Kimberly Trapani
Entertainment Director
Company Author
Executive Director
Project Manager
Author Rosalyn Kahn
Reflections on the eZWay Awards Oscar Viewing Golden Gala
The eZWay Awards Oscar Viewing Golden Gala, held on March 2, 2025, at The Voco Hotel in
Laguna Hills, was a dazzling evening of Hollywood glamour, philanthropy, and entertainment.
Benefiting Better Vision for Children (BVC), the gala brought together celebrities, influencers,
and industry leaders to support a crucial cause while enjoying the spectacle of the 97th
Academy Awards.
They came from near and far, dressed in their finest attire, from runway models to Hollywood
elites. Camera flashes illuminated the evening as guests vied for their moment in the spotlight.
As the loudspeaker announced, "The show starts now," attendees hurriedly found their seats, and the energy in the Grand Crystal Ballroom reached a fever pitch.
A Night of Magic and Glamour
The evening began with mesmerizing performances from Magic Castle magicians Mark Paskell and Ivan Amodie, who cast their spell over the audience. Finding a seat in the bustling venue was a challenge, but a serendipitous encounter led to a conversation with Van Dichoso who introduced me as multi-talented guest—a journalist, to his guest -Abdulai Amidu bodyguard, Jessica Rodriguez publicist and tv host, River Rock Producer Dutch Morrocan actress Saida Fakher filmmaker, and producer from Morocco. He became an unexpected savior, assisting with camera storage issues and sharing industry insights.
Nearby, a fashion designer Jean Pioso, who had designed a men’s accessory bag designed by Jean Amour with a striking Eiffel Tower men’s accessory bag designed and mother-of-pearl
clutch detailed how her artistic journey began over a bottle of wine, evolving into a passion for
layered designs inspired by oil painting. To the left, Chinese-American actress Bai Ling
captivated onlookers with her striking presence. Known for her bold and unconventional fashion choices, she wore a stunning yellow gown featuring a daring thigh-high slit and a unique halter design—an ensemble that embodied confidence and energy.
Bai Ling recounted her journey from China to America, arriving with nothing but determination.
Her breakthrough role in the 1997 film Red Corner established her as a Hollywood icon,
renowned for her fearless roles and fashion statements. The contrast between the reserved
elegance of a model to the right, nervously adjusting her slit, and Bai Ling's unabashed
confidence highlighted the diverse interpretations of beauty and self-expression in the room.
Celebrating Excellence and Philanthropy
As the awards show began, the room quieted. The most poignant moment came when a
filmmaking duo from Cyprus took the stage, their speech revealing the whirlwind journey that
brought them to Hollywood. A canceled flight nearly prevented them from attending, but less
than 24 hours later, they stood on stage, holding an Oscar in disbelief.
During commercial breaks, the eZWay Golden Gavel Awards honored remarkable individuals,
including NBA legend A.C. Green, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Best known for his record-breaking 1,192 consecutive games played, Green has dedicated his post-basketball career to philanthropy, focusing on underprivileged youth through the A.C. Green Foundation. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for receiving recognition beyond the basketball court, emphasizing his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Star-Studded Performances and Honorees.
Hosted by Emmy-winning actress Kate Linder (The Young and The Restless) and actor Trae
Ireland (9-1-1, Fortress), the gala boasted a social media reach exceeding 14 million followers,
amplifying its mission to support vision-impaired children. The event featured a star-studded
lineup of performers, including:
Magic acts by Mark Paskell and Ivan Amodie
Musical performances by Quinton Aaron, Katja Glieson, John Michael Ferrari, and 12-
year-old sensation Christine Marie
Comedy from Jimmy Shin and Eugenia Kuzmina
A live band directed by music legend Kevin Dorsey
Quinton Aaron, best known for The Blind Side, presented awards alongside other notable
figures. Australian recording artist Katja Glieson, famed for her viral Princess Rap Battle, moved the audience with her performance. The event also highlighted the California Lions Club Friends and Sight Program and Choc Children’s Hospital Vision Center, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing children's futures.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Eric Zuley, the event’s executive producer and an influential media mogul, underscored the
gala’s purpose: "This year's event not only celebrates Hollywood’s finest but also builds better vision programs for children, from physical eyesight to envisioning a brighter future." Better Vision for Children (BVC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues its mission to provide essential vision care for children worldwide. With an estimated 1 billion children affected by vision impairment, events like the eZWay Awards serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness and support.
As the night drew to a close, guests left inspired, having witnessed a seamless blend of
entertainment and philanthropy. The 2025 eZWay Awards Oscar Viewing Golden Gala was
more than just an event—it was a movement, uniting Hollywood’s brightest stars with a mission
to change lives, one vision at a time.
A Night of Firsts, Surprises, and Star-Studded Celebrations at the Oscars & amp; EZWay Gala
The Oscars are always full of glitz, glam, and unexpected surprises, and this year did not
disappoint. From history-making wins to hilarious moments, it was a night that will be talked
about for years to come.
One of the funniest highlights of the evening came when Bowen Yang took the stage to present the award for Best Costume Design—dressed in full costume himself. The problem? He didn’t get the memo that no one else was in costume! His reaction was priceless, and the entire audience erupted in laughter as he played along with the unexpected fashion faux pas.
Beyond the laughs, the night was filled with powerful and emotional wins. Anora stole the show, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture. Actress Mikey Madison delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches of the evening, saying, & quotes: I will always keep in my heart and ways the ladies of the street for what they taught me." The raw emotion in her words left many in the audience deeply moved.
History was also made when Paul Tazewell won Best Costume Design, becoming the first Black man to ever take home this award. It was a milestone moment for the industry, celebrating long-overdue recognition of his incredible talent.
Adding to the mix, the LA Firefighters took the stage for a special presentation, bringing in a
much-needed dose of humor. Their joke had the entire room cracking up, proving that even on
Hollywood’s biggest night, a little laughter goes a long way.
But the celebrations didn’t stop at the Oscars. Over at the EZWay Oscar Gala and Awards
Show, the energy was just as electric. This exclusive event brought together A-list celebrities,
industry insiders, and influencers for a night of networking, awards, and unforgettable
entertainment. It was a gathering of visionaries, celebrating those who are making waves in
Hollywood and beyond.
From the iconic Oscars stage to the star-studded EZWay Gala, the night was a true testament
to the power of storytelling, resilience, and the magic of the silver screen. These moments
remind us why we love movies—they make us laugh, they make us cry, and most importantly,
they leave us inspired.