Purcell native Bud Elder was among those gathered in Hollywood to attend the Critics Choice Film and Television Awards January 4. 

Elder said he was invited to the event, for his 10 year, as he is a senior voting member of the Critics Choice Association.

“Critics Choice is the premiere organization of professional film writers, broadcasters and experts from all over the world,” Elder said. “I am flattered to have been invited to join several years ago. There are a lot of big timers in that group.”

Personal connections made are one of the main reasons Elder enjoys the yearly trip.

“It’s just amazing to me that I know well the vice president of Netflix and all the major movie studio representatives,” he said.

“I have also made great friends with different CCA members and other movie and television professionals, from actors and actresses to great writers and directors.”

Nationally recognized film author and historian Leonard Maltin is a CCA member and attends the awards every year.

“I would go to the rack at Kennedy Drug to find Leonard Maltin’s books” Elder said. “It is such a kick to know him now, although I think he’s scared to sit with me because I ask him a million questions about classic films,” Elder quipped.

Elder took his cousin Don Beck, also with Purcell connections, to the event this year.

“Don’s father was Purcell native Dr. Don Beck, who was brother to Elder’s mother Beverly Beck Elder.  Our grandfather was Purcell attorney Louie Beck,” he said.

Elder’s father was a Purcell civic leader and longtime state legislator Charles Elder.

“I think every year about what my dad would think about my going to this Hollywood wing ding,” Elder said.  “But I take a little of him with me. That’s his tuxedo I wear.”

Last year, Elder took advantage of one more Purcell connection.

“Eric Butterbaugh is another Purcell native, who now is one of the top florists in Hollywood, and I had heard that one of his best friends and clients was the actress Demi Moore,” Elder said. “When she was nominated for an award at our event, I went up to her as a total stranger and asked if she had heard of Purcell, Oklahoma.”

Elder tells the rest of the story.

“Demi couldn’t believe that Eric and I were from Purcell and that we both had connections in the film business.  Then she had an idea. We took a selfie and sent it to Eric telling him that I was Demi’s new boyfriend and that I claimed to be from his hometown.

“Eric, of course, went nuts and called immediately and we all had a great time gabbing,” he concluded.