And the Oscar Goes to...

With the writer's strike finally over, it is time to celebrate with the 80^th Annual Academy Awards.  Although D.C. is a long way from the bright lights of Hollywood, that doesn't mean that those inside the Beltway have to be left out of the celebration this Sunday night.  Whether you are interested in watching the nominated films or just catching the ceremony and red carpet extravaganza with friends, there are plenty of events coming up to celebrate all things Oscar!

•      All this week, E. Street Cinema (555 11^th St. NW) is screening this year's nominees for best live-action short film and animated short film.  The special screening is a limited engagement, so be sure to check it out soon.  For tickets, show times and additional information, visit the website or call 202-452-7672.

•      Starting today and running through Sunday, the National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) will host free screenings of Oscar-nominated films in four categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film and Animated Short Film.  The screenings will be introduced by distinguished members of the D.C. film community, including Ann Hornaday (film critic for The Washington Post), Flo Stone (artistic director and founder of D.C.'s Environmental Film Festival) and filmmaker Aviva Kempner (The Partisans of Vilna and The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg).  Screenings will be held at the William G. McGowan Theater.  Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and tickets will be distributed 60 minutes prior to the start time at the special events entrance to the building on Constitution Avenue.  For additional information and a schedule of events, visit the website or call 202-357-5300.

•      This Saturday, selected AMC theaters will be hosting all-day screenings of all five best picture nominees.  Passes to the AMC Best Picture Showcase are $30 and include admission to all five movies, a free large popcorn and unlimited refills.  Additional information, participating theaters, tickets and show times can be found here.

•      The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington) will be home to not one but two Oscar parties this Sunday night.  The Washington D.C. Film Society will host its annual "And the Winner Is..." party on Sunday night at the Drafthouse.  The event includes trivia, a "predict the winners" contest and a silent auction with autographed posters and DVDs from some of the nominated films as well as a host of other items.  Local movie critics Joe Barber and Bill Henry will host the event.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the pre-show begins at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.  For tickets or additional information, visit the website. 

•      The Drafthouse will also be hosting a Little Gold Man Celebration at its new restaurant and grill - the Old Arlington Grill.  The awards will be broadcast on two large screens and those in attendance can fill out their own "predict the winner" ballots for a chance to win prizes.  The event is non-smoking, entry is free and the doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Additional information can be found here.

•      The Washington Film Institute will be hosting an Oscars Night Party at the Goethe Institute (812 7^th St. NW) on Sunday night.  This is a chance to dress up like your favorite Hollywood icon and watch the awards show on the big screen.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include one free beverage and heavy hors d'oeuvres.  The party and awards show start at 7:00 p.m.  Click here for additional information and to RSVP.   

•      Finally, for those of you who are interested in having fun and supporting a good cause, the Red Cross will be hosting an Oscar party at Posh (730 11^th St. NW).  Tickets to the party are currently $95-$150 (with prices increasing closer to the event) and include hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and your very own Oscar swag bag.  Dress is black tie and all proceeds benefit the Red Cross.  For tickets or additional information, visit the website or call 703-584-8420.