The Oscars hold a special place in popular culture as the most prestigious awards in the film industry. However, beyond the glitz and glamour on the red carpet, the Oscars have influenced design and home decor in some surprising ways. Here is an in-depth look at how the Oscars have made their mark from Hollywood to homes across America.
A Brief History of Oscar Statuettes as Decor
The Oscar statuette, with its iconic art deco design, has long been coveted as a display piece. Initially called the Academy Award of Merit, the trophy was created by MGM art director Cedric Gibbons in 1928. The Art Deco style, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, is clearly evident in the statuette’s sleek, stylized form.
In the early days of the Academy Awards, the statuettes were not allowed to be sold by the winners. However, the rules relaxed over time, and vintage Oscar statues can now fetch hefty sums from collectors. While regulations prohibit reproductions of the statuette itself, the image of the Oscar statue has been widely licensed for use in figurines, posters, and other decorative items.
Owning Oscar-related decor symbolizes film fandom and cinephile credentials. An Oscar statue or poster instantly upgrades a home theater into a glamorous Hollywood space. For die-hard fans who can’t obtain an original statuette, Oscar replicas and figurines make the next best conversation piece.
The Rise of Oscar Party Decor
Throwing an Oscars viewing party has become a popular tradition among movie buffs. This has spurred a niche market for party supplies with an awards show theme. From Hollywood clapboard plates to mini Oscar trophy candles, it’s easy to turn a living room into a mock Dolby Theatre.
The red carpet is a style spectacle in and of itself at the Oscars. Party hosts try to mimic the glitzy entrance by rolling out their own red runner. Other common decorations are gold accents, lights reminiscent of movie marquee signs, and accents featuring film reels or clapboard graphics.
How Architectural Design Adopted Oscar Glamour
The Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, home of many lavish movie premieres, inspired a surge of chinoiserie in cinema palace design during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Likewise, the iconic style of the Oscars ceremony has influenced some surprising architectural choices.
The domed roofs and archways found on many theaters were directly inspired by the original 1929 Oscars venue at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Dolby Theater and other modern Oscar venues continue this tradition of palatial architecture. Beyond movie houses, contemporary buildings like hotels and museums sometimes adopt the terrazzo floors, soaring columns, and chandeliers that define the signature Oscars aesthetic.
Signature Looks That Defined Home Decor Trends
The fashion on display at each Oscars ceremony heavily impacts trends in both couture and ready-to-wear clothing. But the ripple effect doesn’t stop there. Many home goods take their cues from iconic Oscar fashion moments as well.
In the 1960s, Givenchy’s sleek black gown for Audrey Hepburn ushered in an era of little black dresses into homes nationwide. Vera Wang’s red carpet looks helped popularize Chinoiserie décor in the 1990s and early 2000s. The ultra-feminine pink dresses donned by stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman sparked a surge in blush home accents in the early 2000s.
In recent years, metallics and eco-friendly looks worn by A-listers on Oscar night have found their way into everything from furniture to wall paint. The Oscars red carpet still serves as a real-time trend forecast for both high fashion and home style.
Oscars Parties Inspire Tablescape Trends
Lavish, over-the-top tablescapes are the norm for the top post-Oscars parties, like the ultra-exclusive Vanity Fair gala. Floral designers pull out all the stops with installations of exotic blooms. Candlelight and champagne provide an ambient glow, while menus feature decadent treats like caviar and truffles.
This maximalist aesthetic has filtered down to home entertaining. Hosts planning Oscar parties take inspiration from the botanical abundance, metallics, and towering centerpieces seen at A-list fêtes. While recreating the feel of an exclusive bash on a budget can be achieved through metallic accents, penny mirror tiles, and layers of candles.
Oscar-Inspired Home Decor Adds Hollywood Glamour
The Oscars offer a rare glimpse into the lavish side of Hollywood. In the spirit of classic cinema, designers have long looked to the Academy Awards to inject a bit of movie magic into home decor. With a dash of candlelight, some fresh florals, and a few metallic accents, anyone can channel the glamour of Oscar night for their next star-studded soiree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscars Decor
What are some budget-friendly ways to decorate for an Oscars party?
Some inexpensive ideas include using gold spray paint on vases and votives, downloading Oscars ballots online to print for guests, using red tablecloths, sticking vinyl decals of “The Envelope Please” or movie reel images on walls, and making popcorn box centerpieces topped with dollar store trophy figurines.
What type of decorations does the Dolby Theatre use on Oscar night?
The Dolby Theatre decor features lush red velvet curtains, Art Deco-inspired metalwork, sparkling chandeliers, hundreds of yards of draped fabric, and a staggering 40,000-50,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals outfitting the stage and curtains.
What are some popular Oscars party food and drink ideas?
Popular menu items are themed cocktails like “The Red Carpet” or “The Envelope Please”, champagne, sliders and finger foods to mimic awards show meals, cookies or cupcakes decorated like statuettes, and popcorn, candy, or chocolate in containers referencing movie theaters.
Where can I find reasonably priced Oscar-themed party supplies?
Many online party retailers like Party City, Oriental Trading, and Zazzle sell Oscar party kits, supplies, and decorations at affordable prices. DIY supplies like gold spray paint, red fabric, and decals can also help create the look on a budget.
How can I decorate my home with an Oscars-inspired style?
Use metallic accents like chrome, gold, or nickel on lamps, frames, vases, and mirrors. Incorporate velvet, silk, or chenille pillows and throws in deep hues like red, black, or navy. Add glass tableware, candlesticks, and objets d’art for glamour. Display framed vintage movie posters or Oscar photos.
Final Thoughts on Immerging Yourself in Oscar Opulence
Whether throwing a viewing party or simply adding a touch of Academy Award style to your home, there are many ways to surround yourself with the glitz of Oscar night. With a little Hollywood magic, you can bring some of that exclusive ceremony atmosphere into your own decor. Just indulge in a few metallic or velvet accents, some candlelight, and a hint of red carpet flair. From the bleachers outside the Dolby to your own living room, the Oscars offer inspiration to immerse yourself in Tinseltown glamour.
