I’d like to thank all the publicists and editors and especially the proofreaders who made this Hoopla a reality.

FRIDAY, February 24

The Oscar countdown is entering its final stretch. Rather than feeling bitter about not being nominated yet again, let’s start planning our Oscar party menu now. For Brokeback Mountain, lamb kabobs; martinis for Capote, of course; and perhaps steak tartare for Crash. And while we’re getting obsessed, don’t forget about Oscar Documentary Shorts. American Cinematheque presents what is probably your only chance to see The Mushroom Club, God Sleeps in Rwanda, A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwinand The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club in one sitting. Then, when you’re watching the telecast, you can be the big know-it-all of your group. Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; Fri., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.; $9. (323) 466-FILM.

SATURDAY, February 25

The New York Times called Astrid Hadad “one of the most provocative stage acts since the Weimar Republic was in bloom.” To that we say, the WR was never this colorful. Hadad’s costume changes are legendary, from a flower girl in a Diego Rivera painting to a prostitute dressed as the Statue of Liberty holding a flashlight for a torch. She’s as funny and outspoken as Mae West, and her songs, though yo no speaky Spanish, are equally sassy and brassy. With L.A.’s own Mexican Elvis, El Vez, this is a double bill to olé you over. Royce Hall, UCLA, Westwood; Sat., Feb. 25, 8 p.m.; $20-$38. (310) 825-2101.

SUNDAY, February 26

One more week till the red carpet rolls out in front of the Kodak. What to wear? Maybe you can get some tips from the Smart Gals, whose Speakeasy series, complete with “red stair,” celebrates Oscar winners this month with Fake Radio presenting scenes from Academy Award–winning films. Also, Jolene Siana, author of Go Ask Ogre: Letters From a Deathrock Cutter, will also appear, though we hope she doesn’t go near the knives. Pssst .?.. the password you need to know is “Lux Toilet Bowl Flakes.” Mt. Hollywood Underground, 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Feliz; Sun., Feb. 26, 7-9 p.m.; $7. (323) 302-2257 or www.smartgals.org.

MONDAY, February 27

Who supplies all the red carpets for all these star-studded events? Do they ever have a shortage? A big red one will be laid out for A Song 4 U: A Concert of Hope, with a portion of proceeds going to American Red Cross Tsunami Disaster Relief, with the incredible pipes of Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Shirley Caesar and Kelly Price. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; Mon., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.; $65-$105. (866) 443-8644 or www.asong4u2006.com.

TUESDAY, February 28

Let’s take our minds off movies for a minute and focus on other types of screen gems. That’s right, the Museum of Television & Radio’s William S. Paley Television Festival. Along with fave episodes, the casts and producers of Grey’s Anatomy, Entourage, Everybody Hates Chris, Battlestar Galactica, My Name is Earl, Medium, House, Family Guy, The Golden Girls, How I Met Your Mother and Weeds, among others, will allow you to bow down before them. There will also be a tribute to Flying Nun Sally Field. All events at the Directors Guild of America, DGA Theater, 7920 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; Feb. 28-March 15; $29, $25 seniors & students. (866) 468-3399. For complete schedule, call (310) 786-1010.

WEDNESDAY, March 1

If imdb.com is to be believed, Kubrick demanded 127 takes from Shelley Duvall during the filming of one scene in The Shining. No wonder she hasn’t been heard from in ages. AFI’s 100 Years .?.?. 100 Movie Quotes continues with the Kubrick classic, which contains many quotable mouthfuls, one of which, “Here’s Johnny!” was ad-libbed by Jack Nicholson. More trivia you can learn on the Internet: The Shining was the first movie in 18 years for which Kubrick did not receive a Best Director Oscar nomination. ArcLight, 6360 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; Wed., March 1, 8 p.m.; $11. (323) 464-4226.

THURSDAY, March 2

Four more days. You can look, fantasize and even practice your speech at Meet the Oscars: The 50 Golden Statuettes. These 50 beauties are the actual ones that will be handed out to the winners on March 5. There’s even one you can clutch in your grip until staff members have to pry it from your steely fingers. Hollywood & Highland, third level, Hollywood; daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; thru March 3.

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