STORY BY ROSALYN KAHN
The eZWay Awards Oscar Viewing Golden Gala, held on March 2, 2025, at The Voco Hotel in
Laguna Hills, was a dazzling evening of Hollywood glamour, philanthropy, and entertainment.
Benefiting Better Vision for Children (BVC), the gala brought together celebrities, influencers,
and industry leaders to support a crucial cause while enjoying the spectacle of the 97th
Academy Awards.
They came from near and far, dressed in their finest attire, from runway models to Hollywood
elites. Camera flashes illuminated the evening as guests vied for their moment in the spotlight.
As the loudspeaker announced, “The show starts now,” attendees hurriedly found their seats,
and the energy in the Grand Crystal Ballroom reached a fever pitch.
A Night of Magic and Glamour
The evening began with mesmerizing performances from Magic Castle magicians Mark Paskell
and Ivan Amodie, who cast their spell over the audience. Finding a seat in the bustling venue
was a challenge, but a serendipitous encounter led to a conversation with Van Dichoso who
introduced me as multi-talented guest—a journalist, to his guest -Abdulai Amidu bodyguard,
Jessica Rodriguez publicist and tv host, River Rock Producer Dutch Morrocan actress Saida
Fakher filmmaker, and producer from Morocco. He became an unexpected savior, assisting with
camera storage issues and sharing industry insights.
Nearby, a fashion designer Jean Pioso, who had designed a men’s accessory bag designed by
Jean Amour with a striking Eiffel Tower men’s accessory bag designed and mother-of-pearl
clutch detailed how her artistic journey began over a bottle of wine, evolving into a passion for
layered designs inspired by oil painting. To the left, Chinese-American actress Bai Ling
captivated onlookers with her striking presence. Known for her bold and unconventional fashion
choices, she wore a stunning yellow gown featuring a daring thigh-high slit and a unique halter
design—an ensemble that embodied confidence and energy.
Bai Ling recounted her journey from China to America, arriving with nothing but determination.
Her breakthrough role in the 1997 film Red Corner established her as a Hollywood icon,
renowned for her fearless roles and fashion statements. The contrast between the reserved
elegance of a model to the right, nervously adjusting her slit, and Bai Ling’s unabashed
confidence highlighted the diverse interpretations of beauty and self-expression in the room.
Celebrating Excellence and Philanthropy
As the awards show began, the room quieted. The most poignant moment came when a
filmmaking duo from Cyprus took the stage, their speech revealing the whirlwind journey that
brought them to Hollywood. A canceled flight nearly prevented them from attending, but less
than 24 hours later, they stood on stage, holding an Oscar in disbelief.
During commercial breaks, the eZWay Golden Gavel Awards honored remarkable individuals,
including NBA legend A.C. Green, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Best known for
his record-breaking 1,192 consecutive games played, Green has dedicated his post-basketball
career to philanthropy, focusing on underprivileged youth through the A.C. Green Foundation. In
his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for receiving recognition beyond the basketball
court, emphasizing his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Star-Studded Performances and Honorees
Hosted by Emmy-winning actress Kate Linder (The Young and The Restless) and actor Trae
Ireland (9-1-1, Fortress), the gala boasted a social media reach exceeding 14 million followers,
amplifying its mission to support vision-impaired children. The event featured a star-studded
lineup of performers, including:
Magic acts by Mark Paskell and Ivan Amodie
Musical performances by Quinton Aaron, Katja Glieson, John Michael Ferrari, and 12-
year-old sensation Christine Marie & Kaido Lee Roberts
Comedy from Jimmy Shin and Eugenia Kuzmina
A live band directed by music legend Kevin Dorsey
Quinton Aaron, best known for The Blind Side, presented awards alongside other notable
figures. Australian recording artist Katja Glieson, famed for her viral Princess Rap Battle, moved
the audience with her performance. The event also highlighted the California Lions Club Friends
and Sight Program and Choc Children’s Hospital Vision Center, reinforcing the commitment to
enhancing children’s futures.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Eric Zuley, the event’s executive producer and an influential media mogul, underscored the
gala’s purpose: “This year’s event not only celebrates Hollywood’s finest but also builds better
vision programs for children, from physical eyesight to envisioning a brighter future.”
Better Vision for Children (BVC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues its mission to provide essential
vision care for children worldwide. With an estimated 1 billion children affected by vision
impairment, events like the eZWay Awards serve as a powerful platform for raising awareness
and support.
As the night drew to a close, guests left inspired, having witnessed a seamless blend of
entertainment and philanthropy. The 2025 eZWay Awards Oscar Viewing Golden Gala was
more than just an event—it was a movement, uniting Hollywood’s brightest stars with a mission
to change lives, one vision at a time.
