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Academy Museum reveals long-awaited opening date in surprise Oscar-night announcement

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Tom Hanks made the official announcement that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will open on December 14 (Image via YouTube)

In all the excitement over Oscar night’s landmark win by “Parasite” for Best Picture, one of the ceremony’s other most notable moments might have been overlooked in post-show hubbub.

History was also made during the Academy Awards presentation in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday when Tom Hanks announced to the audience – and to millions of broadcast viewers around the world – that the long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will be opening its doors in 2020.

Hanks, who made the announcement in his capacity as museum trustee and co-chair, alongside co-chair Annette Bening and chair Bob Iger, of the Academy Museum campaign, started with comments about LA’s abundance of museums (“We even have a museum dedicated to selfies. I’m not sure why, but there it is.”).

He went on to add, “But there has never been a museum dedicated to the art and science of motion pictures, but it is being born, this labor of love,” before joking that he had spent the day “laying drywall” side by side with fellow Oscar nominees Scarlett Johansson and Brad Pitt.

“Brad Pitt was working on the roof with his shirt off, as was Colin Jost,” said Hanks, referring to the SNL cast member who is currently dating Johansson, “and, dude, that was no contest.”

After those kerfuffle-causing remarks, the actor went on to announce that the Academy Museum will open its doors to the public on Monday, December 14, 2020.

Following the live announcement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a statement, in which Academy Museum Director Bill Kramer said:

“We cannot wait to welcome the whole world to the Academy Museum. When our doors open on December 14, our thrilling combination of exhibitions, screenings, and public and educational programs will create unparalleled experiences for movie lovers everywhere.”

Academy CEO Dawn Hudson added:

“The dream of this museum will finally become a reality — a gathering place for filmmakers and movie fans from around the world, where we can share the Oscars legacy and further fulfill the Academy’s mission to connect the world through cinema.”

Adding his own comments, Ron Meyer, chair of the Academy Museum Board of Trustees and Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal, said:

“This is a museum that only the Academy could create: exciting and illuminating; historic and contemporary. We look forward to sharing the global reach of cinema.”

Major construction has been already been completed on the Academy Museum’s structure, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano in a revitalization of the iconic Saban Building,  located on at Wilshire and Fairfax on Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile. The Museum had previously announced that it has reached 95% of its $388 million pre-opening campaign, and that installation of four floors of immersive, innovative exhibitions is now beginning.

According to the statement:

“The Academy Museum will be the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art and science of movies. Located on Wilshire and Fairfax in Los Angeles, the Museum will be simultaneously immersive, experimental, educational, and entertaining. More than a museum, this dynamic film center will offer unparalleled experiences and insights into movies and moviemaking.”

You can find out more about what the Academy Museum has in store for us at their website.

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Out & About

Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth

Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party

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Sarah McBride is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party on May 17 in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)

The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del. 

It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).

McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth. 

Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.

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Out & About

Andy Cohen coming to D.C.

‘Real Housewives’ producer to return to Sixth & I

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Andy Cohen

Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.

This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.

Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.

Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

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Bars & Parties

Want to dance for a good cause?

Artists Mercedes and Desto host a queer party

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(Image via Eventbrite)

“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

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