An Academy Award Party that Plays Everywhere

In some circles the Academy Awards party is the best party of the year. It is a fun way to get your friends together in a month when no major holidays give you a reason to celebrate.

If your friends aren't big movie fans, don't worry. With a little preparation even your most film-illiterate friend will have a blast. We have complied a list of the most memorable moments from parties past.

The Red Carpet Moment:
The red carpet is oh so important; it should be spread just outside your door. Don't have a red carpet? Any red fabric will do, even a folded sheet. The important thing is that your guests are recognized and announced. Ask guests to bring cameras and snap a lot of pictures. Polaroid pictures and digital prints of the arrival will be fodder for conversation for hours. One year we received a Christmas card in which the "Red Carpet Moment" from the previous year's party was the holiday photo for the front of the card!

Predictions:
Part of the fun of the Academy Awards is predicting who will win in each category. Give each of your guests a scorecard (after they have disposed of their coats) in which they will make their predictions. (At the end of the party you can give awards for Best-Guessed and Worst Guessed!)

Choose the categories most suited to your circle of friends or use them all. They are:

BEST PICTURE
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
BEST FOREIGN FILM
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
BEST CINEMATOGRAPY
BEST FILM EDITING
BEST ART DIRECTION
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
BEST SCORE
BEST SONG
BEST SOUND
BEST SOUND EFFECTS EDITING
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
BEST MAKE-UP