There’s something about the big screen and the lure of the red carpets that captivate us. Our heroes and villains parading by decked out in fashions finest. We cheer them onward, to awards we know they deserve. Maybe, in my home, it’s because movie night has been our go-to family get together. Whether we’re cuddled on the sofa catching up on a feature we missed in theaters, or out for an evening watching our thrillers on the big screen, films mark precious moments in our life. And, what a wonderful way to escape for a few hours. With epic stories brought to life. One of the best parties I’ve ever thrown was an Oscar’s ® Party with my kids. So, in honor of the film industry’s most anticipated evening, I found a way for you to throw your own Oscar® Parties in epic locations.

How I Chose The Nominees

With all the nominations and categories, I limited my list to the 9 “Best Picture” locales. At these locations, you can experience where our favorites filmed. So, go ahead and make a weekend of it. While you’re there, visit the actual locations they shot the film. Then wrap it up with your soiree even the stars will envy. 

Where The Oscar’s® Take Place In 2020

Of course, if you want to be close to the excitement of the evening, be sure to plan your trip to Hollywood around the night of the event. This year the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony will be held on February 9, 2020, at 5 pm PST at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Some of the great contenders for Best Picture were also filmed here. 

How To Get The Party Started

Whether you’re traveling with a group for that weekend getaway or you’re going solo, we have accommodations and transportation for every budget. Snatch up a weekend at a home-stay for the group or choose a swanky boutique hotel. If those don’t entice you, try an elegant resort with spa accommodations, whatever your budget dictates, we have available. Book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#1

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Ford V Ferrari Was Filmed

If this adrenaline rush of a film is your pick for the gold, make sure you work into your weekend an hour and a half ride outside of LA. Adding to your list the Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA places you in the seat of the action where part of this thriller was filmed. Book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#2

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where The Irishman Was Filmed

Though the story was set to take place in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio & Florida, it was actually filmed in and around New York. With 117 different locations in the area for the 309 scenes shot, it may take more than a weekend to visit them before your celebration. However, we have a way, while you’re staying in New York for the weekend, to visit some of the film locations grouped in specific areas. My favorite site to find out where films were shot is ATLASofWONDERS.com. They have the inside scoop on tons of films and the locations filming took place. Put your list together by clicking here for this films locations to visit. Once you have that list together, book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#3

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where JoJo Rabbit Was Filmed

The locations where this priceless tale was shot look like something out of a child’s storybook. Welcome to the Czech Republics’ enchanting towns. Prague is already a bucket-list favorite. Find all the hidden spots where this feature was shot & make your list by clicking here. Then, book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#4

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Joker Was Filmed

I’m sorry, I have to say this movie scarred me. I know it was a depiction of the comic version. However, if I had to visit the staircase he travels in the movie, I think I’d cry. This was one of the most powerful movies I’ve ever seen depicting mental illness & the isolation someone feels. It gripped me from the moment it started. Todd Phillips & Scott Silver created a masterpiece & Joaquin Phoenix brought him to life! Together, they satisfied the appetite for the comic fans and surpassed everyone else’s wildest imaginations. This is a must-see, must win and hopefully, I’ll have the courage to visit that staircase someday. But don’t let my dramatic empathy stop you from celebrating this classic tale. Make your list to travel in the footsteps of the Joker by clicking here. Then, book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#5

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Little Women Was Filmed

Louisa May Alcott’s epic tale comes to life in the place she wrote it. This film was filmed throughout Massachusetts. You can even visit her home which is currently a museum. Find different locations from the movie everywhere from Harvard, to Boston, Concord & Canton by visiting AtlasofWonders.com. Their article on this films locations even contains a link to the Massachusetts Film Office where you can print out a Little Women scavenger hunt for your weekend getaway.

To really step this experience up a notch go ahead and jump over to my Hotels page under Resources, Accommodations. I just looked up the Oscar’s® weekend availability at Fairmont Copley Plaza. Click on my link to Hotels.com on this page & as of writing this article they still have some rooms. The New Year’s Eve Ball in Paris, from the movie, was shot in the Grand Ballroom here!

#6

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Marriage Story Was Filmed

With this age-old West Coast- East Coast divide, you can celebrate in one or both locations. If you’re in New York, take a stroll on Broadway. Maybe even take in a play. Feel the warmth of Charlie’s life in the Big Apple. If you choose the West Coast, take a stroll down Hollywood Blvd. to walk among the dreams Nicole heads back to recapture. This film was shot in both cities. Once you pick your location, then, book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#7

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where 1917 Was Filmed

If Stonehenge is a stop waiting to be checked off your bucket list, this may be where you want to celebrate with your Oscar’s® Party. Scenes from the trench shots were shot along Salisbury Rd in the old Avon Camp military base. This is located just a few miles from Stonehenge. That’s just one of the many locations throughout the UK you can put on your list. Check here for your itinerary then book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#8

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Was Filmed

Oh if only… if only! Quentin Tarantino out-did himself again in yet another masterpiece. I wonder if he has a direct line to a parallel universe we all wish existed. Personally, I’m the Mom cheering movies like Secretariat & Dreamer. Who knew I’d be jumping up and down, cheering on the blood-bath in his latest thriller? Truth be told, it wouldn’t be the first time this happened while I watched his movies (i.e. his 2012 Django Unchained & 2009’s Inglorious Basterds). To set up your weekend perfectly & visit the locations he shot this film at, click here. Then, book your last minute flights and accommodations at top discounts here.

#9

Have Your Oscar® Parties In Epic Locations Where Parasite Was Filmed

While visiting the areas, in South Korea, this dark comedy thriller was filmed, make sure to go to the locations throughout Jeonju. South Korea’s 16th largest city is a tourist mecca and also where many of the scenes were filmed. The word Jeonju even means “perfect region”. Savor authentic Korean dishes & peruse the historic buildings in the area. You can get to Jeonju from Seoul by car on a two-hour road trip. However, it’s probably easier (cheaper) and more relaxing to take the train. Book your transportation between locations by clicking here and scrolling down to “Asia” then click on “Klook”. They have private cars, buses, trains, etc. When you’re done planning the weekend’s activities, grab your last-minute airfare & accommodations here.

How To Plan The Perfect Soiree

Now that you have your location booked, here are the rest of the details. This list will help you pull off that perfect Oscar® Party your A-Listers will talk about for years!

What To Buy

If you don’t have a red carpet or the classic ropes, grab a runner in brilliant red for your walkway into the party. You’ll want the carpet or runner in a place you can take pictures of your attendees for your own personal paparazzi-style photo-op. If you chose a hotel for accommodations, roll that red carpet out from your doorway into your suite. Or, for those Instagram worthy shots, place it on the balcony with your location in the background! This is an important step. You’ll want those shots to look back on the A-Listers that attended your evening!

What To Wear

Get Dressed! You’re on vacation & it’s a party! Require attendees to dress up too. Pack a classy little number, cocktail attire. Make an appointment with the hotel’s salon to fit you in for that red-carpet-ready polished look. Or, if you really want to go all out, require formal attire…it is after all a black-tie event.

What To Serve

Moet is the preferred Champagne, but any bubbly you like will work. Serve hors d’oeuvre like shrimp cocktails, sushi & caviar. You can even put a little dish together with bow-tie pasta. For snacks, make sure there are lots of movie candy and popcorn stationed throughout the suite.

What To Play

The most popular games to play during the Oscars®are Oscar®Bingo which you can find on the internet or here & StudioDIY puts out an Oscars®ballot each year that’s free to print out. You can get yours here.

What You’ll Win

For prizes, it’s fun to keep it in the spirit of the night. I get several movie theater gift cards. When someone wins, they get the gift cards.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Attribution: The word Oscar® or Oscar’s ® are trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also known as the “Academy”.