Star Power

For the television audience, the Oscars are a night of derision, boredom, and secret, desperate longing. Primarily, though, it’s about television: You should be in front of one. Local moviehouses turn their screens into giant ones, allowing people to think, if they squint and eat mushrooms, that they are part of the real audience. The venue makes a difference: For those who enjoy providing or overhearing running commentary on what famous people look like, try the Oscar Telecast Champagne Party at the Castro Theatre (www.castrotheatre.com). Set in a respectable filmhouse, the Oscar Party at the Balboa (www.balboamovies.com) promises good-natured and responsible viewing. For those who enjoy some of those things, but mostly none of them, the Up the Oscars Benefit Bash at the Roxie (www.roxie.com) guarantees the most carefree, laugh-at-Mickey-Rourke’s-fake-mustache viewing — and food and drink are allowed inside. For its part, the Red Vic is showing The Muppet Movie. There’s something wonderful about that.

Related Content

• The 13 Worst Songs to Listen to While High
  January 24, 2012
• Good Food Awards Brings a Beer Garden to the Ferry Building
  January 9, 2012
• Five Songs That Should Have Been Nominated For an Oscar This Year
  January 25, 2012
• The Top 10 Worst Film Performances By Musicians
  February 14, 2012
• Tough Guys and Long Legs
  January 18, 2012

More About

• Academy Awards
• Oscar Telecast Champagne Party
• The Muppet Movie
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• Film Awards

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

The Oscars start at 5 p.m. in a movie house near you. See Web sites for details.
Sun., Feb. 22, 5 p.m., 2009