The Super Bowl for movie fans goes down Sunday when, after endless hype and speculation, the 95th Academy Awards are handed out.
While it’s looking more and more like A24’s creative little indie upstart “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” with 11 nominations, will sweep, expect a surprise or two tucked into one of those envelopes. (Flashback to the 2017 ceremony when “La La Land” got supplanted by “Moonlight” — at the podium.)
This year we hope everyone behaves and no one hauls off and slaps someone onstage (or backstage). And while we’re excited about the awards, teary acceptance speeches and fashions, we’re most looking forward to witnessing the rip-roaring, Bollywood footwork by the extra-dreamy N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan from “RRR.” We won’t want to miss that.
The show, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, kicks off at 5 p.m. March 12 on ABC.
For those who want a communal Oscars experience, there are options throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
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Pass the Remote opens the envelope to reveal a few of the theaters that will be projecting the telecast on their big screens:
The New Parkway Theater in Oakland: Cozy up with others and tipple a satisfying beverage and tasty meal at this East Bay gem. Tickets are $23-$25 at the newparkway.com.
The Smith Rafael Film Center: Break out the fancy duds or your comfy jeans and strut your down the red carpet for the annual “Awards Night at the Rafael.” Prepare for fun with trivia games, a predict-the-winner contest, popcorn and a glass of bubbly. There’s a no-host bar, too. All proceeds go to a good cause, the California Film Institute’s education program. Should you desire a healthy dinner box, you can get that as well for an extra $25. Tickets are $30-$35 at cafilm.org.
Up the Awards Benefit Bash 2023: If you need to be more frugal with your dollars but still want to give to good cause — keeping the Roxie in San Francisco rocking — check out this fun event, ideal for those who take the ceremony in stride but still love it. Tickets: $15 donation at roxie.com.
2023 Awards Night Viewing Party: A Benefit for Contra Costa Civic Theatre: If you wish to express your thoughts on the fashion do’s and don’ts, be sure to arrive at 4 p.m. at the Rialto Cinemas Cerrito in El Cerrito for red carpet arrivals and then stay for the main event, of course. Your $50 includes appetizers, beverages, a trivia contest and best of all, a costume contest. For tickets, visit rialtocinemas.com.
Drag the Oscars 2023: Do you find the Academy Awards a bit of a drag? They can be, but you can pep them up by watching drag queens onstage. The fun begins at 3 p.m. at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco and features Media Meltdown Performers Pirhana & Franzia Kafka & friends. Tickets are $15 at https://ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/purchase/9377 siteToken=52wkfzmjpwjjfpz3ye7tz8wscg)
Oscar Party at the Orinda Theatre with Jan Wahl and Derek Zemrak: Put on your best Oscar hat (a certain TV and radio personality can help you find one!) for this sure-to-be entertaining show that benefits the Orinda Theatre that starts at 3:30 p.m. Tickets, which include the show, a bit of bubbly, trivia and some nibbles, are $50 at orindamovies.com.
The Cinelounge Oscars Party: If you’re near Tiburon and looking to get very comfy, check out the broadcast in an event that includes food, a pop-up caviar bar and Champagne. It starts at 4 p.m.; tickets are $75 at https://allevents.in/tiburon/the-cinelounge-oscars-party/10000559088076487.
The Oscars 95th Academy Awards Live Viewing at THE LOT City Center: San Ramon-area movie fans might want to flock to The LOT eatery to watch the show on a giant video wall and enjoy free popcorn. The fun starts at 5 p.m. To reserve a table for dinner and drinks (those aren’t free), visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oscars-95th-academy-awards-live-viewing-at-the-lot-city-center-tickets-554784243607.