How to Celebrate the Oscars
The Oscars have to be one of the biggest days in the film industry–– A-lister celebrities from across genres come together and see which films earned renowned awards in their respective categories. It is safe to say that due to the pandemic, the past few years of movie-making have not been top-notch. To be honest, cinema has not been the same since 2017… from Ladybird, to Get Out, and back to Call Me By Your Name, among many other movies that captivated film nerds across the globe, the past few years have not met their match.
Nevertheless, the movies this year were released during an interesting transition from a COVID-infested world to our new normal, so some collected more traction than others. Along with this, many of these movies were not released in theatres, rather they were released on streaming services. Or, for a film like Dune, it was released in theatres, but also on HBO Max for a month. But let’s be real, you had to have seen Dune in theatres to get its full effect. Because of this, some individuals saw one film more than another. During a normal, non-pandemic year, I know I would have made an effort to see most of the movies nominated, however, this year seemed different.
With that being said, there are not too many movies nominated this year that have received the same feedback as years in the past. Although it is safe to say this is because of COVID, I truly believe that soon there will be a new wave of inventive cinema, similar to 2017. So, we have that to look forward to.
Despite the films up for Oscar’s, there is one way to celebrate this momentous day in film history. Having lived in Los Angeles for my whole life, the Oscars are a big deal. Also having a parent who works in the entertainment industry, more specifically television, The Oscars are the only award show where she is not working. So we make it into an even bigger deal.
However, these traditions stem from years before me. When my mom was living in the Valley with her roommates in her early twenties, she created ‘White Trash Oscar Parties.’ Every year since then, she has celebrated this day with many quirks and routine attendees. To be frank, this is the only way to truly celebrate the Oscars, regardless of the movies nominated.
We begin with the guest list. For us, it is a mixture of family, along with family friends, and whoever is willing to tag along. Each person is required to come in pajamas, and sure, sweats are fine. Plus, every attendee must have ten dollars on them to purchase their very own ballot.
Next, we print the Official Oscar Ballot and charge ten dollars for each, however, the price is flexible. Now, it is time for everyone to fill theirs out––the important thing is to make sure there is no technology, prediction sites, or Rotton Tomatoes near the individual. No cheating is tolerated whatsoever. We take this very seriously.
Along with the pajamas and ten dollars, we ask that attendees bring their favorite ‘White Trash’ food item, or in better words, a non-healthy meal. Noticeable contenders in the past have been a bucket of KFC, Cheesy Roll-Ups from Taco Bell, or White Castle Burgers.
To set the comfortable vibe, it is necessary to have the Oscars playing throughout the house. Yes, on every TV. Each couch should be draped with blankets, pillows, and whatever comfortable accessories you chose. From the moment guests arrive, the red carpet (my personal favorite part) should be on full blast where everyone can criticize or gawk over each outfit while we stuff our faces with unhealthy food.
Along with this, you have to stock up on your favorite snacks to act as entertainment during the show. Our go-to's are cans of Pringles at every sitting station, along with Cheetos, chips, dip, and spray cheese. I know, disgusting.
Finally, the best part. When the show begins, make sure everyone has a ballot that is not their own. As the show goes on, mark who gets what right, and whoever got the most correct gets the entire pot of money! So, the more people, the better!
The 2022 Oscars begin at 5 PM PST and will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood (get ready for a ton of road closures and traffic, my West Side peeps!) There is a long list of A-List presenters, but the hosts this year are Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Skyes, so get ready for tons of laughs. Nevertheless, enjoy these tips to create the best, most chill, Oscar party you will ever go to!