Academy Awards invite get lost in the mail? Not to worry! Party like a celeb at these SF parties this Sunday.
Oscars: The 18th Annual Benefit Bash
The Roxie, 3117 16th St., 415-431-3611, roxie.com
March 7, 3:45 p.m.
The Roxie is SF's oldest continually operating theater, and has been serving up Hollywood glam since long before Janet Gaynor won the first Oscar back in 1927. Head to their 18th Annual "Up the Oscars Benefit Bash" to get rowdy heckling questionable nominees (hmmm...Sandra Bullock?). Come dressed to impress, this is a costumed affair. And it's the Castro, people, so bring your A-game costuming if you expect to win any prizes.
Academy of Friends Gala
Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, 415-995-9890, academyoffriends.org
March 7, 5 p.m.
Book an emergency salon appointment now - this one's fancy. The Academy of Friends Gala is the second-largest Academy Awards party in the country, surpassed only by the real deal in L.A.. So don your best black-tie and get ready to swank out. A gala reception (think gourmet cheeses, fancy libations) is followed by a private screening, silent auction and dance. Plus it's all in the name of charity with ticket sales and auctions benefiting those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Napa Valley Red Carpet Extravaganza
Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, 707-738-4040, napavalleyacademyawards.org
March 7, 5 p.m.
Nothing pairs with glitz like a decadent Cabernet. Join hosts Robert Mondavi and more than 25 local restaurants for a silent auction, comedy show and dancing with DJ Doc Martin. To this crowd, it's blasphemy that
Sideways walked away with only screenwriting awards in 2005, so we're betting Meryl Streep will get some serious love here for her performance as Julia Child.
Oscar Night America
Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St.
, San Rafael, 415-454-1222, cafilm.org
March 7, 3:30 p.m.
The only thing better than the LA Oscar parties are the swag bags. Unfortunately, you're not getting anywhere near that free Google Android or sapphire-encrusted watch. At Oscar Night in America, however, you get an official 2010 Academy Awards Program, which is pretty sweet. This one's
the only Bay Area function sanctioned by the Academy and will feature a silent auction swoonworthy to any film buff.
Balboa Oscars Party
March 7, 4:30 p.m.
Now you don't have to join the Blue Man Group (or wait until Halloween) to dress like an Avatar.The Balboa Oscars Party encourages guests to come dressed as their favorite nominated films or performers (bad puns and outrageous spoofs encouraged) to win prizes. Join master of ceremonies Reed Kirk Rahlmann in playful games of trivia during the commercials and intense discussions about the nominees. Who are we kidding? The only intensity here will be the battle of costumes. Avatar v. Prawn?
Oscar Awards Ceremony Dinner
Clift Hotel, 495 Geary St., 415-775-4700, donovansf.com
March 7, 4 p.m.
The Oscar Awards Ceremony Dinner at the Clift Hotel is banking on the premise that everyone wants to be treated like a celebrity, complete with bulb-flashing paparazzi and interviewers asking "Who are you wearing?" You can't get more "young Hollywood" than at this swanky, three-part gala that begins with a true-to-reality-television walk down the red carpet. A three-course dinner follows at Asia de Cuba with the broadcast live on three movie screens (sensing a pattern of threes here?). End the night with an afterparty worthy of Robert Pattinson at The Redwood Room with musical guest Donovan.
Free Oscar Party Hot Dog Day at Frankenart Mart
515 Balboa St
. 415-221-2394, frankenartmart.com
March 7, 1 pm
So you hate the swank. How about a free hot dog? Come get 'em at the Frankenart Mart and then watch the awards at this quirky gallery's tiny theater. Dress like your favorite movie and win an "Oscar" (ha!) for best costume.
