Indie fest at Andaz Hotel with Haven360, Sundance Now and Russian vodka

By Karen Ostlund

Russian Standard Vodka kept Oscar guests happy

HOLLYWOOD CA (Hollywood Today) 3/1/11 — Russian sponsor Standard Vodka, Sundance Now and Haven 360 Spa kept IFC Films & Oscar guests happy three days straight at Andaz Hotel’s pre-Oscar activities. The Andaz Hotel, located on Sunset in West Hollywood also celebrated two years, after its name change from Hyatt to Andaz two years ago.

The Indies had a lot to celebrate. With the triple crown for King’s Speech and Black Swan’s Natalie Portman taking all the top Academy Awards, independent films are hot once again – obviously good news for all struggling young actors and filmmakers.

The weekend started off with IFC Film Independent Spirit Awards pre-reception on the hotel roof, and continued with a two day luxury lounge & Spa, hosted by Fred Segal Salon & Yoga in Santa Monica. (Complete listing of IFC Winners are listed below)

The Haven 360 Studio hosted a media lounge featuring Moving Pictures Magazine and The Creative Coalition, who was taping this season’s public service announcement onsite.

Russian Standard Vodka was serving their trademark, the “Moscow Mule” cocktail (2oz. vodka, 5oz ginger beer with a squeeze of lime),  and educated guests that the traditional way of Russian tasting is a way of congratulate and wishing good luck “Every taste of vodka must be preceded by a toast and a touch of glasses”.  Monster Energy was serving the non-alcoholic choice of Monster Java coffee.

Alanna Zabel, founder of Aziam fitness wear is both a yoga & Pilate instructor. She provided yoga lessons, in-between showing her design of active fitness & yoga wear sold at Fred Segal in Santa Monica:

-“All my materials are organic fabrics, made of cotton and micro-modal. -After nearly two years in business, I focus on creating sexy wear in yoga pants, capris, jackets, sport tops, scarves, unitards, tunics and tees. My trademark, the gold mesh elephant-headed deity, “Ganesh” is seen as “remover of obstacles” and is featured on every garment.. I also give some proceeds to the Joy of Heart Foundation”, she said.

What are Alanna’s tips for a beginner of yoga?

“My best tip for warm-up of a yoga session is taking a warm bath before. If you are stretching and do yoga session with your dog, like me – make sure the dog is a meat eater. Dogs need to eat meat for their bone structure and muscle stretch” (aziam.com)

SunFX Spraytan Company was traveling from San Diego to attend the Oscar weekend activities at Andaz Hotel. They have been in the business 11 years in 2011:

“We specialize in the natural spray tan that last up to 10 days in only one session. Our natural Caribbean tanning foam products from Australia  contain three ingredients besides water, which is Dihydroxyacetone, caramel and sodium lauroyl glutamate, but no sunscreen”.(sunfx.com.au)

The Painted Nail from Sherman Oaks provided manicure to both male and female guests, and sampling of their scrubs and organic brown sugar:

“We have a different color request this Oscar season, guests like “shiny black velvet”  or a matte pale colors”

Rodial Skincare Company is  from UK was also present. The company was originally founded in 1999 by ex-beauty editor Maria Hatzistefanis. For Oscar weekend she presented an upcoming product in US, the “snake-serum”. This oxygenated viper inspired serum contains syn-ake, which is a neuropeptide that mimics the effects of the temple viper’s potent venom, to instantly lift the face, freeze muscles and plump fine lines and wrinkles:

“This product is the same as botox without the needle, and helps reduce facial contractions in 2 minutes”.                                                                                    The glamoxy snake serum pen will be out on the market in April 2011, and will also contain Fiflow BTX (instant filling and plumping effect on expression lines) and Proturon (instant filling and 3D plumping effect for long-lasting hydration.

The spa treatments and product presentation were provided by Phyto Hair care, Lierac Skincare, SunFX, The Painted Nail, Prancing Leopard, Men’s Private Stock Denim, Rodial, Azaim Yoga Wear, Lending Luxury, Philip Stein Watches, WOWee One and Brain Fit.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards is a celebration honoring films made by filmmakers, which focus on independence and originality in film to a wider audience. The 2011 IFC Winners were:

2011 Film Independent Spirit Award Winners by Distributors:

Fox Searchlight 5

IFC Films 2

Roadside Attractions 2

Focus Features 1

Producers Distribution Agency 1

Sony Pictures Classics 1

The Weinstein Company 1

Best Feature Fox Searchlight:

“Black Swan”. Producers Scott Franklin, Mike Medavoy, Arnold W.Messer & Brian Oliver.

Best Director Fox Searchlight

“Black Swan” by Darren Aronofsky

Best Screenplay Focus Features:

“The Kids Are All Right”. Writers: Stuart Blumberg & Lisa Cholodenko.

Best First Feature Sony Pictures Classics

“Get Low”  Director: Aaron Schneider

Best First Screenplay IFC Films:

“Tiny Furniture” by Lena Dunham

John Cassavetes Award IFC Films: (best feature film made under $500.000)

Writer/Directors: Benny & Josh Safdie

“Daddy Longlegs” Producers: Casey Neistat & Tom Scott.

Best Supporting Female Roadside Attractions:

“Winter’s Bone” – Dale Dickey

Best Supporting Male Roadside Attractions:

“Winter’s Bone” – Josh Hawkes

Best Female Fox Searchlight

“Black Swan” – Natalie Portman

Best Male Fox Searchlight

“127 Hours”- James Franco

Best Cinematography Fox Searchlight

“Black Swan” – Matthew Libatique

Best Foreign Film The Weinstein Company:

“The King’s Speech” Director: Tom Hooper

Best Documentary Producers Distribution Agency

“Exit Through The Gift Shop” –Banksy