Will Renee Zellweger wear Caroline Herrera again? Find out on the big screen at one of these big Academy Awards parties.
Carnivale
This Academy Awards party doesn't stop kicking until the last envelope is opened. You'll catch all the envelopes in between on seven plasma TVs and a 14-foot projection screen. If you don't care about best original score, you can take a break in the "Chocolate Factory," which features chocolate desserts, chocolate favors and a chocolate fountain. Tickets to the event (which benefits Children's Memorial Hospital), which begins at 6 p.m., cost $65 and include appetizers and two drink tickets. Attire is "jeans to jems." For tickets call (312) 850-5005.
Gene Siskel Film Center
You may not be in Hollywood, but you will be able to boast about your attendance at Chicago's only Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night (insert registered trademark) America party, complete with a Joan Rivers impersonator. Hit your very own red carpet at 5:30 p.m., trawl through the Klief lights (dodging Joan is up to you) and you'll be on your way to enjoying complimentary beer, wine, champagne, a buffet presented by Food for Thought and silent auction packages. Tickets are $100 general, $175 for VIP seating. Call (312) 846-2072 to purchase tickets.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Things just wouldn't be right if the ever-dramatic Kit Kate Club didn't throw an Oscar bash. This year, you'll enjoy a $35 set menu, check out the action on five jumbo-screen TVs and have your change to win $500 in giveaways.
Park West
Who said gluttony was a sin? Catch the big night on four giant screens and 24 monitors at the Chicago International Film Festival's annual Oscar night gala, held at the Park West. (Yep, that's gala, meaning red carpet attire is required). Enjoy hors d'ouevres and sip on complimentary wine and beer all night (cash bar for premium drinks). You might not go home with a golden statue, but thanks to raffle drawings and special prizes given throughout the evening, you just may go home with something. Purchase tickets at Chicagofilmfestival.com.
Piece
If you want to watch the show on a TV that's bigger than your 13-inch (but don't want to pay a cover for the privilege), Piece is for you. Sip on $3.50 Piece drafts and hope that your name will be announced...as the recipient of one of the movies that won in the past.
Sidetrack
Spend the evening with Oscar and His Men and benefit a whole other group of men: the Gay Men's Chorus, who reap the proceeds of your $50 ticket ($40 in advance at Cgmc.com. The evening kicks off with a 5 p.m. VIP reception; you'll get your fill of food, drink and entertainment before the 7:30 show begins.
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