The Highlands Playhouse had so much fun last year with its inaugural Oscar Night party, managing director Lance Matzke decided to do it again.
“We’re going to make the Oscar Night party an annual thing,” he said by phone. “It’s fun. It’s a chance to watch all the Oscars pageantry and enjoy some good food and drinks while you’re at it.”
While those attending the Oscars will be all decked out in their formal finery, Matzke encourages all local film buffs and star gazers to go all-out Hollywood if they so desire.
“Dress-out,” he said. “Go all out. Have some fun. That’s what this is all about – having some fun.”
The Oscar Night party game plan is to arrive at the Playhouse from 6 - 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 for a free night celebrating the best films of 2019. Matzke said the Playhouse will live-stream pre-Oscar festivities and show trailers for the nominated films.
A total of eight films were nominated for Best Picture to include:
• Ford v Ferrari
• The Irishman
• Jojo Rabbit
• Joker
• Little Women
• Marriage Story
• 1917
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Joker received the most nominations with 11, including Joaquin Phoenix, for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Directing.
This year’s Oscar Night party will have some local flavor in the festivities as Jason Keller, son of Cashiers resident Ron Keller, shared writing credits with writing credit with John and Jez Butterworth fellow Hollywood screenwriters.
While not nominated for an Academy Award, Keller was nominated for a Golden Globe.
The Oscar Night party will feature complimentary light-bites, sparkling conversation, and a cash bar.
“We look forward to hosting our local cinephiles for our second take on this inspired annual event,” Matzke said.
Matzke said the night ends at 8 p.m. to give participants time to go home, slip into something more comfortable and kick back and watch the Oscars program.
“The Oscars telecast doesn’t end until 11:30 p.m. and we can’t keep people out that late at night,” he said.