The Grand Cinema's annual Academy Awards Party is THE way to celebrate the accomplishments of people way richer than you'll ever be, and this year the party is bigger and better than ever. While watching the Oscars on your HDTV with a bag of microwave popcorn might sound appealing, The Grand has you and your popcorn beat. The Oscars will be screened in two separate areas - one at Theatre on the Square and one in a private VIP area (that's sold out) at Studio 2. Both will have massive theater-sized screens.

Aside from general cinema revelry, the party also includes other festivities, including a silent auction and a raffle in the lobby. Prizes include an autographed Felix Hernandez framed picture, Mariners tickets, local travel packages, dinner deals, museum passes and more. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10.

There's the annual Oscars winners' contest, too.

"Before the actual Oscar broadcast we ask for all attendees to fill out a ballot that has 24 award categories - these are the ones all announced during the broadcast," says Rachel Marecle, director of community development at the theater. "They must turn them in before the broadcast begins. We then keep track throughout the entire night of all the ballots and the ONE that picks the most correct Award Winning Categories wins a golden ticket - free movies for a year at the Grand Cinema for one person."

Attendees are also invited to wear film-related costumes, too. Each year, Marecle and Powers say, there are often several from popular films, so don't be afraid to get creative and pull from years past or current movies. Restaurant gift cards will be awarded to the best costume picked by the audience.

Read Kristin Kendle's full feature eon The Grand's Academy awards Party in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 5 P.M., DOORS AT 4 P.M., $30-$35, 915 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.572.6062