Oscars 2020: A Great Year in Film Means a Packed Party Schedule

Hollywood celebrates the Academy Awards with star-studded get-togethers all week

Oscar Week is finally here — the final countdown we’ve been building up to since the fall, when Oscar campaigns began in earnest all around Hollywood and SoCal.

The final Academy voting closes Tuesday, Feb. 4, meaning most parties this week are truly just for sheer enjoyment, not campaigning. These are the celebrations that culminate the long journey to Sunday’s big reveal of the best of 2019 film. With so many great movies on the ballot, is it any wonder that all everyone wants to do is have some fun?

All events listed here are by invite only, except for the Academy Screening/Discussion series, with tickets for many of those still available.

Emily’s List Pre-Oscars Panel and Brunch
Four Seasons Hotel, 300 Doheny Dr.
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m.

Politics and Hollywood start the week off at this panel discussion and early brunch, where female activists join forces to put the spotlight on electing more women into office. Expected to join in the conversation are Uzo Aduba, Eva Longoria, Amber Tamblyn, Amanda Shires, along with Emily’s List Creative Council co-chair Chelsea Handler.

Vanity Fair and the Annenberg Space for Photography Host the Hollywood Calling Exhibit Debut Party
Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Vanity Fair magazine kicks off its annual week-long Oscar party revelry with this opening night celebration for an eye-popping exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography. Lovers of all things Hollywood will delight at the photos in this exhibit called Vanity Fair: Hollywood Calling – The Stars, the Parties and the Powerbrokers. Expected to make the scene (and to check out their own images, most likely) are everyone from Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone and Demi Moore to George Hamilton and Lakeith Stanfield, eager to see this exhibit curated by David Friend and Susan White. The show opens to the public on Feb. 8 and runs to July 26.

Lady Gaga photo from the new Vanity Fair: Hollywood Calling photo exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography. Photo courtesy Vanity Fair.

HollyShorts Oscar Nominee Celebration
Yamashiro Hollywood, 1999 N. Sycamore Ave.
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

The HollyShorts Film Festival happens every August in Hollywood; on Tuesday night, the org celebrates the filmmakers who have shown their work at the fest and now have Academy Award nominations to show for it. Celebrating with sushi, sake and one of the city’s great views at Yamashiro seems like a terrific way to spotlight shorts. Guests expected are 2020 nominated alumni filmmakers Siqi Song, Brian Buckley and Yves Plat, as well as 2019 live action short Oscar winner Guy Nattiv.

Four Seasons 4th Annual Oscar Film Week
Four Seasons Hotel, 300 Doheny Dr.
Tuesday, Feb. 4-8, dinner 6 p.m., screening 8 p.m.

Culina restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel presents a series of dinner and a movie events all week, featuring a three-course meal followed by a movie screening in the hotel’s private, 37-seat screening room for $59. Films on the docket this week include “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” “Marriage Story,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “Joker” and a Saturday matinee of “Ford vs. Ferrari.” All include popcorn and a comfy recliner seat in the theater.

Oscar Week Academy Screening/Discussion Series
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 8949 Wilshire Blvd.
Tuesday, Feb. 4-8, various times

From Tuesday to Saturday, the Academy is presenting lively discussions and screening clips from a number of the disciplines, exploring documentaries, shorts, international features, animated features and makeup & hairstyling. Times range from morning to evening, with tickets available on the Academy’s website.

The Consul General of Canada Celebrates Dean DeBlois Oscar Nomination
Official residence of Canada, 165 S. Muirfield Rd.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.

Zaib Shaikh, Consul General of Canada, along with a slew of other Canadian movers and shakers in Hollywood, will have a private dinner at the consul’s home in honor of writer-director Dean DeBlois. He’s on his third nomination for best animated feature film for the “How to Train Your Dragon” series. All of Canada is cheering him on for a win this time.

Diane von Furstenberg and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 6th Annual Oscars Luncheon
Private residence Los Angeles
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12 p.m.

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg loves to bring women together to talk empowerment; this year her co-hosts for this annual lunch are Ava DuVernay, Dawn Hudson and Tessa Thompson. The Academy’s Women’s Initiative is certainly going to be part of the conversations happening here.

GBK and Angeleno Magazine Pre-Oscar Party
Kimpton LaPeer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Dr.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m.

GBK (of swag suite fame) joins forces with Angeleno Magazine for a bash celebrating the Oscars, with familiar faces from past covers likely to make the trip to the rooftop of the WeHo Kimpton. No word if there will be any overflowing goodie bags at this one, but the annual GBK Pre-Oscar Luxury Lounge also happens here later in the week.

LA Loves Oz Pre-Oscar Party and Fundraiser for Australia’s Wildlife Warriors Worldwide
Teddy’s at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.

Taking advantage of a week filled with Hollywood stars, this fundraiser is designed to help Australia’s animals recover from the devastating fires. Supporting the Irwin family’s Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, which funds the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital founded by Steve Irwin and still run by his wife and children, the party asks for a donation at the door; in return, guests will be treated to a concert by INXS bassist Gary Beers and his band Ashenmoon and later to some tunes by Taylor Dane. D1 Vodka and Gin will flow freely, as well as Queensland’s Sirromet Wines. A live and silent auction will help up the ante collected for this important cause. Expected guests include Cathy Griffin, Nicole Sherzinger, Paul Oakenfold and Aussie television host Maude Garrett.

Essence Black Women in Hollywood 13th Annual Awards Luncheon
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Thursday Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m.

Essence magazine returns to Hollywood to keep the conversation about black women in Tinseltown going, with this annual luncheon designed to “celebrate women owning, expanding and transforming the art of storytelling.” Hosted by Eve and with a performance by Brittany Howard, expected honorees and presenters include Niecy Nash, Melina Matsoukas, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Alfre Woodard and Billy Porter.

The Consul General of Canada Luncheon for Oscar Shorts Nominees
Official residence of Canada, 165 S. Muirfield Rd.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 12 p.m.

Lunch may not be short at the Canadian Consul General’s home on Thursday, but the honorees definitely know how to tell a short story on film. The three Canadian nominees in Oscar’s short subject categories — Meryam Joobeur, Sami Khan and John Turner — will attend this party, along with others who call Canada home.

Vanity Fair and Lancome Celebrate Women in Hollywood
SoHo House West Hollywood, 9200 Sunset Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.

Vanity Fair magazine editor Radhika Jones joins her co-host Laura Dern for an intimate cocktail gathering with a focus on women in Hollywood who are leading the way toward more female representation both in front of and behind the camera. Lots of familiar faces are sure to be sipping rosé in the SoHo House’s party room with a view here.

At the Vanity Fair Women in Hollywood Party 2019: (L-R) Vanity Fair editor Radhika Jones with host Zendaya and Ava DuVernay.

Oscar Wilde 15th Annual Awards
Bad Robot, 1221 Olympic Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m.

Returning to its favorite party spot at Bad Robot is the U.S.-Ireland Alliance’s annual Oscar Wilde Awards. Held in support of the ongoing relationship between the USA and Ireland, this bash always brings out a huge crowd, starting with J. J. Abrams as host and emcee. This year’s honorees are Norman Lear, Jenn Murray and Tig Notaro, with a musical performance by The Rua. This is always a fun one, which is why Martin Short, Chris O’Dowd, Roma Downey and Zach Galifianakis have already RSVP’d.

Dolby Laboratories Party Celebrating Oscar Nominees
Saban Media Center in the Television Academy, 5210 Lankershim Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

Most of the 2020 nominees in sound editing, sound mixing and cinematography will descend on Saban Media Center to raise a glass to their compatriots at the Dolby Laboratories’ annual pre-Oscar party. Expect to see Roger Deakins, Robert Richardson, Donald Sylvester, Alan Robert Murray, Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson here, along with the rest of the technically gifted crowd.

Dolby Laboratories celebrated the 91st Academy Award nominees in the Best Cinematography, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing categories at h Club in Hollywood in 2019 2019. (L-R) Tom Ozanich, “A Star is Born,” Dean Zupancic, “A Star is Born,” Tim Cavagin, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” John Warhurst, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Mary H. Ellis, “First Man,” Mildred Iatrou Morgan, “First Man,” Ai-Ling Lee, “First Man,” Nina Hartstone, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and Sergio Diaz, “Roma.”

Red Carpet Green Dress Annual Pre-Oscars Gala and Celebration
Undisclosed residence in the Hollywood Hills
Thursday, Feb. 6, dinner 6 p.m.; cocktail after party 9:30 p.m.

Suzy Amis Cameron brings her annual Red Carpet Green Dress initiative back to the Oscars red carpet again this year, encouraging both women and men to make more sustainable choices in the clothes they wear on the big night (and other days, too). At this VIP dinner and afterparty, she and fellow eco-activist Samata will announce their 2020 ambassadors who will walk the Oscars carpet in sustainable evening wear. Past ambassadors include Missi Pyle, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier.

James Cameron, Suzy Amis Cameron, Danielle Macdonald and Laura Harrier at the Red Carpet Green Dress 2019 Pre-Oscar Party. Photo courtesy Red Carpet Green Dress.

 

Cadillac Annual Pre-Oscar Party
Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 6

When Cadillac gives a pre-Oscar party, everybody turns up… so it’s likely to be quite the scene on Thursday night, as the luxury marque once again takes over Chateau Marmont’s party bar and garden. A-list guests will even get rides to the fete in spiffy new Cadillacs (and to the big show on Sunday, too), with the all-new 2021 Escalade taking center stage at the bash for a first look. So watch for Oscar-winning regulars like Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz and Hilary Swank to turn up, along with a sea of other famous faces in this always popular and always packed party.

Allison Janney and Hilary Swank attend the annual Cadillac Pre-Oscar Party in 2019. Photo courtesy Cadillac.

Universal Pictures/Focus Features/DreamWorks Animation Celebration of Oscar Nominations
Spago, 176 N. Canon Dr.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m.

With leading nominees from “1917,” “Harriet” and “How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World,” there’s a lot to celebrate under the Universal/Focus Features/DreamWorks Animation umbrella. So it’s likely that directors Sam Mendes, Kasi Lemmons and Dean DeBlois will wander into Spago, along with some of their favorite actors from those Oscar-nominated favorites.

The Webster Los Angeles Opening Party Celebrating “Once Upon Time . . . in Hollywood”
The Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd.
Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

The chic new “multi-luxury” shop The Webster Los Angeles opens its doors with a bash celebrating “Once Upon a Time  . . . in Hollywood” stars Dakota Fanning and Arianne Phillips, who host along with the boutique’s founder and creative director Laure Herlard Debreuil. Guests expected include Kate Beckinsale, Demi Moore, Tallulah Willis, Patrick Schwarzenegger and more; all will enjoy a Piper-Heidieck champagne fountain and light bites catered by Petrossian as they explore the pink concrete 11,000-square foot space designed by Sir David Adjaye.

MACRO Pre-Oscars Party
Fig & Olive, 8490 Melrose Place
Thursday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m.

MACRO head honcho Charles D. King hosts a bash to honor the notable nominees of color in contention for the 2020 Academy Awards. His wife Stacey Walker King co-hosts the party.

GBK Luxury Lounge in Honor of the 92nd Oscar Awards
Kimpton LaPeer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Dr.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, 11 a.m.

It’s always a gifting extravaganza at GBK’s biggest lounge of the year. This time out for the Oscars, Gavin Keilly’s got a giant black duffle bag for stars that will end up with $60,000 worth of goods, services and travel vouchers. Trips to Fiji, Cabo and Bali are there for the taking, along with custom-made tuxedos, jewelry, wine and more. And there’s always a charity element to the GBK lounge, for a bit of giving back in a time of plenty.

DPA Pre-Oscars Gift Suite
Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard, 11461 Sunset Blvd.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, 10 a.m.

For luxury gifting with a French flavor, get on Nathalie Dubois’ A-list to check out the DPA Gift Suite. Stars who have visited in the past include Oscar winners Viola Davis and Spike Lee. This year Dubois expects nominees Diane Warren, Hildur Gudnadottir and Ladj Ly to head to the Luxe Sunset for some gifting and pampering. Trips to French Polynesia and Bali will lure select A-listers, along with diamonds, Shalia Botanicals CBD wellness products and Euglena skincare products.

Viola Davis enjoys the DPA Pre-Oscar Luxury Lounge in 2019. Photo courtesy DPA.

TMG & Smile Direct Club 16th Annual Pre-Oscar Suite
Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, 10 a.m.

Back again and determined to make Hollywood’s good-looking crowd even more appealing is the TMG beauty-focused suite, where nominees like Diane Warren, Nicki Ledermann and David White are expected to check it all out. From teeth whitening by Smile Direct Club to massages, OPI manicures, lash extensions and more, the TMG suite aims to make everyone look better than when they arrived.

EcoLuxe Lounge
Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Friday Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m.

Celebrating the Oscars for the 13th year is Debbie Durkin with her EcoLuxe Lounge. The fun begins with the Hilton Hotel’s Prosecco Brunch Service, then once everyone’s feeling sated, moves on to gifting stations.

This year, Kendra Wilkinson, Gilles Marini, Carolyn Hennesy and more celebrated Oscars weekend at the lounge, which was sponsored by K-Lab Luxury Skincare Collection, Ettitude, Drip Hydration and Mo’ Eyewear.

Kendra Wilkinson
Tasia Wells for EcoLuxe Lounge

Vanity Fair Celebrates Neon Studio’s “Parasite” and “Honeyland”
Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd.
Friday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

Another day, another Vanity Fair-hosted bash. This one honors the Neon Studio nominees, with a private cocktail party to rejoice in the accolades that “Parasite” has already racked up during awards season. We’re sure Bong Joon Ho and his talented cast will make this a stop along the way, as will the documentary filmmakers whose “Honeyland” has two nominations going into Sunday’s show.

Women in Film Annual Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party
Sunset Room, 1439 N. Ivar Ave.
Friday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

The Women in Film party notches its lucky 13th annual iteration this year, as the organization that encourages more women’s talents to be showcased in Hollywood continues its important work. Partygoers are sure to see president Cathy Schulman in the always crowded swirl, along with her co-host Idina Menzel. Other boldface-named females on the A-list include Lake Bell, Chrissy Metz and Diane Warren.

Glenn Close – posing here with event co-hosts Sandy Powell and Cathy Schulman – attends 12th the Annual Women in Film Oscar Nominees in 2019. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Women In Film)

British Celebration of 2020 Oscar Nominees
British Consul private residence
Friday, Feb. 7, 4 p.m.

The British nominees from “1917,” “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Edge of Democracy” will descend on the British consul’s beautiful home to toast with Hampshire’s famed Hattingley Valley bubbly wine and Glendfiddich whisky. There’s sure to be tea and scones, too, at this annual afternoon garden party celebrating the ongoing British invasion of Hollywood.

WME Pre-Oscar Party
Undisclosed private residence
Friday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

William Morris Endeavor’s stable of stars will be out in force on Friday night to toast their domination of Oscar 2020. With people like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and Bong Joon Ho leading the talent agency’s roster, along with Charlize Theron and Florence Pugh, this celebration is bound to be a glittery affair.

UTA Pre-Oscar Party
Sunset Tower, 8358 Sunset Blvd.
Friday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.

UTA’s annual celebration of their client Oscar nominees has some very familiar names this year, including Elton John, Anthony Hopkins, Cynthia Erivo, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Roger Deakins and others.

CAA Pre-Oscar Party
San Vicente Bungalows, 845 N. San Vicente Blvd.
Friday, Feb. 7, evening

Doris Bergman’s Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge
Fig & Olive, 8490 Melrose Place
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.

Be ready to eat, drink and be gifted at Doris Bergman’s 12th Annual Oscar Style Lounge, where everything from Bulgarian vodka and Mexican mezcal to Napa Valley wines will pour freely throughout the day. Throw in catering by Fig & Olive restaurant, as well as gifting of everything from vegan handbags to beauty products and CBD items for both people and pets and its no surprise that people like Bruce Dern, Jon Voight and Marilu Henner are regular visitors.

Bruce Dern at the Doris Bergman Style Lounge in 2019.

Sony Pictures Classics Dinner Celebrating Their 92nd Academy Award Nominees
The West Hollywood Edition Hotel, 9040 Sunset Blvd.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Sony Pictures Classics celebrates their “Pain and Glory” nominations with a private dinner at the new hotspot, the West Hollywood Edition Hotel. Best actor nominee Antonio Banderas and his longtime favorite director Pedro Almodovar are expected for a toast or two with Monkey 47 handcrafted gin, along with many other Sony friends and execs.

The MPTF Annual Night Before Party
Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

The 18th Annual Night Before Party is a way for the most-blessed people working in Tinseltown to give back, as the bash benefits the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which helps members of the entertainment community in need or with later-in-life aging needs. This casual party is a who’s who of Hollywood — think Clooney, Spielberg, Gaga, DiCaprio, Janney, Malek, Hanks, Wu and many, many others, who make this ultra A-list celebration every year.

MPTF Annual NIght Before in 2019. Jeffrey Katzenberg, Glenn Close, Regina King, Rami Malek and George Clooney.

OSCAR SUNDAY PARTIES

Elton John 28th Annual AIDS Foundation Viewing Party
Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave.

Expected guests include Quincy Jones, Sharon Stone, Alfie Allen, Billy Porter, Smokey Robinson, Christina Hendricks and more. Musical performance by Sam Fender.

Byron Allen Viewing Party Gala
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd.

Expected guests include host Jamie Foxx and music by Maroon 5.

Mercedes-Benz Annual Viewing Party
Four Seasons Hotel, 900 Doheny Dr.

Expected guests include Jon Hamm, Jane Lynch, Tracee Ellis Ross, Linda Cardellini and more.

Jamie Foxx has some fun at the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Oscar Viewing Party at the Four Seasons Hotel. Photo courtesy Mercedes-Benz.

Sue Wong Living Canvas of Oscar Night Viewing Party
Taglyan Complex, 1201 Vine St.

Expected guests include Billy Zane, Debby Holiday, Bonnie Pointer and more.

Charmaine Blake Viewing Party
Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd.

Expected guests include Nick Vallelonga, John Ratzenberger, Danny Glover, Nick Cannon, Kathrine Narducci and more.

Roger Neal and Maryanne Lai Oscar Viewing Dinner and After Party
Hollywood Museum, 1660 N. Highland Ave.

Expected guests include Mamie Van Doren, Nancy O’Dell, Dita Von Teese, Eric Roberts, Lou Ferrigno and more, with music by Obba Babatunde and Andy Madadian. Wink Martindale presents a music icon award to Joel Diamond as part of the show.

Children Uniting Nations & Daphne Ziman’s 21st Annual Viewing Party and After Party Presented by CINEMOI
Harry Warner Estate

Expected musical guests include Paul Oakenfold, Paulina Aguirre and Dennis Quaid and the Sharks.

Governor’s Ball After Party
Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland

Expected guests include all Oscar winners, lining up at the engraving station to get their trophies engraved.

Vanity Fair Oscars After Party
Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

Expected guests include Radhika Jones and all the A-list Hollywood stars that can fit into the space.

Warner Bros. After Party
Sunset Tower, 8358 Sunset Blvd.

Expected guests include Joaquin Phoenix, Todd Phillips and the rest of the “Joker” nominees, with music by DJ Michelle Pesce.

Griot Gala 2020 Oscars After Party, A Toast to Diversity and Inclusion
Ocean Prime Restaurant Beverly Hills, 9595 Wilshire Blvd.

Expected guests include host Michael K. Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, execs Peter Luo and David Steward II and more.

Beyonce and Jay-Z’s Gold After Party
Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd.

Expected guests include party regulars like Rihanna, Ava DuVernay, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.

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