Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Russ Streiner, Dawn Keezer and Dan Onorato Click photo for larger image.

Two of Pittsburgh's best-kept secrets joined forces last night for a blast of an Oscar bash. The elegant new SouthSide Works Cinema, with stadium seating, perfect projection and the best popcorn in town, rolled out the red carpet for the Pittsburgh Film Office and its 2005 "Lights! Glamour! Action" benefit.

More than 800 guests flocked to the South Side to watch the Academy Awards on the big screen and to party next door, where a strolling buffet stocked by top local eateries alternated with drinks stations. Though the film office has generated more than $255 million to the local economy since 1990, every year it has to go begging for its budget. Hence the fund-raiser, which last year brought in $130,000 (and $100,000 so far this year, not counting silent auction proceeds from last night).

State Rep. Mike Diven handed Film Office director Dawn Keezer an oversized check for $10,000 ("Are the PNC people here?" Keezer quipped. "Can I take this to the bank?") and County Executive Dan Onorato promised his support. Generous donations from a host of patrons, starting with the Soffer organization, which gave the entire cinema including free movies all night, testified to Keezer's persuasive powers. But the support also shows an understanding for how important the film and television industry is to Pittsburgh, both economically and in terms of its image. Actors, models, directors and writers, fans, friends and sponsors walked through the paparazzi to attend the VIP reception, with its own awards ceremony and food by Aromas. John Seretti won best actor and Amanda Crocker won best actress for segments taped during the patron party. Best actor not currently under contract went to Emilio and Arnold Zegerelli from Izzazu for their hilarious scene from "Pulp Fiction," and Maristel Hunt won for her lines from "City Slicker."

Dressed to impress in black tie and long gowns were Film Office board chair Russ Streiner with Linda Gaspar, Bruce Crocker, Dave and Karen Haddad, Mike and Holly Koff, U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart, state Rep. Dan Frankel with Debbie, state Rep. Tom Stevenson with Roberta and daughter Bethany, Rich Fitzgerald, Jay Costa, WTAE's Sally Wiggin and Michelle Wright, Bob Fragrasso, Christine Fulton, Donna Belajac, Nancy Mosser-Bailey, Tara Reiland, John Russo, Russ Kemerer and Beth Wainwright, Rob and Christine Cochran and a fleet of Hummers parked outside.