A guide to the weekend’s Oscar parties

At the tail end of an ever-expanding awards season that has already seen the Golden Globes, the Grammys and countless other awards functions, the main event is finally in sight. The Oscars are upon as, and as sure as James Franco and Anne Hathaway are prepping “Black Swan” gags, we’re prepared to party all weekend. Here’s a comprehensive guide to who, what and where for Academy Awards weekend soirees.

Friday

Women in Film: For their fourth annual pre-Oscar celebration, WIF taps Halle Berry and producer Cathy Schulman to toast female nominees and their admirers. At the private members club Soho House in West Hollywood, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Colleen Atwood and Darren Aronofsky are expected. And talk about what women want — goodie bags from the bash include MAC cosmetics handpicked by honcho Gregory Arlt.

Vanity Fair DJ Night: The magazine’s penultimate event in their Campaign Hollywood series brings a chill evening of DJ sets and cocktails before the big show. West Hollywood’s Palihouse is the site for expected guests Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Dane Cook and “Glee” guys Mark Saling and Kevin McHale.

Unfinished: Gus van Sant and James Franco will finally reveal their much-discussed art collaboration at Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills, which consists of Franco’s reimagining of Van Sant’s work into two new films called “Endless Idaho” and “My Own Private River,” plus new portrait works by Van Sant. Previews of “Unfinished” show a collection of photographs and stills from the filming of Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho,” starring River Phoenix, a longtime favorite of Oscar host Franco’s. Gucci sponsors the bash with an exclusive dinner to follow at Mr. Chow.

Elsewhere around town: Power agents Bryan Lourd of CAA and Ari Emanuel of William Morris Endeavor will face off with private events at their respective homes, courting their impressive stables of nominees and talent.

Saturday

Independent Spirit Awards: The relaxed trophy-passing returns to a pop-up tent on the beach in Santa Monica. A quick but free-spirited after-party usually follows at swanky hotel Shutters, but Elle magazine has a luxe green room constructed on-site at the ceremony for any fabulous overflow to watch and mingle afterward.

HBO: The cable network will salute the academy’s documentary nominees at the Four Seasons at Beverly Hills. Situated in the cushy Blossom Room, the Matt Damon-narrated “Inside Job” and the moving “Wasteland” will get pats on the back. Perhaps street artist Banksy, making waves with recent guerilla images in L.A., will lurk in support of his “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” But how will you know which one is him?

Elsewhere around town: Barry Diller, a.k.a. Mr. Diane von Furstenberg, will host a luncheon for Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter at his home ... Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers salutes his favorites at the W Hotel Hollywood’s Drai’s nightclub ... the Night Before party, the passion project of Jeffrey Katzenberg, will go down at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and has seen previous attendance from A-listers like George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Sunday

Governors Ball: Mandatory attendance for winners and anyone hoping to be a future nominee, the gala is a staple first-stop for luminaries following the telecast. Held above the Kodak Theatre, Wolfgang Puck caters annually and provides gold-dusted chocolate Oscars for those dipping out to other festivities.

Elton John AIDS Foundation: The annual viewing party provides pomp and circumstance for bold names not attending the ceremony, then morphs into an exciting after-party with a guest performer inevitably joined by Elton himself. The tented space sits every year in the courtyard of the Pacific Design Center, and is a favorite of ladies like Kate Beckinsale, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez.

Vanity Fair: The mother lode of Oscar after-parties, Graydon Carter welcomes stars from every sector (Wall Street, Silicon Valley, media and Hollywood) to first view the show then join him on the terrace of the Sunset Tower Hotel to witness his exquisitely curated guest list. Winners make a guaranteed appearance.

Elsewhere around town: Mercedes-Benz will host a Viewing Party at Soho House ... Fox Searchlight will get down with the casts of “Black Swan” and “127 Hours” at club MyHouse ... James Franco will host an after-after-party at Hollywood’s Supperclub.

matt.donnelly@latimes.com