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5 Best 2016 Oscar Viewing Parties In NYC

Where will you be on Hollywood's biggest night? This year's Academy Awards take place on Sunday, Feb. 28. You can stay home on your couch (boring), or you can head out to one of the glamorous events going on around town (not boring). Below are our picks for the best Oscar viewing parties in New York City. By Jessica Allen.

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Littlefield
credit: Littlefield / Facebook

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Unlike some of the other viewing parties on this list, Littlefield's party is free. Free! You'll want to RSVP to guarantee your spot at this cool performing arts space in Brooklyn. Its Oscar party features a red carpet made for strolling and sashaying, free popcorn, themed drinks, free champagne (oh yeah!), a photo booth, and a voting ballot (with prizes for the most correct picks). The event is co-hosted by the skint.

KTCHN
credit: 42Brunch

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Hosted by Sheila Noxema and Harmonica Sunbeam, the Oscars Viewing Dinner Party Drag Show at KTCHN features a red carpet (selfies most definitely encouraged) and special cocktails, including the Mad Max, the DiCaprio, and the Martian, all of which pair perfectly with the event's three-course dinner menu. Don't forget to dress your best: leave the sweatpants at home, unless they're sparkly and sequined. (Reservations and advanced tickets suggested.)

ConnorCruise
credit: The Connor Cruise / Instagram

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Quite possibly the next best thing to being at the Dolby Theatre, the W Times Square's Oscar Party includes a big screen on which to watch the awards, free popcorn, a glitter-filled photo booth, Oscar Bingo to play during the commercials, and one-night-only cocktails designed to celebrate Best Picture nominees. After the Oscars, Connor Cruise will take over the DJ booth. Best of all? This event is free (but registration is recommended)!

Pangea
credit: Pangea

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Yes, yes, yes, the Oscars are all about the pageantry: who's wearing who, who's with whom, etc. But, as Joan Rivers amply demonstrated, being fun(ny) about the whole thing is far more fun. And three performers—Brenda Bergman, David Ilku, and Chris Tanner—hosting a screening means triple the fun, and the songs, and the jokes, and the one-liners. (Tickets required, along with $20 food and drink minimum.) You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll laugh some more.

Nitehawk
credit: Nitehawk Cinema

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Co-hosted with NYLON magazine, Nitehawk Cinema's Ultra-Mega Oscars 2016 features games, food, booze, and a complimentary swag bag. The evening's specials include "Huggable Hangers," hanger steak with chipotle mayo, pico de gallo and tortillas, in honor of Joy; "Perpetual Sunrise," a drink featuring high-end vermouth, green chartreuse, Fernet, and gin, in honor of Carol; and the Spielburger, with beef, sauerkraut, muenster, and "secret Russian dressing," in honor of Bridge of Spies.

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