Oscar fans enjoy Hilton bash

Adrienne Packer

Tuesday, March 24, 1998 | 10:23 a.m.

They flowed across the red carpet and into the ballroom wearing elegant evening gowns and black tuxedos.

They sipped wine and feasted on a lavish meal. This was not a cruise ship where the unsinkable Molly Brown was to be spotted. Nor was it the 70th annual Academy Awards held Monday evening in Los Angeles.

But it was close.

Organizers of an Academy Awards party held at the Las Vegas Hilton made their bash as similar as possible to the real thing. The 300 guests at the Paradise Road hotel-casino even caught a glimpse of two stars -- in a Las Vegas sort of way that is.

Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators milled around the Hilton ballroom as visitors bidded on movie-related materials auctioned off to benefit the party's host, the Arthritis Foundation.

Bids reached into the mid-$100s for autographed baseballs, clothing and dinner and show packages. The amount of money collected from the evening's auction has yet to be totaled.

While most guests made bids, many simply came to enjoy the Academy Awards-like environment during Hollywood's biggest night.

"We really tried to create an Academy Awards atmosphere," organizer Rose George said. "We are extremely pleased with the turnout."

Guests, who were issued official Academy Awards programs, applauded politely as Oscars were handed out to deserving actors, producers and directors. And they cheered at Academy Awards' host Billy Crystal's wit.

"I just came out here to support the foundation ... and to see Michael Jackson," said guest Dale Brown, eyeing the Jackson look-alike who entertained a handful of people during commercials with a brief performance.

The winner of the Best Picture award -- "Titanic" -- was no surprise to anyone who paid any attention to movies during the last year. The fact that everyone expected the blockbuster film would clean up Monday didn't keep people from paying to attend the party.

"It's fun to get all dressed up like you see them on TV," said Sandy Bentley, wearing a long gray formal gown. "It's kind of like having our own awards show."

The Arthritis Foundation's third annual fund-raiser, Oscar Night America, was the only official Academy Awards party in town. George said the only way to host an official bash is by invitation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

With two big-screen televisions and tickets that went for $100, the event was like the Super Bowl for thespians. While it's not possible to make a bet on the Academy Awards, party-goes made friendly wagers and held an informal pool.

"There are big screens, everyone claps, they give you an official program ... it's kind of cool," guest Barry Reinink said. "It's a lot like actually being there."