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Seven Tips for Hosting a Movie Award Party
The biggest movie awards show in the world is coming up and over a billion people around the planet will watch as the stars come out to honor their own. It's also the perfect occasion to throw a fun, themed extravaganza. We asked Hollywood event designer Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events to provide ideas and inspiration to make your Academy film-fete an award-winning affair! As an event designer in Tinseltown, I've seen it all when it comes to throwing incredible celebrations. And while I know we're only a handful of days away, I'm here to tell you, it's not too late to plan your own party! Here are 7 steps toward your own red carpet success.
1. Invitations Set the Stage
Kick it off with fun invitations + party decor that is film-themed. You can base your décor on the actual movies nominated this year or keep it more general film-centric inspiration like a director’s chair or movie reel or a film slate like the invitation below.
You can have a blast adding those fun touches of signage, banners or wine glass tags throughout your party for guests to appreciate the details. Check out all the fun customizable film-related invitations + party décor that can be ordered from Minted to decorate your viewing party. No time to mail order? Consider electronic invitations like these fun award party designs from Evite. You can even get extra creative + over-the-top with the location of your viewing party and see if there are any local screening rooms or movie theaters available for rent that have the digital capabilities to project the live show for all of your guests.
2. And the Award for Best Table Décor Goes to ...
You can instantly WOW your guests by styling your dining or coffee table in a palette of fabulous black and gold. Giving your space that extra splash of sparkly Hollywood glamour sets the mood the moment people walk through the door. If you don’t have black or gold linens on hand, look for high-quality fabrics that offer a bit of sheen or texture to catch the light of the television.
Since it is a special occasion, this is the night to break out your fine china or any plates with metallic rims. To really drive home the theme, consider using gold or black chargers as dessert displays; they add height and drama to your table setting without much effort. Even if you are keeping things casual with a buffet-style setup, using metallic flatware and layered textures will make your viewing party feel like the most exclusive after-party in Tinseltown.
3. Don't Forget the Wine
To truly elevate your awards show viewing party, you need a beverage program that feels as prestigious as the statues being handed out. Just as a great supporting actor can steal the scene, the right wine pairing will make your entire spread feel more cohesive and luxurious. For an evening this special, we recommend serving a variety of La Crema wines to ensure every guest finds a pour they love.
For those who enjoy a white wine, the La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a fantastic choice. Its bright acidity and notes of toasted oak make it a sophisticated companion for buttery popcorn or creamy appetizers. If your guests prefer a red, the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is the ultimate "showstopper." Its elegant red fruit aromas and smooth finish pair beautifully with everything from savory charcuterie to rich chocolate desserts. To really lean into the Hollywood theme, serve your wine in beautiful crystal glassware or even stylish solid black wine glasses. It is the perfect way to toast each big win of the night with a touch of vineyard-inspired glamour.
4. Set the Scene with On-Theme Props
Incorporating a few well-placed props can turn a standard living room into an immersive cinema experience. You do not need a movie studio's budget to add these whimsical touches. Simply gathering some high-end film and fashion magazines to stack on your coffee table provides instant visual inspiration and gives guests something to flip through during the commercial breaks.
If you really want to impress your guests, try your hand at creative napkin folding. A tuxedo-style fold is a classic choice for an awards night. By using one black linen and one white linen napkin, you can create a miniature "tuxedo" at every place setting. Adding a simple black bow tie to the fold makes it look incredibly professional and award-worthy. These small, thoughtful details act as the "special effects" of your party, proving that you have put a lot of heart into the production.
5. Visual effects
An award show party isn’t complete without stunning florals. Create a major centerpiece to all the table décor in either white or red florals. Keep it clean in design and monochromatic in color to not compete with the other glamorous table décor elements. Maggie Jensen Floral Event Design used almost 100 beautiful white English Garden Roses to create the look for our table. You’ll be able to enjoy your centerpiece the week following the award show festivities so do it up right!
6. Curate a "Red Carpet" Grazing Menu
An awards show is a marathon, not a sprint, so your food should be easy to enjoy throughout the long broadcast. Instead of a formal seated dinner, set up a high-end grazing station that allows guests to nibble as the categories are announced.
- The Gourmet Popcorn Bar: Elevate the classic movie snack by offering a variety of seasonings. Think truffle salt, smoked paprika, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate and sea salt. Serve it in gold-trimmed buckets to match your glamorous decor.
- Award-Worthy Appetizers: Focus on sophisticated finger foods like shrimp cocktail, mini caprese skewers, or crostini with goat cheese and fig jam. These "one-bite" wonders are easy to manage while balancing a glass of wine.
- A Sparkling Finish: If you want to go the extra mile, offer a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The salty and savory notes from the meats and cheeses are the perfect supporting act for the fruit-forward notes in your La Crema Pinot Noir.
7. The Sound of Cinema, Curating the Atmosphere
The best parties engage all the senses, and sound is the secret to setting the perfect opening scene. Before the live broadcast begins, fill your home with a curated playlist of iconic movie scores and award-winning soundtracks from years past. Music has a way of instantly making a space feel more festive and intentional, bridging the gap between guest arrival and the first big award.
Closing Credits: A Night to Remember
Throwing an awards show viewing party is all about celebrating the magic of storytelling and the fun of getting a little extra glamorous for an evening. When you combine thoughtful decor, a curated grazing menu, and a few fun "props" like tuxedo napkins, you create an environment where your guests feel like the true stars of the night. It is these small, intentional touches that transform a simple TV broadcast into a memorable tradition that your friends will look forward to every single year.
As the final statues are handed out and the credits begin to roll, take a moment to enjoy the success of your own production. Whether your favorite film won big or there was a major upset on stage, the real highlight of the night is the conversation and laughter shared over a great glass of wine. Raise a final toast with your La Crema wines to a successful evening of hosting. You have officially pulled off a red carpet event that is worthy of its own standing ovation.
