Wild Ride

The Party
Lauded as one of Hollywood’s most entertaining Emmys week parties and the unofficial kickoff to awards season, this year’s fifth annual Audi pre-Emmy celebration at Cecconi’s did not disappoint. Nominees, including Aaron Paul, Julie Bowen and Jon Voight, took advantage of the popular Italian eatery’s high hedges to really let loose and enjoy.

The Scene
The restaurant’s valet area was transformed into a lively alfresco lounge complete with sleek furniture, elegant white bouquets and a party-friendly blue glow. Passed hors d’oeuvres—mini pizzas and risotto balls were major hits—and a seemingly endless supply of Champagne and palomas kept guests going well into the evening.

The Highlights
Besides the festive decor and top-notch snacks, DJ Michelle Pesce’s set—a mix of classics by Prince, The Jackson 5, George Michael and others made it almost impossible to sit down—elevated the event to evening-to-remember levels. Orange Is the New Black co-stars Taryn Manning and Dascha Polanco got down to Beyoncé’s “Yoncé” (after taking a selfie, of course), while Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and Ty Burrell boogied to ’90s hip-hop with Mad Men’s Rich Sommer. –Photography by WireImage/Audi