THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604020164
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: ON THE SCENE
SOURCE: SCOTT McCASKEY
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
People seem to either love it or hate it.
For those who do enjoy Hollywood's annual Oscar presentation, the show offers not only the greatest forum for checking out the stars but also provides a good opportunity to host a party.
Granted, the affair is always held on Monday night, but celebrating the first day of the work week never has quelled enthusiasm for ``Monday Night Football'' gatherings. And the Oscars are definitely worth celebrating. Although a bit garish for some, the ceremony hails an art form and industry in which America still rules the world.
But the main element that makes the Oscars a good occasion to have a party is that the show virtually guarantees a lively time. Nearly every guest is going to contribute. The Hollywood scene, films and especially the stars bring out ardent opinions, making for discourse levels that often mute the television. Even people who aren't movie buffs will have plenty to say. There's not much gray area. It's usually very good or very bad: ``Stunning dress,'' ``horrible hairdo,'' ``handsome tuxedo,'' ``gaudy necklace.''
Adjectives and opinions rarely are ambiguous. Favorite buzz words at my get-together included overrated, tremendous, dirt, killer and fine. And once guests get past the apparel, it's straight for the jugular.
``Look at her, I am completely repulsed by that arrogant Emma Thompson,'' one of my friends announced. To another male guest she is ``the queen of today's screen.'' Even film idols Winona Ryder and Brad Pitt took a few hits along with the accolades.
Hoping for your favorites and predicting the winners is part of the presentation's obvious appeal. But to praise or condemn our celluloid heroes and villains is fair play for all Americans, and there's no better vantage point than the living room or den. That's why the high night of Hollywood is so much fun.
Although the chatter can get in the way of viewing the show, most everyone shuts up at the key moments. And there's always plenty of drag time to wield boosters and barbs; the production usually is too long.
Unlike ``Monday Night Football,'' you don't often see ``Oscar Party'' on many bars' or restaurants' marquees. Inside the local movie community, however, there are annual gatherings. Tench Phillips and Thom Vourlas, owners of the Naro Expanded Cinema, have a party every year where they determine the winner of the Naro's Pick the Oscars Sweepstakes contest, which is open to anyone. The person who correctly selects the greatest number of winners receives a year's pass for two to the theater.
``The party is always fun, especially with the contest,'' Phillips said. ``Everyone gets really involved. Our group is especially opinionated because we all make our living off the movies.''
Portsmouth's Commodore Theatre held its first charity Oscar party to benefit the Arthritis Foundation of Virginia. The black-tie affair drew more than 100 people, who got a larger-than-life view of the stars on the big screen.
Another major factor that makes celebrating the Academy Awards a good call is that the event is ageless. All generations are represented. Every guest will have someone to relate to or against. The Lifetime Achievement Award - Kirk Douglas was truly deserving - and the always touching photo eulogy of old stars who have passed away in the last year both offer some real dignity to the show.
Competition between guests over movie lore and trivia is one more reason to invite people over. I tried to make up for a relative lack of current film savvy by relying on my knowledge of a variety of movies from the late 1930s through the mid-1970s. None of my friends had seen Dustin Hoffman in ``Lenny.'' His portrayal of the controversial stand-up comic Lenny Bruce of the 1950s earned the movie a four out of four stars rating in Leonard Maltin's acclaimed movie and video guidebook. Those friends also hadn't seen Jimmy Stewart in ``Harvey,'' a hilarious performance in which Stewart plays a rich eccentric who drinks with an imaginary six-foot rabbit and drives his in-laws to the brink.
But even with my prowess for recalling obscure classics from the past, I was thwarted in the end. While I wrongly guessed most of the nominations, my close friend Chuck picked all but Susan Sarandon and ``Braveheart'' correctly. I still owe him a few bucks.
Although the Oscar show probably goes on too long, its length makes for a perfect Monday night party. My first of what I hope to make an annual affair came off nicely.
But next year I plan to have a bigger place, more people, more champagne and a louder television. by CNB