For award show fans and filmgoers alike, the Oscars is one of the most exciting occasions of the year. But this year, there was one award show that coincided with the Oscars and might give even the most prestigious of award shows a run for their money.
The Oscar Jam took place Sunday in the Eastern Michigan University Student Center Auditorium. The awards show, which doubled as a performance showcase, was organized by the EMU Student Advertising Association.
In the spirit of the Oscars, the entrance to the auditorium was adorned with a makeshift red carpet and posters detailing the Oscar nominees. Refreshments were set out for guests.
When host and co-president of the SAA Katelyn Stafford, a senior and electronic media and film studies major, took the stage, an eager hush fell over the audience. After a brief introduction, the award ceremony began.
Allen “Buddy” Shuh, who graduated from EMU in 2009 and was a season 13 contestant of the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser,” accepted the first award of the night.
Winning in the Best Motivator category, he spoke to the audience about his free weight-loss program, Buddy Up, and graciously accepted his award, setting a pleasant tone for the rest of the evening.
Following the first few awards, the audience members were treated to live performances by musicians, dance groups and comedians.
The opening act was the local jazz ensemble Katie & the Gang. There couldn’t have been a better way to kick off the performances. Their catchy, toe-tapping tunes captivated the audience and left them hungry for more.
Solo performer Deondre Richmond, who graduated from EMU in 2012, stole the show with his funky, soulful performance.
Richmond summarized both the atmosphere of the event and the thrill of performing.
“I love the stage and performing for peers,” he said. “It’s just the vibe you get performing for students … it’s a very welcoming vibe and that’s what I like most.”
Other acts included the dance group Patchwerk and the energized rap duo KRM.
Between the talented performers, the presentation of awards and the charismatic hosts, there was never a dull moment.
As the actual ceremony of the Oscars approached, the Oscar Jam came to a close.
The winners of the prestigious Oscar Jam Oscars left with their heads held high, as the pleased audience poured out of the auditorium. All in all , the SAA celebrated a successful event.
Stafford took a moment to discuss the inspiration behind an Oscar-themed event.
“There is only one major Oscar-themed party around here, and we wanted something cheap and fun that the students could come to,” Stafford said, “We did a music ad jam in the fall that was very successful, and we wanted to do another event like that. We thought the Oscar Jam would be fun, as it gives people a chance to dress up, and it brings people together.”
