In an unusual year for movies, the Tampa Theatre is “ripping open the envelope” to announce a monthlong series of Oscar-nominated films leading up to a red-carpet party before the Academy Awards on April 25.
The historic movie palace reopened to the public on March 11, exactly one year to the day after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Academy Awards ready to put on a night unlike any in its 93-year history, the theater said in an announcement that the lack of opportunity to see the top contenders on the big screen over the past year led them to create a nominee lineup for film fans.
The theater said it was encouraged by the success of its reopening film The Father (nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture, Actor, Actress and Adapted Screenplay), so they crafted a nominee showcase leading up to their 22nd annual Hollywood Awards Night celebration on April 25, in which fans can either watch online or walk the red carpet for a watch party in the theater.
All eight Best Picture nominees and a majority of the films nominated for Best Actor, Actress, Director and Screenplay, plus the return of the popular Oscar-nominated short films programs, are included in the program.
- Promising Young Woman – 7:30 p.m. Thursday
- Nomadland – 3:30 p.m. April 3
- Sound of Metal – 7:30 p.m. April 8
- Minari – 3:45 p.m. April 10
- Judas and the Black Messiah – 7:30 p.m. April 15
- Mank – 3:30 p.m. April 17
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 – 7:30 p.m. April 22
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom – 4 p.m. April 24
- Live Action Short Films – Four show times, April 2-24
- Animated Short Films – Six show times, April 3-23
- Documentary Short Films – Four show times, April 4-18
Tickets are $13.50 for evening shows and $11.50 for matinees. They are available at tampatheatre.org/movie-categories/oscar-nominee-showcase.
Take note that the theater is limiting attendance and requiring temperature checks and masks for entry. Guests order snacks from their seats via an app and will receive a notification when they’re ready to pick up in the lobby. The theater is at 711 N Franklin St, Tampa. 813-274-8286.
The in-person party at 7:15 p.m on April 25 includes a red carpet, sparkling wine upon arrival and free popcorn, soda and candy. And in what has become a Hollywood Awards Night tradition, those who stay until the Best Picture statue is awarded will also enjoy coffee and doughnuts for the ride home. Tickets are $79 and seating is limited. tampatheatre.org/redcarpet2021