Gene Siskel Center board member David E. Martin is throwing an Oscar party and everyone is invited! Known for being one of the more glamorous events in the city, during the event once again promises to throw a great party.
"Hollywood on State: A Red Carpet Celebration" happens to be the longest-running award-show viewing party in Chicago. In addition, local filmmakers will be honored this night, including Bob Hercules, Frank Ross, Daniel Nearing, Jennifer Reeder and Seth McClellan.
Windy City Times: Hi, David. How long have you been involved with this Oscar-viewing party at the Siskel Film Center?
David E. Martin: Three years.
WCT: The event has been so swanky in years past. I remember food, drinks and lots of popcorn.
David E. Martin: Yes, that is the reason I got involved in the first place. They do a good job and it is the party to be at.
WCT: I heard there will be local filmmakers honored that night.
David E. Martin: That was something I suggested at one of our meetings. The Gene Siskel Film Center does such a great job at recognizing Chicago directors and writers. I wanted to tie that in. During the commercials there is not that much going on so we decided to honor our Chicago filmmakers at that time. This year we have four honorees—three will be in person [and] one is the producer of Dear White People.
WCT: We have a gay host this year, with Neil Patrick Harris.
David E. Martin: I'm so excited about that. We had Ellen DeGeneres last year so now we have Neil who I think will do an amazing job. I think this will be a good year.
WCT: There is a contest at the event, usually.
David E. Martin: Yes; we are doing it again. You can choose the Oscar winner. We are doing an online bidding as well for some fabulous packages.
WCT: What Oscar-nominated movies have you seen?
David E. Martin: I have seen a majority of them except for American Sniper and Wild. I will try to go this week. My goal is to try and see all of the ones nominated for Best Picture.
WCT: What is your favorite movie so far?
David E. Martin: I'm surprised it has not been nominated more, but Selma for the message and the way it was done. I think it is a very powerful movie. Also I like The Imitation Game, which is huge for us in the LGBT community. Everyone should go see it.
WCT: I loved Whiplash.
David E. Martin: I love J.K. Simmons in it. I think he will win the Oscar.
WCT: I heard you work with BMO Harris for their LGBT group.
David E. Martin: Yes, after about a year of working there I became chair of the LGBT group. We created a place for our employees to be open and not have to hide who they are. That was my first two years as my work as a chairman.
During that process I came across the Gene Siskel Film Center and how they have always focused on LGBT issues. In addition to that there were other film festivals like the European Film Festival for example. I just love movies and I am very passionate about it.
WCT: You have worked with Reeling?
David E. Martin: Yes, I worked with Reeling and got sponsorship. That is where I met you. I am always at those launch parties. I know they did a hiatus for a year but it is even better than before. I see it taking off and building each year.
WCT: Do you have an all time favorite gay movie?
David E. Martin: The Birdcage. I was in the closet at the time and it was a wakeup call for me that it was okay to be who I am. It was a mainstream movie that everyone could enjoy but it had a profound impact on me.
I also liked A Beautiful Thing from back in 1996.
WCT: That has the best soundtrack with The Mamas & The Papas songs.
David E. Martin: Yes, that one is definitely on my list.
Work that red carpet when the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., comes to life on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. Visit www.siskelfilmcenter.org for tickets and details.
