Do Actors Really Have to Sneak Food in at Oscars? Why Do They Do It?
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Beyond the glitz and golden statues, the Oscars hide a less glamorous truth: hungry celebrities. Hours of speeches, performances, and red carpet posing do not pair well with an empty stomach. Dressed in designer gowns and draped in jewels, stars face the very real struggle of rumbling bellies during Hollywood’s biggest night. The irony? A room full of the world’s most pampered people, all secretly wishing for a snack. Even Oscar winners are not immune to the most basic human need, food.
While the Oscars celebrate Hollywood’s best, the real challenge is not just winning awards but making it through the night without hunger stealing the spotlight. So, how do celebrities manage to stay poised and picture-perfect despite the long hours?
How celebrities win the Hunger Games at the Oscars
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The Dolby Theatre’s strict food restrictions have turned the Oscars into an endurance test for Hollywood’s elite. While the night celebrates cinematic excellence, its dining policy is surprisingly austere, banishing all snacks from the main hall. A lone snack table in the lobby does little to ease the struggle, pushing attendees to get creative. From designer clutches doubling as lunchboxes to tuxedo pockets stuffed with crackers, the art of stealthy snacking has become an Oscars tradition as practiced as acceptance speeches.
Yet, last year’s Academy Awards offered a rare plot twist in Hollywood’s ongoing hunger saga. Snack boxes are not a standard Oscars tradition, but Jimmy Kimmel had made them a signature gesture during his tenure as host. First introduced in 2018, his snack boxes returned in 2023 and 2024, filled with pretzels, candy, and bottled water. Beyond a quick bite, the gesture served as both a practical fix and a lighthearted rebellion against the Dolby Theatre’s strict food ban, proving that even Hollywood’s elite need a mid-show snack.
While the Oscars leave celebs hungry, the Screen Actors Guild Awards bring out the best chefs and menus, creating a culinary experience so memorable it echoes long before the red carpet even rolls out.
How the SAG awards outshined the Oscars
Unlike the Oscars, where food is often an afterthought, the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards transformed dining into an experience. David Chang's collaboration with Momofuku brought innovation to the table, with dishes like the crispy, tender Momofuku Cold Fried Chicken and the diverse Kimbap Duo. The honey butter chips offered a sweet-savory crunch, while Cooper’s Hawk wines perfectly complemented the flavors. The evening proved that honoring cinematic achievements deserves an equally extraordinary culinary experience.
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While the Oscars may leave celebrities hungry and scrambling for snacks, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have redefined the awards-season dining experience. By collaborating with renowned chefs like David Chang, the SAG Awards have transformed their culinary offerings into memorable experiences that complement the evening's celebrations. This commitment to exceptional dining not only enhances the event but also sets a new standard for how award ceremonies can honor both artistic achievements and gastronomic excellence.
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What do you think of the Oscars' food situation? Let us know in the comments!
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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