The Oscars is right around the corner, I can’t believe it’s already that time of year again. I know everyone’s favourite part is the dresses, but understanding the narrative and picking movie favourites ahead of time really elevates your Oscars experience. I hate to be the person at the Oscars party who can’t boo or cheer for the winners and losers because I actually haven’t seen any of the best films. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered – on this week’s JRfm feature I gave my must-watch Oscar movie list that you can also find here (and some sparknotes just in case you’re too busy). Either way, you can contribute to the office/locker-room/group texts chit chat about the big night. And we can’t forget the decor and DIY tips to help you glam up for your own Oscars Viewing Party! Here are 5 steps to a fabulous awards viewing party. 

Decorations
First, greet your guests with a little bubbly as they walk through your door to the red carpet, which I found at Party City. How fun are these decorated glasses that I made from Celebrations at Home for something special? The little bows are too cute.

Mason Jars

Another fun DIY decor item that is sure to add a little glam to any party, is with these fabulous mason jars. they were super easy to make. All I did was spray them with gold spray paint and let dry overnight. It’s a great way to dress up serving utensils and add some gold straws, which I also found at Party City.

Activities

What’s an Oscars party without a little competition. Click here for a printable Oscars ballot! At the end of the Oscars, whoever got the most points can win their own Oscar. You can either DIY a cute Oscars themed trophy, or they can get something fun like a cake or a gift card. We love this DIY trophy from Paper Muse Press.

Food

And you can’t forget the food. I had some fun with some of the movie titles and will be serving Missouri Mules, The Darkest Sour, The Grape of Water (White Wine), Horseradish Devilled Eggs and Phantom Toast.

Also a unique and fun way to impress your guests is with a popcorn bar, some Jimmy Kettle corn anyone? Super easy to set up. I’m going with 3 flavours Tuxedo Truffle, Backstage Buttersalt and Jimmy Kettle corn of course. Put out a few toppings and you’re done. I’ve linked some ideas here.

Movies 

Now we can’t forget the movies and even if you haven’t had a chance to watch any of the nominated films, quickly watch these trailers below and you’ll be in the know… or at least be able to fudge it with friends.

01 Call Me By Your Name

Esquire calls this “The most utterly ravishing film of the year.” American actor (and total stud) Armie Hammer wowed watchers and with the accompaniment of Timothée Chalamet they are sure to be front runners for this year’s Oscars. Call Me By Your Name is the story of a teenager falling for his father’s new student over one summer in Italy. This is a gay romance that has ignited audiences feelings of hope in love. Writer James Ivory is a previous Oscar winner – things are looking good for this one! Call Me By Your Name has a number of nominations including Best Picture, Lead Actor and Original Song.

02 Get Out

This was a wild watch. While I heard it was lots of people’s favourites, it was a little dark for my liking. I was scared, excited, apprehensive and confused throughout this rollercoaster of a film. Daniel Kkaluuya had one of the most incredible performances of the year and ‘Girls’ actress Allison Williams will leave you shaking in your boots. Get Out is in the running for Best Picture and Lead Actor.

03 Ladybird

Ladybird is well, in a word, real. It describes the trials of a mother-daughter relationship and the struggles that come along with being a teenage girl – plus, it’s super funny! Not only is this in the running for best picture, it stars Saoirse Ronan who is nominated for Lead Actress.

04 The Darkest Hour

Also in the running for Best Picture, Darkest Hour is the second movie this year to address the Dunkirk evacuation. Lead actor Gary Oldman is also nominated for an Oscar as Prime Minister Winston Churchill. If nothing else, this is a great history lesson exploring the realities of Nazi Germany in World War II.

05 The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water climbs into the running with nominations for Best Picture, Lead Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress – we’re expecting a full sweep here. The Shape of Water modernized fairy tales by telling the story of a female mute who falls in love with a fish man. While it’s more obscure than some of the other nominated films, it has a simple romantic story at its core. This is definitely one to watch.

06 I, Tonya

In 1991, prize willing figure skater Tonya Harding became the first American woman to complete a triple axel during a competition. Her world crumbled three years later when her ex-husband conspires to injure a fellow Olympic skater, Nancy Kerrigan. Tonya’s life and legacy are forever connected to the scandal. I, Tonya is nominated for lead actress, supporting actress and film editing. I have my fingers crossed for Margot Robbie.

07 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 

The based-on-a-true story Oscar nominee, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is set to clean up (medal wise) this year. Nominated for best picture, lead actress, supporting actor (x2), original screenplay and screen editing. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a story of mother, Mildred Hayes making a bold statement after months without a culprit of her daughter’s murder case. She paints three signs with controversial messages directed at the towns chief of police. When second-in-command, Officer Dixon gets involved – the battle really begins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not a movie person?

That’s okay, thankfully many of the movies in the running have come from incredible best selling books. Some might even say that the books are better than the movies! Check out these Oscars nominees in paper form; Call Me By Your Name, Molly’s Game, Mudbound, Logan, Wonder, Dunkirk, Darkest Hour, Blade Runner you can buy them all at indigo.ca

 

You can find the full list of Oscar nominees here from Variety.com. Okay, so there’s a LOT to catch up on, but I know we’re running out of time here. Take a peek at the top 7, and you’ll have more than enough to talk about during Oscar week (we think it deserves more than just one night). Now after all this movie talk, I just have to say.. I can’t wait to see all the dresses!


Natalie’s Oscars 2018 Contest

If you’re like me, you have to read the book before you watch the movie. Seriously, I’m such a bookworm andIi feel like I’m not doing the author justice if I don’t experience their story through their words first. Indigo is on the same page. They want you to win all six Oscar nominated stories!!!  

Head to JRfm.com to Enter HERE!!!

We are giving away a $150 Indigo Prize Pack with 6 of the top books associated with this year’s Oscar® nominated movies!

Might include: Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman, Molly’s Game by Molly Bloom, Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, Wolverine: Old Man Logan by Mark Miller, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Dunkirk by Joshua Levine, Darkest Hour by Anthony McCarten or Blade Runner by Philip K. Dick

 

Good Luck + Happy Oscar Sunday!!!

Xx n

Photography by Brooklyn D Photography