Ohio's Top 5 Movie Theaters

This Sunday sees the 85th Academy Awards taking place in Los Angeles. Ohio-based movie enthusiasts have a rich choice of excellent theaters to see nominated films such as Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Les Misérables, Life of Pi and Lincoln before the big day. Here are five of the best movie theaters in the state.

1. Studio 35, Columbus

At 75 years old, Studio 35 is Columbus' oldest independent movie theater. Following extensive renovations last year, the theater now offers a comfortable lounge bar area with more than 40 beers on tap -- get there for Happy Hour weekdays from 4 - 6 p.m. for a dollar off all beers.

Studio 35 runs regular special events such as retro movie showings paired with beer tastings, and will be showing the Oscars live on the big screen this Sunday -- for free.

2. Esquire Theater, Cincinnati

Via Steph L. http://www.flickr.com/photos/19661199@N00/1480694348/

Dating from 1911, when it showed silent movies and hosted live events, the Esquire Theatre is Cincinnati's go-to for indie, artsy and generally less mainstream films -- as well as classics such as the 1966 western Django, -- inspiration for Oscar-nominated Django Unchained, which is playing this weekend accompanied by a live band playing "cowboy/Americana campfire songs."

The Esquire will be hosting its own Oscar party on Sunday evening, hosted by comedian Steve Caminiti who was named "Best Comedian in Cincinnati" by Cincinnati Magazine and CityBeat.

3. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque

Via www.cia.edu

In its two decades of existence, the Cleveland Institute of Art's Cinematheque has won national recognition for its carefully curated calendar of rare, foreign, art and independent movies -- the New York Times even called it one of the country's best repertory theaters. 

One of the many pleasures of visiting the Cinematheque is walking through the maze of art-filled hallways, featuring work by current students and faculty, on the way to the theater.

4. Athena Theatre, Athens

Via Athens County Visitor's Bureau

Fittingly for a college town theater, the Athena (which first opened in 1915) offers an eclectic and interesting program of movies: its current schedule includes a Hitchcock retrospective and a collection of Oscar-nominated short films -- and in April the theater will be hosting its 40th annual Film and Video Festival.

5. Drexel Theatre, Columbus

The Drexel, located in Columbus' Bexley neighborhood, opened in 1930 and retains its colorful Art Deco marquee and interior decor.

The theater focuses on independent and foreign films and is currently showing Oscar-nominated Amour. The Drexel hosts regular special events including a "Sci-Fi Marathon" and "Summer Kids Movie Fest".You can also catch the Oscar ceremony live on the big screen at the Drexel's 16th annual "Red Carpet Bash."

Comments

[Juliann]

I love the Esquire Theater in Cincinnati. It's in a perfect location being so near UC. Thanks for including it!

[caelidh]

Don't.forget.The.Little.Art.Theater in
Yellow Springs...