Now that the writers strike is settled, the Academy Awards show will go on as scheduled Feb. 24. This is a preview of the show s set. (Associated Press )
Vanity Fair may have cancelled its annual starstudded post-Oscar party this year, but with the writers’ strike over, there’s no reason for the rest of us not to celebrate.
Now that I know the red carpet is a definite go - what fun would watching the telecast on Feb. 24 be without comparing the best and worst dressed? - I’m planning an Oscar party for the first time.
Usually, it’s just me in my pajamas, bathrobe and tiara, anticipating the first major award of the evening - usually Best Supporting Actor or Actress - then trying to stay awake during the best sound, lighting, editinguntil another big category is announced.
If you have a party, one of the essentials of the evening, lifestyle expert and TV host Mar Jennings, of Westport, told me is to have guests come dressed as a character from one of the five Oscar-nominated movies.
“It’s easier for women to come in character,” said Jennings, recalling a female guest who dressed as Cher the year she was nominated for “Moonstruck.”
“For men, they just need a great tuxedo.”
The tuxedo idea works particularly well this year for Jennings, who said his dapper alter-ego for the evening will be Oscar-nominated actor George Clooney, from the also nominated Best Picture, “Michael Clayton.”
Debbie Grazier, party planner with Jordan Caterers in Cheshire, said having guests dress up is an important detail for an Oscar party, or any shindig for that matter, because “they become part of the party
For decorations around the house, the gold Oscar statuette is a must, she said.
Grazier suggests going on the Internet, where there are several sources for them, as well as for movie paraphernalia that is another sure- fire prop.
Although your theme may be the Oscars, you can take it a step further, she added. For example, this year is the Academy Awards’ 80th year. You could zero in on one of the past decades, such as the ’50s, and put up pictures of “Old Hollywood” stars and movies.
Grazier suggests keeping your menu simple.
“You want to have wonderful beverages and a signature drink that you have given a name,” she said. And, of course, you can always order food from a caterer, pick it up yourself, “and pretend it was your own,” she said. Then you can have fun serving the food.
“Break the mold and be unexpected,” she said. “Go to any discount home goods store and buy really interesting glasscovered serving platters.”
Or, you could use large picture frames and insert images of favorite movies and actors and use them as servers, too, Grazier said.
Jennings, author of “Life on Mar’s: A Four Season Garden,” that offers entertaining tips, had some snappy party ideas, too, whether it’s for six people or 60.
“If you’re going to have an Oscar party, it’s going to be a party above all the rest, from the fashion to the food,” he said. “And it’s the only time, except for the Super Bowl, when the TV is going to be on.”
His guests feel like stars from the moment they arrive as they walk the red carpet he puts down for the occasion and have their pictures taken, he said.
” You always have to ask what people are wearing,” he said with a laugh. “Go campy and have fun.”
Debbie Grazier, party planner with Jordan Caterers in Cheshire, said having guests dress up is an important detail for an Oscar party, or any shindig for that matter, because “they become part of the party decorations.”
Start the party about 45 minutes before the telecast and serve Champagne and lots of hors d’oeuvres.
He also makes ballots for everyone, listing just the major nominations. Winners in each category receive a bottle of wine - have a raffle if there’s a tie - and the person who gets the most correct answers wins a case of wine, he said.
Be sure everyone can see the TV and use TiVo if there’s a break in the action on screen or you want to sit down for dinner, which Jennings plans to do.
In the background, have Oscar-nominated songs playing, he said.
If a party at home is not your cup of tea, but you want to be part of the Hollywood glamour, the Avon Theatre in Stamford is hosting a gala from 5:30 p.m. to midnight next Sunday.
“We’re one of the only venues given legal permission by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to telecast this show live,” said Louisa Greene, director of development and marketing for the theatre. “It’s to celebrate the rebirth of the Avon.”
The Avon is an eclectic picture house built in 1939 that was recently restored to its former grandeur. After renovations, it reopened in 2004 as a not-for-profit art house cinema. This event is its first fundraiser since re-opening, said Greene.
The Avon doesn’t show mass-produced films, said Greene, but “independent films like ‘Juno’ and ‘Atonement.’ “We show what I would call the ‘thinking person’s’ kind of movie,” she added.
Tom Bergeron, of Old Greenwich, and the host of “Dancing with the Stars,” is the evening’s MC. A live show starts at 7 p.m. and features pianist Randy Atcheson, comedian Jane Condon and actress/singer Quinn Lemley. “We’re calling it ‘Hollywood East,’ ” said Green about the glamorous black-tie affair complete with a red carpet entrance and paparazzi to take your picture.
The Avon Theatre, 272 Bedford St., Stamford, is hosting a Red Carpet Gala and live telecast of the Academy Awards on Feb. 24. Tickets for the fundraiser start at $350. Call Greene at 661-0321, for more information.
On Wednesday at 6:15 and 8 p.m. the Avon is showing Oscar-nominated shorts. Tickets are $6 for members, $10 for the public.
On Saturday, “Lars and the Real Girl” and “I’m Not There,” both up for awards, are on the bill at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., respectively.
See THE CHALLENGE to the left.
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