The Towne Cinema is preparing its big-screen coverage of the Academy Awards “Oscars” ceremony Feb. 28.
The Hollywood ceremony, where the famous golden statuette will be presented in 24 categories, honours the best films of 2015.
When Towne theatre owners Gerry and Anna Sellars screened the Oscars for the first time last year, the evening was a success.
This year the Towne is donating all profits from the event to Vernon Hospice House, with the theatre managers donating their time.
“Last year was the trial run and on the theatre screen it looked fabulous,” said event organizer Jim Elderton. “This time, starting two months ago, our first move was to bring Hospice House on board and lawyer Ed Woolley readily joined as the major sponsor.”
Kiss-FM film expert Jason Armstrong and emcee Ian Pusey will speculate on who will win.
Those attending can also predict the winners and those with correct predictions on the top awards will win prizes. There will also be door prizes and refreshments.
“In Hollywood, after criticism of last year’s ceremony, the host (actor Neil Patrick Harris) refused to return. So the highly popular actor and comedian Chris Rock was chosen, and he’s already rewritten the entire opening monologue,” said Elderton.
Another improvement is that acceptance speeches will shorten, he added.
“Previously the orchestra started playing after 45 seconds, meaning stop, but last year this was disastrous when filmmaker Dana Perry was stopped talking about her son’s suicide.
“Nominees must now submit thank you lists in advance for scrolling titles during speeches.”
The Towne opens its Oscars celebration Feb. 28 with the red carpet presentation at 4 p.m. and awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, available in advance at the Towne box office or at the door.
