Clint Eastwood or Martin Scorsese for best director?

Find out first at "Oscar Night America," a Hawaii International Film Festival gala from 4 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Halekulani ballroom.

Guests will enjoy a six-course sit-down dinner and watch the 79th annual Academy Awards ceremony live, instead of the satellite-delayed telecast at 6:30 p.m. (preceded by a "Road to the Oscars" show at 6 p.m.) on ABC. The "Oscar Night" event is the only one sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the Academy Awards. It's the next best thing to being there, since the party includes the actual printed program that nominees and attendees receive at the Hollywood ceremony.

Honolulu is one of nearly 40 cities to host an "Oscar Night."

A silent auction benefiting HIFF and predict-the-winners contests are among the evening's festivities. The dinner will be accompanied by gourmet wines.

Tickets: $200 ($175 for HIFF members). Corporate tables also are available for $10,000, $5,000, $3,500 and $2,000.

Cocktail attire is suitable, but many folks go the full-on black-tie route. And yes, you can walk the red carpet, too.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.