Partying With Oscar: Where to Watch the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards are just a few days away. Assuming you’ve caught up on all the best-picture nominees and cast your predictions, here are some places where you can watch the event.

By: Gwendolyn Purdom

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A planet inhabited by blue-skinned beings, a visionary director’s imagined plot to assassinate Hitler, an old man and a Boy Scout swept to a far-off land in a balloon-propelled house: It’s Oscar season again, and the year in movies has been quite a ride. Area groups and bars are celebrating the Super Bowl of cinema with predict-the-winners pools, drink specials, and big-screen TVs so you don’t miss a single acceptance speech, plunging neckline, or unexpected outburst. Here’s where you can watch:

• The Washington DC Film Society’s annual “And the Winner Is . . . ” party at the Arlington Cinema ’N’ Drafthouse. Local film critics Bill Henry and Joe Barber host this soiree, which features door prizes, a predict-the-winners contest, a performance by So You Think You Can Dance winners, and a silent auction with gift certificates, DVDs, and autographed movie posters and scripts. Doors open at 6:30 for full red-carpet coverage, and the main event starts at 8. Get tickets ($20) here or at the door. Proceeds benefit the DC Film Society and Filmfest DC.

• The Washington Film Institute’s Oscars Party at Goethe-Institut.The Washington Film Institute is literally rolling out the red carpet for its annual fete. Guests can enjoy unlimited wine and beer and catch the broadcast on two big-screen TVs on two floors. 7 PM; get tickets ($25 in advance, $35 at the door) here.

• Free Screenings of Academy Award Nominees at the National Archives. For the sixth year, the National Archives is offering free screenings of the nominees in documentary feature, documentary short subject, live-action short film, and animated short film. Local critics—including Willie Waffle, Tim Gordon, and Nell Minow—will host the documentary-feature screenings, and all shows will be seated on a first come, first served basis in the William G. McGowan Theater. Tickets will be available at the special events entrance on Constitution Avenue an hour before the screening. For a schedule of the films, which run March 3 through 7, check here.

• Annual Oscar Night DC to benefit the American Red Cross at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It’s a black-tie affair for Washington’s only official Academy-sanctioned viewing party. The swanky event includes a red carpet, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a live screening. Pamela Brown, a reporter for ABC7 WJLA, will emcee, while Arch Campbell of WJLA will cover the event live. General admission is $100, and $175 VIP admission includes VIP seating with premium bar, valet parking, an official Academy Awards Program, and a swag bag. 7 PM; to reserve your spot, click here.

• Nellie’s Sports Bar Oscar Party. Nellie’s $2 Beer Blast and weekend drinks special apply at this free viewing party from 5 to midnight.

Know of any Oscar parties we missed? Leave them in the comments and we’ll add them to this list.

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