THE KATE CELEBRATES OSCAR NIGHT WITH A GRAND PARTY FEBRUARY 24

The long red carpet and an evening of star power are awaiting you on Sunday, February 24 at 7 p.m. when The Kate in Old Saybrook welcomes Hollywood’s finest. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center will be ready for glitz and glamour and festooned with party hats and steamers as the 91^stAnnual Academy Awards are celebrated in style. Forget the long distance travel to Los Angeles and let The Kate make the evening a spectacular success.

The theater’s namesake and Old Saybrook’s favorite daughter Katharine Hepburn, herself the recipient of twelve Oscar nominations and four wins, will be there in spirit to welcome you to the gala festivities. Plan to dress in your Sunday best for this grand fundraiser that benefits the quality events presented all year long.

A long menu of A list presenters will announce the winners as this year there is no headliner emcee. The evening will feature a giant screen with surround sound for viewing, elegant food deliciously prepared by Fresh Salt, great Oscar inspired desserts and a cash bar. Devin Carney, state representative and grandson of Art Carney, will emcee and share the Oscar Art won for photo memories. Ann Nyberg will also send greetings from her television desk. 

As if that weren’t enough, there will be a Silent Auction with such special treats as a deep sea fishing trip for an adult and child on the Black Hawk and a gift certificate for Lenny and Joe’s as well as four tickets to 54 Below in New York City with food and beverages included. The Live Auction with feature a package to see Kelly Clarkson on Thursday, March 14 at the Mohegan Sun with a gift certificate as well as many other treats. The raffle has a grand prize of a giant flat screen television set and a movie basket of goodies to eat. Once again Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry of Old Saybrook with offer a “Mystery Red Box” where sixty jewelry boxes wrapped in red can be purchased, each containing a Becker’s gift certificate and one grand prize of a beautiful and valuable piece of jewelry.

According to executive director Brett Elliott, “We always look forward to this event to celebrate Katharine Hepburn’s achievements. This year is extra special as we’ll be rooting for our friend and 2017 Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award recipient, Glenn Close, who is nominated for Best Actress for ‘The Wife.’ "

Sponsors to date include H & R Block Old Saybrook, Secor Volvo, Becker’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry of Old Saybrook, Comcast, Pough Interiors, Gulick & Company and Saybrook Point Marina and Spa. Please call Robin Andreoli, Director of Development and Community Relations at860-510-0473, ex. 213, orrobin.andreoli@thekate.org. to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will tally the ballots for their favorites. Selections will be made in categories like Best Picture with candidates such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” about Eddie Mercury and Queens, “Vice” about Vice President Dick Cheney and “Green Book” about a black pianist who wants to perform in the South.

 Other candidates for Best Actress include Lady Gaga for “A Star is Born” and Melissa McCarthy for “Can You Forgive Me?” Lead actors include Christian Bale for “Vice,” William Dafore for “At Eternity’s Gate,” and Rami Malek for “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Supporting actors include Adam Driver for “Blackklansman,” Sam Elliott for “A Star is Born” and Sam Rockwell for “Vice” while supporting actress candidates include Marina Tavira for “Roma,” Emma Stone for “The Favourite” and Regina King for “If Beale Street Could Talk.” Other categories include animated films, adapted screenplays, editing, costuming, original score, best song and many more.

Mark your calendars in RED for The Kate, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, at 7 p.m.. Call 860-510-0453 for tickets $75, members $65 to be there when the 91STAnnual Oscars’ celebration showcases Hollywood.