Predict the Oscars Contest names winner at Charlestowne 18 Theatre

Movie stars graced the red carpet, acceptance speeches were made and the 2015 Oscars ceremony has now come to a close. After hours of sorting and counting, Classic Cinemas is proud to announce the winners of the Annual "Predict the Oscars" contest.

North Aurora resident Gary Thoma takes home the prize for the Charlestowne 18 Theatre. He will receive a yearlong movie pass for one valid at any Classic Cinemas theater and two passes to the Brookfield Zoo. Thoma submitted his ballot at the Charlestowne 18 Theatre, located at 3740 E. Main St. in St. Charles.

"We were quite impressed by the number of patrons who participated in our annual Oscar contest, and are pleased that movies continue to engage, enlighten and entertain our loyal customers," said Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson.

This year, winners range from 29 to 72 years old, and more than 7,600 ballots were cast during the six-week contest.

In order to win, customers needed to predict all seven categories correctly: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Animated Film.

Thoma said he routinely sees movies at the Charlestowne 18 Theatre, but never expected to win the "Predict the Oscars" contest. "I got lucky," said Thoma, who was out of town on the night of the Academy Awards and didn't know that he correctly chose all seven categories until the following day.

Thoma said going to the movies became a big part of his life since he retired. "I have some friends and we go to the movies quite a bit, and my wife and I go a lot," he said. "The Charlestowne 18 is a great theater. We love it."

Classic Cinemas received 32 correct ballots this year. The remaining correct ballots entered at the Charlestowne 18 Theatre will receive a pair of movie passes to any Classic Cinemas location and a pair of tickets to the Brookfield Zoo.