Chicago has been the breeding ground for some of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences‘ biggest names: Jennifer Hudson, Bill Murray, and Frances McDormand, to name but a few. Therefore, it only makes sense that some of the hottest and hippest LGBT locales will be honoring the event, unofficially recognized at the Gay Super Bowl:
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Bar
Per tradition, this Lakeview social landmark will be hosting their annual Oscar soiree, complete with half-price martinis, an assortment of delicious tapas, and performances by diva extraordinaire Candi Stratton as Cher. By this point, the $500 in giveaway prizes is just the cherry.
Wild Pug
Starting at 5:00p.m, the most recent addition to Uptown’s ever-growing gay scene will be hosting a special viewing party on their plasma screen-clad walls. An Oscar Pick contest will have one lucky winner walking away with a $100 Crew and Wild Pug gift card. Did someone just say “Next round is on me?”
Center on Halsted
The heart of Boystown’s community will be hosting a lavish red carpet reception and a live telecast, starting at 6:00p.m. Walk down a paparazzi-flanked walkway to the glamorous ballroom, where cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets range from $75-$125, but the raffle prizes could have you walking away with a pair of round-trip tickets and hotel accommodations to Hollywood. Better check up on Brangelina’s dinner availability!
Sidetrack
This famed video bar, normally thought of as the Megaplex of gay bars, will be sure to fill their patrons’ appetite for action and glamour with their Red Carpet Party. Sip on the special drink of the night, and be sure to do a few “fruit loops” to enter the unofficial known as Performance By A Leading Flirt. The winner will undoubtedly be seen in the Free Press’s Scene and Seen section the following week.
Hamburger Mary’s
Andersonville’s much beloved cute-as-a-button-down-by-Marc-Jacobs restaurant will be tuning in to the Gay Super Bowl starting at 6:00p.m. Patrons will be given ballots to guess the recipients of this year’s golden statuettes. The lucky winner will receive a yet-to-be-revealed surprise.
In a year where only one acting nomination is held by an Illinois native (Richard Jenkins), your chances of going home with a coveted prize are looking pretty great.
Chicago Guy 