Beverly Hills – The Kodak Theatre wasn’t the only place that saw stars on Sunday, Feb. 27. While the 77^th Annual Academy Awards was going on at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, dozens of celebrities, some past Academy Award winners and nominees, celebrated the Oscars at Norby Walter’s Night of 100 Stars Oscar Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

This black-tie event featured an elegant sit-down dinner and several huge screens on which the guests could view the Academy Awards as they ate, chatted and mingled. The popular event hosted a slew of celebrities, including James Cromwell, Sally Kirkland, Michael Madsen, Larry Hagman, Sean Young, Tara Lipinski, Amy Yasbeck, James Woods, Steve Valentine, Dave Foley, Meatloaf, Gary Busey, Fred Willard and many more.

All the stars seemed to love the event and many had attended several times before. Dick Van Patten of TV’s "Eight is Enough", noted that this was his “ninth time.” Fred Willard was attending for his fifth time, while ice skater Tara Lipinski admitted this was her first time.

“I think it's great,” said Miss Lipinski. “It's always fun to get dressed up and go out and have no pressure and just watch the Oscars.”

Indeed, many guests seemed to agree that the atmosphere was the best part of the event. “It’s pretty much like having a party at your house, but the digs are nicer,” remarked actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Reeling from having just met actor Larry Hagman (known to TV fans as J.R. Ewing of the hit show “Dallas”), Steve Valentine of NBC’s "Crossing Jordan" said, “I love it. It’s a great event. People here have been in the business 100 years and people that are brand new to the business and everything in between. So, it’s really fun.” Fred Willard added, “Norby just puts on a great show.”

As for their Oscar picks, the celebs certainly had their own opinions. Sally Kirkland was rooting for her friends Morgan Freeman and Alexander Payne, the director of “Sideways.” Alan Thicke, of TV’s "Growing Pains", said he was “tickled” Jaime Foxx had won and "Kill Bill’s" Michael Madsen was, of course, rooting for his sister Virginia Madsen. Actor Fred Willard said, “I just like watching Chris Rock. I think he’s very funny.” And just as "Million Dollar Baby" proved to be the favorite by Academy voters, it was mentioned by many guests as their pick for Best Picture.

As the event winded down, actor Gary Busey, a past Best Actor nominee, seemed to say it best, “It’s just a lovely place to be.”

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