are a spotlight for only a select few—no more than 100 nominees—the event itself is far from the only gathering of significance. Once the ceremony concludes, a grand carnival begins.

Strictly speaking, the Oscars are an exclusive event, but Oscar Night, organized by Vanity Fair, transcends the boundaries of the awards show. It has evolved from a mere afterparty to a massive gathering, attracting top figures from entertainment, sports, business, and media. It's a celebration of fame and fortune, an event where being invited signifies belonging to a world of influence and prestige.

Oscar Night is not just a glamorous party—it's a key social event, orchestrated by Vanity Fair since 1993, designed to bring together the crème de la crème of various industries. Celebrities, business moguls, top filmmakers, media icons, and public figures mingle, exchanging ideas, forging alliances, and enjoying a night of unparalleled access to Hollywood's inner circle.

As much as the Oscars themselves are a celebration of film, Oscar Night is a celebration of status. Invitations to the event are a rare commodity, and being part of the guest list is a badge of honor. Vanity Fair has perfected the art of exclusivity. Invitations are not just given to nominees but to top industry players, from A-list actors like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks to emerging stars and influential figures. Even second-tier actors, popular singers, and high-ranking professionals find themselves invited to this prestigious event.

The allure of Oscar Night is undeniable. It's where new opportunities are born—where actors, producers, and entrepreneurs network, and where fame can be solidified. For many, an invitation to the party is not just a chance to celebrate; it's a chance to change the course of their careers.

The invitations themselves have become coveted symbols of success. Each year, the price of an invitation rises, sometimes reaching up to $400,000 on the black market. For those invited, attending the party is an unmissable opportunity to solidify their status. For others, it's a ticket to break into the industry, gain exposure, and forge connections that might otherwise be out of reach.

Vanity Fair has managed to turn Oscar Night into a global spectacle, a glamorous affair filled with the brightest stars and the most influential figures. Though the evening is celebrated with excess and grandeur, it is, at its core, about the exchange of power, influence, and opportunity.

In short, Oscar Night is a dream come true for many—whether they are newcomers hoping to make their mark, established stars reaffirming their status, or business moguls seeking new prospects. It's the one night where anything can happen, and the possibilities are limitless.

This is the essence of Oscar Night: a celebration of success, fame, and the opportunity to build new legacies.