Night of glitz and glamour: New Mexico film industry shows up to support 'Oppenheimer' at Oscar party at Lobo Theater

Mar. 10—The red carpet was rolled out in the lobby of the Lobo Theater.

Hundreds arrived curbside, dressed in glamorous looks to attend the Oscar Night Party put on by the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience on Sunday.

The annual event has been held for more than a decade, yet during the awards there was a sense of pride as New Mexico-filmed "Oppenheimer" went into the night as the frontrunner with 13 nominations.

During its production in early 2022, "Oppenheimer" shot mostly on location in Los Alamos, Abiquiú, Santa Fe, Belen and Albuquerque.

The film didn't have a home base, as the entire movie was filmed on location and tons of work had to be done in advance for the film.

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production employed about 190 New Mexico crew members and 1,200 New Mexico background actors and extras.

Gareth Ripol was one of the 1,200 background actors that helped create the film.

Though Ripol had a small role, she took in the experience, which remains one of the best during her 12 years of being a background actor.

"To get to be on set with Christopher Nolan and Cilian Murphy was an experience I'd never forget," Ripol says. "It was a very organized set despite it being shot post-COVID."

Ripol says during her time on set, she and other background actors would be shuttled from Balloon Fiesta Park to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú.

"I was really impressed at how Christopher Nolan and the entire production really honored the land," she says. "One of the other things I really liked is being in the wardrobe of the 1940s. They cut my hair and gave me a pay bump. I was ready for it."

Kira Sipler spent the majority of the day getting the Lobo Theater ready for all of its guests — just over 200 of them.

Sipler is the executive director of AFMX and said many of the attendees felt pride this year because of "Oppenheimer" being nominated for Academy Awards.

She said New Mexico continues to see film productions coming through and it creates a great film community.

"I think we're always proud of the projects that come through the state," Sipler said. "When one gets recognized widely, it's a great thing for New Mexico. I'm hoping 'Oppenheimer' will show the world that New Mexico and its crews and actors are up to the challenge of making great film."

Sipler said AFMX works year round with the programs that help young people explore the film and music industries, participate in the various aspects of production, and provide educational opportunities for those who may wish to pursue professional careers in film, music and related endeavors.

The organization works with the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College.

"We're hopeful that making these steps will help strengthen our crews and filmmakers in the state," Sipler said. "We want to celebrate the work of all New Mexicans who are putting effort into the industry."

Cyndy McCrossen, Albuquerque Film Office liaison, was one of the many guests who showed up dressed to the nines for the event.

"Getting glammed up is a great way to celebrate," McCrossen said. "Supporting the industry is key to keep it growing."