NEW YORK CITY — Hollywood's biggest night is almost here.
For the second year in a row, the Oscars have been marred by controversy over the lack of diversity among the nominees. Social media movements like #OscarsSoWhite and some stars threats of a boycott have grabbed national attention since the nominations were announced on Jan. 14.
Since then, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promise sweeping changes to next year's voting pool in an attempt to diversify the Oscars.
This year the 88th Academy Awards will air on ABC at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Red carpet coverage will start at 7 p.m. if you want to watch the parade of dresses and tuxes entering the theater.
Here's a list of New York City spots that will be hosting watch parties. Keep checking back for an updated list of locations and more venues announce their plans.
► The Big Oscars Quiz Thing at (Le) Poisson Rouge
Where: Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village
When: Trivia games at 5:30 p.m.; Awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
If you’re a cinephile looking to show off your knowledge with fellow film nerds, come to (Le) Poisson Rouge — a music venue and art cabaret — for its now fourth-annual multimedia trivia game show. Participants form teams and compete in preshow trivia games at 5:30 p.m. for prizes and fun. Then tune into the big show, starting with red-carpet coverage at 7 p.m. on Le Poisson Rouge’s enormous screens. Advance tickets are $10; tickets at the door $15.
► Free Screening of 88th Academy Awards at Videology
Where: Videology, 308 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg
When: Red carpet at 6 p.m.; Awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Celebrate the biggest night in Hollywood with a free screening at this Williamsburg micro-cinema famous for their trivia nights and midnight screenings. The venue has an intimate 50-seat screening room and will feature a full food and drinks menu.
► The Skint’s Free Academy Awards Screening Party
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw St., Gowanus
When: Red carpet at 6 p.m.; Awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Check out this free screening party hosted by The Skint, an organization dedicated to everything free and cheap in New York City. They’re going head-first into the Oscars hype with an actual red carpet, champagne, a photo booth, voting ballots and themed drinks. Come early and join the fun.
Where: 196 Lenox Ave., Central Harlem
When: 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Come to this Oscar gala and enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner for $45 at this Italian-Mediterranean Harlem restaurant. Dress up in formal or themed attire to walk a red carpet, watch the Oscars live, compete for prizes, and have a professional photo taken of you holding an Oscar statue. You, too, can be a winner for a night.
► Oscars Happy Hour at Mott Haven Bar
Where: 1 Bruckner Blvd., Port Morris
When: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Watch the Oscars in this South Bronx bar while enjoying its happy hour and drink specials.
