The Best Oscars Viewing Party Ideas, From Print-Out Ballots to Movie-Inspired Snacks
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The 96th Academy Awards are almost here. Whether you’re Team Barbie or Team Oppenheimer (or Team Barbenheimer), there’ll be plenty to celebrate if you’re hosting an Oscars viewing party.
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The 2024 Oscars will broadcast on ABC on Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. Those without a traditional cable subscription can stream the awards ceremony on a live TV streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV or Sling‘s Blue plan, among others. You can also watch the Academy Awards online at ABC.com or on the ABC app by logging in with your traditional or streaming cable account credentials.
For those in LA who prefer to be partygoers, the Academy Museum is hosting its annual Oscars Night at the Museum viewing party in LA (tickets are $250 per person and still available as of press time).
To help you plan the best 2024 Oscars viewing party — complete with games and snacks — we asked experts including Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary (known for curating the decadent “Everybody Wins” swag bags), Wife of the Party founder and event producer Loriann Serna and Goldbelly co-founders Joe and Vanessa Ariel for their top advice.
“By far the best viewing party I’ve attended — and worked at — has been Elton John’s Annual Academy Awards viewing party. Not only is it elaborate and star-studded, but it raises money for the Elton John Aids Foundation. The red carpet never disappoints and the fashion keeps you on your toes,” Serna tells The Hollywood Reporter.
“Because Oscars Week is such an intense work week for me, my ideal viewing party is sitting at home by myself in my Jambys with a pizza and a remote in hand to fast-forward through all the slow bits,” says Fary. “And to replay anything amazing … like a shirtless Ryan Gosling performing ‘I’m Just Ken’ (fingers crossed).”
Serna has dreamed up events for Travis Barker, Netflix, Paramount+, Google, MAC Cosmetics and many other blue-chip companies. “Anytime you want to create an elevated red carpet atmosphere while entertaining, first consider how many guests you have and what is reasonable to offer,” she says. “If you have four to eight guests, all the elaborate Pinterest-inspired images are wonderful — but once you have eight or more guests you need to consider your time and your budget. What’s realistic? Start with how you want guests to arrive and I’d surely suggest their Oscar Sunday best.
Next, think about what you can purchase that is less expensive to buy ‘ready-made’ and pinpoint three to five things that are important to you that you may want to either attempt to DIY or indulge in for your food and beverage,” says Serna. She’s a fan of the affordable decor at Shein, including gold metallic balloons, mini trophies and disposable red aisle runners.
“Speaking of food and beverage, a few key things to remember: guests do love things that look cute, but they love familiar things that taste good even more,” explains Serna. “Always consider you may have people with dietary restrictions so it’s important to be prepared as a great host — easy to eat and bite-sized treats are always a sure win.” (Perhaps add the insider-approved pigs in a blanket to your menu?)
Fary adds, “thematic snacks are a key component. No celebration of movies would be complete without popcorn. That’s why we’ve included Eatable gourmet popcorn, which can actually be found in the Academy gift shop. Their happy hour-inspired flavors make it a perfect party element. Fetcha Chocolates (vegan, sustainable and female-owned) also has an Awards Collection with chocolates inspired by the Best Picture nominees. My favorites are the pop rocks-infused Oppenheimer and pink heart-shaped Barbie varietals.”
Champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling beverages are also “a classic necessity,” she adds. Think outside the basic Oscars ballot box when it comes to party games, Serna suggests. “Since Oscars viewing parties are competitive, consider engaging your guests with the opportunity to vote for the best dressed on TV, the best-dressed guest at your gathering or even their favorite food item or beverage. Another great way to make your night more of a formal dinner party is to entertain a classic dinner gathering. Great food, a beautifully decorated table, florals and of course personal menus and name cards. Any hint of gold is a must!”
From the best print-out ballots and gourmet snacks, to “Everybody Wins”-inspired prizes for all of your attendees, we’ve rounded up the best Oscars party essentials. See our top picks alongside selections from our experts below.
Bedwina 6-In. Gold Award Trophies, Pack of 12
For the winners of your Oscars viewing party games, make sure they take home one of these mini gold statuettes. They each stand six inches tall and come in a pack of 12.
Eatable Pop the Champagne Wine-Infused White Chocolate Kettle Corn
Served at the 2023 Oscars, Eatable’s Pop the Champagne gourmet popcorn is infused with champagne and features creamy white chocolate.
ByBindi Printable 2024 Oscars Ballot, 8.5×11
If you prefer to keep your Oscars games simple, this printable 2024 ballot lists all of the nominees for best film, acting, directing, writing, misc, design and more categories.
Howaboutorange 2024 Oscar Ballot with Bingo Game
Upgrade your party games with this printable Oscars ballot and bingo game set, which has a stylish Art Deco design and includes fun squares such as “Matthew McConaughey presents” (an easy win, since he’s already confirmed to attend) and “Oppenheimer wins an award” (another easy score).
DraspiDesign 96th Academy Awards Party Games Mega Bundle
Go for the Oscars gold with this mega bundle of Oscars party games, which includes a classic ballot, bingo, drinking game, trivia and a cocktail/mocktail menu with recipes inspired by this year’s nominees.
EZLucky Red Carpet Runner, 2.6×30 ft.
What’s an Oscars party without a red carpet? Roll out this reusable 2.6-foot-by-30-foot runner for your stylish guests.
Patelai Glitter Star Garland Banner Decor, 130 Feet
No celebrities on your guest list? This fun garland banner ensures you’ll still have stars at your party.
Redfarm Signature Sampler for 6-8
“Elevated Chinese food from NYC, with all of RedFarm’s greatest hits: 24 dumplings, pastrami egg rolls and pork buns, with sauces on the side,” Goldbelly co-founders Joe and Vanessa Ariel explain. Select any two dumpling offerings from pan-fired lamb, five-flavor chicken, pork and shrimp, Sichuan chicken or shrimp and truffle.
Joe's Stone Crab
For lobster lovers, “choose your own kit for the ultimate food experience from the legendary Miami institution. Stone crabs, sides and their famous key lime pie” are among the top picks for your foodie-filled Oscars watch party, the Ariels say.
Thomas Keller's Caviar Sampler
“A super bougie, must-have pick for any party,” Goldbelly’s co-founders say about celebrity chef Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar sampler, which offers your choice of any three jars of of classic, Siberian, Russian Osetra, hybrid or supreme caviar. The set serves up to six people and features farm-raised, sustainably harvested roe from sturgeon farms across the U.S., Asia and South America.
Fleur de Miraval Champagne
$340 $400 15% off
If you want to go all out with your menu, serve your guests rosé by Fleur de Miraval — the champagne house co-owned by Brad Pitt — that will be poured at the 2024 Oscars. Though ceremony attendees will be sipping on the brand’s ER3, the ER2 is an equally excellent choice and is based on a 2017 vintage and is made up of 75 percent chardonnay and 25 percent of young pinot noirs, resulting in “a floral, elegant and finely fruity” first nose with “aromas of pink grapefruit and vine peach.”
Personalize Your Own Hollywood Stars of Fame Decor Kit, 12-Pack
For partygoers who love hands-on activities, these DIY Walk of Fame-inspired customizable star stickers make a fun souvenir.
Academy Museum 96th Oscars Viewing Part Kit
The Academy Museum’s official 96th Oscars viewing party kit contains a chic banner, gold confetti, napkins and four metal drink stirrers.
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