Oscar Night Parties

Can't make it to Hollywood's Kodak Theatre for the 77th Academy Awards on February 27? Get off the couch, straighten your tie, and hit the red carpet at one of the Academy Award bashes below.

CALIFORNIA
OAKLAND, OSCAR BASH. Don your party finery, order a pizza, and sit back in one of two theaters to watch the show on the big screen at this laid-back shindig. About $10. Parkway Speakeasy Theater. (510) 848-1994, www.picturepubpizza.com [2].

PEBBLE BEACH, OSCAR NIGHT GALA. Stroll past Pebble Beach's own star-studded Walk of Fame and watch the ceremony over a catered dinner. $150. The Inn at Spanish Bay. (831)646-0910, www.filmmonterey.org [3].

SACRAMENTO, AN EVENING WITH OSCAR. Upon arrival, you'll be pestered by the paparazzi, including a Joan Rivers-like personality who's sure to inquire about the designer of your gown. Hyatt Regency. $100. (916) 453-1110, www.capcityaidsfund.org [4].

SAN FRANCISCO, ACADEMY OF FRIENDS GALA. The largest Oscar party outside of L.A., with large-screen televisions beaming the action from Hollywood and 100 Bay Area restaurants and wineries providing the edibles. $150. Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion. (415) 995-9890, www.academyoffriends.org [5].

NEVADA
LAS VEGAS, OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA. Cheer on your favorite thespian as you watch the ceremony on four large screens. This year's party is emceed by Robin Leach of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. $250. Caesars Palace Ballroom. (702) 367-1626, www.arthritis.org [6].

UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA GALA. Place your bid on movie memorabilia items at the silent auction and feast on a dinner catered by the Mediterranean restaurant Bambara. This glizty affair is the only Academy-sanctioned Oscar party in the state. $100. Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. (801) 487-2323, www.utahaids.org [7].

Illustration by Melinda Beck

This article was first published in January 2005. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.