Oscar week is here! While you might have a slew of parties to attend, even if the main event is merely happening in your living room, make sure you get out and enjoy L.A. in all its glory this week. Start with these events, then let the city carry you where it will. You never know who you might meet or what projects you might discover!
Give the Oscar-nominated editors and designers the attention they deserve.
This weekend is sure to be filled with anything and everything Oscars, including pre-, post-, and during viewing parties. But the day before, American Cinematheque is hosting nominees who might not get the glamorous screen time that actors do but who are, nonetheless, crucial to filmmaking. Head to the Egyptian on the morning of Feb. 23 to hear from editors of this year’s Best Picture nominees, including “BlacKkKlansman,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “The Favourite,” then head back in the afternoon for a panel centering on “The Art of Production Design” with designers and set decorators from nominees like “Black Panther,” “Mary Poppins Returns,” and “Roma.” Don’t miss this chance to go behind the scenes before seeing which of these films takes home those coveted statuettes. (Free)
Find out how to improve your headshots.
As an actor, your headshot is often your calling card and the first impression the industry gets of what you might bring to a role. It stands to reason, then, that it’s imperative that what they see is actually what they get. Brush up your own pics with tips during one of SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s small-group workshops on Feb. 27. You’ll walk away with proven ways to improve your existing headshots and what to look for when it’s time to take new snaps. Note: Before the session, be sure to watch the panel discussions on the SAG event page! (Free for union members)
Hear from the minds behind “The Hate U Give.”
Now, more than ever, real-life situations are bleeding into movies, television, and culture at large. “The Hate U Give,” based on Angie Thomas’ bestselling novel of the same name, brought social issues to the big screen this past year, giving cinematic voice to movements like Black Lives Matter. On Feb. 26, see the film and join a panel of cast and crew, including director George Tillman, Jr. and actor Russell Hornsby, moderated by CNN political commentator Symone D. Sanders. Understanding the motivation and background of a film like this is crucial to actors working in the entertainment landscape of today—and tomorrow. (Free)
See emerging films from black filmmakers.
Celebrate Black History Month with an entire afternoon and evening dedicated to black filmmakers courtesy of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles on Feb. 23. Beginning with “American Bistro,” director Arthur Diennet’s L.A.-centric feature debut, the slate also includes shorts programs entitled “Other Lives” and “InFocus: Black Cinema,” and Q&As with filmmakers involved in many of the works. This monthly film fest regularly spotlights emerging talent and topical issues, but this month’s, in particular, is a lineup not to be missed. ($10–15)