Hosting an Oscars viewing party is an exciting way to gather friends and family to enjoy Hollywood’s biggest night. Whether you’re planning a glamorous red-carpet affair or an intimate gathering, the right party ideas and supplies can take your celebration to the next level. In this article, we’ll share ten creative ideas to help you throw the ultimate Oscars party, ensuring your guests feel like stars while they watch the live awards show.
1. Roll Out the Red Carpet
No Oscars viewing party is complete without a red carpet. Create an elegant entrance for your guests with a faux red carpet leading up to your front door or the main room. You can purchase an inexpensive red carpet runner online or make your own with red fabric. Add a backdrop for photos to capture memorable moments, encouraging your guests to pose like the stars on the red carpet. If you want to go the extra mile, set up a faux paparazzi area with flashes and camera props.
Supplies Needed:
- Red carpet runner
- Photobooth backdrop
- Camera props
- Rope barriers for that VIP feel
2. Create an Oscars-Inspired Dress Code
Encourage your guests to embrace the glitz and glamour of the event by dressing up for the occasion. You can set a formal dress code, where guests come in their finest gowns and tuxedos, or choose a fun twist like “dress as your favorite Oscar nominee” or “Hollywood icons.” A dress-up contest with prizes can add an extra layer of fun, ensuring everyone gets into the spirit of the night.
Supplies Needed:
- Prize for the best-dressed guest
- Costumes or props for guests without attire
- Voting ballots for costume winners
3. Oscars-Themed Ballots and Betting Pool
What’s an Oscars viewing party without some friendly competition? Create Oscar ballots for your guests to predict the winners in each category. Hand these out at the beginning of the night and have guests fill them out before the show starts. For added excitement, organize a betting pool with small prizes for the most correct guesses. You can print out ballots from online templates or create your own.
Supplies Needed:
- Printable Oscars ballots
- Pens or pencils
- Small prizes for winners
4. Signature Oscars-Themed Cocktails
Set up a signature cocktail bar to give your party an elegant touch. Create drinks inspired by the movies nominated for Best Picture or by classic Hollywood films. For example, you could have a sparkling cocktail called “The Golden Statuette” or a martini inspired by a James Bond movie. Be sure to offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, so all your guests can indulge.
Supplies Needed:
- Cocktail ingredients (champagne, gin, mixers)
- Elegant glassware
- Cocktail shaker and bar tools
- Drink signage
5. Serve Movie-Themed Snacks
Delight your guests with snacks that tie into the Oscars theme or are inspired by the year’s nominated films. For example, if a film set in Italy is nominated, you can serve mini pizzas or cannolis. If there’s a western in the mix, serve up some BBQ sliders. Classic movie theater snacks like popcorn, candy, and nachos are also great options. For a sweet treat, decorate cupcakes with gold sprinkles to resemble the Oscars statuette.
Supplies Needed:
- Themed snacks (pizzas, sliders, desserts)
- Popcorn machine or bags
- Cupcakes decorated with gold sprinkles
6. DIY Hollywood Star Walk of Fame
Make your guests feel like true Hollywood stars by creating a Walk of Fame with their names on it. You can either make star cutouts and write each guest’s name on them or print out blank star templates. Lay them on the floor or tape them to the wall leading to your viewing area. This will not only make your guests feel special but will also add to the overall atmosphere of the event.
Supplies Needed:
- Star-shaped cutouts or printable templates
- Markers or pens
- Tape or floor-safe adhesive
7. Set Up a Movie-Themed Photo Booth
A photo booth is a great way to keep your guests entertained during commercial breaks or before the show starts. Set up a booth with Hollywood-themed props like oversized sunglasses, director’s clapperboards, and Oscar statuettes. Use a golden backdrop to keep the theme cohesive. You can also print out instant photos for guests to take home as party favors.
Supplies Needed:
- Photobooth backdrop and props
- Instant camera or smartphone photo printer
- Props such as clapperboards and faux Oscars
8. Play Pre-Show Movie Trivia
Before the main event kicks off, keep your guests entertained with a fun game of movie trivia. Create questions about past Oscars winners, memorable acceptance speeches, or facts about this year’s nominated films. Divide your guests into teams and have a prize ready for the team that scores the most points.
Supplies Needed:
- Movie trivia cards or prepared questions
- Scorecards and pens
- Small prize for the winning team
9. Host an Awards-Themed Afterparty
Once the Oscars are over, keep the celebration going with an afterparty that celebrates your own party guests. You can create fun award categories like “Best Dressed,” “Best Dancer,” or “Most Enthusiastic Fan” and hand out small trophies or fun certificates. This is a great way to recognize your guests and add a personal touch to the night.
Supplies Needed:
- DIY awards or certificates
- Small trophies or ribbons
- Music playlist for the afterparty
10. Set the Stage with Oscars-Inspired Decor
Decor is key to creating the perfect Oscars viewing party atmosphere. Incorporate black, gold, and red elements into your decorations to match the event’s iconic color scheme. Consider using gold foil balloons, tablecloths, and glittering centerpieces to make the room sparkle. You can also hang movie posters or create centerpieces inspired by famous films. Lighting is another essential element; dim the lights during the screening for a cinematic experience.
Supplies Needed:
- Gold and black decorations (balloons, tablecloths)
- Movie posters
- Candlelit centerpieces
- String lights or fairy lights for a glamorous ambiance
By implementing these creative Oscars party ideas and gathering the right supplies, you’ll ensure that your event is a hit. Whether you go for full Hollywood glamour or a casual evening with friends, the right mix of activities and decor will make your guests feel like they’re part of the action.