Now in its fifth year, the Augusta Arts Council's Oscar Night America gala brings film-themed festivities to Augusta. Proceeds from the gala benefit arts council education programs.

This year's event will once again feature catered food, a silent-auction with "Hollywood" items (plastic surgery anyone?) and the traditional limo drop and red-carpet walk. New this year will be glittering gifts for the "Pick the Winners" contest winners. Each champion in five categories will get a prize from Windsor Jewelers.

Missing from this year's event will be the presence of a celebrity guest. Dennis Franz, star of the ABC drama NYPD Blue was scheduled to appear.

"He didn't want to fly," said Leslie Fletcher, arts council events director. "That's what we heard. We tried several different things, avenues for another guest, but none of them panned out."

Chris Wray was greeted by mock autograph seekers when he arrived in a limo at last year's Oscar Night America, presented by the Augusta Arts Council. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/FILE

She said that she believes the guest would have added some glamour to the event, but that the true star power comes from being one of the 38 Oscar Night America events sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

"There is real prestige that comes from being sanctioned by the Academy," she said. "Having that type of support, so to speak, is why this event has become successful. That, and people just love the Academy Awards."

AND THE WINNER IS ...

WHAT: Oscar Night America Gala

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Radisson Riverfront Hotel, 2 10th St.

ADMISSION: $50. Corporate tables for eight $1,000. Member tables $500. Call 826-4702.

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com