We’ve had the Golden Globes, we’ve had the Baftas, and we’ve had the SAG Awards…now the film industry is gearing up for its biggest night of the year—the Oscars. Whether you’re a classic movie buff or a blockbuster film fanatic, the yearly Academy Awards is likely to be a big deal for you and your friends. Among the many big and small film ceremonies in the media world, the Academy Awards are the most prestigious and well-known around the globe. It has become tradition for movie-lovers to gather with family and friends to watch the Oscars. Below are a few tips on how to host an at-home Oscar party.
Tips for Hosting an at-Home Oscar Night Party
The Set-Up
Many fans throw dressed-up parties with their own red-carpet costumes, which is always fun; but be sure to give central place to creating a home-like cinema. If you can, get a projector and watch the ceremony on a really big screen, because the ceremony is known not only for movie stars but also for the great show with music industry celebrities performing.
Trivia
In keeping with the theme of the night, start the party out by testing everyone’s knowledge with trivia questions on the award ceremony’s history and fun, little-known facts:
Who was the very first Oscar winner? The first person to receive an Academy Award did not even attend the first Academy Awards ceremony. Emil Jannings, the winner for Best Actor in the 1927-28 Academy Awards, had decided to go back to his home in Germany before the ceremony. But before he left for his trip, Jannings was handed the very first Academy Award.
Why is the Oscar award a statuette? The Oscar statuette stands at 13 ½ inches tall and weighs 8 ½ pounds. It depicts a knight holding a sword and standing on a reel of film which has five spokes, representing the five original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians, and writers. In 1949, the Academy started to number the statuettes, starting with number 501.
Who was the only Oscar to win an Oscar? Oscar Hammerstein II won the Oscar for his song, “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” in the movie Lady Be Good (1941).
Oscar-Worthy Wine and Food Pairings
For such a chic occasion, the appetizers should be at the same level as the ceremony. Put aside the ordinary popcorn, chips, and canapes. The ultimate essential for your Oscar night party is caviar, and you can shop for it HERE.
Below are some quick caviar appetizer recipes for your Oscar party that are both easy to make and delightful to taste, paired with winner-worthy wines.
Caviar and Crème Fraîche Tartlets and Crémant
It doesn’t get simpler—or more elegant—than crème fraîche and caviar tartlets alongside a glass of sparkling wine. Arrange tart shells on a serving platter. Pipe about 1/2 tablespoon crème fraîche onto one side of tart shells and spoon 1/2 teaspoon caviar onto the other side. Garnish with chives and serve immediately alongside a glass of Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire, a 20% Chardonnay and 80% Chenin Blanc dry sparkling wine made with the traditional method.
Smoked Salmon and Cheese Rolls with Tavel
Slice smoked salmon into slices thin and long enough to make a roll. Put some Philadelphia cheese in the middle of a slice roll it up. A teaspoon of caviar on top is the perfect finishing touch to the dish. Pair this with Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé, a dry, Grenache-based blend typical of southern Rhône, full-bodied and full of fruit on the palate, with the lusciousness and depth that have made Tavel famous. Even better: its gorgeous coral hue will look dazzling in hand (and match the salmon rolls!).
Avocado and Caviar Finger Sandwiches with Riesling from Alsace
Cut the crusts off eight slices of wholegrain bread (or bread of choice) and chop each slice into four equally sized squares. Make finger sandwiches by spreading 1-2 tablespoons of mashed avocado on half of the bread squares. Finish the dish with a teaspoon of caviar on top of each sandwich. The fine Riesling Roche Calcaire from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht in Alsace is a great match for this dish, with its bright citrus skin nuances, subtle floral notes, and a firm minerality a nice match with the savory caviar and rich avocado.
