On Sunday, March 4, the 90th annual Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and for the fifth year in a row, Philadelphians will have a chance to experience the night like a VIP at the Prince Theatre, with their Annual Awards Night Screening and Party.
“Awards Night is truly one of the brightest nights in cinema, and celebrates a year of accomplishments in the film industry,” says Kait Calabro, marketing manager for the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS). “With the Awards Night Party & Screening, the PFS endeavors to create a place where film enthusiasts can gather and experience this special night together, sharing in the excitement of the show.”
The event has grown tremendously since it began five years ago.
“It started as a smaller, much more intimate event at the PFS Roxy Theater,” Calabro says. “Since then, we’ve held the party in two different spaces, including the Prince Theater, where it has been for the past three years. Every year, attendance has grown.”
Attendees are encouraged to dress to like a Hollywood A-lister as there will be a red carpet and plenty of bubbly for sipping. What’s more, there will even be light bites and other signature cocktails available.
“This year’s food is being provided by 12th Street Catering. Our beverage sponsors include Coca-Cola, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Peroni and Dock Street. VIP attendees will also enjoy an exclusive cocktail from Naked Grouse,” Calabro reveals. “The night’s entertainment will include Quizzo from the PFS staff, and comedy from Doogie Horner.”
And of course, The Academy Awards will be screened inside the theatre, on one of the biggest screens in Center City. Attendees can bring their drinks inside and recline on the plush, red seating as they root for their favorite Oscar nominees and wonder if this year will spawn another “Moonlight”-esq mistake. (Remember when they gave the award to “La La Land” instead for Best Picture last year?)
“Watching the Academy Awards at the Prince Theater is an incredible experience,” Calabro says. “Seeing the show stream on such a huge screen brings every laugh, tear, and cheer to life that much more. Just like watching films, watching the Academy Awards with an audience changes the experience completely. With a full auditorium, viewers can feel the excitement of what is happening on screening and of the people around them.”
The event is 21+ only and cocktail attire is required, with black and white dress encouraged.
If you buy VIP tickets, you’ll get access to a fancy pre-party that starts at 6 p.m. with high end food and beverage, priority access to the theatre and a VIP gift bag.
The main event kicks off at 7 p.m. with the Academy Awards beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
If you go:
5th Annual Awards Party & Screening
Sunday, March 4
6 p.m. VIP/ 7 p.m. General Admission
$50- $75
Prince Theatre
1412 Chestnut St.
filmadelphia.org
