The producers of the would surely have you believe this anyway, but this year’s Oscars telecast is a can’t-miss event. In addition to the usual drama about overdue recognition (including “The Revenant” actor Leonardo DiCaprio), notable snubs (“The Martian” director Ridley Scott) and the celebrity fashion circus, there’s a real sense of cultural justice at stake. Host Chris Rock, known for his important, fearlessly funny stand-up, is expected to address the , which protests the lack of nominations for any black actors or directors for the second year in a row. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, you need a good place to sit. And if the best seat in the house happens to be outside your home, so be it.
Here are five parties to consider before the 6:30 p.m. telecast on ABC (KMGH-Channel 7) on Sunday.
Hollywood Award Night Viewing Party
The Sie FilmCenter, the home of the Denver Film Society and , holds a free, open-to-the-public event that features one theater for serious watchers (lights down, no talking) and one for casual attendees (lights up, chatting allowed). The Sie FilmCenter also will present the telecast on a drop-down screen in the lounge, where all-night drink specials (including $25 bottles of wine and champagne) will accompany fundraiser ballots (for $10 a pop), which enter attendees into a prize raffle throughout the night. 5-9 p.m. First-come, first-served seating. 2510 E. Colfax Ave. Free. 303-595-3456 or .
Caveau/New Genesis Oscars Party
The partnership between Uptown’s Caveau Wine Bar and New Genesis enters its sixth year with this elegant party, the proceeds of which benefit the latter’s homeless program. Win prizes for dressing in your best (or worst) Oscars garb, enjoy dinner and drinks while you play trivia and dip into the Oscar pool, and — unlike most metro-area parties — grab a goodie bag on your way in. 4-11 p.m. Caveau Wine Bar, 450 E. 17th Ave., No. 110. $45-$55. Tickets: 303-881-0952 or .
“The Gayest Oscar Party Ever”
Formerly organized by the Denver Center’s Off-Center group, this LGBT-centric Oscars party is run this year by improv-comedy group . Join Chris Parente (KDVR-Fox31), Sarah Kirwin, Ashley Scroggins and more for a night of live drag queen performances, improvised laughs and the main event, streamed live “on a huge screen bigger than Elton John’s ego.” Organizers will hand out prizes for Best Dressed Diva and encourage patrons to dress formally. Ticket price includes appetizer buffet. Cash bar. 5:30-9:30 p.m. at M Uptown (formerly Hamburger Mary’s), 700 E. 17th Ave. $25. 303-832-1333 or .
RiNo Yacht Club
Embrace the tongue-in-cheek swankiness of this event, which offers drink specials and food pairings with Comida and Mondo Market in The Source building — RiNo’s smartly renovated 1880s brick foundry in Denver’s fastest-growing urban neighborhood. The high-lowbrow offerings include specials such as Caviar Dreams (caviar with potato chips), oysters, The Golden Statuette (Miller High Life and potato chips) and plenty of bubbly. 5 p.m. Free to attend. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-443-1135 or .
Converge Denver
If you’re less interested in seeing (and being seen by) Denver’s most extroverted Oscars fans, check out this free, casual party at hip co-working space . Cast your votes now for their ballot competition ( ), which awards prizes for first and second place. Light beverages and snacks provided. 6-10:30 p.m., 3327 Brighton Blvd. 303-296-0469 or eventbrite.com.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642, jwenzel@denverpost.com or @johnwenzel
