7 places to watch the Oscars in Philly

The Academy Awards is a spectator sport.

That bloodlust competition is worth a night out of drinking and dressing-to-impress among other film enthusiasts. Here's a list of the area's best Oscar-night parties.

Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. 7 p.m., Sunday, $75-$35 PFS Members.

With its role organizing Philadelphia’s premier film festival, the Philadelphia Film Society is a natural fit to host a soiree. “It’s our third annual party, but our first at our new home,” says PFS executive director J. Andrew Greenblatt of the group’s move from the PFS-owned Roxy Theater on Sansom Street to the roomier Prince on Chestnut. The awards will be shown on the biggest screen in Philadelphia.

PJ Whelihan’s, 1854 Marlton Pike E., Cherry Hill. 6 p.m., Sunday, Free.

The 260-member group cozies up to the Greater Philadelphia Film Office with this no-cover screening. Fifteen percent of each attendee’s tab goes to the GPFO. Knowing the reputation of some hard-drinking screenwriters, there’s going to be a lot of charity given at this Oscar jam.

Square 1682, 121 S. 17th St. 6 p.m. Sunday, Free.

The Hotel Palomar bar and restaurant has been running a swank Academy Awards affair since its opening in 2009. Cineasts and casual film fans do a red-carpet step-and-repeat with a paparazzo to snap their pic to kick off the festivities. Partygoers receive free truffle popcorn and can choose from a list of nice-priced Champagne cocktails and film-themed drinks.

County Theater, 20 E. State St., Doylestown. 7:30 p.m., Sunday, $6 for members, $10.50 for general admission, $8 for seniors.

Doylestown's County Theater is offering free popcorn and fountain drinks with admission, desserts from the Bucks County Cookie Co., and fill-in ballots to play along with the show.

Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler. 6:30 p.m., Sunday, $15 for members, $25 for general admission.

The Oscars will be shown on three screens for Ambler’s big film night. Before you take your seat, though, check out one of the local eateries — Bridget’s Steakhouse, Cantina Feliz, From the Boot, Gypsy Blu, the Lucky Well, Massa, and Saffron — with Academy Awards specials. A red-carpet reception will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with awards going to the best dressed of the evening. There will also be a photo booth, bottomless popcorn and drinks, and a raffle.

The Little Lion, 243 Chestnut St. 6 p.m., Sunday, $55 for FGI members, $65 nonmembers.

This Philadelphia Oscar-night newcomer hosted by the Fashion Group International might just be the dressiest affair. Not only will FGI hold a costume contest, but it also will have historical costume commentary throughout the party. FGI's Laura Baciu says she wanted "amazing ambience as the backdrop for a night of fashion, food, libations, and Hollywood theatrics." She said her goal was to "play off the past, featuring photos of past Oscar fashions over the decades." Carmelita Couture will style live models during the party.

Russet, 1521 Spruce Street. 6 p.m., Sunday, Sponsorship $100, General Admission: $75, PIVFA Members: $50.

This local independent filmmaking community organizer (PIFVA) must mean business if they’re holding their first annual fundraiser at Russet. The Spruce Street dining salon serves a richly organic menu of dinners and desserts. The folks from Vermont’s Whistlepig Whiskey will pour liberally. Plus, they’re handing out silly awards such as a handmade PIFVA Academy Cupcake for costume prizes. Good cause, too.