Gene Siskel Film Center to Host 87th Academy Awards Viewing Party on 2/22

State Street turns into a Red Carpet extravaganza on Sunday, February 22 when the Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) hosts Chicago's longest-running awards show viewing party, "Hollywood on State: A Red Carpet Celebration," for the 87th Academy Awards®. Guests are invited to dress in their finest Oscar garb, enjoy delicious food and festive drinks all while watching the star-studded event on the Film Center's state-of-the-art big screens. Doors open at 6 p.m. The 87th Academy Awards® HD Telecast begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($100 General Admission | $200 VIP) can be purchased online at siskelfilmcenter.org or by calling 312.846.2072.

Guests are invited to the GSFC (164 N. State St.) where they become the stars of the evening as they walk the glamorous red carpet, giving their own predictions of who will walk away a winner and of course, divulging who they are wearing! Before settling into the theater, party-goers will be treated to a delicious buffet generously provided by Pure Kitchen Catering along with sweet treats from Jewell Events Catering, Sugar Bliss CAKE Boutique and Eli's Cheesecake as well as beverages from Guinness Blonde American Lager, Sterling Vineyards, Stellina di Notte Prosecco and Bow Truss Coffee Roasters.

Not only will Hollywood stars walk away with a golden souvenir on Oscar night, but Chicago filmmakers Bob Hercules, Seth McClellan, Daniel Nearing, Jennifer Reeder and Frank Ross will also be recognized for their contributions to film by the GSFC. All honorees, which have had their films screened at the Film Center, shine a light on the thriving film community in Chicago.

Hollywood on State is co-chaired by GSFC Advisory Board members Michelle Cucchiaro and David E. Martin. The event is sponsored by Pure Kitchen Catering, BMO Harris Bank, the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Foundation, Moneris and RedEye. Hollywood on State Promotional Partner is Block Thirty Seven.

This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

About the Gene Siskel Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago celebrates cutting edge film programs, independent and international cinema, premieres, retrospectives and classic films. Internationally recognized for its original film programming, the Film Center is a vibrant cultural destination in Chicago that attracts a diverse and creative annual audience of over 70,000. www.siskelfilmcenter.org

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

A leader in educating artists, designers and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from around the globe. SAIC also enables adults, HIGH SCHOOL students, middle school students and children to flourish in a variety of courses, workshops, certificate programs and camps through its Continuing Studies program. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures and performances. For more information, please visit saic.edu.

The Gene Siskel Film Center and SAIC are part of The Art Institute of Chicago. For more information about the Art Institute please visit www.artic.edu