The Region’s Best Oscar-Worthy Theatres

While stars and celebrities are fasting and prepping this week for the red carpet, millions of moviegoers are still trying to take in some of the year’s top movies. Thankfully, the Sacramento area is fortunate enough to offer cinephiles many great theatres to choose from.

The Palladio 16 Cinemas in Folsom anchors the area’s swanky “lifestyle center” surrounded by boutique shops and restaurants. The theatre ranks high among moviegoers with stadium style seating, all digital projection, $5 Tuesdays, and a snack bar offering gelato and a self-buttering station for popcorn.

The historic Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento opened under new management last fall. Its storied history and Art Deco design revive the Old Hollywood feel. It’s currently undergoing a modernization project that will include converting the basement screening rooms to an on-site restaurant, but will still be screening Oscar-nominated short films throughout the week. Upcoming classic and cult showings include E.T., The Goonies, The Wizard of Oz, and Roman Holiday. The Crest also welcomes live performances, with future guests including Jonny Lang, Paula Poundstone and Kenny Wayne Shepard.

Unlike the Crest, the Tower Theatre, also a Sacramento classic landmark, is a fully functional theatre with movies showing daily. Located in Land Park, it’s an artsy, neighborhood cinema, known for art house, independent, and critically acclaimed films, as well as mainstream movies.

Rocklin is quickly becoming a movie mecca in the foothills. Blue Oaks Cinema 16 already anchored the small town in the way of blockbusters and matinees and consistently earns rave reviews for spaciousness and quality. It may have a bit of competition though, as the new Studio Movie Grill recently opened (just off Interstate 80) and offers an on-site restaurant that brings your made-to-order meal (and cocktail) directly to your seat.

True movie buffs who take their award shows seriously may want to head to Auburn for Oscar Night at the State Theatre. Guests can view the live telecast from red velvet chairs from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, make predictions, and win prizes. The theatre (also the Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center) shows specially scheduled documentaries, bio-pics, independent, classic, and contemporary films throughout the year.