And The 81st Academy Awards Menu Nominees Are...

The 81st Annual Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on February 22, 2009, at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST. This year's Best Picture nominees have inspired a variety of delectable dishes. Let's dive into the culinary delights inspired by these films.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Synopsis: Born as an old man, Benjamin Button ages in reverse, leading to a complex relationship with the love of his life.

Menu:

• Old Fashioned Chicken N' Dumplings
• Old Mission Casserole
• Mama's Young Peas and Potatoes in White Gravy
• Wartime Cake

Learn more about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Frost/Nixon

Synopsis: British talk-show host David Frost interviews former U.S. President Richard Nixon post-Watergate, capturing one of the most significant events in U.S. history.

Menu:

• Spicy Grilled Shrimp
• Jalapeno Cheeseburgers
• Watergate Salad
• Frosted Devil's Angel Food Cake

Milk

Synopsis: Set during the 1970s Gay Pride Movement, Harvey Milk becomes the first openly gay elected official in the U.S. as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Menu:

• Tropical California Apricot Salad
• San Francisco Pork Chops
• Grilled California Asparagus with Romesco Sauce
• San Francisco Fudge Foggies

The Reader

Synopsis: A law student in post-WWII Germany reconnects with an older woman he had an affair with a decade earlier, now involved in a war-crime trial.

Menu:

• Wilted Cabbage Salad with Bacon
• Schnitzel Paniert
• German Creamed Spinach
• German Sweet Chocolate Cake

Learn more about The Reader

Slumdog Millionaire

Synopsis: A teenager from the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?" His life story unfolds as he is accused of cheating.

Menu:

• Tandoori Onion Salad
• Indian Chicken Curry
• Indian Fry Bread
• Baked Indian Pudding

Learn more about Slumdog Millionaire

Presentation Pointers

Make your Oscars party shine with these presentation tips:

1. Roll out the red carpet: A red rug or floor mat at the entrance will make your guests feel like stars.
2. Champagne Punch: A decadent bowl of Champagne Punch will add a touch of glamour.
3. Shiny metallic plates and silverware: Whether you use paper or your finest dinnerware, metallic accents will add sparkle to your party.

Fun Facts and Stats

• Viewership: The 81st Academy Awards had an estimated 36.3 million viewers in the U.S. (Source: Nielsen)
• Diversity: "Slumdog Millionaire" was the first film shot entirely in India to win the Best Picture award.
• Historical Context: "Milk" was released 30 years after Harvey Milk's assassination, highlighting the progress in LGBTQ+ rights.

For more party planning tips and recipes, sign up for the RSVP newsletter.

By incorporating these elements, your Oscars party will be a memorable event filled with delicious food and cinematic flair. Enjoy the show!