Friday, February 23, 2007

Dallas Oscar Parties

Why stay home to watch the Oscars when you can get glammed up and watch them on the big screen? A smattering of Oscar-related events dots the schedule for Sunday for those not content to watch from the couch.

• The USA Film Festival will host an Oscar-watching party at the Studio Movie Grill in Addison (5405 Belt Line Road). WFAA-TV (Channel 8) film critic Gary Cogill will speak before the telecast begins. Tickets are $35 to $75 and include a light buffet and glass of champagne with a cash bar available. Proceeds benefit the USA Film Festival, and 90 percent of the ticket price may be considered tax deductible. 214-821-6300 or usafilmfestival@aol.com.

• The Dallas and Plano Angelika Film Centers will show the Oscar telecast on the big screen beginning at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served for the free event, which will feature special giveaways. The Dallas Angelika is located at 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Station. The Plano Angelika is located at 7205 Bishop Road in the Shops at Legacy. 214-841-4700.

• Texas Monthly's Skip Hollandsworth will host a pre-Oscar party at Iris restaurant, 5405 W. Lovers Lane, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include food and wine. There will also be a silent auction that will include use of a suite at American Airlines Center and spa packages from Refining Beauty. All proceeds will benefit Reading & Radio Resource, a Dallas-based nonprofit that provides recordings of books and a radio service for those unable to read. 214-871-7668.The Academy Awards

7 p.m. Sunday on ABC (Channel 8).