The whole world might be looking forward to seeing who bags an Oscar at the Academy Awards. However, there is no doubt that Hollywood stars are excited about the annual afterparty celebration. For years now, the Governors Ball has been open to all the nominees of the night. While it may have become one of Tinsel Town’s grandest traditions, it has not been around since the inception of the awards ceremony.

With the 96th annual Oscars just around the corner, here is everything you need to know about how the now age-old tradition first came to be.

Historical Evolution of Oscar Parties

When the Oscars first began, their parties were a rather low-key affair. With only the nominees and the winners of the night in attendance, it was a celebration of their victories and a chance to get to know their fellow stars better. The first award show was held back in 1929 with 270 people in attendance. After the ceremony, the party continued at the Mayfair Hotel and became a tradition.

It might have been a night to remember for those present. However, all of it used to be private. That was until the creation of the Governors Ball. In 1958, the first iconic after-party made its debut with a dazzling roster of stars. The celebratory event was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Over the years, the intimate gathering has turned into a celebration where all of Hollywood could make an appearance.

Apart from just celebrating their stars, the Oscars have also found a way to add their influence and special signature to other parties they have hosted.

Corporate Influence and Signature Parties

Behind the glamour of the Oscars, sponsorship deals, advertising arrangements, and strategic partnerships are one of the top priorities. Many major corporations often try to use their financial power to secure prominent placements and branding opportunities during the event. However, Vanity Fair seemed to find a better way. In 1994, the Vanity Fair Oscars Party became a premier annual event that was attended by Hollywood’s biggest A-list celebrities.

The party quickly ended up becoming a staple part of the night filled with festivities. Just like many other events like the Met Gala, this one too has included charitable themes to keep everyone, including the celebrities, on the red carpet interested in the party. Through the years, the event has kept adding more things to ensure stars are getting the recognition they deserve and also giving the world a sneak peek into the private affair.

Governors Ball: A Time-Honored Tradition

Since its beginning in 1958, the Governors Ball has become a must-stop after-party for all Oscar nominees. With its stunning decor, gourmet food, and world-class entertainment, the party has been rumored to give off an air of elegance. Despite the venue being shifted over the years, the event has still managed to remain an extremely wanted and desired invitation for both winners and losers of the Academy Awards.

This year, the Ball will mark its 66th anniversary after the winners of the biggest awards show of the season have been announced. So far, the event has only been canceled twice since its debut. The first time was back in 1968 because of the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. After that, it happened once again in 2021 because the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world.

Post-Oscars Evolution and Resilience

At the beginning of the Academy Awards, stars were greeted with humble and intimate banquets. However, over the years, it has evolved into something much more elaborate, like the Governors Ball. Beyond its opulent facade, an invitation to the ball could be a star’s ticket to recognition for their exceptional talents. It all began in 1958 when actor George Murphy led the first post-Oscars dinner dance at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Ever since then, nothing seems to have stopped the stars from gathering for their night of Oscar celebration. While it might have been a spur-of-the-moment decision for the actor, he ended up ensuring that his Hollywood successors would have a night to remember no matter whether they won or lost.

What do you think about the evolution of the Oscar parties over the years? Let us know in the comments below.