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Where to Watch the Oscars in Seattle

Time to get glammed up and spend the evening with your favorite stars

By Emma Franke February 14, 2019

Movie award
Movie award

The 91st Academy Awards are finally upon us. For those who know that Vogue does better online red-carpet roundups than Buzzfeed, who have opinions on the dynamic between Giuliana Rancic and Ryan Seacrest and who wait with bated breath for Lupita Nyong’o to arrive at every awards show, next Sunday is one of the best days of the year.  

The Oscars are on Sunday, February 24, hostless for the first time since 1989 but as controversy-riddled as ever. Whether you were delighted or disappointed with this year’s nominees, you’ve got to celebrate the pinnacle of awards season somehow. Below, Seattle’s 2019 Oscar parties.

Preparing for the Big Day 

Look, we get it. It’s impossible to see every movie that comes out in a year. If you’re still scrambling to catch up with the nominees, rest assuredyou still have options. Some locations of AMC and Cinemark will be showing Best Picture nominees in the weeks leading up to the awards, so you can brush up on your film knowledge before the big event.  

For even more backstage knowledge, film historian Lance Rhoades will be giving a talk at Scarecrow Video about highlights from Oscars ceremonies in years past, and giving his predictions for this year. University District, Scarecrow Video, 5030 Roosevelt Way; 206.524.8554  

Free Events 

When the anointed day finally comes around, join the folks at The Cloud Room for a viewing party in their bar and lounge. Fill out your guesses for the big winners—there are prizes for the best predictions! 4:30 p.m. Capitol Hill, The Cloud Room, 1424 11th Ave; 206.739.9004 

Rhein Haus will have a red carpet, photographers and a best-dressed contest, so be sure to practice your paparazzi face before heading to the viewing party at this German bar. 4 p.m. First Hill, Rhein Haus, 912 12th Ave; 206.325.5409 

The best-dressed attendee at The Clock-Out Lounge will get a prize at the end of the night, as will the person with the most accurate ballot. Table seating is first-come first-serve, so be there with plenty of time to spare before red-carpet coverage begins. 3:30 p.m. Beacon Hill, The Clock-Out Lounge4864 Beacon Ave S; 206.402.6322 

Central Cinema will once again host their annual viewing party. Guests can order food and drink and enjoy the Academy Awards on the big screen. 5:30 p.m. Central District, Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave; 206.328.2320

Ticketed Events 

The price of admission to the Oscar party at Bad Jimmy’s Brewing Co. in Fremont covers a glass of bubbly so you can drink like the stars.  $10. 3 p.m. Fremont, Bad Jimmy’s Brewing Co.4358 Leary Way NW; 206.789.1548 

Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Seattle’s LGBTQ Center are offering food, cocktails and festivities on Oscars night, and host Gaysha Starr is leading the charge.  $15. 4 p.m. Capitol Hill, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, 517 E Pike St; 206.323.4274 

If these viewing parties are the closest you’ll ever get to being at the Oscars, then we recommend you go all out. Century Ballroom is hosting a black-tie affair, complete with red carpet and hosts Waxie Moon and Rebecca Mmm Davis. Prices vary. 4:30 p.m. Capitol Hill, Century Ballroom915 E Pine St; 206.324.7263 

Smith Tower is hosting a “Red Carpet Awards Night Party” from its 22nd floor Lookout event space. Enjoy the Academy Awards from a Seattle landmark, with Oscars-themed light bites, contests and prizes. $30. 4 p.m. Pioneer Square, Smith Tower Observatory & Bar, 500 2nd Ave, 206.624.0414

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