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Get Oscar-ready with these viewing-party themes

 
Roll otu the red carpet: It’s Oscars time.
Roll otu the red carpet: It’s Oscars time.
Published Feb. 23, 2017

Sunday is the special American holiday known as the Oscars.

And what a year it's going to be. If the Golden Globes and Grammys were any indication, the 89th Academy Awards will be a cyclone of sparkle, political opinion and newsmaking moments.

We'll be there to capture it all, of course. I'll be holding down the fashion coverage starting at 6 p.m. Sunday. Times movie critic Steve Persall will be a busy bee, reporting on the winners and losers and turning an eye toward host Jimmy Kimmel. Follow along with our live blog at tbtim.es/tbtoscars. And pick up Sunday's Latitudes section for Steve's thoughts on the battle for diversity on the big screen, plus predictions. Bonus — find out how one of our writers became brief pen pals with Oscar legend Olivia de Havilland, now 100.

But just because we have to work doesn't mean you can't party. The stakes seem higher than ever this year, so don't stop at a bowl of chips. Treat your guest to a theme that feels oh-so-2017. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Inspiration FTW

The runaway success of Hidden Figures, a movie about black female mathematicians working at NASA, should prove that the thirst for diversity in film is stronger than ever. Empower guests to celebrate their most inspirational figures. Have friends bring a name, whether it's a famous person, a little-known historical figure or even a grandmother. Put the name on note cards along with some factoids about the person's life. Toss the cards in a bowl (or something that screams power, like ... a goblet) and have everyone draw one and read it during commercials. You'd rather learn something about Amelia Earhart or Sojourner Truth than see that ad for the Whirlpool washer again, right?

Worst dressed

The best part of any awards show, in this fashion lover's opinion, is the parade of vanity on the red carpet. You must, of course, watch and criticize the beautiful and famous while wearing your ugliest ripped pajamas, the ones you got from an ex in college, while stuffing a hand-tossed pizza and Sun Chips into your face. In this spirit, encourage your guests to come to your Oscar party in the ugliest clothes imaginable. Roll out a red carpet in your driveway (a few bucks at the party store) and get the camera ready. Give prizes — small mirrors, maybe? — for categories including "Power Clashing," "Weirdest Textures" and "You Got That Out of the Trash, Didn't You?"

Say what?

With the current political climate, everyone is on edge. This includes Hollywood's biggest stars, who have been known to use awards shows as a place to sound off (two words: Meryl Streep). Instead of predicting Oscar winners, predict who will go rogue. Will Leonardo DiCaprio write an environmentalist protest message on his chest in duct tape? Will Matthew McConaughey reiterate his statement that it's time to support President Donald Trump? Who will show up in a MAGA/Non-MAGA gown? Who will mangle the name of a nominated film? Make a list of questions and have guests cast ballots. Winner gets a megaphone to take home — use with care.