Mike Derechin, dressed up as Al Pacino from the film "Scent Of A Woman," with Sandy Greco impersonating Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

The BIG ARTS Film Society invites all film fans to a special reception and screening of “Casablanca” beginning at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 7 to celebrate Sanibel Oscar Night.

The pre-film awards ceremony will include island locals dressed as Hollywood stars of past and present. The Sanibel Oscar Award winners will be announced, followed by the film. A champagne reception will follow.

The red-carpet evening’s host is Sidney Picker, with Master of Ceremony Albert Hann. BIG ARTS volunteers Mary and Ray Buck, David and Hazel Barber, Dick Calkins, Mike Derechin, Harvey Golden, Sandy Hann, Maddy and Jim Hanlon, Doug Mitchell, Maddy Mayor, Tico Moreno, Terry Nagle, Peter Pappas, Jane Picker, Herb Rubin, Di Saggau, Hyde Tucker, Marsha Wagner and Dick Wright are partaking in the festivities.

“Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe herself will be there, sashaying up the red carpet,” said Ray Buck. “And if that is not glamour enough, Sanibel Oscar Night will sparkle with celebrities Dorothy Lamour, Marlene Dietrich, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Al Pacino and Cary Grant.”

Visnja Gembicki will open the envelope to announce the Honorary Sanibel Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in the World of Film award.

Film poster for the movie classic "Casablanca," starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

“Following the film, there will be champagne reception for the audience to mingle with the stars. No autographs please, but cameras will be allowed,” added Sid Picker. “It is rumored Peter O’Toole and Dame Judi Dench will grace the stage at BIG ARTS Schein Performance Hall, as well as Gary Cooper and Alfred Hitchcock.”

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, “Casablanca” is set in Africa during the early days of World War II, where an American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications. This timeless classic won three Academy Awards.

All are invited to vote in the Sanibel Oscar contest, ballots are available at BIG ARTS offices and at www.BIGARTS.org. The celebration will mark the conclusion of the two-month long “Oscar Contender” series screened Wednesdays at Island Cinema.

The $7 ticket includes film, ceremony and champagne reception.

Enhanced by surround sound, “Casablanca” will be shown in the comfort of Schein Performance Hall, with a high-definition projection system and large screen to provide a superb cinematic presentation. Listening devices are available for the hearing impaired.

Red carpet compliments of Rusty Farst.

BIG ARTS Film Series is supported by Patron Series Sponsor Bank Of The Islands, Associate Supporters The Royal Shell Companies and The Sanibel Bean, as well as Supporters Jerry’s Foods of Sanibel, Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory and Sanibel Taxi.

For the complete listing of BIG ARTS films, to purchase tickets, to sign up for workshops or to become a member, stop by BIG ARTS, located at 900 Dunlop Road, call 395-0900, e-mail info@BIGARTS.org or log on to www.BIGARTS.org.