Photo courtesy of Metrograph
Hollywood’s biggest night comes to New York City. For a festive Oscars-viewing experience, hit one of the city’s many bars, venues, or movie theaters hosting watch parties in honor of the 95th annual Academy Awards this Sunday, March 12. Ahead, find our favorite spots to show off your red-carpet look, place your bets on this year’s nominees, and sip a cinema-themed cocktail among fellow film fans.
Photo courtesy of Metrograph
Metrograph
The Metrograph’s free annual Academy Awards viewing party returns this year. The old-Hollywood-inspired two-screen movie theater on the Lower East Side is screening the Oscars on both screens, with one designated as the quiet theater. Light bites and Oscars-themed specialty cocktails will be available for purchase. Metrograph members can email [email protected] to reserve a space in the theater’s upstairs Commissary for a prix-fixe dinner for $100.
230 Fifth
Midtown’s 230 Fifth is known for its year-round glitz and glamour, but the indoor-outdoor bar and events venue takes it up a notch for the Oscars. The $20 ticket includes admission to the indoor event, a free cup of popcorn, and access to the bar’s famous rooftop, which has direct views of New York City’s very own celebrity, the Empire State Building. Doors open at 7 p.m. Get tickets and more information here.
Fraunces Tavern
If you’re a fan of both history and Hollywood, head to Fraunces Tavern, a historic bar in the Financial District established in 1762. The bar is hosting an Oscars viewing party on Sunday that includes a fun red carpet step and repeat, a photo booth, free popcorn, movie-themed cocktails, and a full food and drink menu. Purchase your $20 tickets here.
Littlefield
Dress to the nines and get ready for your red carpet-moment. Gowanus bar and performance venue Littlefield is hosting a free screening of the Oscars. Hosted by actress and comedian Ruby McCollister, the event includes a pre-show red carpet, popcorn, and one free glass of bubbly per person. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. RSVPs do not guarantee entry, so arrive early to snag a spot.
Photo courtesy of Roxy Cinema
Roxy Cinema
A cinephile favorite, Roxy Cinema is a Roaring Twenties-inspired theater in Tribeca that specializes in independent films, rare archival prints, and cult classics. The Art-Deco theater is putting on an Oscars viewing party hosted by legendary NYC drag queens Ruby Fox and Xunami Muse. “DRAG the Oscars” will offer guests “fierce looks, shady commentary, and big prizes,” including the chance to win a yearly Roxy Cinema membership, according to the events’ page. The special Oscars menu includes hand-crafted cocktails that are cinematic-inspired (like “Everything in This Drink All At Once”) and bites like warm pretzels and grilled cheeses. Tickets are free and can be reserved by emailing [email protected]
Oscar Wilde Bar
Putting a Victorian twist on the evening is the Oscar Wilde Bar, an enchanting watering hole decked out in opulent decor, antiques, and the longest bar in New York City. The Nomad bar, named after the Irish playwright, is once again hosting its annual Oscars viewing party. The six-hour event, which has a black tie dress code, kicks off at 7 p.m. and will offer 10 Oscar-inspired cocktails and a prix-fixe menu. The $50 tickets include a glass of champagne and popcorn, as well as a red carpet pre-show for photo ops. There are VIP admission options, $323 for two people and $644 for four people, with an open bar and appetizers included.
Spanish Diner
The Spanish Diner, found at Jose Andres’ Mercado Little Spain food hall at Hudson Yards, is a tasty way to spend Oscar night. The casual restaurant offers a fun place to root for your favorite stars to win, with sangria in hand. Guests are also invited to learn how to porrón, a watering-can-like glass pitcher used for sharing wine. For $29, you can choose a beverage, get a porrón lesson, and take home the drinking vessel.
