KayOscars a roaring success

The event has grown from an end of season 'thank you' party by Kayos Casting Directors, into an industry-supported charity drive. With the Oscar Awards as its initial inspiration, this year's superstar soiree was an evening of finery and frippery, a fashion parade and a cleavage festival.

The film industry came together in a wonderful display of generosity, sponsoring the entire event right from the flowers through to the host of the show, comedian Alan Committie, who kept the show moving with witty quips and barbed one-liners. Kooky and unorthodox the evenings events were a validation for those 'little' people, the talent that make up the cast for all the thousands of commercials shot annually in Cape Town. Nominees arrived in limousines and guests and nominees alike were ushered up the red carpet to the sounds of screaming fans and flashing cameras and their arrival interviews were then live-streamed into the venue.

The slick production followed the Oscar formula, showing the nominees auditions followed by their commercials. Keanu Reeves made a brief and 'altered' appearance while other celebrities included award winners Minki van der Westhuizen and Langley Kirkwood and a host of SA film and TV commercial talent, their agents, advertising agencies and the cities top film production companies.

Two charities, The Foundation for a Brighter Future and The Shine Centre, will be the beneficiaries of the evening events. Their coffers received a healthy boost when ex-Springbok Christian Stewart auctioned two one-hour supersonic turbojet flights on the BAe Buccaneer and the English Electric Lightening. Skip Margetts of The Farm Film Productions was the winning bidder for both flights.

Supported by over 650 people, the evening was a celebration and affirmation of the spirit of reciprocity and generosity that characterises the industry. A proudly South African event that is one to watch!