Oscar Events for Everyone

Public Oscar Celebrations Around Los Angeles

Many of the events surrounding the Academy Awards are closed to the general public, but there are lots of ways to join in the excitement if you're in town during Oscar Season. Here are some Oscar events everyone can attend.

Meet the Oscars

TheMeet the Oscars exhibit has gone on the road and will be in Chicago instead of Los Angeles this year.
Info: www.oscars.org

The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design at FIDM

The Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandizing hosts its annual showcase of Oscar-nominated costumes in the Best Costume Design category. The Free exhibit includes nominated costumes from the current year's nominees as well as the winners for best costume design from the previous year.
When: January 28 - March 29, 2009, Wed - Sun 10 am - 4 pm
Where: 919 S. Grand Ave, Downtown Los Angeles, 90015, corner of 9th
Cost: Free
Parking: Pay parking is available under the FIDM building (enter off 9th, just west of Grand) or at street meters or surrounding lots.
Info: www.fidm.edu, (213) 623-5821
More: Oscar Costumes Photo Gallery

The Universal Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

You can see more costumes, props, sets and make-up from Oscar-nominated films at The Universal Experience: Behind the Scenes at Universal Pictures at Universal Studios Hollywood. The exhibit features items from Universal's library of over 6,000 movies produced by the studio since 1913, including its latest Academy Award contenders.
When: February 17 - ongoing
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: Included in the price of admission
Info: www.universalstudioshollywood.com
More: Universal Studios Hollywood Visitors Guide

International Documentary Association Oscar Events

IDA Oscar Nominee Reception
Every year, the International Documentary Association hosts a reception for all the documentary film makers who are nominated for an Academy Award. This gives them each their five minutes of fame, even if they don't end up winning the award. Mingle with the filmmakers, see previews of their films and hear a few words from them. Food is after the film program, so don't show up hungry. Celebrity sightings are common.
When: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009, 6:30 - 11 pm
Where: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Cost: $40-$65, plus surcharge for online purchase
Tickets: Buy Tickets Online
Parking: Free parking is available in the garages at 8920 Wilshire and at 9025 Wilshire
Info: www.documentary.org
And
DocuDay Oscar Nominee Film Screenings
Most of the documentary films nominated for Academy Awards had a very limited distribution across the country, but they will all be shown one after the other on the Saturday before the Oscars. There will be a Q&A with filmmakers after some of the films.
When: Saturday before the Oscars 9 am to Midnight, see Film Schedule
Where: Writer's Guild of America (WGA), 135 Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Cost: General Admission $11, Students, Seniors, WGA and IDA members $9, Day Pass $65, Students/Seniors $50
Tickets: Buy Tickets Online
Parking: Free in WGA structure
Info: www.documentary.org

PAL at the Oscars Viewing Party at the Hollywood Museum

This fundraiser for the Hollywood Police Athletic League is just about as close as you can get to the Oscars without being inside the Kodak Theatre. The museum is just a few steps from the red carpet. The event includes museum admission, a champagne bar for the first 2 hours, hors d'oeuvres and a dinner buffet during the screening, and dancing after the awards.
When: February 22, 2009, 4 pm to 10 pm
Where: The Hollywood Museum
Cost: $100 plus service charge
Tickets and Info: www.wantickets.com , (323) 464-0808 / Ext: 10

Night of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing Party

You'll find some of the celebrities who don't have tickets to the Kodak Theatre for the Academy Awards at the annual "Night of 100 Stars" party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The event includes reserved table seating. dinner and open bar. Tickets are limited, but anyone with $1000 can buy a seat at the table while they last.
When: February 22, 2009, 4 pm
Where: Crystal Ballroom, Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Cost: $1000 plus $25 service charge
Tickets and Info: www.nightof100stars.com or (323) 874-0716, Nightof100stars@aol.com