This year's Oscar nominees sparkle with the spirit of France. Five of the nine Best Picture finalists have a major French connection.
Go French, Just Like Oscar Voters Did
Three Best Picture nominees are set in France (Midnight in Paris, Hugo, and War Horse). The Artist stars two French actors. And the main character of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 9-year-old Oskar Schell, studies French.
You can sprinkle a little French joie de vivre on your Oscar party with authentic French recipes. Crepes would be a versatile pick; you can fill them with something savory for an appetizer (like Crepes with Spinach, Mushroom, and Bacon) or something sweet for dessert (try Chocolate Hazelnut Fruit Crepes).
For a stellar main dish, try our top-rated French recipe, Chicken Cordon Bleu II.
Authentic Hawaiian and Classic Southern
You'll have to step away from France--7,000 miles away--to honor The Descendants. To celebrate a movie set in Hawaii, filmed in Hawaii, and with a soundtrack of beautiful Hawaiian music, what could be better than authentic Hawaiian dishes like Ahi Poke Salad, Kalua Pig, or Ono Butter Mochi. Note: Ono isn't a type of fish your supermarket doesn't carry, it's a Hawaiian word that translates roughly to "tasty."
Staying in the U.S., Brad Pitt stars in two nominated movies--Moneyball, about an underdog baseball team, and The Tree of Life, set in West Texas. Our recommendation? Combine Brad's movies and try hot dogs with this Texas Hotdog Sauce. Or pay homage to Brad himself with the Better Than Brad Pitt Cake, submitted by Angelina Jolie. Kidding! An Allrecipes member named "Star Pooley" came up with the recipe, not Angelina.
Food has a starring role in The Help, set in the South in the 1960s. These '60-style dishes are similar to some served in the film: Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie, Dollie's Tomato Aspic, Mama's Ambrosia. And, for a soul food classic that never goes out of style, try Tasty Collard Greens.
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A Toast to Marilyn
Beyond Best Picture, France isn't the only European country with some Oscar cred. Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) and Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) are nominated for their performances--both movies are set in England. Either Streep or Close will likely win the award, and you can celebrate with a scoop of Joy's Prizewinning Trifle, a creamy, fruity and delicious traditional English holiday dessert.
If Streep or Close don't take the award, Michelle Williams likely will for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe (My Week with Marilyn). Nobody embodied Hollywood glamour like Monroe, and her favorite drink was equally glamorous--champagne. You could end the evening (as we'll end this article) with a toast to Marilyn. Try this recipe developed by actors: The Annex Theater Champagne Cocktail.
Happy Oscars, everyone!
RELATED: For general awards night recipes, check out our special Movie Awards Party page.