Inside Elton John's Oscar party

By Andy Brownstone
Newsbeat reporter in LA for the Oscars

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

Newsbeat's Sima Kotecha meets the stars at Elton John's Oscar afterparty

It was a big night for the Brits in Hollywood. And not just on the stage where Slumdog Millionaire ruled triumphant and Kate Winslet finally got her Oscar.

At Elton John's party, the best of British made their way down the black and white carpet to drink champagne, eat expensive food, and party the Oscars away.

Elton John wears some bling shades with partner David Furnish Read Radio 1's Movies Blog

Elton's bashes have become legendary over the years, and this one was no exception.

He'd even had a special pair of shades made for the occasion, with EJ etched on them in diamonds.

But it was Slumdog, not his outfit, that he was raving about.

He told Newsbeat: "It's a feel good film. I think none of the others are particularly feel good films, and I think this year, this is what people wanted to see.

"It's a wave of like 'yes'. It's a British made film and we're very proud of it."

Living in LA

There's a sizeable community of British stars living in LA and most of them turned up in their finery.

Victoria Beckham ignored all the reporters, but told Newsbeat: "I'm just really, really excited to be here to support Elton's Aids Foundation.

Gordon Ramsay said Slumdog Millionaire made him cry

"It's just great, I'm really really excited. I'm here with some friends, so we're going to have a really great night."

Peter Andre and Katie Price showed up, having moved here three weeks ago for their latest reality TV venture.

And a sun-bleached Gordon Ramsay admitted Slumdog Millionaire had made him cry.

Ben Stiller was there letting his hair down. Literally.

He's got quite a mop going on there and gone was the beard he'd been sporting recently.

He said: "I was a little scruffy and then I decided to shave for the party."

And he revealed he's a big Danny Boyle fan. "I love all his movies. I think he's an amazing director and he's been doing it for years.

"It all came together in this movie and it's very, very well deserved."

Late arrival

More praise for Slumdog Millionaire came from Kate Beckinsale and Natasha Bedingfield who said it was her film of the year.

She told Newsbeat how pleased she was for fellow Brit Kate Winslet who won best female.

Kate Beckinsale and Natasha Bedingfield both wore black

Natasha said: "She is one of my favourite female actors and I think she's deserved to win in America for a long time.

"She stands out with the best of them, and obviously it's fun if someone's British and wins."

Last but not least was Simon Cowell who turned up well after all the other guests had been seated.

He posed for photographers with his ex Terri Seymour and gave her a cheeky slap on the behind for added effect.

He told Newsbeat: "I've missed most of it, haven't got a clue who's nominated.

"I'm in so much trouble, I'm so late. I'm supporting Wall-E this year."