Arriving at the Oscar première on 13 September felt like attending an Oscars ceremony. The foyers of Melbourne’s historic Regent Theatre were filled with artists, journalists, photographers, politicians, dauntingly tall drag queens, and streams of gay couples who may have been first-timers at the ballet. The production signals a departure from The Australian Ballet’s standard repertoire. Oscar is the first full-length gay-themed ballet performed by an Australian classical company. And the capacity audience was ready for it, as a standing ovation proved two hours later.