The 2011 Oscars finally will be handed out this Sunday (Feb. 27) at 7 p.m., which means people all over the New Orleans area will be engaging in Oscar-watching activities of various flavors. Here are five options for folks who'd rather not watch alone:
0202 oscars.jpgThe 83rd annual Academy Awards are set for this Sunday night (Feb. 22).
0202 oscars.jpgThe 83rd annual Academy Awards are set for this Sunday night (Feb. 22).
5. Trade Hollywood Boulevard for Magazine Street. A group of merchants along New Orleans' hip shopping corridor are rolling out the red carpet, pouring the bubbly and inviting local movie buffs to join in - all for free. The whole thing gets started at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Salu (3226 Magazine St.) Sponsors include Fleurty Girl, Feet First, Make Me Up and NOLA Flora. Find out more at the NOLA Oscar Viewing Party Facebook page.
4. Throw your own Oscar party. Black tie? No black tie? You make the rules. And the folks at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are making it easy than ever for you, with their annual Oscar Party Kit, which includes cocktail recipes, hors d'oeuvre recipes, an Oscar ballot and even an Oscar bingo card for the more casual viewer. Find it all at here at the official Oscar site.
3. Go big. The New Orleans Film Society and the Prytania Theatre are again teaming up for an unofficial viewing party on the big screen. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trivia contests will be held during commercial breaks, and awards will be given for the best costumes. Proceeds from ticket sales -- which cost $25 a head for general admission; $35 for VIP balcony seats, which include hors d'oeurvres and champagne - will benefit the film society. You can find details at the New Orleans Film Society website.
2. Oscar Night in America. This is the only official local viewing party - that is, the only one sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - and it's part of a series of similar affairs in cities around the country. It'll be held at the Theatres at Canal Place, with proceeds benefitting the Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 a head, or $175 per couple, and include cocktails, food and a silent auction. Find the deets at the American Red Cross of New Orleans website.
1. Watch along with yours truly.
