What to do on Friday

Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy get in the party mood. Brandon T. Jackson MUSIC FOR FILM BRUNCHWhere: Eveleigh RestaurantWho's expected: Quincy Jones, "The Artist" composer and Oscar nominee Ludovic Bource and other key members of the Composer's GuildWhy you don't want to miss it: This is the inaugural brunch that celebrates film's musical virtuosos, given in conjunction with WME, which has a large roster of composers in its stable.ICG PUBLICISTS AWARDS LUNCHEONWhere: Beverly Hilton HotelWho's expected: The top publicity mavens, including honoree Arlene LudwigWhy you don't want to miss it: Plenty of movie-star wattage will be on hand, from Julie Andrews and Jodie Foster to Gary Oldman, Missi Pyle and Max von Sydow, all stars who know that it is the publicists who helped make them into household names.MMPA STUDENT FILMMAKERS SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEONWhere: Sofitel HotelWho's expected: Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and other mentor-minded typesWhy you don't want to miss it: This annual awarding of scholarships to up-and-coming filmmakers always draws top Tinseltown players, who combine eating lunch with encouraging the winners of the Multicultural Motion Picture Assn.'s to reach for the stars.5TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN FILM PRE-OSCAR COCKTAIL PARTYWhere: Cecconi's RestaurantWho's expected: WIF prexy Cathy Schulman, host Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar nominees including Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Sandy Powell, Thelma Schoonmaker, Anne Seibel, Deb AdairWhy you don't want to miss it: It's a room full of the most successful women in the biz, and they all have champagne in their hands and are smiling. GREAT BRITISH FILM RECEPTIONWhere: British Consul General's Residence in Hancock ParkWho's expected: British Media and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Consul Gen. Barbara Hay Why you don't want to miss it: Any Brit with an Oscar nom, and a few without, will be at this cocktail pour.WARNER BROS. PRE-OSCAR PARTYWhere: Soho HouseWho's expected: WB's nomineesWhy you don't want to miss it: The view of the city and the starsEYE ON BLACK 2012Where: Park Plaza HotelWho's expected: Martin Lawrence, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tim Allen, Debbie Allen, Haile Gerima, Chris Robinson, Luke Wilson, host Brandon T. JacksonWhy you don't want to miss it: "The Eye on Black salute recognizes influential African-Americans who have helped to shape black experience in the movies," says Duran Brown of the Kartel Co., who created the awards in 2010 along with its client Anheuser-Busch. Plus, there's a four-course meal and music by Leela James and Goapele.VANITY FAIR AND RICHARD MILLE TOASTS MARTIN SCORSESE AND THE FILM FOUNDATIONWhere: Hotel Bel-AirWho's expected: Honoree Martin Scorsese and his friendsWhy you don't want to miss it: The fete supports the Film Foundation, dedicated to preserving movies that are disintegrating as you sip your cocktail. Plus those swans and the gorgeously renovated hotel.CAA'S BRYAN LOURD PARTYWhere: Lourd's Bel-Air manseWho's expected: Hollywood's A-list actors represented by CAA, as well as studio heads and other power playersWhy you don't want to miss it: Lourd's top rainmaker George Clooney is sure to stop in with girlfriend Stacy Keibler.UTA'S JIM BERKUS PARTYWhere: Berkus' BevHills abodeWho's expected: UTA's Oscar nominees, including Kristen Wiig, as well as top execs, managers and other notablesWhy you don't want to miss it: Wiig just might bring along some rowdy "Bridesmaids" gals to liven up the party. Plus, guitarist Nick Valensi from the Strokes is playing DJ for the night.WME'S ARI EMANUEL PARTYWhere: Emanuel's Brentwood estateWho's expected: Newly signed client Jean Dujardin, along with WME's other nominees, including Octavia Spencer, Rooney Mara, Martin Scorsese, Jonah Hill, Aaron Sorkin and Steve ZaillianWhy you don't want to miss it: So many high-powered Hollywood types that you may just want to stay put all night and just watch the scene go by at this one.2ND ANNUAL SHORTS AWARDSWhere: Soho HouseWho's expected: All the Oscar nominees for short pics, including live action, animated and docsWhy you don't want to miss it: Where else can you see people like John Lasseter be honored alongside Melissa Leo (as happened last year). Plus, the show doesn't start until 9 p.m.Return to the Oscar's Big Weekend >> Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com