SARATOGA SPRINGS— It’s not too early to make plans for Oscar Night on Sunday, March 2. For movie-lovers, the place to be is the Oscar Cocktail Party hosted by the Saratoga Film Forum at the Merry Monk Restaurant, which focuses on the most fun aspects of Oscar Night.
Set from 6 to 8 p.m., this event will be packed with fun and yet still gets you home in time to see the top awards in the comfort of your own couch. The Merry Monk is at 84 Henry Street in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Fair warning: don’t expect an average cocktail party. The Film Forum is encouraging guests to come dressed for the red carpet. Or perhaps as your favorite movie character. Or inspired by a favorite film. Either way, you are sure to be greeted by paparazzi. Since American Hustle is a top Oscar contender this year, Tango Fusion Dance Company will be on hand to perform a “Hustle” demonstration and then provide a short lesson for interested guests.
To further break the ice, event emcee Johnny Martinez will preside over contests about movie and Hollywood trivia, and guessing this year’s award winners, with fun prizes in all categories. For instance, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center has donated a package of ballet and orchestra premium seat tickets.
Event sponsor The Clothes Horse (on Broadway) is donating 10 percent of their sales made between Sunday, February 23 and Sunday, March 2 with plenty of choices to “stride down that red rug.”
Tickets to the event are $50 per person, and include a free drink, appetizers, a dance demo and lesson and contests. An upgrade to VIP (for an additional $25) gets you a free premium drink, a swag bag and a dance with Johnny or Diane of Tango Fusion.
You can purchase tickets at the Film Forum on movie nights (Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.), or buy tickets anytime at saratogafilmforum.org.
Proceeds from the event will fund programs that the Film Forum puts on all year round, as well as the purchase of a digital projector. The Film Forum is the recipient of a 2014 NY State matching grant ($23,000) for the project, an important upgrade as the industry increasingly moves to digital.
