Shhh. Dont let the Academy know, but the usual credo of nominating art-house snooze fests seems to have been abandoned for this years Oscars. Many of the contenders are actually fun-to-watch films made by unlikely Tinseltown heroes. Scorseses The Departed is leading the pack, and Miami Beach Cinematheque founder Dana Keith couldnt be happier. In a perfect world, Scorsese will win Best Director, and Babel will win Best Picture, he declares. Keiths suggestions are apropos, seeing as The Departed will be screened at his establishment on Saturday 23, and Scorsese is the Cinematheques Great Director for February. Babel director Alejandro González Iñárritu gets props in March.
Across the country cineastes are preparing canapes and pouring champagne in preparation for tonights ever-lengthy televised awards ceremony. This year, you can celebrate like an A-lister at the official Oscar Night America party. Kelly-Kapowski-lookalike Laurie Jennings will host, and SoBe drag diva Elaine Lancaster will hold court alongside Judith Gindy, who will come dragged-up as Queen Elizabeth Too in, um, homage to Helen Mirrens Oscar-nominated performance. Proceeds benefit the Cinematheque.
Sun., Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.