A very Grand Oscar Awards party

Quick: How many occasions come up in Tacoma where you can wear a flashy ballgown and rhinestone jewelry?

Not too many, which is why The Grand Cinema’s annual Film Awards Party is so much fun. Formerly known as the Academy Awards Party, the event on Feb. 28 broadcasts the Oscar awards live on a big screen in the Theatre on the Square, complete with celebrity hosts, a red carpet — and the chance for you to totally dress up.

Masters of ceremonies for the party this year include former TEDx Tacoma host Adam Utley and local actor Paul Richter (both members of Muh Grog Zoo improv group), Grand board member Jordan Hightower and Ricky German, costumer and host for burlesque troupe the Gritty City Sirens.

For the first time the theater allows alcohol, so Hilltop Kitchen will be serving cocktails to add to the festivities. There will also be a no-host bar for beer and wine, and local restaurants will have food for purchase.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal wear, or as a favorite character from any 2015 film, said Darcy Nelson, director of marketing. Costume contest winners will receive $300 worth of gift certificates to the Melting Pot fondue restaurant, but there will also be giveaways, raffle prizes, a silent auction to benefit The Grand and, for the winner of the “Predict the Winner” contest, a “Golden Ticket,” covering free movies for one year at The Grand Cinema.

VIP seats have already sold out and general admission tickets are going fast in what was a sell-out event last year, said Nelson.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 3:46 AM with the headline "A very Grand Oscar Awards party."