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 Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:
All About Oscar
February has already seen many memorable events: The Grammy Awards, Fashion Week, Valentine's Day, and President's Day.
But this Sunday is one of my favorites of the year: The 88th Annual Academy Awards!
The highly anticipated night promises to have plenty of Oscar surprises, fashion glitz and glamour, emotional speeches, and with Chris Rock hosting... plenty of inappropriate jokes and laughs.
So, I wanted to focus my Special Feature on this momentous occasion, where to watch as well as my winner picks.
Enjoy!
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
February 27 The Orchid Show
New York Botanical Garden
Much-anticipated annual show opens at The New York Botanical Garden. Stay tuned for more information on Orchid Evenings as well. Through April 17th.
Through February 28 NYC Beer Week
Multiple Locations
Annual ten-day celebration of craft beer throughout NYC... events include festivals, tastings, menu pairings, and beer dinners.
 March 5 Speak Up WomenUnited Nations (1 UN Plaza)A one-day conference kicking off Women's History Month. The event supports the impact of women speaking up in their personal, professional and philanthropic lives.
Skate, shop, and dine this winter.
ON THE RADAR:
March 8 BNP Paribas ShowdownMadison Square Garden A one-night tennis event... twenty-one-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams will take on close friend and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. March 10 through 12 Japan Week
 Grand Central Terminal An annual promotional event aimed at encouraging travel to Japan. This year, discover Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, home to natural and man-made wonders that even seasoned travelers miss. March 17 St. Patrick's Day Parade
5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street
A day to celebrate Irish heritage... isn't everyone Irish on St. Paddy's Day?Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
One of the first signs of Spring - we need flowers to brighten up the dreary days! Through April 3rd. March 25 New York International Auto Show
Javits Center (655 West 34th Street)
The largest auto show, I make it a point every year to attend. It's exciting to see (and sit in) upcoming releases from car companies... plus concept cars which feel like stepping into either a Science Fiction or James Bond movie! Through April 3rd.
April 2 NYC Craft Distillers Festival
The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery)
Sample of 60 specially selected spirits while a 1920s style jazz band keeps the party lively. If you really like Craft Beers, the NYC Craft Beer Festival is March 25th & 26th. 
April 4 New York Yankees Home Opener
I always know it's spring when baseball is back on the calendar; buy tickets for the first game of the season vs the Houston Astros.
April 6 through 8 Seventh Annual Women in the World Summit
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
This annual summit centers on live storytelling with inspiring women and men from around the world. This year's participants include Meryl Streep, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Diane von Furstenberg, Mindy Kaling, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, and Fox News anchor and journalist Megyn Kelly.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Wendell Castle Remastered
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Wendell Castle Remastered
Through February 28
An acclaimed figure of the American art furniture movement.
Through March 6
A photographic exhibition featuring what he calls "Exotic machinery."
THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops Through February Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher. A perfect exhibit for this museum!
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Julian Schnabel: 6 Rose Paintings
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VITO SCHNABEL GALLERY (43 Clarkson Street)
Julian Schnabel: 6 Rose Paintings
Through March 8
Famed director's 6 paintings depict the roses that grow in the cemetery near Van Gogh's grave in Auverssur-Oise, France.
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.
The Butterfly Conservatory
Through May 29
The butterflies are back! Enter a room filled with beautiful butterflies of many different species... great for all ages.
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it!
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Bold Notion: A Study in Transformation
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BENTLEY MEEKER (465 Tenth Avenue)
Through March 11
An installation which embraces and embodies the dynamic nature of CORE and the artists they are inspired by.
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)
Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
An annual installation dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, focuses on the artist's rarely seen 1930s works.
CHEIM & READ (547 West 25th Street)
Al Held: Black and White Paintings
Through March 26
Captivating exhibition of black and white paintings by Al Held, known as the painter of ideas.
COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, which traces the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's popular characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the comprehensive exhibit of memorable costumes from this incredibly iconic (and ongoing) film series.
DOMINIQUE LEVY GALLERY (909 Madison Avenue) Drawing ThenThrough March 19 Innovation and influence in American Drawings of the Sixties.
ELLIS ISLAND
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Through March 27
Over seventy works by ten artists examining an important new development in contemporary photography. Peter Fischli David Weiss: How to Work BetterThrough April 27 A survey of sculpture, photography and video that questions everyday life with humor and sincerity.
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On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War
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INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (
Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Unorthodox
Through March 27
Showcases the impact of unorthodox concepts on orthodox systems.
MADISON SQUARE PARK
Through Winter
500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway. An eye-catching exhibit.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
PULSE New York Contemporary Art Fair
March 3 through 6
Discover and collect the most amazing contemporary art from around the world... I've purchased a few of my favorite pieces in the past from this show.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Wagner's Ring: Forging an EpicThrough April 17 An intimate look at the creation of Wagner's masterpiece, including original music manuscripts. Warhol by the BookThrough May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist.
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Through April 10Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Silicon City: Computer History Made in New York
Through April 17
There is sure to be plenty of interest in this exhibit with all of the buzz about the Steve Jobs movie. PIER 36 (299 South Street)
Art on Paper
March 3 through 6
Modern and contemporary artists who look to paper as an influence in sculpting, drawing, painting, and photography.
March 3 through 6 New York's premier international art fair, showcasing over 200 galleries. 
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
Women Take the LeadThrough April 2 The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS (128 East 63rd Street)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit.
UNIX GALLERY (532 West 24th Street) Peter Anton: I Love You Through March 20 Peter Anton's exhibit elaborates on the connection between art and our emotional needs .
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street) FlatlandsThrough April 17 Pairings by five artists conjuring a sense of space that is dimensionless.
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue) Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly HistoryMarch 18 The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act. Through August 7th.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street) Opening WeekendMarch 18 through 20 Modern and contemporary programs are expanding to the landmark building designed by Manuel Breuer. Open to members the weekend of March 8 through 13. Excited for the inaugural exhibits and the gallery talks! METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street) Affordable Art FairMarch 30 through April 3 New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.  MULTIPLE LOCATIONSAsia WeekMarch 10 through 19 Celebrate Asian Art at multiple museums and cultural institutions throughout New York City.
PIER 92 (12th Avenue at 55th Street)
Architectural Digest Design Show
March 17 through 20
Shop the latest in furniture, accessories, lighting, art, kitchen, bath, and building products and attend seminars offered by leading talent from the world of design.
Dining by Design
March 17 through 21
Brings together internationally renowned and local talent to create dining installations to raise money for DIFFA's work fighting HIV/AIDS.
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CURTAIN UP
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March 3 through 13 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema
Film Society of Lincoln Center (70 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The best in French film under one roof. MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow Room
Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see!
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)Live jazz from new and up and coming performers. Friday Nights Friday Nights to Remember
The Regency Bar & Grill (Loews Regency Hotel - 540 Park Avenue)
Quincy Jones recording artist, Michael Fredo performs every Friday at 7:30pm... get the feel of old school New York jazz with a new twist.
Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements. Check out Lear through the 20th... Shakespearean tragedy with a deeply personal performance in the role of the riveting Lear.
Winter Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Program features the contemporary ballet of world renowned George Balanchine.
February 28 Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer. Also March 27th.
Lincoln Center Plaza
Get your tickets for one of the upcoming ballets.
Roosevelt Hotel (45 East 45th Street)
Purchase tickets to watch live ballroom dance competitions!
March 2 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016.
March 2 through 13 Shen Yun
The David H. Koch Theater At Lincoln Center (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A celebration of 5,000 years of Chinese music and dance in one evening.
March 2 through 19 Flamenco Festival
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue), New York City Center (131 West 55th Street), The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street)
An Andalusian festival taking place in three NYC locations.
Through March 3 Truffles: A Murder Mystery Jazz DinnerDuane Park (308 Bowery)
Great jazz coupled with whodunnit?
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
One of my favorite performers! And don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
March 5 Veronica Swift
Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers Street)
21 year old jazz vocalist Veronica Swift performs.
Through March 12 Snow White
Minetta Lane Theatre (18-22 Minetta Lane)
Company XIV, known for its unique blend of choreography, music, opera, circus, burlesque, ballet, and costume, performs this classic tale.
Through March 20 Harkness Dance Festival
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
Five weeks of choreographers and performers presenting powerful innovations of contemporary dance. Through March 27 Bargemusic Winter FestivalFulton Ferry Landing - Brooklyn Bridge Bundle up to hear exceptional chamber music presented on a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge!
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. As You Like It
Through February 27
The Players Theatre (115 Macdougal Street)
"All the world's a stage" in William Shakespeare's romantic comedy.
Through September 4
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Blackbird Through June 12 Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century. An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman. Now in previews, opens March 10th through June 12th.
Bright Star
Through October 9
Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also). As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience. Now in previews, opens March 4th through October 9th. Buried Child
Through April 3
The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street)
Sam Shepherd's play will star Ed Harris and Amy Madigan (among other familiar faces) and is the first revival in two decades. The play focuses on the family's economic troubles as seen through the lives of an Illinois farming family. Through August 14
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor, a graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. Daddy Long LegsThrough January 2017 Davenport Theatre
(354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Dry Powder
March 1 through April 24
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama. Tickets are currently sold out, but they may release additional tickets.
Through July 3
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Through October 9 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
Hold On To Me DarlingThrough April 3 Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street) Atlantic Theater Company's outstanding new play from acclaimed playwright Kenneth Lonergan examines the cost of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of the American Dream.  Hughie
Through June 12
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker makes his Broadway debut in Eugene O'Neil's theatrical masterpiece which investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption.
The King and I Through September 4
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes
Through March 13
Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street)
Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling.
Nice Fish
Through March 27
St. Ann's Warehouse (45 Water Street)
Three time Tony winner Mark Rylance stars in a play about two fisherman waiting for the one last catch of the season!
Noises Off
Through March 13 American Airlines Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) A Broadway revival of comedy chaos and embarrassing hi-jinks... starring one of my top performers, Megan Hilty. 
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Prodigal SonThrough March 27
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Oscar nominated director John Patrick Shanley hits it out of the park once again in an explosive portrait of a young man on the verge of salvation or destruction.
Ruthless
Through June 18
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray.
School of RockThrough October 2 I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black. Tappin' Through LifeThrough March 13
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) A song and dance musical starring Broadway legend Maurice Hines.
ON THE RADAR:
March 6 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
March 7 Between Heaven and Earth
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Distinguished Concerts Singers International presents a variety of music by young voices.
March 11 The New York Pops - 42nd on 57th: Broadway Today
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
The New York Pops brings the best of Broadway uptown.
March 12 Ana Gasteyer: "I'm Hip"
Schimmel Center (3 Spruce Street)
A saucy selection of tunes from a sultry vocalist.
March 12 Whoopi Goldberg
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
An evening with Whoopi - who could resist?
March 15 Shuffle Along
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra MacDonald returns to Broadway. Previews begin March 15th, opens April 28th through October 9th.
March 15 Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
They will perform two premieres by Paul Taylor - Sullivaniana and Dilly Dilly, plus 14 Taylor classics and (for the first time ever), a work by Martha Graham - Diversion of Angels. Through April 3rd.
March 16 Cagney
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy. Previews start March 16th, opens April 3rd through July 3rd.
March 16 through 27 New Directors/New Films
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) & The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street) Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists, visit the website for the schedule of films.
March 18 through 22 NYC Improv Festival
Peoples Improv Theater (123 East 24th Street) Annual festival celebrating improvisation from all across the world.
March 19 The Temptations & The Four Tops
Kings Theatre (Brooklyn)
Two iconic groups together for one night only!
March 20 The Father
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've always been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula. Previews begin March 20th, opens April 14th through June 12th. March 24 American PsychoSchoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street)
American Psycho returns to Broadway as a musical... a carnal carnival of song and dance. Previews begin March 24th, opens April 20th.
March 30 through April 3 1776
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
As part of Encores! Great American Musicals In Concert. Other shows through May 15th.
March 31 Tuck Everlasting The Musical
Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street)If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest! Previews begin March 31st, opens April 26th through January 1st.
April 5 through 9 Paulo Szot
Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
One of my top Broadway performers, Paulo Szot... Tony Award winner and former star of South Pacific sings songs from Gershwin and Lerner and Lowe. Tickets sell out; order early!
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FOR THE FOODIE
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NEW: Momofuku Nishi
Chelsea: 232 Eighth Avenue
Korean/Italian Cuisine
This new spot approaches Italian cuisine through Korean and other Asian cooking styles. David Chang's new noddle spot, which recently opened this January is taking Chelsea by storm. Their Clams Grand Lisboa (pasta) is one of my favorite dishes. Also try their Ceci e Pepe, a takeoff on Cacio e Pepe. Save room for the Panna Cotta dessert!
NOTABLE: The Spotted Pig
West Village: 314 West 11th Street
British Cuisine
This jewel of a hot spot serves the best burgers, oysters, and cocktails... a long time gastropub serving the best British and Italian seasonal local ingredients. With the Oscars this weekend, it's often a great spot for celebrity sightings.
 Through February 28 Hot Chocolate Festival City Bakery (3 West 18th Street)
Everyday a different flavor at one of the best hot chocolate spots in the city!
March 3 Good Spirits
April 6 Taste of the Lower East Side
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Unlimited tastings and open bars from 50 of the most acclaimed NYC restaurants.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: ALL ABOUT OSCAR
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WHERE TO WATCH:
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Crosby Street Hotel Oscar Viewing
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Before you head out for the festivities, visit Rouge to get your makeup done...THE place to get red carpet ready for your Oscar party, event or any other occasion you have this Sunday! Brickyard Gastropub785 Ninth Avenue Dinner and cocktails available while watching on their large screen. Crosby Street HotelCrosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal followed by the Oscar show!
The RoofViceroy New York Rooftop (124 West 57th Street)
Oscar-themed cocktails (i.e. The Mad Max) and complimentary polish changes and hair braiding done by LookBooker. RSVP suggested.
SingL Lounge 132 4th Avenue Gourmet popcorn, multiple flatscreens, themed games, specialty drinks and food. Sons of Essex133 Essex Street A formal annual viewing party with DJ Francisco Lozano. Book your table and feast from their prix fixe. The celebratory drink for the evening is organic Mionetto Prosecco. Treadwell Park1125 First Avenue New UES craft beer hall will have specialty cocktails and appetizers.
RED CARPET ANTICIPATION:I can't wait to see what little Jacob Tremblay (Room) will wear and who his date will be!
I always wait with baited breath for Brad and Angie... whether they are nominated or not, I hope they are in all their glory!
Cate Blanchett and JLaw always look breathtaking, I'm sure this year will be no different.
What will Sly wear? Here are my winning picks in the main categories: Best Supporting Actress to go to Kate Winslet for Steve Jobs.Kate is always at the top of her game! Best Supporting Actor to go to Sylvester Stallone for Creed.This performance was like a lifetime achievement for him! Best Actress to go to Brie Larson for Room. Her performance was so moving and incredible I couldn't move out of my seat... even after it ended! Best Actor - please let Leo finally win!Although I didn't like The Revenant best, Leo should finally get the Oscar nod he so deserves! Room to take home the big award... Best Picture! From Brie Larson to Jacob Tremblay, from the plot to the dialogue, it was such a riveting movie.
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