Weekend picks: And the entree goes to ...

Are you Oscar-ready?

Or still ticked off that neither Peter O'Toole (in "Lawrence of Arabia") nor Al Pacino (in "The Godfather") received the competitive statuettes they deserved for their greatest performances? Here are some spots prepped for the velvet rope and the red carpet, where you can debate, argue and eat well.

Food Food Studio and Cocktail Salon could pass for a movie set, divided into a series of eye-catching dining and drinking areas. The bar scene during prime time is a show in itself. You'll find imaginative, flavorful, eclectic cuisine with New American and Asian accents, from grilled steaks to fine seafood, at both lunch and dinner.

Four is at 515 Broadhollow Rd., Melville; 631-577-4444.

The two branches of Nisen Sushi jump out of their shopping-center locations. They're visually bold, from the lighting to the appointments, and the food often rivals the settings. Sample tuna tartare, lobster tacos, Kobe beef sliders, miso black cod.

Nisen Sushi is at 7967 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-496-7000; and 5032 Jericho Tpke., Commack, 631-462-1000.

Sugar goes from stylish and stylized "dining den" to pulsating "social club" as the clock nears 11 p.m. Before they clear the tables for the dance floor, nibble on several of the small plates. Winners include smoked-pork mini-tacos, fried calamari with salad, sushi "rainbow" rolls and the quartered Thai sea bass finished with a sweet-chile glaze.

Sugar is at 246 Voice Rd., off Glen Cove Rd., Carle Place; 516-248-7600.

And, to make it five nominees, don't get me started about Russell Crowe losing for "A Beautiful Mind," Robert DeNiro for "Taxi Driver" and Marlon Brando for "A Streetcar Named Desire."