Hollywood’s biggest night is this Sunday, March 2, when the finest actors, directors and leading professionals of the film industry gather for the 86th Academy Awards. Last year proved to be a fantastic season with award-worthy productions and performances across the board. With none of the nominees being declared a shoein, this year’s Oscars should prove to be an entertaining evening across the board.
Where to watch:
While you can certainly cozy up on your own couch for this year’s Oscars, there are also lots of options for those looking to go out on the town. Not far from campus, the West End Grill & Pub will host a watch party beginning at 6 p.m. that will include a red carpet, three-course meal and a big screen projection of the show. The menu will be inspired by 80s culinary classics, such as clams casino and Sicilian breaded strip steak served atop pasta with marinara sauce. Cocktails are also included and prizes will be awarded to those who predict the winners.
Another great option is to head to area theaters to catch the Awards. The historic Tivoli Theatre in the Delmar Loop will welcome guests to watch the Oscars live on the big screen from the comfort of their plush, red seats. Admission is free but St. Louis Cinemas asks each guest to bring a non-perishable food item for Operation Food Search. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The Moolah Theatre & Lounge will also host a small viewing party in their bar where the Awards ceremony will be projected on their large screen. Movie-inspired drink specials and popcorn will be available for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m.
What to sip and snack:
If you’re staying home but still want to be festive, here are a few food and drink ideas that stick with the Hollywood theme. Dress up microwavable popcorn by adding a drizzle of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan along with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re rooting for “Gravity” you can always steal a swig of Russian vodka while “Nebraska” fans might crack open a cold can of beer[AW1] . In honor of “Her” you could always order a pizza with similar toppings as the one Theodore ordered during their carnival date.
Who to cheer:
Ellen DeGeneres will be the main emcee for the evening as she hosts the Oscars for the second time since 2007. The beloved comedian has a reputation for spitting out memorable one-liners that will surely help lighten the intense anticipation inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Meryl Streep snagged her record-breaking 18th Oscar nomination for her role in “August Osage County.” If she wins for Best Female Actress it will be the fourth Oscar of her unprecedented film career that has shown no signs of slowing. Streep will go up against fierce competition, with both Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock being considered the front-runners.
Matthew McConaughey deserves props for shedding almost 40 pounds to play the role of an AIDS patient in “Dallas Buyers Club,” which landed him a nomination for Best Actor. Typically known for his romantic comedies, McConaughey certainly hoped to make this performance a highlight of his career and the critics took notice. The category will also be a tough win with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leonardo DiCaprio also putting up strong performances.
Make Your Picks:
Best Picture
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf of Wall Street
Best Actor
Christian Bale (American Hustle)
Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street)
Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave)
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress
Amy Adams (American Hustle)
Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
Judi Dench (Philomena)
Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)
Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
Bradley Cooper (American Hustle)
Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)
Jonah Hill (Wolf of Wall Street)
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)
Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave)
Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)
June Squibb (Nebraska)
Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)
Best Director
Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street)
David O. Russell (American Hustle)
Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity)
Alexander Payne (Nebraska)
Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave)
