Denver is ready to Party with Oscar on March 7and this year we have some dogs in the fight.
Three films with strong Colorado ties have been nominated in eight categories, giving the well-heeled at the Denver Film Society’s annual party something to root for besides Mariah Carey‘s decolletage.
This year, the Party with Oscar gala comes down at the sleek Museum of Contemporary Art. VIP tix, which are already selling fast, include dinner on the first floor. “This is very cool,” says the film society’s Britta Erickson. “This is one of the most interesting spaces in Denver.”
Over the years, this party has been in more ballrooms than a buffet table — but this space is a standout. The party will take up all four floors of the museum and the rooftop patio. A floor will also rock with a DJ and dancing. Look for the usual prediction contest, and Bill Clarke will come out of retirement to emcee the party with Christine Chang. Dress code is “Your Hollywood Best,” which means let it all hang out.
The Colorado connections include Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, producers of “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” up for six awards: best picture, best director, best actress, best supporting actress, best adapted screenplay and best editing. Also nominated: documentary directors Louie Psihoyos for “The Cove” and Daniel Junge for “The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Garner.”
Details at .
Pet project.
9News is going to the dogs. And cats. And any other pet you might have.
Ernie Bjorkman, who was ousted from the KWGN-Ch. 2 anchor chair in 2008, is soon to be featured on 9News’ 4 p.m. edition as its pet expert. He will start doing Wednesdays in March to see how it goes — but it’s sure to be a hit. Since leaving Ch. 2, Bjorkman has become a veterinary tech, so he brings animal knowledge along with TV know-how.
Home cooking.
Lots of restaurants are homey these days. Maybe too much so. You have Second Home at the JW Marriott. And House in North Denver. And, of course, Casa Bonita. Phoenix restaurateur Mark Tarbell recently opened Home at The Streets at SouthGlenn — and then changed his mind. Too confusing, he thought, so he is calling it Tarbell’s. The grand-opening party will be Feb. 16; call 303-355-3838.
A Capitol idea.
The Denver Press Club brings the Capitol Steps to the Newman Center on May 16 — so get ready to laugh, or groan. Some people love these Washington, D.C., satirists who sing songs about the Beltway. Others think they’re like too many Mark Russells.
The group, which began in 1981 as a collection of Republican congressional staffers, got its name from then-Rep. John Jenrette, D-S.C., who had sex with his then-wife, Rita, behind a pillar on the steps of the Capitol. Pretty mild by today’s standards. Tix info TBA.
City spirit.
Now is the time to start training. Jax Fish House in Boulder and Denver holds its oyster-eating contest March 7 in Boulder and March 14 in Denver . . . Sez who: “He was a bold man that first eat an oyster.” Jonathan Swift
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or at bhusted@denverpost.com. Take a peek at Husted’s next column at .
