#United States #Los Angeles #Academy Awards #Anora #Temple Entertainment

Armenian-American Celebration for Anora's Oscar Triumph

On March 2, 2025, a lively gathering took place at No.10 Restaurant in Los Angeles, where the Armenian-American community united to honor the incredible success of Anora, the film that made history at the 97th Academy Awards. This special Oscars-viewing dinner was organized by Temple Entertainment, an influential entertainment and investment firm dedicated to promoting diverse cinematic projects.

Anora, celebrated for its compelling storytelling, received six nominations and clinched five awards, making a significant impact at the Oscars. The film not only won the prestigious award for Best Picture but also secured Best Actress for Mikey Madison and multiple awards for director Sean Baker including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. This achievement highlighted the remarkable talent within the film and emphasized the importance of representation in Hollywood.

Among the standout performances, Vache Tovmasyan, an Armenian actor recognized for his comedic talent, played the character Garnik, receiving a nomination from the Screen Actors Guild. Meanwhile, Karren Karagulian, a prominent Armenian-American actor, has been celebrated for his enduring collaboration with Sean Baker, earning him accolades including an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his role in Anora as well as his production work that showcases Armenian artistry globally. Tovmasyan expressed immense pride in their accomplishments: "This achievement represents not only a win for the actors involved but for the Armenian community all over the world. It exemplifies how hard work and dedication can lead to significant change and inspiration for future generations."

The dinner, filled with anticipation and camaraderie, also featured notable guests such as volleyball player Alessandro Del Piero, who graciously opened the restaurant's doors and delighted attendees with exquisite Italian cuisine. The event proved to be a melting pot of networking and cultural exchange, showcasing the positive societal contributions of the Armenian community.

Reflecting on the event, Victoria Verba, a producer at Temple Entertainment, expressed her thoughts: "It was almost surreal to see our community come together to celebrate this monumental achievement, a testament to dedication and artistry. It felt like a true embodiment of the American dream."

Vibrant conversations flowed throughout the evening, highlighting the pride and creativity among attendees, who included influential Armenian singers André, Arminka, and Astghik Martirosyan, as well as producers and journalists Ara Kazaryan and Mher Baghdasaryan. The evening marked not just a celebration of wins at the Oscars but also served as a reminder of the power of community and shared cultural identity in the arts.

Temple Entertainment is not just a parent company for film projects like Dawn Beat and Gregorian Films, but also stands as a beacon of hope, investing in innovative ventures that uplift the arts. Currently, they are in production of the movie Eyes on a Trees, starring Anthony Hopkins, aiming to further enrich the film landscape with diverse narratives.

Through events like these, the Armenian-American community continues to expand its footprint in the entertainment industry, showcasing talent and solidifying a legacy that inspires future artists and creators.