by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor Spirited Table®—All content provided by Peerspace

On the lookout for unique Oscar party ideas that Hollywood itself would envy? The Academy Awards show is an exciting day for just about everyone, from the film buff to even the casual movie-goer. And though the pandemic has disrupted the Oscars over the last couple of years, it’s safe to say that 2022’s awards show is going to be huge! All you need are a few Oscar party ideas to make your night just as grand.

So unless you’re going to finagle an invite to Sir Elton John’s 2022 Oscar viewing party, why not turn the biggest awards show of the year into an event with a viewing party? That way, you and your group can celebrate the wins right along with the stars! If you’re not sure where to get started, don’t worry, we have you covered. These Oscar party ideas will have you and your guests feeling as glamorous as the nominees.

Besides exciting Oscar party ideas, Peerspace can also help provide you with sensational Oscar party venues! After all, what better way to feel like you’re a part of the glitz and glam than by dressing up and partying with your favorite people at a pristine and one-of-a-kind location? Peerspace has thousands of Oscar-worthy venues available to rent by the hour in cities across North America and beyond. Plus, when you book a Peerspace, you can enjoy the full support of the Concierge service. This trusty team can source ad deliver anything you need straight to your venue. From gourmet catering to high-tech A/V equipment, they have your back. To give you an insider’s glimpse, we’ll share photos from real Peerspace venues that we think are perfect for your Oscar party. Let’s get started!

1. Serve star-worthy eats

Every party needs food. Get fancy with food-centric Oscar party ideas! Serve plenty of appetizers, like gourmet popcorn in cute buckets, bruschetta, smoked salmon, deviled eggs, meatballs, and tiny fruit parfaits. An Oscar party is the perfect excuse to go all out with a charcuterie board. (If you’re short on time, Trader Joe’s sells a wide variety of frozen appetizers that look as good as they taste). Stick with the Oscars color scheme and use black and gold plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.

To create the ultimate movie theater experience at your Oscar party, set up an upscale candy buffet and rent a popcorn machine for extra fun. Use glass jars to display candy-like black Twizzlers, gold and black M&M’s from party stores or the M&M website, gummy bears (you can get exotic flavors from Albanese Candy, like pineapple for a pop of gold), and chocolate gold coins.

You can even get actual gold rock candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar that is (almost) too gorgeous to eat! The signature lollipops from See’s Candies that come wrapped in black and gold would also make a lovely addition to your display. When you set up a table full of aesthetically pleasing, delicious candy, your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into Willy Wonka’s factory. Check out what the world’s best chefs are saying will be the biggest food trends in 2022 for the freshest info.

2. Give out Oscars to your guests

Join in on the fun and give out Academy Awards of your own! Use ballots and envelopes just like the real deal, and make sure everyone gets their nominations in at the beginning of the party. Use categories like Best Music Taste (like the best score award), Most Dramatic, Best Sense of Humor, Best Sense of Style, Best Storyteller, and Best Dancer (you may have to have some guests show off their moves and skills first).

Announce winners during commercial breaks so that you have something to do when the show isn’t on. You can award them with plastic statues from Oriental Trading or chocolate ones from a party store.

3. Dress up like you’re attending the real thing

Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up? Break out the formal gowns, suits, tuxedos, heels, and dress shoes. Don’t think you own anything glam enough? Repurpose bridesmaid or groomsmen dresses or take a trip to the thrift shop. Or, if you’ve got a silly, fun-loving crowd, go for eclectic looks a la Met Gala for a fun twist. Complete your looks with bold lipstick, jewelry, and elegant hairstyles. Encourage everyone to participate in dressing up by having a competition for the title of “Best Dressed.”

4. Host your own red carpet photoshoot

When else are you going to have a chance to strut your stuff on the red carpet? Set up a red carpet (you can make your own out of red fabric or find one at a party store or on Oriental Trading) and a backdrop. For a cheap, do-it-yourself option, set up some PVC pipes and silver or gold fabric. Grab some gold photo props or typical red carpet accessories like purses and clutches for everyone to hold. Call on your photographer friend (we all have one) to play paparazzi, and have your guests strike a pose.

5. Cast your own votes

Vote for your favorite winners before the awards show begins. Hand out ballots (which you can find for each year in PDF form online) and have everyone fill in their predictions in each category. Instead of betting on the award winners, give out prizes like movie tickets to the guest with the most correct predictions.

6. Create a film-inspired playlist

Assemble songs from the current score and song nominees, as well as past winners for one killer party playlist. If you aren’t sure what soundtracks to choose, here are some good ideas to start with: La La Land, A Star is Born, Titanic, Purple Rain, and almost any Disney soundtrack (which is a great idea if you have kids at the party!). Not only is this a great chance to dance and sing along, but the playlist will also help drown out any annoying, repetitive commercials.

Click Here for more tips that include… Mix some drinks with movie magic + Take your viewing party to a hot new venue + Play movie trivia. Plus Bonus idea: pre-game with past Oscar winner!

9 Cool Oscar Party Ideas