Oscar Party Time

New Yorkers will have a lot to cheer about during the 2006 Academy Awards. New York hometown hero Jon Stewart will be hosting the awards. Meanwhile, New York actor Philip Seymour Hoffman is up for Best Actor for his role in "Capote" (about New York socialite and author Truman Capote). Heck, even Heath and Michelle are New Yorkers these days.

But it's no fun to watch the Oscars alone. If you can't get into the celebrity bash at Elaine's and no one in your circle has stepped up to host a proper party, check out these NYC Academy Award shindigs:

Murray Hill Oscar Party
Mo Pitkin's, 34 Ave. A, 212-777-5560, $15
Murray Hill, with comedy troupe Pu Pu Platter, will host a full night of Oscar celebration, commentary, and dish. You can even win prizes for your savvy Oscar picks.

Orchid Lounge Oscar Party
500 E. 11th St. between Aves. A and B, 212-254-4090
Visit the Orchid Lounge, a cool Asian-themed bar in the East Village, and enjoy the Oscars with a Green Dragon Orchid martini in hand. Win prizes for guessing the winners and look for drink specials all night long.

Photo © Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ®