The 88th Annual Academy Awards take place on Sunday, February 28, and here in Hollywood North, there’s no shortage of public screening events to bring together movie lovers (and fashion critics). Study up your list of nominees, and get ready to tweet your best one-liners about our contemporary crop of cinematic royalty.
From fundraisers aimed at supporting our own movie industry, to fun social-centric parties with plenty of drinks, here are five Oscars viewing parties in Vancouver.
Cinema Public House Oscars Party
The Donnelly Group is hosting a special Oscars Night celebration at Cinema Public House. The venue will be all dolled up, just like the celebs, complete with a red carpet (don’t forget to practice your selfies). They’re offering a three-course menu, and special Remy Martin cocktails. The party at Cinema Public House will be hosted by actor Jaime Callica and Ed Garcia of CFOX, and the night includes prizes (not just the statuettes being handed out on TV). For reservations or more information, email [email protected].
When: Party starts at 4 p.m. and runs all night
Where: Cinema Public House, 901 Granville Street
Cost: Free admission; optional 3-course menu is $35
Free Screening Party at Rio Theatre
Head to Vancouver’s storied Rio Theatre for a free live screening of the Oscars on the big screen. Grab some grub at their concessions counter, including drinks. Prizes will be awarded for Oscar trivia, best costume, best acceptance speech, and picking the top 6 category winners.
When: Doors open at 3 p.m., red carpet coverage begins at 4 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway
Cost: Free admission
Annual Oscar Party at El Camino’s
Photo courtesy El Camino’s
El Camino’s is readying a fun and interactive Oscar-themed night of games, food and drink specials, and a screening of the live telecast. The staff will be “dressed to impressed,” and guests are also encouraged to don their finest for the red carpet walk. Prizes will be given out for “best dressed,” and for the winner of the Oscar Bingo.
When: 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: El Camino’s, 3250 Main Street
Cost: Free admission
The Rain City Oscar party
For a stylish take on viewing Vancouver-style, head to the VIFF Vancity Theatre for their Rain City Oscar Party. The evening is hosted by Georgia Straight film editor Adrian Mack and CBC film critic Kim Linekin, with red carpet fashion commentary from Steven Schelling. Ticket price includes free popcorn and a free Oscar ballot bingo card with the opportunity to win VIFF and Vancity Theatre ticket packs, DVDs, books and lots more goodies. The Disco Cheetah Korean Grill food truck will be on site, as well as a fully-licensed bar. 19+ only.
When: Doors open at 3:30 p.m., red carpet coverage begins at 4 p.m.
Where: VIFF Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: $15 (Tickets available online)
Cineworks 3rd Annual Oscars Fundraiser
Cineworks is holding their 3rd annual Oscars Fundraiser to benefit the Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society. Dress up for this high-end celebration of all things cinema, and enjoy a live screening of the Academy Awards. The evening is hosted by Talent Time’s Paul Anthony, with catering by Fiesta Creative Catering. 19+ only.
When: 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: The Imperial, 319 Main Street
Cost: $85 (Tickets available online)