Oscar night is one of the holier nights on the LGBTQ calendar, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the big night. Even with this year's controversies over choosing a host (who isn't a homophobic jerk) might dissuade former fans from viewing.
This year's nominees include a record number of LGBT people and films nominated, so there's that. If you want to enjoy a bit of festivity other than watching from home with your cat, here are a few of the Oscar parties happening around town and around the Bay.
All events take place on Sunday, February 24.
Drunk Drag Red Carpet Party @ Oasis
Come watch Oscar on Oasis' big screen and celebrate the winners and losers on Hollywood's biggest night in true San Francisco fashion. There will be fierce live performances by San Francisco's hottest drag queens and drag kings, live commentary and hosting by Drunk Drag stars CoCo Buttah, Chyna Maykit and Alpha Betty. A night to remember is promised!
$10-20. 5-9pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Academy of Friends; Neptune's Fantasy @ City View, Metreon
Join Academy Of Friends for their 39th annual Academy Awards night gala with ticket sales benefiting HIV/AIDS services in the Bay Area. Everyone at the event will enjoy food provided by the Bay Area's finest restaurants and caterers, wine and champagne, live entertainment, and a fun way to watch the 2019 Oscars. Proceeds to benefit AIDS Legal Referral Panel, LGBTQ Connection, Positive Resource Center, and St. James Infirmary. $300-750, 5-10pm (early entry for VIP attendees at 4pm). 135 4th St, #4000. www.academyoffriends.org
Oscar Party @ Manny's
Manny's, the new cafe and wine bar in the Mission, hosts political and literary events each week. They'll host an Oscar-viewing party complete with gold tinsel, a specialty Oscars cocktail, Oscar-themed games and prizes for folks who guess the right winners. Registration required. 3092 16th St, $10, 5-9pm. https://welcometomannys.com/
Oscar Viewing Party @ Cinch Saloon
The Cinch, the last remaining gay bar from the glory days on Polk Street, hosts a very informal Oscar screening party with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a glass of champagne on arrival. Fill out an Oscar ballot. The person with the most correct answers wins $100. Movie-themed costumes and drag are always welcome at this fun neighborhood bar. 4pm. 1723 Polk St. http://cinchsf.com/
Oscar Viewing Party @ The Midnight Sun
Watch the Oscars live at the Castro's premiere video bar. The show will be seen on all screens. 2-4-1 well and call cocktails until 9pm. No cover. 5pm. 4067 18th St. http://www.midnightsunsf.com/
Up The Awards Benefit Bash 2019 @ Roxie Theater
The annual bargain basement broadcast of Hollywood's attempt to get you back into the multiplex. The party will include curiously captivating shorts, twisted music videos, and bizarre film clips, all designed to render the evening commercial free. Proceeds to benefit the historic, non-profit independent theater. Oscar awards contest: the person who most accurately predicts the winners wins free movies and popcorn at the Roxie for a year! $16 (free or discounted for Roxie members). 3:30pm. 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com
Oscar Viewing Party @ Balboa Theatre
Watch the Oscars on the big screen in a restored 1930s cinema when the Balboa Theater offers up a viewing party hosted by comedian Irene Tu. And the cost is no more than the price of a movie. $10-12.50, 5pm. 3630 Balboa St. https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/
Oscar Viewing Party @ New Parkway Theater, Oakland
Watch the Oscars in Oakland's coolest theater, where you can sit on a couch! Ticket includes the red carpet show, the main event, and 'all you can eat' appetizers. The theater has a fine selection of local wine, beer, and non-alcoholic treats. $23-25, 4pm. 474 24th St., Oakland. http://www.thenewparkway.com/
Food For Thought Oscar Viewing Party @ Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol
Parties aren't limited to San Francisco. Watch the Oscars with fellow film lovers at Rialto Cinemas, the North Bay's premiere showcase for independent, classic and foreign films. The theater promises an evening of stargazing, suspense, prizes and lots of local color, all to benefit Food For Thought, who provides food and compassion to people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses in Sonoma County. The party includes beverage, appetizers, costume contest, trivia contest, ballot participation and more! 6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol. $30, Red Carpet at 4pm, show begins at 5pm.
http://www.rialtocinemas.com/