Certain television events demand not merely your attention, but a modicum of ceremony as well. You can’t just casually flip on the Super Bowl one afternoon and watch it while you clean house. No! You’ve got to gather together as many screaming people in football jerseys as possible and devour a Crock-Pot full of nacho cheese while glued to the TV screen. Anything less would be an insult.This weekend, of course, is the 83 rd Annual Academy Awards telecast. And it requires a certain atmosphere. Ditch the nacho cheese and go for some canapés. Replace the football jerseys with formal wear. Screaming is still acceptable. You see, it’s all about the setting and the company.If your living room just isn’t gonna cut it, I might have a solution for you. This Sunday, Albuquerque Little Theatre will host its second annual Academy Awards viewing party. The event is a fundraiser for the historic theater and will feature all sorts of movie-related glamor.For starters, guests will begin the evening with a red carpet arrival outside ALT. I have it on good authority there’ll even be paparazzi present. Of course there’s the Oscar broadcast itself, which will air on a big screen inside the theater. During commercial breaks in the telecast, audience members will be treated to live song-and-dance numbers from the movie Burlesque and the upcoming ALT production of Hairspray . Door prizes, a raffle and games will be thrown in at random for good measure.Making a return appearance from last year’s inaugural event are the Luminaria Awards, honoring those who have contributed significantly to the New Mexico film industry. Among this year’s honorees are head of the Albuquerque Film Office Ann Lerner, Western author Max Evans (whose books The Rounders and The Hi-Lo Country were turned into feature films) and founding member of IATSE Local 480 Billy W. Ray.Deli-style food by Rooster’s restaurant will be available for purchase at the event, as will movie-style concessions. So you’re well-covered on the snack front. Of course, if you purchase one of the VIP tickets, you get access to the VIP lounge, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar. General admission tickets are $10. VIP will run you $35, or $60 as a couple. Advanced tickets are available by calling 242-4750 or by logging on to ALT’s website. Proceeds will, of course, go to help support ALT programming and operation. Dress up fancy, see the Oscars on a giant screen, support you local arts scene. That, my friends, is the proper way to watch TV.
The 83 rd Annual Academy Awards airs Sunday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. on KOAT-7. Doors to the ALT’s Academy Awards Viewing Party open at 5:30 p.m. ALT is located at 224 San Pasquale SW.
