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On the Road
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Who needs Tinseltown this March 25? You can watch the Academy Awards in true Northern California
style. The following Oscar night events sell out quickly, so call—or get in line—early
for tickets.
Up the Oscars, Roxie Cinema, San Francisco,
(415) 863-1087; www.roxie.com. Some people have
no respect and many of them show up at the Roxie's annual bash. The crowd is as entertaining as the
actual show. The awards ceremony is projected on the screen. During commercials, the audience is
treated to clips from old Oscar shows. Spectators yell "Sweep!" when someone wins or "Get off!" at
long-winded speeches; they give thumbs up or down during film clips. Last year, they hissed at NRA
president Charlton Heston and guffawed at Jane Fonda as she attempted to "prevent" instead of
"present" an award. The Roxie encourages people to bring their own food, drink, and attitude.
Academy of Friends Oscar Gala, Fort Mason, San Francisco,
(415) 995-9890;
www.academyoffriends.org. Reputedly the largest Oscar party outside of Los Angeles, this annual gala
is pricey at $200 a person, but proceeds benefit AIDS organizations. The event spares no expense on
glitz and glamour, so attendees, decked out in gowns and tuxes, can feel like stars. Large screens project
the Oscars throughout the pavilion as guests sample appetizers from favorite San Francisco
restaurants—Boulevard, JohnFrank, and Mecca. Amid the extravagance, the silent auction is a good
place to find deals on everything from furniture to art to travel.
Big Screen Bash, Parkway Theater, Oakland,
(510) 814-2400;
www.picturepubpizza.com. You must be 21, though you needn't act it, to attend this bash. The
theater rolls out a red carpet and offers guests a glass of champagne and a party bag containing a
voting ballot, pencil, Hershey's kisses, condom, and noisemaker. During commercials there's plenty
of entertainment. Last year's attire ran the gamut from strapless gowns and tuxes to nose rings and
blue hair to jeans and sweaters. Awards are given for best dressed, best celebrity look-alike, biggest
hair, most obnoxious, and deepest cleavage.
Oscar Night America, Palace Hotel, San Francisco,
(415) 383-5256. This $150-a-head splash is put on by the Film Institute of Northern California,
sponsor of the Mill Valley Film Festival. ONA claims to be the "official" Bay Area Oscar party (it's
licensed by the academy). Attendees receive a real Oscar program. Last year's event kicked off with a
vodka martini bar, followed by a four-course dinner. During commercials, BayTV film critic Jan Wahl
dished out humor from under her memorably large hat.
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