Catch the stars at The Kate’s Oscar party

Are the stars out tonight? You won’t care if it’s cloudy or bright, as you stroll down the vividly red carpet at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, for the Oscars Party 2018.

Kate herself accepted that prestigious statue a record four times, from nominations a dozen in all. She would surely love this gala celebration at her namesake theater, affectionately known as The Kate, in her signature hometown, Old Saybrook, especially knowing the proceeds will benefit presentations of both arts and culture all year long.

Don your holiday fare for this festive party where the likes of Meryl Streep (and Tom Hanks) will be feted for their performance at the Washington newspaper “The Post” and the disclosure of the Pentagon Papers surrounding U. S. involvement in Vietnam. Gary Oldman will be saluted for his wartime portrayal of the British statesman Winston Churchill in the “Darkest Hour.”

Daniel Day-Lewis will be honored for his final gripping performance as a clothes designer who discovers love in an unlikely place in “Phantom Thread,” and the persistent determination of Frances McDormand, the mother of a slain daughter who will not allow her girl’s killer to escape punishment in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

Whether you cast your vote for the confused teenager coming of age, captured by Saoirse Ronan in “Lady Bird,” the controversial mother-daughter relationship of Allison Janney and Margot Robbie in the ice skating attack of “I, Tonya,” the sacrificing and idealistic attorney “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” portrayed by Denzel Washington, or the self-seeking soul of a young boy’s sexual hunger by Timothee Chalamet in “Call Me By Your Name,” you will have much to cheer for that night.

And at The Kate, prepare to enjoy gourmet offerings from the Saybrook Point Inn’s Fresh Salt, both savory and sweet, appetizers to desserts. Chocolate Oscar statuettes might magically appear, in the special candy treats available to nibble all night long, as every good movie needs.

Hold on to your socks for the incredible silent auction items available for bidding like a special wine dinner for 6, specially prepared with pairings by Saybrook Point Inn chefs, a Nikon Cool Pix S6900 Camera with 32 GB SD Card, a framed, autographed concert poster by Graham Nash from his performance at the Kate and a round of golf (18 holes) with cart and lunch at Black Hall Club, Old Lyme.

According to Oscar event chair Diane Hessinger, “This event has always been volunteer-driven and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past eight years to support The Kate. Not only is it a very fun evening, but it’s a perfect way to pay homage to our namesake, Katharine Hepburn and raise funds to expand the arts on the Connecticut shoreline.” This year’s event will be held in memory of long-time and dedicated volunteer Beverly Whalen who gave generously of her time and helped launch this event.

This year an extra exciting item is courtesy of Becker’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry of Old Saybrook. For $20, you can purchase a Mystery Red Box, that will include a gift certificate to Becker’s and one lucky purchaser will win a stunning bracelet, 14K gold with fortynine diamonds.

Devin Carney, state representative and Art Carney’s grandson, will once again bring a genuine Oscar to hold for photos as he shares the stage with Michael Mcguire, a member of The Kate’s Board of Trustees, while TV anchor Ann Nyberg, from WTNH, will be offering commentary from the television station periodically throughout the evening.

Come celebrate 90 years of movie magic with guest host Jimmy Kimmel with all the sass and sizzle of the stars.

For tickets ($75), call The Kate, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook at 877- 503-1286 or online at https:// katharinehepburntheater.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F6100000EpEJjEAN. The Kate website is: www.thekate.org or http://www.katharinehepburntheater.org/