The Lark Theater, a nonprofit, single screen art house and movie theater located in Larkspur, hosted its annual Awards Night on Sunday, March 15, where local film enthusiasts were able to watch a screening of the 98th Academy Awards, walk the red carpet and enjoy a meal.

The Academy Awards, often referred to as The Oscars, are a prestigious awards show that takes place every March. Each year, they honor the finest artistic and technical work of the film industry. 

Executive Artistic Director of The Lark Josh Costello, who hosted and organized the event, emphasized how important events like these are in order to foster and maintain community. 

“Getting up on stage in front of everybody, and just getting the sense that everybody was excited to be there, I felt very supported and appreciated,” Costello said. “Being in-person, in a room together is something that is fundamental to what makes us human. It’s something that is very good for us in terms of mental health and probably physical health as well, and it’s something you can’t get through a screen.”

Costello also said that The Lark made some changes to the event this year, yet the response from attendees was correspondingly positive. 

“I always want to make sure that The Lark is fulfilling its mission to serve the community,” Costello said. “This was my first time during the awards night at The Lark because I only started as executive artistic director in December, and I feel really lucky to have such great support from our staff, our board and our volunteers to be able to make it happen.”

Sophomore Jo Waldinger, who attended the event as a volunteer, said that the event enhances the role that the theater plays in both the community and as a nonprofit.

“It’s important for The Lark to host things like this Awards Night because the theater is a nonprofit organization, and these events raise money for them,” Waldinger said. “It’s great to see dozens of film-lovers come together, all dressed up in Oscars attire. There was even a place outside to get your photo taken like it was the Oscars red carpet, which was very cute.”

According to Costello, The Lark serves a higher purpose to local film-lovers than just showing movies.

“This is a space where the community can come together for entertainment… We have a lot of Q&As after our movies with filmmakers and experts,” Costello said. “Human beings are social animals, and we really need connection. [Digital] connection is a fundamentally different thing than being in a physical space, spending time in each other’s company and just being bodies in a room,” Costello said.

Larkspur resident Jen Reese, who is a longtime attendee of the event and this year partook in the costume contest, described her love for the awards festivities, such as the red carpet and live entertainment. 

“I have attended this event ever since moving to Larkspur 13 years ago, with the exception of COVID. It has truly become a tradition for me and I love supporting the Lark Theater,” Reese said.