On March 2nd, the illustrious Charmaine Blake once again brought Hollywood’s elite together for her 8th Annual Oscar Viewing Party, held at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills. Known for her keen eye for talent, passion for community engagement, and a flair for high-profile events, Charmaine delivered a night filled with glamour, heartfelt tributes, and celebration of cinematic excellence. Attendees were treated to an elegant evening, complete with a lavish red carpet, exquisite dining, and an atmosphere brimming with excitement. The energy in the room was palpable, and I had the pleasure of hosting the red carpet, interviewing many of Charmaine’s distinguished guests.
Honoring a Legend: Melvin Van Peebles
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the tribute to legendary filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. A trailblazer in the industry, Van Peebles paved the way for generations of Black filmmakers, and his impact continues to be felt today. His son, the acclaimed actor and director Mario Van Peebles, was present to accept an award in his honor, presented by the incomparable Vanessa Williams. The room was filled with admiration as guests reflected on Melvin’s contributions to cinema and the legacy he left behind.
A Commitment to Community and Inclusion
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Charmaine Blake’s events always have a deeper purpose. She is deeply committed to community engagement and making sure people feel included in the experiences she curates. Her annual Oscar viewing party is more than just a celebration of film—it’s a platform to uplift, honor, and connect people from all walks of life.
With eight years of success, this event has solidified itself as a must-attend gala during Hollywood’s biggest night. Each year, Charmaine makes it a point to honor an influential figure, ensuring their contributions to entertainment and culture are recognized.
From the stunning red-carpet moments to the heartfelt tribute to Melvin Van Peebles, Charmaine Blake once again proved why she is one of Hollywood’s most respected publicists and event curators. Her ability to bring people together, honor legacies, and create unforgettable experiences is a testament to her hard work, vision, and passion for the industry.
Attending Charmaine Blake’s 8th Annual Oscar Viewing Party was an unforgettable experience. From the glamorous red carpet to the heartfelt tribute to Melvin Van Peebles, the night was filled with celebration, connection, and powerful stories. I had the privilege of interviewing Charmaine, where she shared more of her incredible journey. She opened-up about the challenges she faced, the people who doubted her, and how she has now built a career where those same people are coming to her for access to Hollywood’s biggest events. Her passion for bringing people together and creating inclusive, meaningful experiences was evident throughout the night.
In our interview, Charmaine shares the deeper side of her journey, what drives her, and why honoring legends like Melvin Van Peebles is so important to her. Read on to hear it all in her own words.
You’ve been in the PR industry for quite some time, and your annual Oscars Viewing and Dinner has become a highly anticipated event. Can you tell us about the significance of this year’s honoree, Melvin Van Peebles, and why it was important for you to recognize his legacy?
I’ve been a publicist for 20 years, and this is my 8th annual Oscars Viewing and Dinner. Each year, we make it a priority to honor someone truly significant, and I’m especially proud of who we honored tonight—Mr. Melvin Van Peebles.
I was thrilled that Mario Van Peebles was able to attend and accept the award on behalf of his father. Melvin Van Peebles was a trailblazing director who broke barriers in the film industry, but unfortunately, he didn’t receive the full recognition he deserved during his lifetime. That’s why it was so important for me to include him in the press release and bring attention back to his legacy—I wanted people to remember him and his impact on cinema.
On a deeper level, I have a unique gift as a psychic medium, and I don’t use any tools or cards. When I connected with Mario, I could feel the presence of his father coming through, and his story resonated deeply with me. It was truly special to be able to honor him tonight.
Your Oscars Viewing and Dinner Party has become a signature event in Hollywood. What makes this night so special for you, and what can guests look forward to each year?
I’m so glad to host this event each year. Every year, we make it a point to honor a trailblazer—someone who has made a lasting impact. Tonight’s honoree was truly incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate such an important legacy.
We also put together some amazing gifts for our guests this evening. Many celebrities received luxury leather jackets in their gift bags, and yes—we have one for you too! We’ll be doing it all over again next year, so if you want to be part of it, reach out to me, Charmaine Blake. Thank you all for coming and making this such a special night!
March is also Women’s History Month, which makes this event even more special. As a woman who is a trailblazer in PR and deeply involved in giving back to the community, how does it feel to be recognized for your impact? And when people come to you afterward, expressing how much they enjoyed the event and appreciate your generosity, what does that mean to you?
It’s an amazing feeling because giving back is so important. When I started, I had nothing—just $300 in my pocket. I told myself, ‘I’m going to be a publicist,’ but my accent was so strong that people doubted me. They would say, ‘Sweetie, no—become a doctor instead.’ But now, those same people who said I couldn’t do it are calling me, asking for favors and trying to get into movie premieres. And because I’m running this event, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing!
I just want to say thank you to Sheen Magazine for being here—mwah! And thank you all for coming. Oh, and by the way, you’re so beautiful!
As the lights dimmed on another successful Oscar night, one thing remained clear—Charmaine Blake’s influence in Hollywood is undeniable, and her journey is an inspiration to all.
To learn more about Charmaine, visit her page on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Desirae L. Benson
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