Grand Avenue hosts week-long Oscar event

Monday, 04 March 2013 by Elissa Thompson

In Belton, the Academy Awards isn't just a one-time ceremony, but a week-long event at Grand Avenue Theaters.

Feb. 22-28, the theater is showing two of the nominated best picture of the year, as well as three sets of short films: live action, documentary and animated.

Daniel Bucher, business manager at Grand Avenue, said that showing films like these offers viewers a chance to view different material, instead of the normal films.

"We are trying to draw in different people and offer different options. Some people may not come to see a movie, but they like the Oscars and it's free admission, so they're going to come check it out," Bucher said.

Adam Dubberly, assistant manager at Grand Avenue was eager about the theater being able to show films that other theaters are not showing.

"We are especially excited to be showing the nominated short films, in part because we are the only theater in the area showing them," Dubberly said.

The two feature films Grand Avenue that are showing, were both nominated for Best Picture of the year.

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" (PG-13) directed by Michael Haneke, is a modern day fairy tale set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It stars 9-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis, the youngest actress to ever be nominated for an Academy Award. It was also nominated for Best Picture.

"The Master" (R) directed by Paul Thomas Anderson is an intense drama loosely based on L Ron Hubbard and the early days of Scientology. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams; all of whom received nominations for their performances.

The top five winners that everyone cares about: Christoph Waltz won best supporting actor for his role in "Django Unchained," best supporting actress, Anne Hathaway in her role as Fantine in "Les Miserables," Jennifer Lawrence as leading actress in "Silver Linings Playbook" and leading actor, Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in "Lincoln." And for Best Picture of the Year, "Argo" won the Oscar.

Sunday evening the Oscars were shown live on the big-screen at Grand Avenue. A few participants dressed in formal wear which gave it a sense of an actual Oscar party. Movie posters of the nominated best pictures were given away as door prizes. The theater gave out free "champagne," actually just sparkling grape juice during the showing of the Oscars.

There is still a chance to see some of the nominated films at Grand Avenue Theater this week. For show times, check www.grandavenuetheater.com/nowshowing.

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