Raleigh's Rialto theater rolls out red carpet for Hollywood's biggest night

RALEIGH. N.C. (WTVD) -- The 98th Academy Awards are officially in the history books. And while Hollywood's celebrities packed the Dolby Theatre nearly 2,600 miles away, a crowd of Capital City film lovers held their own celebration at the Rialto Theatre in Raleigh.

Mark Scearce was among the many who turned out to watch the ceremony with fellow fans.

"It's very exciting here. They've got a spread out there and people are decked out. I'm not, but they are. And I'm happy to be here," Scearce said.

While designers adorned guests and nominees on Hollywood's red carpet, Raleigh brought its own fashion moment.

Martha Deiter arrived wearing a fascinator alongside a good friend.

"You can't come to the Oscars and not be dressed up. You kidding me? Bless your heart. You can't do that," Deiter said.

The evening also carried special meaning and memories for her.

"I love the Oscars," she said. "My mother and I watched them together for years and years and years. And being here with my best buddy all dolled up - we're having fun."

It was Rialto co-owner Jade Raider who made the evening possible by reviving an Oscar watch party tradition tied to the theater's history under its previous owner.

"When we took over the Rialto, we knew we wanted to bring back that tradition. So it's our first year doing it, and we wanted to make it a really fun party," Raider said. "I'm seeing new faces. I'm seeing regulars. So I'm just glad this was an event that brought people here."

The night even inspired Scearce to imagine his own moment on the big stage by channeling Amy Madigan's emotional - and somewhat nervous - win for best supporting actress.

"I think she had it right when she just yelled and screamed and said her legs were shaking," Scearce said.