Academy Awards are not just a grand night often determining the destiny of actors - think about the French film "The Artist", multiple Awards winner and attention grabbing; they are an intense social activity. The parties taking place before and on the night of the Academy Awards channel Hollywoods biggest personalities and an array of celebrities and VIPs.

Last February, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hosted an exclusive gala soiree' in his mansion for a selected group of well-known guests. During the event he displayed some amazing vintage jewelry worn by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. Among the guests at Villaraiogosa's were actress Jessica Chastain, production designer and Oscar® winner Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo (the couple got this year their third Oscar® for Martin Scorsese's “Hugo”), Russian fashion entrapeneur Olga Sorokina (art director of French maison IRFE), international manager Cristiano de Masi, Italian journalist Silvia Bizio, film producer Harvey Weinstein, model Heidi Klum, actors Penelope Ann Miller and Owen WIlson.

Italian actress and producer Jo Champa accompanied her friend Olga throughout the various events before and during Oscar® night, including the Elton John Foundation VIP party at the Pacific Design Center (West Hollywood), organized by the British rockstar to support his fight against Aids.

Jo and Olga also attended the annual party hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, America's foremost show-biz publication along with Variety.

Other notable industry parties this year were Buzz magazine's, on February 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel, WRAP at Culina Restaurant and the Montblanc party.

The party-run ended on the night of the Academy Awards (February 26th), with the glitzy arrivals of the stars on the Red Carpet at the former Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and Highland Center, followed by the Governor's Ball with catering by uber-chef Wolfgang Puck, attended by all the nominees and Oscar® winners.