As an #OfficialFifty blog, I was honored to receive an invitation to the official premiere of the highly-anticipated Fifty Shades Darker movie held in downtown Los Angeles last week! And, to make this event even more special, they even threw a masquerade ball too! I’d been eagerly awaiting this movie ever since the first one was released so I couldn’t have been more excited especially since Fifty Shades Darker was actually my personal favorite book out of the trilogy!
The masquerade ball was scheduled for a few hours before the movie premiere and Official Fifty team had sent us all masks in the mail to wear so it was a lot of fun to get ready for this event! When we arrived at the venue, the entire place was stunning! High vaulted ceilings with beautiful light work, food, drinks, live music, fun activities, lounges to sit and chat with friends, and so much more! And then, things got even more special with appearances from the cast and filmmakers! 
At one point, I turned around and Eric Johnson (Jack Hyde) was making his way through the guests, and then at the very end, Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, EL James, and director James Foley came in to address everyone! I thought it was pretty special that EL James got the biggest ‘cheer’ from the crowd. This group of guests in particular included a lot of readers who’d been supporting and loving this series from the very very beginning and I loved seeing that the love for this story was just as much about the books as it was about the movie. The ball was a truly special and beautifully coordinated event and we all just couldn’t wait for the movie!!!
After the ball, they drove all of us to The Theatre at Ace Hotel (which is absolutely stunning by the way) where we were directed to our seats and eagerly awaited the start of the movie. Intermingled in the crowd were cast members — Kim Basinger (Mrs. Robinson) was sitting just in front of me, and we also spotted Victor Rasuk (Jose), Eloise Mumford (Kate), and more! Then EL James, Jamie, Dakota, and the director came on stage to introduce the movie to us and before we knew it, the movie had started!!
I was very impressed with how closely it stayed true to the book in many ways. So many favorite scenes that readers are looking forward to seeing are in the movie. Jamie and Dakota both did an amazing job in their roles and even though I just saw it a few days ago, I’m already looking forward to seeing it again when it opens in theaters everywhere on February 10th (or 9th in a few places). The movie begins only a few days after Fifty Shades of Grey ended and the ending is in the same place as the book too. OH! And when you go see it, be sure to stay until *after* the credits because there is a special sneak peek of the final movie (Fifty Shades Freed) at the very end! Don’t miss it! 
All in all, this trip — the masquerade ball, seeing the cast, and attending the premiere — was absolutely amazing! An exciting, thrilling, incredibly special experience! I’m so excited for everyone to see this movie!
Fifty Shades Darker opens in theaters February 10, 2017.
Oooooh, and I have a giveaway for you too!
I brought back one of the official masquerade masks from the ball (it’s the same design as the mask Ana is wearing in the movie posters) so you can enter below to WIN it!! Open internationally. 😀
— FIFTY SHADES DARKER MASK GIVEAWAY —
Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law.
Must be over 18 to enter. One winner.
Mary Lowery says
This is a great giveaway! Thank you so much! 🙂
<3 Christian Grey <3
Lori J Pouncey says
Ohhhh what a lucky gal you are. I bet you’re sitting in cloud 9 right it Eeekkk how exciting! Good for you Aestas, glad you got to go and have a great time, you so deserve it. Thank you so much for the fantastic giveaway. Bless you for all you do to enrich our literary world each and every day 🙂
Good luck everyone 😙
Emily Urresta says
You’re so lucky 😍😍😍
Karen Machamer says
Can’t wait to see this movie.
Angélica Quintero says
Thank y No for sharing all this with us! Thanks for the chance
Kimberly says
I’m so excited for this movie! Thank you for the chance!
Mya Murphy says
I would love to read this!!! I already incorporate a lot of this in my life..maybe learn some more tricks!
Breezy says
This is a fantastic giveaway! Thank you!
Erin D. says
This is amazing! Thanks!
Jayneh says
SOOOOOOOOOO excited for the movie!!
Caroline Brannigan says
Thanks so much for the chance, this is an awesome giveaway xx
Carla says
Such an awesome giveaway!! Thank you!
Cassi Jackson says
I cant wait to see the movie.
Thanks for the chance!!!!
Jolien says
Have seen the first movie and will watch the others. Have the first book so far.
Steph says
I’m so excited..thanks!!!!
Jennifer Jennings says
I loved the whole series!!! Will be going to see the movie.
Kim Egan says
What an amazing experience! Thanks for the chance at this fabulous giveaway!
Melissa Parnell says
I’m so excited for this movie! Thanks for the chance!
Cassie says
This is awesome – I can’t for the movie!
Andrea says
Can’t wait to see the movie! This was my favorite book of the series ❤️
Michelle Martinez says
Awesome, thanks for the chance 😃😍📚
Kat Trujillo says
Thanks for the chance💙💙
Kim Holliday says
Absolutely loved the 50 Shades series and excited to see the 2nd move!
Rachel Holloway says
Good luck everyone. This is an amazing prize!🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Marlene Warner says
Thank You for the Awesome Giveaway!! 🙂
Marlene Warner says
Got so excited that I forgot to respond to the question…. Lol
I LOVED the trilogy, all seven times I’ve read it! <3
Priscilla says
Oh I read this when it came out,even the fan fiction version, absolutely loved it!!!
Nicole Collins says
Thank you for the chance to win. I love this site.
Karen Lawson says
what an experience! Lucky you!!
Tami Czenkus says
I loved this series because it got me interested in reading again. Book 2 has to be my FAVORITE as well. Love the photos!! Thanks for the chance…
Brittney Grajeda says
I love the book. What a fun thing to get to experience
Heather Ross Cicio says
These books started my love for romance books! I love them all!!
Melissa Murray Quintanilla says
Awesome giveaway!! Thanks so much for the chance!!
Shasta Hope says
Thanks for the chance! It sounds like a dream to be apart of this!!!! Congrats to you! I entered and shared on my facebook author page, twitter, etc.
Clare Flack says
OMG this is so awesome ,Thank you so much for the chance, I loved the books and so excited to see this one.
Leticia says
Great giveaway, thank so much!!
Melissa says
What a great opportunity! I can’t wait to see the movie.
tai nelson-barnes says
thanks for a chance to win!!
Angela says
I absolutely love All the books, including Grey! Can’t wait for the movie next week. Congratulations on the premier, you deserve it!
mary fritz says
I am so happy you got to do all that and shared it with us.Thank you!
Thank you for this chance!
I love the fifty shades of grey books I reread them often!
As a matter of fact I am rereading it now almost finish.
Love Fifty shades of grey💖
Jessie says
It sounds like it was a great event! Can’t wait to see the film! #waitingforHyde
Aarti Singh says
Thank you for this awesome opportunity to win! ❤
Samantha says
So excited for the movie. If is stayed true to the book then I know it will be good.
Wanda Ivette Arroyo says
Thanks for the giveaway.
Rebecca Kerchner-Love says
I actually just got the books. I seen the first movie. Then the preview for this one came out and I knew I had to see it.
Rachel says
I loved this book, it was my favorite, I can’t wait to see how close the two go together, thank you for the chance
Teresa Williams says
I can’t wait to see the movie but I’ll have to wait till its on DVD.I have all 3 books and the extra grey .I have read them 3 times and love them .I have the first DVD but it wasn’t as good as the book.Hope this one is awesome.The previews are.
Krista Boyle says
Entered! Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!!!
Elena says
Amazing giveaway. I can’t wait to see this movie because like you, book 2 is also my favorite.
Katrina Dehart says
Cool giveaway!
Kim Johnson says
Can not wait for this movie! <3
Stephanie Sprinkle says
Omg how freaking awesome is that…I would have died 😍😍😍 well congrats on getting to go and thankyou for thinking of us and doing such an amazing giveaway
Jaime says
Freaking loved 50 Shades Darker!! Can’t wait for FRIDAY!!!!
Kayla Klontz says
Thanks for the chance! And the book was steamy 🙂
Kim P says
Can’t wait to see the movie!!
Stephanie W. says
#FiftyShadesDarker was my favorite of the trilogy also! It makes me so happy to hear that the movie stayed true to the book! Thank you for the chance! ☆ ☆ ☆
Angelica Rodriguez says
Omg! I’m so jealous but I’m really happy for you that you have the opportunity to go. Can’t wait to see the movie!!! And thank you so much for this awesome giveaway!
Susan says
How wonderful for you! What a great experience! 💕
J A Owenby, Author (@JAOwenby) says
I can’t wait to see the movie! I loved the books. Thank you for the great giveaway. 🙂
Carole Dube says
Thank you! I can’t wait to see the movie! I read all the book and love them all!
Jennifer Lessard says
OMG you lucky girl! I can’t wait for this movie! My Mom is taking me for my Birthday! LOVE LOVE LOVE these books! I have re-read this series more times than any book in my life!
Diana Doan says
Thanks for the givaway!
Brenda Parsons says
Thanks for this amazing giveaway, and hugs for making it international.
I haven’t read the books YET, hangs head in shame. I know. I know.
Marci says
Thanks for the opportunity
Linda Post says
Thanks for the chance!
Andrea Stafford says
Awesome giveaway, thanks for the chance!
Darker is my favourite of the three, also. I couldn’t wait to see this movie as, looking st the extended trailer, it promised to be more like the book than the first movie (which I loved). Now, after reading your post I can’t contain my excitement!! <3
Laurie Alain says
I would love to read this!!!Thanks for the opportunity.
Tricha Leary says
I have my tickets already!!!!
Amber Schwartz says
Can’t wait until Valentine’s Day! I loved the book and thought the first adaptation was absolutely great. Loved Jamie and Dakota, they make the perfect Christian and Anastasia! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! 🙂
Lisa says
Fifty Shades Darker was actually my favourite too. I can’t wait to see it in movie.
Crystal says
Awesome giveaway! Thank you so much for the chance, Fifty Shades Darker is my favorite book of the series, can’t wait to watch it😊
Brittney says
Absolutely love this blog that premier looked like so much fun 🙂
Ale Elias says
Hi! Thank you for the chance. I’d love to win because I loved all the books and it would be awesome to have a part of it 🙂
Susan Staudinger says
I can’t wait to see the movie! Thanks for sharing your experience at the premiere at for this awesome giveaway. I’ve got my fingers crossed!!!
Melinda says
I love Fifty Shades of Grey! I have books! I have seen first part several times 😮 ! I got tickets for Fifty shades darker on February 8th! And I can’t wait!!!! All I need is a mask and I wouldn’t mind a signed copy from E.L.James!
Linda Moffitt says
I haven’t read it yet but I’ve definitely heard a lot about it>
Nicole Sands says
Thank you for this awesome chance!!! I loved the books!
Debbie Rice says
Thank you so much for the opportunity and your generosity
Dalina says
I’ve read the books, can’t wait to watch the movie
Brandi Swendt says
Read it. Loved every page. Think it was my favorite within their relationship
Delia Chavez says
Thanks for the chance!!!! I love this book and I cant wait for the movie
Sara Johnson says
I have loved the book immensely, and the other two as well. But, I got to say that darker has been my favorite one of the trilogy, it shows that no matter what happens, if you love someone and you want them desperately in your life, you gotta earn their love, even a hot billionaire has to do that, so what are you in his comparison? 😂😂 Anyway, so. Yeah, thank you for the giveaway, I am really excited to win this one, I desperately want this one!! 😍😍
Caroline Frimston says
The mask is beautiful. Love the FSOG trilogy. Thx for the chance <3
Nicola Kate says
This looks great , so excited for the movie coming out
Melitha says
Aweome giveaway
Thank you for the chance
Anne Marli says
Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
I read the book and I am sooooo in love it! Among the 3 books, Fifty Shades Darker is my favorite!!
Alexandra A says
So excited to see the movie! <3
Jodi says
Yay thank you!!
Lesley E says
Thank you for the chance
Annalese Anderson says
I love the Fifty Shades Series and can’t wait to watch Fifty Shades Darker.
Thank you for the chance! 💜
Esther Gerdzen says
Can’t wait to see this movie . Thank you for the giveaway !
Clarissa says
The commercials look awesome so I can’t wait to see it. Thank you for the giveaway
Emely Alayo says
What a great experience!
Can’t wait to watch the movie. I’m so excited. Thank you for this awesome giveaway😍
Andra says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! 🙂
Christina K. says
Thank you so much for the chance!!
I love that book so much, it’s my favorite of the three and I owe that triology my love for reading
Erica K. says
I love it. I can’t wait to see the movie! Thank you for this giveaway 😀
Laura Lovejoy-Brunk says
I’ve read all the books and loved them ! Thanks for the chance !
Treen Goodwin says
I read the book it was fabulous , i am so excited for the movie , woohoo thanks for the chance
Barbara Burdette says
Can not wait for this movie. Thank you for a chance and such a great blog post. Looks like premier was fun.
Marcy Meyer says
Looks like the premiere was amazing. So exciting! I love this series so much! This is a great giveaway. Thanks for the chance. The mask is absolutely beautiful.
Shelley says
Read the book! Can’t wait to see the movie! 🙂
Allysia says
This was my favorite book and I can’t wait to see it.
Monica Murphy says
Thanks for sharing such an awesome event. I am re-reading both books before the movie comes out, and can’t wait to see it!
Alicia Meza says
My favorite book from the trilogy. So excited to see the movie
LisaVH says
Loved this book. Can’t wait to see it on the big screen!
Latifa Morrisette says
I love this book. I’m excited to see the movie!
jodi marinich says
i have read the whole series and loved it
Erika Messer says
I have actually not read any of the books – I started to try the audiobooks but didn’t like the speaker so I quit. Just haven’t gotten around to them yet but hopefully soon. I really liked the first movie and cannot WAIT for Darker to come out next week! Thanks 🙂
S says
Good book. Hope the movie shows the best moments. Looking forward.
Nicole Newman says
I have read the series 8 times. This book is layered with so many sub plots. The relationship between Ana and Christian grows and strengthens while being put through challenges in many different levels. It is EPIC as Dakoto Johnson says in her interviews for Darker. I’m trying to keep this spoiler free. I find myself holding my breath through the trailers.
Irma Hernandez says
Thank you so much for the giveaway! Fifty Shades Darker was my favorite book of this trilogy. I loved how Anna finally got to meet Ms. Robinson in this book. I also liked how Christian and Anna’s relationship developed into something more in this book. There was a lot of jaw dropping moments in it. I can’t wait to see the movie! I’m very excited!!!
Amy Haynes says
OMG I LOVE Mr. Grey!!! I’ve read the whole series 6 times!! Can’t wait to see the Darker movie this week!!! Thanks for this awesome chance!!! Thanks!
Carol Vitali says
This is awesome!!
Dana Fiore Stusse says
No shades of grey here, it’s all about vivid color and FSOG. I’ve read the series 7 times, and feel the need to pick those books up again and re-acquaint myself with Christian. Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to this next movie.
Laura Dalle Luche says
Thanks so much for giving this opportunity <3
Ellie says
I’m re-reading the book to prepare for my viewing pleasure come Friday!
Kristian Erdmann says
I already read all the books and liked the first book better than the movie so I’m excited to see how I’ll feel about this one!! Thanks for the chance love.
SissyGrey says
Fifty Shades Darker is my favourite book too and I can’t wait until February 9 😍
Miriam says
Thanks for the chance, I’ve read the book but I should read it again
Amy says
love the books
Crissy Armenta says
Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!
Lisa Giacco says
I can’t wait for the movie! I❤Jamie
jtai21 says
Thanks for a chance at the awesome giveaway!! I’ve read the series several times over…totally love the mystery that’s going to start with book 2.
Candice Sheets says
Thanks for a chance! I did read the book. I read the entire trilogy and own them still. I did think I’d like them-as I prefer a GOOD story vs steamy nonstop scenes. I was surprised at the story. It held my attention and found myself ordering for myself and friends! I’d say DARKER is my fave …with the first book following…etc. I liked how Ana flipped the roles in a way…and Christian loves her so much…he follows along. I am so jealous that you got to go to the ball!!! Moreso because of the Actors. ♡
Teodora K. Jalali says
Amaizing giveaway ! Loved the books .
Romi says
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy excellent giveaway, love the gala
Lisa M says
thank you … and wow!
i read the book a while ago but I keep thinking i need to reread them all
I can’t wait to watch this movie!
Cassandra Hicks says
It’s my favorite of all 3 and I can’t wait to see the movie!!!
Sylvi says
Awwww. Really can’t wait to watch this movie. Too bad it won’t be released in my country 🙁 so I need to wait longer to watch it.
Whitney Cannavina says
Thank you for the chance. I loved this book and especially this series! I can’t wait to see it on the big screen
Brianna King says
Favorite book in the series… can’t wait!!
Christina Jenny says
So damn lucky! 😀
I can’t wait to see the movie myself!!! Loved the book ofc <3
Lorraine Michelle Irvine says
Awesome giveaway thanks for the opportunity xx i have read the book and i thought it was beautiful the way Anna and Christian connected in this one cant wait to see the movie now xxxx
Juana Esparza says
I loved the books, and the first movie. I can’t wait to see the 2nd part.
Irma says
Yes, I’ve read it and of course – I loved it!
Charlene E says
So excited to get to see this on Saturday!
Alicia B says
Love all of this and cant wait for the movie!!
Artemis Giote says
I am so jealous. I can’t wait to see it!!!!!
MJ Symmonds says
Wow what an out of this world experience. Loved the book & can’t wait for the movie <3. Thanks
Ruth L. says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Anna Bergman says
Thanks for the chance!
Tammy Catterton says
I have not read the book yet I plan to see the movie I more a movier person then a book reader here
Viviana Varona says
I have read them all several times. Thank you for the chance as alwasys Aesta
Viviana Varona says
Oops Aestas. It cut out your name. Hope all is well.
Lea says
thanks for the chance <3
Deza Valero says
It would mean the whole world to me if i could win this one. I’m a huge fan of the trilogy. I’ve read the books when I was just starting in college and ever since I’ve been in love with Christian Grey. I have been following the movie right when they announced who will be playing the characters until the filming days. I have followed every fan account just to get behind the scene pictures of Jamie and Dakota. I just love Ana and Christian’s love story but my dad doesn’t know I’m reading Fifty Shades trilogy 🙂
Ashley Poteet says
Looks like you had a fantastic time! Thanks for the chance!
Nykole says
A great giveaway!
Brandon Sparks says
I am so looking forward to this read. It sounds so amazing…
Tiffany Wilson says
Omggggg!!!! Have you guys seen the movie???? Omg. Love. Love. Love it. I cannot wait for the third movie. If you have not seen it go see it please. And try not to get wet. Lol.
amy bowens says
Thanks so much. I loved the book. My favorite of all three.
Heather F. says
Sounds like an amazing experience! Like you, the second book was my favorite and after seeing the movie today, it was so well done! I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to be able to see it again! Thanks for the chance!