We are thick in the middle of Oscar season again and the excitement is building. 12 Years A Slave! Gravity! American Hustle! Her! The Wolf Of Wall Street! Who will win best picture? Who will have the best speech? And WHO will they be wearing?!
On Sunday, March 2, millions will have their eyes glued to screens around the world, taking in the 2014 Academy Awards, with host Ellen DeGeneres. We love Ellen. Here’s our roundup of Toronto’s best spots to laugh, gasp, and judge during the 2014 Oscars.
The Drake Hotel: Our favourite Queen West hotbed for culture (who just turned 10) is once again hosting a fabulous and free screening of The Oscars, with free popcorn to boot! Dress old Hollywood, play their Oscar pool and have a smashing time.
The Bloor Cinema: Watch it on the big screen, for FREE! You can reserve your seat by picking up a ticket in advance or head to the Cinema day-of.
Big Picture Cinema: Dubbed “Toronto’s Best Oscar Party,” and super convenient for East-enders. Pricing ranges from $10 basic tickets to all-inclusive packages complete with snacks and alcoholic bevvys.
Bambi’s: We love this little basement joint at the corner of Dundas and Dovercourt. They host an awesome karaoke party every Wednesday, and way back when we caught Diamond Rings DJing an intimate set at his concert afterparty. Watching The Oscar’s here will surely be a raucous good time!
WAYLA Bar: Watch, drink and be merry at this glam East end hot spot. Wayla Bar hosts many a fun dance party, 90s trivia nights, drag nights, and now, it’s their second year hosting The Oscars!
Your living room, hunny: If you are a privileged one with a TV and cable, why not play host and invite some cable-less friends over for your very own Oscar Party?! Do you really want them to be struggling with a fuzzy out-of-sync live stream while the awards are already under way? DO YOU?!? The fun hosting possibilities are endless, from thematic decor & snacks, betting on who will win, to E! Red Carpet Pre-Show drinking games. Here’s an idea: Take a shot every time Joan Rivers makes an inaudible sound. Take a shot every time you see an actress’s ribs (chest bone counts). Oh, boy, are we in for a time.
Or if you’re perfectly satisfied watching The Oscars online the day after they air, grab a date and head to The Burlesque Oscars! Presented by Toronto’s The Harlettes, this will surely be a creative and sexy affair.