Of course, you know, the 2011 Oscar nominations were announced this morning. Some things were expected. Eh-hem: King's Speech, Black Swan, The Social Network. Others, the Academy seemed to turn a blind eye to. Mila Kunis, Christopher Nolan, Mark Wahlberg, etc etc etc. Or at least that is what my Twitter feed exploded with this morning. And each movie connoisseur has his or her own opinion.
But I'm not here to stir up the great debate of which films, actors and directors deserve the nominations. I'll leave that to some of my more opinionated (and cinematically educated) film bloggers. I'm here for the part that actually affects you. THE OSCAR NIGHT PARTY.
Yes, if you've watched at least a few of the films nominated, odds are that your butt is going to be parked in front of your television on February 27. If not for the films, at least for the fashion, the red carpet faux pas and the tragedy that can be live television. Thus, I have a few Oscar party ideas and tips that I will share with you.
DO have a party. You're going to be watching it. Why not do it with other Oscar enthusiasts?
DO provide ballots for each attendee. A lot of people do this, and that' because it's a fantastic idea. It strikes up debate and conversation about the nominees at hand. The person who guesses the most wins correctly is the winner. Oscars.com has the complete list of nominees and a printable ballot.
DO turn it into a costume party. Halloween only comes once a year...so everyone loves an excuse to wear a costume outside of October. You'll be surprised to see your guests arriving as Woody, Buzz, Aaron Ralston, King Henry IV and more. It doesn't just have to be limited to film characters either. You're bound to have the inevitable party pooper who doesn't want to dress up. That's where disguising as an Oscar-attending celebrity is also an option.
DO make snacks and desserts that relate to the Oscars. A cake that's decorated like a director's "cut" board. Cookies shaped like the Oscar trophies. (Bakerella.com has a fabulous demonstration on how to execute this.) Cupcakes displayed on top of a collage of miniature movie posters from the nomination list. At least serve popcorn, the ultimate movie-related food.
DO nod to the nominees in your decor and food. Hang ballet slippers (Black Swan) and Wrestling gloves (The Fighter) on the wall, display a spinning top on the coffee table (Inception), serve Slurpees or snowcones ("That's no Slurpee," 127 Hours). You get the idea. Incorporate your favorite parts of each movie into your party.
DO your best to make your space feel like the Kodak Theater. Have a red carpet. Serve sparkling cider.
You might have noticed that I didn't give you any "don'ts." That's because it's your party, and you're going to enjoy the Oscars differently than I am. These are just some ideas. Heck, my Oscar night will probably consist of a few close friends, greasy pizza, making cupcakes and rooting hardcore for James Franco.
The key to making the party your own is a perfect blend of classy Oscar-ness and kitschy film-related aspects.
Happy Awards Season!
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