Where to watch the Oscars

Attend a big-screen telecast of the Oscars under the lights of one of the city's first movie palaces, the Million Dollar Theater. The DTLA theater is rolling out the red carpet for a night of games, drinks and, of course, all of the agony and triumph of the awards ceremony. Dress like you're actually attending the Academy Awards, whether in this century or last, or don your best movie-inspired outfit. Tickets cost $30.

If you're longing for that jetsetting age of Hollywood glam, hole up at Now Boarding on Oscar night. To round out a quartet of movie-themed cocktails ($9), the bar is rolling out a red carpet, passing out free finger foods and hosting a jazzy live band.

Watch the Oscars in style at the famed Polo Lounge. The classy Beverly Hills Hotel patio bar will show the awards as well as offer movie-themed specials: a Boyhood plate of mac and cheese as well as cocktails ($18) from the likes of a Grand Budapest Hotel “Boy With Apple” to a Birdman “Rare Eagle (in) Manhattan.”

Watch the Oscars pre-show—no, literally look out the window and watch the stars arrive—as the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel toasts to the awards show. Only half a block away from the acual Oscars ceremony, the telecast can be viewed at either the hotel's Library Bar or the Public Kitchen and Bar. Of course, that stretch of Hollywood is pretty much on lockdown during Oscar night (Metro included), so be sure to bring a bit of patience if you're not within walking distance.

Salmon Dialogue Through Morse Mode. The Priceless Renaissance Dessert. None of these dishes may scream Oscars, but that's exactly what mar'sel at Terranea Resort is going for. The oceanside restaurant will feature à la carte items inspired by Oscar nominees (that Salmon Dialogue dish is based on The Imitation Game) as well as an Oscar ballot competition—winner gets a $250 dinner.

You can watch the glitziest night in film—while helping a good cause—at the Upper West in Santa Monica. The restaurant and bar is hosting a watch party to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (25 percent goes right back to the cause), beginning at 4pm. If you arrive before the show begins, you can fill out a ballot and predict the winners for prizes.

Throw some Trader Joe's dinners in the microwave or order Thai dishes for delivery, put on some pajamas and sink into a comfy couch, because you're going to be here for the next three and a half hours. The Oscars ceremony itself begins at 5:30pm on ABC, but you can tune into the red carpet special starting at 4pm. The pre-coverage will be streaming online as well, and the actual show is available through the WatchABC app—you'll need to log in with your parents' your own cable info first.