From a tortured ballerina to boxers seeking redemption; stammering royalty to a same-sex couple trying to keep their family together; and a social networking pioneer to a hiker struggling for survival, this year’s crop of Academy Award nominees features strong storytelling and performances across the board. “One of the biggest things that stands out is how much a solid group they are, the overall quality,” said area film review guru Bill Henry, co-host of the D.C. Film Society’s Oscars viewing party this Sunday at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse.
| And the nominees are … Four local Oscar parties worthy of an acceptance speech |
| Washington Film Institute & Art Soiree Oscars Party: L2 Lounge in Georgetown. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 6 p.m. dcfilminstitute.org |
| D.C. Film Society’s “And the Winner is ..”: Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse: Doors at 6:30 p.m. $15 for Film Society basic members, $20 for nonmembers, and free for gold members, dcfilmsociety |
| Beacon Bar & Grill: Enjoy a number of specials at this popular D.C. restaurant starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, including $15 entrees, $10 featured wine bottles, $5 martinis and $2 beers. capitalhotelswdc.com/BBGWDC_com |
The Drafthouse is one of a number of area venues screening the 83rd Academy Awards, this Sunday at 8 p.m.
Henry, who is half of the D.C. Movie Guys duo along with Joe Barber, said he’s seen all the major category nominees. While disappointed that the films “Never Let Me Go,” “Kick Ass,” and the adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series didn’t receive any nominations, he’s happy that the Academy recognized films that came out earlier this year such as “The Kids Are All Right.”
“It’s nice to see the Academy has a memory,” Henry said. He also added that “I don’t think I’ve ever been as in-tuned with the Oscars as I was this year.”
The Film Society party features a silent auction, door prizes and the Academy Awards on the Drafthouse’s big screen.
“It is really a fun time,” Henry said. “I can’t recommend it enough. It adds a little fun to it.”
Another long-time Oscar viewing party is hosted by the Washington Film Institute, this year at L2 Lounge in Georgetown.
“I’ve seen a fair number,” said WFI director John Hanshaw, of the movies he’s seen. “There’s always a few that come up that I haven’t had a chance to see. There were some good ones this year for sure. I think there’s not going to be too many big surprises.” Hanshaw added he liked “The King’s Speech” and “Black Swan.”
The WFI party will feature a red carpet, a predict the winners contest and a string quartet.
“It’s gotten bigger every year,” Hanshaw said. “It’s one of these fun things to do. People know when it’s coming, and they like glamming it up. It’s been a solid turnout every year.”
