In front of a sell-out capacity crowd, two dozen large trophies were awarded to Christchurch's LGBT community leading lights and their friends at the weekend's glittering 26th annual Oscars awards.
Host and organiser Miss Mole was joined on stage by Auckland diva Beaver Brown and many drag, dancing, singing, and award-presenting showpeople.
Voting forms had been provided for customers at Miss Mole's Flamingo Bar to fill in over the last few weeks, with the nominees with the most votes receiving the titles and trophies.
Matthew from gay sauna Menfriends received the Hospitality Award, Q-Topia youth group was awarded the Work for the Community gong, and Business of the Year was given to Annie and Shelly from Oaktree Café.
DJ Danice Dearborn, who provides the musicat the Civic Centre's Drop Bar for lesbian and bi women each week, got a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wendy Rose got the title 'Female Icon' and Little Miss Cinnamon became 'Drag Diva 2008'. Miss Starlight tried to look unimpressed as she took her 'Miss Bitch Attitude' trophy, but couldn't help but smile as she sashayed off the stage.
Plus-sized ex-Heavens Above barman Mark Bailey was awarded the coveted ‘Mr. Spunky Hunk' title, with Charlotte Bassett picking up the Sexiest Woman award.
Two 'People of the Year' were retiring Christchurch Central MP Tim Barnett, and Anna Reid of the NZ Prostitute's Collective. Best actress was transgender TV and radio star Joanne Clark. Radio host Deb Stanaway was Woman of the Year, Wendy Newman the owner of the Civic Centre took the Lifetime Achievement Award, and last but certainly not least, Queen of the Year was awarded to enthusiastic drag entertainer Fur Purse.
With so many performers and awards to get through, the Labour Sunday night event at the Civic Centre continued until after 2am, with the after-party at nearby Cruz nightclub wrapping up at 5am.
An exhausted Miss Mole once again claims this year's Oscars will be the last – but while this hasn't proved true in previous years, next year's event, if it took place, would have to relocate. The Civic building has a new leaseholder and is slated to become offices in 2009.
