How to Host a Golden Globes Watch Party Your Guests Will Love

Short answer: The best Golden Globes watch parties give guests something to do beyond sitting on a couch. Set a dress code, theme your food around nominated films, and add interactive elements like prediction ballots to keep everyone invested in who wins.

• Dress code: Red carpet glam, come-as-a-character, or dressy casual
• Food: Tie snacks to nominees like The Bear sliders or Wicked green drinks
• Games: Prediction ballots and awards show bingo
• Photos: Set up a QR code station so guests can upload their looks
• After-party: Watch a clip from the Best Picture winner or do a hot takes round

Who This Is For (and Not For)

This guide is perfect for:

• Hosts throwing their first awards party who want a clear game plan
• Friend groups who love movies, TV, and a reason to dress up
• Anyone who wants their party to feel more intentional than “just watching TV together”

This might not be for you if:

• You prefer a quiet, low-key viewing experience
• You are hosting a very large crowd (50+ people) where intimate games will not work

Step 1: Set the Dress Code

The dress code sets the tone for your entire party. Give guests options so everyone feels comfortable:

Red Carpet Glam: Encourage guests to dress like they are walking the carpet. Think cocktail attire, statement jewelry, and camera-ready makeup. This works best for groups who love an excuse to get fancy.

Come As Your Favorite Character: Let guests dress as characters from nominated shows like Severance, Wednesday, or The Bear. This sparks conversation and creates great photo opportunities. Since everyone looks good, take a group photo before anyone spills wine on their outfit. Five steps to get the perfect group shot.

Dressy Casual: For a more relaxed vibe, suggest “nice but comfy.” Think dark jeans with a blazer, or a cute sweater with statement earrings. Everyone still looks put-together without the pressure.

Step 2: Plan Your Menu

The 2026 Golden Globes nominees offer plenty of inspiration for themed snacks and drinks.

“The Bear” Chicago Bites: Mini Italian beef sliders or loaded hot dogs. Serve in metal trays for that back-of-house vibe. Bonus points for yelling “Corner!” when you bring them out.

“Severance” Inny/Outy Platters: Create two contrasting snack boards. The “Inny” platter is monochrome (white cheeses, crackers, cauliflower). The “Outy” platter is colorful chaos (rainbow veggies, bright dips, candy).

“Sinners” Seven Deadly Dips: Set up seven mini dishes representing each sin. Lust (chocolate strawberries), Gluttony (loaded potato skins), Greed (buttered popcorn with gold sprinkles), Envy (guacamole), Sloth (store-bought cheese balls), Wrath (spicy wings), Pride (a picture-perfect fruit tart).

Emerald City Drinks (Wicked): Green apple martinis or lime mocktails with green sugar rims. Keep the Oz theme going with spinach artichoke dip and pesto appetizers.

Step 3: Create Prediction Ballots

Print simple ballots with the major categories: Best Picture (Drama and Comedy), Best TV Series (Drama and Comedy), and a few acting races. Have guests fill them out before the show starts.

Award a small prize to whoever gets the most correct. A bottle of champagne, a movie gift card, or just bragging rights works perfectly.

Step 4: Keep It Interactive

Golden Globes Bingo: Create bingo cards with squares like “Awkward teleprompter pause,” “Winner thanks their dog,” “Host Nikki Glaser roasts someone too hard,” “Acceptance speech gets played off by music,” and “Someone trips on their dress.”

Best Dressed Vote: During commercial breaks, have guests vote on their favorite red carpet looks. Display a “People’s Choice” winner at the end of the night.

Photo Station: Set up a quick photo corner with a phone tripod or ring light. Create a QR code so guests can upload their photos to a shared album. Gather Shot makes this easy. Guests scan, snap, and upload without downloading an app. You will have all the dressed-up photos in one place by the end of the night.

Step 5: Plan a Post-Show Activity

Keep the energy going after the final award:

Watch a Winner: Queue up a trailer or opening scene from the Best Picture winner. If guests have not seen it, this might inspire a future movie night.

Hot Takes Session: Go around the room and share your biggest surprise, biggest snub, and best-dressed pick.

Dessert Bar Reveal: Hold back a decadent dessert spread until the show ends. Make it the reward for sitting through all three hours.

Keep the Memories

The best part of a watch party is seeing everyone dressed up and having fun. Do not let those photos scatter across group chats. Set up a Gather Shot QR code at your party entrance so guests can upload photos throughout the night. You will end up with a curated gallery of everyone’s red carpet looks, reaction shots, and dessert selfies.

No app downloads. No account creation. Just scan, upload, and enjoy your memories later.