From Register Staff

It's Oscar time, and that could only mean one thing -- San Francisco Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle returns for his third annual Napa Valley Arts & Lectures appearance on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

For 2006, LaSalle will be lecturing at Copia. LaSalle has also spoke in Napa in 2004 and 2005

For this third appearance, LaSalle will discuss this year's crop of Oscar contenders, his picks and pans, and his predictions. Will they be the same as yours? A conversation with KVON's Jeff Schechtman follows, and LaSalle will also take questions from the audience.

Mick LaSalle has reviewed films for the San Francisco Chronicle since 1985 and was appointed the newspaper's sole film critic in 2002. LaSalle's lecture takes place a five days before the Academy Awards Telecast on March 5.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the LaSalle lecture are $25 or $22.50 for Copia members, students (with ID) and seniors, and may be purchased at the box office, located at 500 First St., in Napa. The box office is open Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, and is closed Tuesdays.

Tickets may also be purchased online at www.copia.org, or by calling 259-1600. Remaining tickets may be purchased at the door, beginning at 6 p.m.

LaSalle's appearance is made possible by Steve Gregory of Morgan Lane, in association with the Jewish Community of Napa Valley.