The Academy Awards are a must-watch for movie buffs and fans of pop culture. All of the biggest stars in show business are packed into one room. With that many egos and creatives brushing shoulders, there are bound to be some memorable moments. From zany red carpet outfits to tear-jerking acceptance speeches, the Academy Awards are the talk of the internet for weeks afterward.
Naturally, they're the perfect event to watch with friends in a party setting. If you plan to throw an Oscars party this year, then you better get started — the ceremony is set for March 10 at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. Finding yourself short on ideas for an award-winning bash? You've come to the right place.
We've compiled a list of everything you need for an Oscars party that is guaranteed to blow your friends away. From glitzy decor and costumes to food and drink to fun and interactive games, there's something here for everyone on your guest list. The best part is that you can pull it off without spending a boatload of cash.
So finish reviewing this year's nominees, lock in your picks, then scroll through so you can create a night that won't soon be forgotten.
Roll out the Red Carpet ... Literally
As your guests stroll into your home, treat them like the stars they are by rolling out a red carpet that leads from your front door. This could get expensive, however. If an actual red carpet is out of your price range, then go to the crafts store and get a roll of red fabric.
Lights, Camera, Action!
What would the Oscars be without the explosion of cameras as the stars saunter down the red carpet? No need for a team of paparazzi. Just get a ring light on a stand so people can snap photos in their Oscars-themed attire (more on that soon). Complete the photo booth with some glitzy tinsel streamers that'll make for a nice background.
Encourage Your Guests to Dress for the Occasion
There are a lot of different directions you can take the attire for your viewing party. Guests can wear suits and dresses like the stars. They can go retro and look like celebs from the roaring '20s with pearl necklaces and flapper dresses. They can wear a costume from their favorite film of the past year. They can dress casually, and you hand them plastic tiaras, party hats and golden pompoms when they arrive. Or you can mix in all of those options.
Plenty of Snacks
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The actors and filmmakers attending the Oscars are famously hungry by the end of the long ceremony. But just because you're dressed like them doesn't mean you have to starve like them. Stock up on plenty of snacks. This article from delish has some great ideas if you're willing to put in minimal kitchen effort, including black tie brie bites, champagne jello shots and buffalo chicken dip. Oh, and don't forget the popcorn.
Hold Your Own Awards Ceremony
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Pick up some plastic statuettes at a party store and hand them out to deserving friends. Consider awards such as "The Jokester Award" for the friend who always has the spiciest memes or "The Lurker Award" for the friend who's the best at stalking potential partners on social media. And don't forget to award the highest honor of the night: "The Sober Driver Award." Which brings us to our next Oscars party must-have ...
Stock Up on Champagne
There's just something about the bubbly that pairs well with an Oscars viewing party. It's a classy affair, and champagne is a classy beverage — even if it's a $10 bottle from the gas station. If you want to flex your mixology skills, check out this list from Brit + Co, which features Oscars-themed cocktails such as Blackberry Gin Fizz, The Golden Snitch and Champagne Mojitos. Beer's always good, too.
Play an Oscars-themed Drinking Game
The Oscars can get a bit tedious, especially when you're waiting for the results for Best Sound Mixing or something. Keep the people entertained with a good old-fashioned drinking game. Here are a few "drink whens ... " to get you started. Drink when someone cries, drink when someone's speech gets cut off by the music, drink when someone says "the brave people of [blank] ... "
Have Guests Fill Out an Oscar Ballot
Hand guests a list that shows all of the nominees for the evening and have them check whom they think will win for each category. ABC has even prepared a printable PDF to make it easy for you. Whoever guesses the most correctly gets bragging rights — and maybe one of those awards you'll be handing out (see No. 5).
Use Cheap, Leftover Valentine's Decorations
The Oscars come shortly after Valentine's Day. Take advantage of this by stopping at the local CVS and nabbing a bunch of stuff for a fraction of the price. You probably want more black and gold than pink and red, but there's a lot of crossover here. Fancy cocktail napkins, flowers and candles will all help your Oscars party shine.
Make Sure You Can Actually Watch the Dang Thing
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This one should go without saying. But in this complicated world where everything is scattered across a dozen different streaming services, it can get complicated. ABC has been home to the Oscars since 1976, and nothing has changed this year. Watch it live on ABC Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also watch on ABC.com or on the ABC app. The ceremony will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
