For half of the Oscar Showcase tour crew, Friday morning was a chance for some free time to roam around Los Angeles. For the Canadian contingent, it was a time for celebration with their fellow Canadians at the Canadian consulate. The annual event celebrates the accomplishments of Oscar nominated Canadians and Canadian productions. Madame Tutli-Putli directors Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, I Met the Walrus director Josh Raskin, producer Jerry Levitan and illustrator James Braithwaite were all treated like royalty with many Canadian media outlets clamoring to get interviews with the filmmakers. The event also gave the nominees a chance to mingle with some stars. Julie Christie, Oscar nominee for the Canadian production Away from Her, was gracious enough to pose for pictures with whoever asked. Chris introduced himself to Oscar-winning director Norman Jewison, who warmly congratulated him on his nomination. Other celebs on hand included Juno director Jason Reitman, producer Ivan Reitman and director Arthur Hiller.

In between interviews I had a chance to catch up with some of the nominees. Chris and Maciek took Thursday off because they were beat, thinking it was best to save their energy for the weekend’s big events. I asked if they did anything special and he said that he just hung out with his girlfriend for the day. The tour is a grueling experience for everyone involved. Josh said he looks forward to getting the chance to go back home and relax, but is still keeping a positive outlook on the rare experience. James introduced me to his proud mother, who asked if her son had behaved himself along the way. From seeing this blog, she wondered just how much ping-pong they played for the past week. Apparently, Josh comes over to their house for Christmas dinner as their third son, and after eating, they play ping-pong on the dinning room table. Now that’s dedication to one’s sport. And an understanding mom.