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

Host your own Oscars party this year and serve a menu inspired by your favorite Best Picture nomination! From Slumdog Millionaire to The Reader, this year's collection of movies has inspired all sorts of global cuisine. So choose your favorite, gather around the TV with some good eats and watch away!

Hillary

Your RSVP Editor

The 81st Annual Academy Awards

Live on ABC

February 22, 2009

5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST

This year's nominees for Best Picture (and best menu) are:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Born as an old man, Benjamin Button ages backwards throughout his life leading to a frustrating relationship with a woman that would become the love of his life.

Delicious Old Fashioned Chicken N' DumplingsOld Mission CasseroleMama's Young Peas and Potatoes in White GravyWartime Cake

Frost/Nixon

Depicting one of the most historical events in U.S. history, British talk-show host David Frost interviews former U.S. President Richard Nixon post Watergate controversy.Spicy Grilled ShrimpJalapeno CheeseburgersWatergate SaladFrosted Devil's Angel Food Cake

Milk

Set in the 1970s Gay Pride Movement, openly gay camera store owner Harvey Milk moves to California. His interest in gay rights leads him down a path to become the first elected gay American official: a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Tropical California Apricot SaladSan Francisco Pork ChopsGrilled California Asparagus with Romesco SauceSan Francisco Fudge Foggies

The Reader

A law student in post-WWII Germany crosses paths with a former lover, an older woman who he had in an affair with a decade prior, while taking part in a war-crime trial.Wilted Cabbage Salad with BaconSchnitzel PaniertGerman Creamed SpinachGerman Sweet Chocolate Cake

Slumdog Millionaire

A teenager from the slums of Mumbai is a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?" After doing well on the program, he is accused of cheating but interrogation leads to the revealing of his life story and the reasons he knew all the answers.

Tandoori Onion SaladIndian Chicken CurryIndian Fry BreadBaked Indian Pudding

We won't find out the winner until the night of February 22nd, but in the meantime, you can use some of these presentation pointers for a winning Academy Awards Party!

Presentation Pointers:

1. Roll out the red carpet! Seriously, a red rug or floor mat near the entrance of your house or party will make your guests feel like stars!

2. A decadent bowl of Champagne Punch will have your guests thinking they're at the real award show!

3. Shiny metallic plates and silverware will add glamour and sparkle to your party. Use paper or take out the good stuff, your choice!

More Like This:A Night In Hollywood: Your Academy Awards Menu Planner If you're not already receiving these weekly party planners right to your inbox, click here to sign up for the RSVP newsletter!