[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his past week we got the chance to attend for the second year in a row, the Vanity Fair Social Club during Oscars week. For four days we were treated to a slew of Oscar-nominated directors, screenwriters, makeup artists and costume designers, along with social media personalities and more. Come along as we give you an up close look at all the exciting happenings at the VFSC, starting with day one and two.
Day One
This year’s Vanity Fair Social Club was held at the beautiful Platform building in Culver City. Right at 11 am sharp, we rode the elevator up to the last floor and check in with the lovely people at the check-in booth for our official VFSC badge.
We then made our way to where everything was set up for us attendees. To say everything was set up in Tumblr style would be an underestimated. 
Everything, including the popular social club and bar was chic with just a touch of indie/rustic style. Couches and furnishings were placed around the main stage and in the middle of the floor for seating and relaxing.
There was even a nook in the far corner of the room set up with tables and chairs for those who needed a space to blog, write and upload at their leisure.
The first event on the program was the And the Oscar Goes To: Award Prediction Panel, Presented by Chrysler. The panel was moderated by Hollywood Editor Katey Rich (VanityFair.com), and featured Dave Karger (Fandango) Franklin Leonard (CEO and Founder of The Blacklist), Bladimiar Norman (SVP Digital Marketing, Skydance Media), Anne Thompson, (Indiewire), and Krista Smith (Executive West Coast Editor, Vanity Fair).
Now we love finding out what the experts say about who and what film will take an Oscar home, so we had our ears perked and ready to hear what the panel had to say. It was interesting to hear their reasons behind the voting process, why certain films don’t make the cut, and their different opinions on who would take Big Picture. But one thing was certain amongst the panel (and audience) Leonardo Dicaprio would be taking home an Oscar.
And if listening in on the panel’s lively passion for films wasn’t incentive enough, there were Oscar ballots available for us throughout the four-day event for us to fill out and then turn in for a chance to win a weekend getaway courtesy of Chrysler.
After the panel ended, we quickly grabbed a rice box the lovely people from Grocerier Cafe & Marketplace Catering had out for us, which featured Korean style beef, bamboo rice, bok choy and pickled sesame carrots. There was also a tasty vegetarian option as well.
Right at 2pm came the Just a Girl that Sings, hosted once again by Katey Rich with guests Director Asif Kapadia (Amy) and Nick Shymansky.
One of the things we love coming to the Vanity Fair Social Club is that we come out with a deeper understanding of films, direction, and just the message these films are trying to convey. This was the case when Hollywood Editor Katey Rich (VanityFair.com) introduced Asif Kapadia, the director of Amy. The highly acclaimed film gives a raw depiction of the life of singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse.
We admit our knowledge of Amy Winehouse was restricted by our love of her music, and so finding out more about the complex life of the singer-songwriter was an eye opener. And the moment was further magnified for us audience when close friend and Ex Manager Nick Shymansky joined the panel to talk about his relation with Amy, his initial concerns on participating in the documentary at the beginning, and his relief that at long last people will see the real Amy.
With an hour to relax before the panel was to start, we took this opportunity to explore the different fun activities around. The first stop was at the hair and makeup nook VFSC had set up for the different hair and beauty treatments to happen each day.
The first day was all about hair as the VFSC offered a L’Oréal Paris Extraordinary Oil Dry Hair Styling experience with L’Oreal Paris Celebrity Hair Stylist, Mara Roszak. Those with an appointment were treated a fabulous 30 minute hair session.
Now we love Youtube, so we quickly grabbed a front row seat to see Social Media Editor Jeffrey Tousey (VanityFair.com) in conversation with one of our favorite Youtubers, Tyler Oakley.
In his usual hilarious and charismatic fashion, Oakley talks about how he got into Youtube, how he has used the platform to make a career for himself, his documentary Snervous, and the importance of using social media to spark change.
After the final panel, the Stella Artois Happy Hour officially began. We took this opportunity to step outside on the deck to look at the fabulous view of Culver City.
DAY TWO
The first panel on day two of VFSC was iFilm: A Conversation with the Director and Star of Tangerine. Vanity Fair’s Executive West Coast Editor Krista Smith sat down with Director Sean S. Baker and star of the film, Mya Taylor.
Now we hadn’t heard about Tangerine prior to the panel so we were interested to find out more about this independent film. The film follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her while she served a 28-day prison sentence.
It was fascinating to find out the film was shot entirely on an iPhone, and some of the cast were found via Vine and other social media platforms. Mya Taylor’s witty sass and larger than life personality made us excited to check out more about her acclaimed role as Alexandra in Tangerine.
As customary, we took a much needed lunch break with other fellow Bloggerbabes.
On the menu were a Turkey and cheese sandwich, and beet & vegetable spring salad, along with a cold glass of ginger lemonade. We also picked up a soft pretzel and a bagel chip and bruchetta dip cup for later on.
Just before 2pm, we made our way back to our seats to get ready for the Writing the Story of N.W.A panel hosted by Krista Smith and featuring two of the writers for Straight Outta Compton, Andrea Berloff and Jonathan Herman.
Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, the two writers of Straight Outta Compton, one of the most successful films of the year, discuss the research and writing process for the film, the #OscarssoWhite controversy, and offer sound advice to aspiring screenplay writers.
With an hour to spare before Emblem3’s performance, we paid a visit to the YSL Beauté Touch-Up Studio to see how the makeup consultations were going, as well as see YSL Beauté Makeup Artist Dell Ashley do amazing beauty touch-ups too.
Back at the main stage, we could already see the crowd gathering as the guys from Emblem3 started to run a sound check before their performance.
Not a moment sooner did The Insider’s Keltie Knight come out to interview Wesley Stromberg, Keaton Stromberg and Drew Chadwick, the three members behind the band Emblem3.
Some may remember Emblem3, who finished fourth place on the second season of the X Factor USA. The band broke up in 2014, but has reunited and they are set to go on tour very soon.
During the Q&A, the guys discussed what they look for in their dream girl, their new music and the impact digital streaming is having on how people buy music. We were then treated to a live performance of their original song, “Now” and a cover of Justin Beiber’s pop chart song, “Love Yourself”.
It was definitely a great way to end Day two of VFSC.
Make sure to come tomorrow, as we give a behind the scenes look at Day Three & Four of VFSC.
Looks like you had a great time! I’m a little jealous I wasn’t there – especially since Leo won his Oscar this year and it would’ve been memorable to talk about it!
Wow this lookks like so much fun! The place, the food and all the people look amazing I’d love to be there one daysounds like a fantastic place
What a cool event! Sounds like there was so much to see and do!