Oscar parties and where to watch the 2017 Academy Awards in Toronto

By Jeff Cottrill

It’s Christmas for movie geeks once again! Yes, the Oscars are back February 26, with Jimmy Kimmel filling those emcee shoes and a whole whack of great films to root for: the searing drama of Moonlight, the romance and heartbreak of La La Land, the bittersweet comedy of Toni Erdmann. But why watch the ceremony on TV at home, when you can share the Tinseltown glory with friends or strangers at one of many local cinemas or pubs? Here are some places in Toronto that are hosting Oscar parties and screening the 2017 Academy Awards. [Photo credit: Courtesy of TIFF]

The annual screening at the former Bloor Cinema is always the biggest Oscar show in town. Expect the usual movie trivia and contests. Attendees are welcome to dress up red-carpet-style or go casual. Admission is free, but you must pick up your tickets in advance (maximum two per person) at the box office, or online if you’re a theatre member. Doors:  6:30 p.m

Calling all flappers: Cinecyle is transforming itself into a 1920s-style speakeasy for the Annual ReelHeART Oscar Party. It’ll be the cat’s pajamas, see, as dames and wise guys are encouraged to get all dolled up to win a prize for best costume and show off their smarts in Oscar trivia. Fifteen clams for entry, a ballot and a raffle ticket for one; twenty-nine for two, and extra dough gets you an open bar with plenty of hooch, see. Just don’t be squealing to the fuzz about it. Doors:  6 p.m.

If you like your Oscars with heaps of sauciness and camp, the drag stars of Screen Queens are taking over the Royal’s free screening, complete with boozy, R-rated commentary from host Allysin Chaynes. Sponsored by Muskoka Brewery, this party promises drinking games and appearances by guest panelists Laura Desiree, BEARDONCE and Sarah-Tai Black. Leave the kids with a sitter. Doors: 7 p.m.

Innis College is film central at U of T, so its yearly screening is a good choice if you like being surrounded by young student types. Guests at this free event get to fill out an Oscar ballot to win passes to local film festivals, including Hot Docs, Planet in Focus and the Reel Asian Film Festival; you could even win a membership to the Toronto Korean Film Festival. Doors: 7 p.m.

If the west end works better for you, the Revue offers a licensed bar with beer, wine, champagne and even a “special cocktail” at its screening, courtesy of the Revue Film Society. Kerry Riordan and Heather Sanderson host, with trivia and prizes galore. As with Hot Docs, the Revue’s event is free, but you should reserve your tickets in advance – the theatre overbooks to fill the house. There’s a rush line minutes before the start, but it’s best to book ahead of time and show up early. Doors: 7 p.m.

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Local CTV movie critic Richard Crouse emcees the Drake’s annual Oscars party in the hotel’s lounge this year, with an awards pool and dressing up encouraged. Although the event itself is free, the Drake is offering a $37 prix-fixe for a reserved spot; that way, you can be sure of having your own seat for the entire night. Doors:  6 p.m.

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Another showing at one of the city’s older, bigger and classier second-run theatres, this time at a handy location for Beach residents. The Fox’s free screening has a game of Oscar Bingo and prizes for the best costumes and celebrity impressions. It’s also an opportunity to support a good cause, as the theatre is accepting donations for the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Doors: 7 p.m.

This bar and grill near Fort York and the CN Tower is holding its fourth annual Oscar bash, and it’s getting the party started early. There will be a red carpet on which attendees can have their pictures taken and feel like big stars – at least until the live broadcast begins and the real stars show up onscreen. Prizes are also promised. Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Not as far east as the Fox, but still convenient for east-enders, WAYLA is now in its fifth straight year of hosting Academy Awards parties, with prizes, snacks and drink specials on the agenda. Doors: 7 p.m.

The Mad About Movies Toronto group at Meetup.com is holding its annual Oscar party in the back room of this midtown pub – with a Gangsters and Molls theme. Dress up in your sleaziest suit or dress, with an old-school fedora to top it off, and bring a pencil to fill out your Oscar ballot. A trivia game is also in store for those who show early. $7 cover; if interested, join the Meetup group and RSVP, as space is limited. Doors:  6:30 p.m.

This one is another Meetup group party, but for the middle-aged and older. The local Life Begins At 40 group is holding its own private Oscar bash at this Beach-area pub, which is airing the ceremony on several flat-screen TVs. $5 cover. As with the previous entry, you must join the group to participate. Doors:  6 p.m.

Local comic Paul Beer hosts the annual Oscars show at the west end’s main comedy hub, which promises giggles and guffaws with sassy live commentary and improv from Mark Little, Roger Bainbridge, Allison Davey, Jocelyn Geddie and others. The night also features a ballot, a Bingo game and prizes. John Travolta has been declared the unofficial patron saint of the event, according to Beer. Doors: 7 p.m.

Get ready for Oscar night and support the short film genre by taking in a screening of the movies that topped the best list this year. TIFF Bell Lightbox screens an exclusive run of the 2017 Academy Award nominees for Best Live Action and Best Animated Short Film on various dates in February. Click here for the schedule.

If you would rather watch the Academy Awards in the comfort of your own home, why not pick up some fancy gourmet popcorn from Toronto Popcorn Company. The shop has more than 20 flavours and seasonal specialties, too.