The fashion. The winners. The losers (like you at home watching awkward acceptance speeches and eating microwave popcorn). And let’s not forget Jon Stewart. We can’t wait for the snark he’ll unleash as host of Sunday’s 78th annual Academy Awards.
We’ll try to avoid yet another gay cowboy joke, and instead announce this year’s nominees for best places to watch the Oscars, from no-cover parties for penny pinchers to a benefit gala for those with Hollywood pocketbooks.
metromix/RedEye Academy Awards Party
Want to party with us? Come to Park West, where co-hosts of CLTV’s “metromix” TV show, Summer Jackson and Pogo, MC while you watch on 24 TVs and two giant screens. Don your red-carpet apparel, sip unlimited wine and beer, nosh on appetizers (6-8 p.m.) and enter raffles. If you hear your name called as a winner, save the acceptance speech for later and just take your gift basket (about a $200 value) with a smile. Yeah, we know it doesn’t compare to the $100,000 gift packs for the Oscars presenters, but who are we to complain? 6 p.m. Sunday. $45-$60. Tickets: chicagofilmfestival.org. 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-332-3456.
Oscar and His Men: Where Hollywood Meets Halsted
If you’re more of a “Brokeback” kind of boy, there’s no better place to watch than on the giant screens at Boystown video bar Sidetrack. Pony up a little extra cash for a VIP reception in the back and glass bars at 5 p.m., which includes food, drinks and raffles, plus entertainment by Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. Or, just stop by and watch videos ’til the big show begins; the rest of the bars will be open as usual. 5 p.m. Sunday. Preshow party $40-$50; otherwise, no cover. Tickets: cgmc.org. 3349 N. Halsted St. 773-477-9189.
Piece Academy Awards Party
Don’t have cash for a chi-chi celebration? No problem. Piece will help you out with a viewing party that won’t cost you a penny to get in. That means you’ll have more dough to spend on $3.50 Piece lager drafts. Order a pizza with your pals, and dish on who looks like red-carpet roadkill. Plus, score the chance to win DVDs of past winners while you watch. 7 p.m. Sunday. No cover. 1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422.
A night at the Oscars
We’re not sure what appeals to us more about this party: the Carnivale Chocolate Factory with desserts, special favors and chocolate fountain (yum!); or the suggested “creative dress code” of jeans to gems. (Maybe we’re just dying to see how many people interpret that as an invitation to break out the Bedazzler.) Whatever you wear, you’ll pale in comparison to the Hollywood beauties you’ll be watching on seven screens, including a 14-footer. Includes complimentary appetizers, desserts and gift bags, but you’ll have to pay cash for your own cocktails. Jenniffer Weigel of WGN Radio MCs. 6 p.m. Sunday. No cover. Donations accepted at the door benefit the Department of Child Advocacy at Children’s Memorial Hospital. 702 W. Fulton Market. 312-850-5005.
An Evening with the Stars
Party with a purpose at the Apollo Theater, where you can watch on three giant screens and help raise money for the Cure Autism Now Foundation. NBC’s Zoraida Sambolin hosts the evening, which includes movie-themed cocktails and an open bar, appetizers (6-8 p.m.), a photo exhibit, a raffle, and a silent auction featuring items ranging from dinner to a trip to Hollywood. Opt for a truly star-style affair with a champagne trolley ride to and from Catch 35 (35 W. Wacker Drive), where you’ll enjoy preshow dinner and drinks. 5 p.m. Sunday preshow dinner; 6:30 p.m. Apollo doors open. $100-$250. 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-935-6100.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
