After weeks of being barraged with buzz and saddled with speculation from movie critics and entertainment insiders, the 2011 Academy Awards are finally here. This Sunday, the focus will be on Hollywood, where stars will don their glammy finest and a select few will take home tiny golden men. For the rest of us normal folk, Oscar night can be just another excuse to gather 'round with friends, drink some bubbly and have a few good laughs at the ridiculous fashions and the reactions of jilted nominees. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy the film industry’s big night right here on the peninsula.
- One of the best ways to prep for Oscar night is to see all the nominated films, and seeing all of them has never been more of a challenge; the Academy upped the number of “Best Picture” nominees from five to 10 last year. Fortunately, you can still catch a few of these on the big screen. The King’s Speech, True Grit and Black Swan are all currently playing at the Century at Tanforan, and The Fighter (as well as The King’s Speech) can be seen at the Century 20 in Daly City. Danny Boyle’s agonizing survival tale 127 Hours is showing at the UA Stonestown Twin in San Francisco, and fans of Facebook can still view The Social Network at The City’s Metreon.
- “Best Picture” nominees are easy: Pretty much all of them played on major screens throughout the country last year. Viewing the lesser known selections in other categories can be a bit harder. To get a peek at some great short films that were nominated for awards this year, head to the Opera Plaza Cinemas in San Francisco. Sure, it’s a bit of a trek, but to those dedicated enough to true artistry in film, Opera Plaza provides an abbreviated but diverse selection of independent films, and will be showcasing all animated and live-action shorts that were nominated for Academy Awards this weekend. As an Oscar-buff bonus, “Best Pic” nom Winter’s Bone is still playing there.
- Of course, going out to see all the nominees this weekend can really take it out on your wallet. Renting a few of them and having your own pre-Oscar marathon is a much more economical option. While many nominated films are not yet out on video, Toy Story 3, Inception, Winter’s Bone, The Kids Are All Right and The Social Network are all currently available to rent or buy. Visit the Redbox rental kiosk inside on El Camino Real to bring home your favorite for $1 a night, or try streaming your rental instantly through Amazon.com.
- If staying at home with some rentals or streaming flicks is the plan, an Oscar party of your own might be necessary. Starting the day with a movie marathon will get guests in the right spirit, as will making it a formal affair, complete with elegant attire and hors d’oeuvres. You don’t need to drop hundreds on a new ballgown to give your party the Hollywood vibe, however. Drop by the store on El Camino Real, Goodwill in South San Francisco or Burlingame’s to rummage through used treasures and concoct your own classic film look, whether it’s a classic Marilyn Monroe white frock or a Gone With the Wind green drapery dress.
- Just because you’re a movie lover does not mean you agree with all the Academy’s choices. Those of us who feel a bit more jaded by Oscar’s picks, but for some masochistic reason still want to watch the night’s happenings unfold can take solace at San Francisco’s Roxie Theater this Sunday. The independent Mission district theater will open its doors at 3:45pm, and for a $15 admission fee ($12 in advance) will welcome the disenchanted but curious to a night of viewing the event in its entirety on the big screen while enjoying free snacks, prize give-aways and a costume contest.
