Aspen Film rolls out red carpet

ASPEN – OK, so it’s not the Dolby Theatre but the Caribou Club instead. And those in attendance might not be household names like Steven Spielberg or Ben Affleck. But as far as Kip Hubbard is concerned, Sunday’s gala that benefits Aspen Film is still a big-time event.

“It’s definitely turned into our big annual fun party,” said Hubbard, who’s been the nonprofit’s executive director for six months.

Sunday marks the eighth year of the fundraiser, one that benefits Aspen Film’s educational offerings and film programming.

“After expenses,” Hubbard said, “everything goes toward bringing filmmakers to the valley. It’s just a great opportunity for not only audiences to hear them (at such events as Shorts Fest and FilmFest), but it’s also an opportunity to get the filmmakers into the schools.”

Called the Motion Picture Awards Party, the fundraiser will take place at the posh Caribou Club, a venue that generally is closed to the public and is for its well-heeled members only.

The Caribou Club’s Billy Stolz, known as “Dr. No” since he watches the establishment’s door, was key to getting access to the spot, Hubbard said, as well Esther Pearlstone, Aspen Film’s board co-chair.

Exclusivity aside, $350 will get you in the door for the party, which will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and the airing of the 85th Annual Academy Awards on a bevy of flat-screen televisions.

Aspen Film members get in for $250. Those willing to doll out $5,000 get an exclusive table; $10,000 will get you a premier table with all of its perks; and $20,000 entitles the buyer to a private screening room for as many as 30 guests. Caviar and champagne included.

Those royal prices also will command royal treatment, starting with the red-carpet entrance.

“Myself and one of the VJs at (TV station) Aspen 82 will be greeting people,” Hubbard said.

So how to dress for such a gala?

“Basically anything goes in Aspen,” Hubbard said. “It’s definitely Aspen chic. I’ll wear a suit with a black T-shirt. Some men wear tuxes; others wear suits. It’s a fun party.”

Picking the Oscar winners, or at least trying to, is half the fun, Hubbard said. Attendees will be given ballots to fill out with a chance to win prizes.

Hubbard, when asked to provide his pick for Best Picture, said he felt “Argo” has a solid chance, but “Lincoln” likely will prevail.

“To me, it was a snapshot of American history,” he said. “It was such a critical time and to see Daniel Day-Lewis do what he did. It’s a very, very powerful story. You see the different points of view and the ongoing struggle of philosophies. It’s a great film.”

He also sees Day-Lewis seizing the Best Actor award and Jennifer Lawrence taking Best Actress for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

More details on Sunday’s fundraiser are available at http://www.aspenfilm.org.

rcarroll@aspentimes.com