DISCO, DANCING AND DONNA SUMMER: ACADEMY TO SCREEN "THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY" IN NYC

Beverly Hills, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Monday Nights with Oscar® screening series will present "Thank God It’s Friday" (1978) on Monday, August 6, at 7 p.m. at the Academy Theater in New York City. Hosted by drag icon Hedda Lettuce, the evening features a rarely seen clip of legendary disco diva Donna Summer performing at the 51st Annual Academy Awards®.

Produced at the height of the disco craze, "Thank God It’s Friday" follows a motley assortment of staff and patrons of a fictitious nightclub, revealing their escapades in a series of intertwining stories. The film’s all-star ensemble cast creates a vibrant, comedic portrait of an era filled with extravagant fashion, recreational drugs and a groovy beat.

"Thank God It’s Friday," which marked the only feature film appearance by Summer, won an Academy Award® for Original Song for "Last Dance" by Paul Jabara.

Tickets for "Thank God It’s Friday" are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased online at www.oscars.org or by mail (a printable order form is available in the Events & Exhibitions section of the website). Tickets may also be purchased at the box office prior to the event (subject to availability).

The Academy Theater is located at 111 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues) in New York City. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (212) 821-9251, e-mail AcademyNYC@oscars.org or visit www.oscars.org.