Sunday, February 22 if you’re looking for me I’ll be planted on my sofa watching everything and anything Oscars. I look forward to this every year, and nothing – I mean nothing – gets in the way of my enjoyment. This year we’ll have some friends over for the show (my husband watches, but he’s on kitchen duty-I’m not moving my butt off that sofa), and they’ll be following my Oscar-watching rules, if they know what’s good for them.
1. See as many of the nominated films as you can. You still have time. Get going!
2. Program your DVR. You don’t want to miss a red carpet moment, do you? There are pre-shows on ABC, and E! News, among others. Don’t forget about the post-show wrap-ups, too.
3. Keep on top of the pre-parties. If you really want to feel like you’re part of the excitement, you need to know who’s going where with whom and what they’re wearing. Scour the Internet for pictures. If you’re going to do the Oscars, do them the right way – like the movie fanatic and celebrity obsessed fan you are – at least this week.
4. Play the odds. It’s not too hard to figure out who’s going to win (I’m predicting Julianne Moore, Patricia Arquette, J.K. Simmons, Michael Keaton, Boyhood, Alexander Inarritu), but try some other questions for your Oscar party pool like:
- How soon will Neil Patrick Harris get a laugh after the show starts?
- Who will have the ugliest cry?
- Will Jack Nicholson be there?
- How many commercials will be for summer 2015 movies?
- How many winners will go over time on their speeches and be drowned out by the music?
5. Get comfortable. This year because there will be other people around I’ll put on a bra, but normally, no. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to be at your most unencumbered and relaxed.
6. Try not to serve anything that you need to look at to eat. This is an event meant for mindless consumption of finger foods. If you’re serious about watching, you don’t want to miss a minute – and unlike that other great American viewing event, the Superbowl, there is no halftime – although somewhere around the second hour the awards become less sexy (sound editing, documentary short), so you can plan on eating then.
7. Don’t chatter during the big acceptance speeches. You may not be interested in what Patricia Arquette has to say (especially if you’ve been watching her win everywhere else), but others around you might want to hear her. Be quiet, be thoughtful, or be gone with you.
8. Give your opinion on how every celebrity looks. This is, by far, the most entertaining part of watching the Oscars. Go ahead, be as snarky and critical or fawning and adoring as you like. It’s all in good fun, for the most part.
9. Follow along on social media, where the funniest comments will be found – especially on Twitter. Use the hashtag that will be on the screen during the show, and you’ll be laughing out loud – I promise.
10. Spend all day Monday watching and reading the follow-ups, recaps, critiques and editorials. It’s important to immerse yourself fully in the experience so that, by the end of the day, you are so completely sick of anything Oscar-related that you can get back to your real life. Remember, it’s all make-believe.
This post is dedicated to the memory of Joan Rivers, who made the phrase “Who are you wearing?” almost as important as “And the Oscar goes to…” I miss you, Joan.
Carol Cassara says
Where is Joan Rivers when we need her? I love your guide to the Oscars and will be watching with them in mind!
Sharon Greenthal says
Joan will be with us in spirit, as we all get snarky about what everyone is wearing.
[email protected] says
I love your tips Sharon. I’ve been watching for the past several years with 4 of my girlfriends and we have a blast. Lots of yummy food and tons of laughter!
Sharon Greenthal says
I like to watch it alone, but it’s fun to watch with a crowd, too.
Laura Ehlers says
You know, very few celebrity woman wear bras at the show, so why should you???
Janine Huldie says
Great tips and cannot wait to see Neil Patrick Harris in action to be quite honest, but probably going through withdrawal since How I Met Your Mother went off air last year.
Carolann says
Oh my goodness! Sounds like you have the night perfectly planned. What fun! I’ll be looking forward to what you write about after they are over too! Have a blast!
Sharon Greenthal says
Thanks! You have a fun night too. I will have to write something quickly to compete with every other recap!
Kristen says
social media is the BEST when you are watching TV! Thanks for the reminder they are on!!
Sharon Greenthal says
Enjoy! If I hadn’t reminded you I’m sure you would have heard about it this week 🙂
Haralee says
Good tips to engage guests.No guests for me this year so I will be watching comfortably. Kathy did OK after the golden globes, but I miss Joan too.
Sharon Greenthal says
I am pleased at how Kathy is getting progressively better, but there will never be anyone like Joan.
Jennifer says
Wow. You really have this all nailed down! My husband talks all the way through it so I have to record it and really soak it in later. I’ll really miss having Joan Rivers commentary. She was a hoot.
Sharon Greenthal says
I know, I’ll miss her so much too!
Cathy Chester says
Love me some Doogie Howser – he’s so talented. I love watching the show, but I watch alone. No sports involved so the hubs is in and out. I don’t mind because I hang on to every word. Not a red-carpet lover (apologies to your daughter!) but I do miss Joan. She was the best and there will never be another like her.
I’ve seen some of the movies but not all! Can’t watch “Theory”, I want to see “Birdman” before 2/22. Don’t think it’ll happen.
See you on Twitter!
BTW, have you watched the Netflix documentary “And the Oscar Goes To…”?? I love the history and clips. Like how the first Oscar ceremony lasted 15 minutes. And the year “It Happened One Night” was nominated Claudette Colbert was boarding a train. When she won someone grabbed her. She accepted her statue wearing a suit and carrying her purse. They held the train for when she returned! Gotta love it.
Sharon Greenthal says
Yes Cathy, I have watched it – it’s wonderful! Don’t miss Birdman – it’s my favorite movie of the year.
Linda Roy says
I’ll be watching and tweeting and drinking cocktails and snarking. Can’t wait! I miss Joan too. The red carpet won’t be the same without her.
Esmeralda Dimas says
I just followed you on Twitter!
Bill says
The only comment I have to make is – based on how well you write, I hope one day an Oscar for best screenplay will be yours.. Here’s hoping……
Lana says
I miss Joan Rivers too! Love your Oscar viewing tips :). I usually just watch the red carpet (unless Ellen is hosting), but since I’ve seen a few of the nominated films, I might watch the whole show this year.