While Hollywood stars packed the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 96th Academy Awards, here in Philadelphia Owls gathered at the Temple Performing Arts Center to celebrate the occasion.

The School of Theater, Film and Media Arts (TFMA) Alumni Association hosted an Oscar party in which guests walked the red carpet (see it all here) and watched the award ceremony on the big screen.

Two former Owls were nominated: Colman Domingo for Best Actor in a Leading Role with his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, TFM ’08, for Best Actress in a Supporting Role with her performance as grieving mother Mary Lamb in The Holdovers. Owls hooted and hollered when Randolph won her first Oscar.

“As soon as they announced her name, my friends and I shouted with joy and excitement,” said Lauren Morris, Class of 2026. “I’m not all surprised by her win for her spectacular performance. I’m just so glad that she is being recognized.” The Temple Update correspondent interviewed attendees on Temple’s red carpet prior to its Oscar party.

“As a student in the Theater Department, I have never seen our community so ecstatic,” added Autumn Hogan, Class of 2026. “To have one of our own alums even at the Oscars was so incredible to witness, and I can tell that her win is boosting the spirits of so many students and faculty members alike. I just remember being overcome with joy and pride that someone from our community is up on the world stage representing the type of artist that our department produces. I couldn't be happier for her, and I want to see her go back 10 more times.”

Randolph continues her award season sweep, with honors at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, BAFTA and People’s Choice Awards, among others.

In her moving Oscars speech, the Philadelphia native spoke about the importance of representation and being herself as an actress. She also gave a heartfelt thank you to the women who’ve helped her throughout her career. One of those women included her mom, who encouraged her to pursue theater at Temple. “My mother said to me, ‘Go across that street to that Theater Department; there’s something for you there.’ And I thank my mother for doing that,” Randolph said when accepting her Academy Award.

“I was in awe of her beautiful speech about persevering as a woman of color in the performing arts,” said Hannah Nguyen, Class of 2026. “I know that this monumental win will inspire other girls who see themselves in her to make a path for themselves the way that she did.”

Randolph received an outpouring of congratulations, including from fellow alum Danielle Pinnock, TFM ’10, who currently stars in the TV series Ghosts. “Da’Vine’s win today was historical for so many of us. Especially those that are #TempleOwls,” Pinnock wrote in a post on X.

“We are so proud of our alumni and their incredible accomplishments,” said Jason Lindner, associate director of marketing and communications for TFMA. “Da’Vine’s achievement goes to show that Temple can prepare you to do anything. This is one of the biggest things ever to happen for a Temple alum, and for TFMA specifically. We are overjoyed.” 

Randolph’s Oscar is the latest example of TFMA alumni’s success in the entertainment world—from acting on both the big screen and small screen to belting it out on Broadway to directing and producing behind the scenes.

“I hope that her win means that people in the industry will start recognizing Temple as a serious institution in the performing arts,” said Hogan. “Temple nurtures its artists and pushes us to be the best we can be.”