The Oscars award show celebrating excellence in filmmaking airs on Sunday, March 15^th, 2026 at 7pm EST on ABC and Hulu.  Nominations are announced on January 22^nd, 2026.  Why not celebrate this year’s stars while also learning more about the contributions of Jews in Hollywood over the years. 

MATERIALS:

• Television and streaming service 
• Oscars make your own Bingo Card or Would you Rather Questions 
• Snacks (finger foods work best) to keep people munching all night 
• Decorations 
• Selfie Station Backdrop  
• Text sheet on Jews in Hollywood 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (2-3 hours):

• [part one] Welcome and Red Carpet Selfies 
• [part two] Award Show Viewing and Hollywood Trivia 
• [part three] Would you rather, Bingo, Concluding Thoughts 

Welcome and Red Carpet Selfies

• Have everyone come in their best Black/Gold.  The more gold, sparkles and shine the better! 
• Walk the red carpet to your house/apartment and snap a selfie in front of the backdrop.  Don’t forget to tell people to tag you on social media. 
• As the awards begin, pose the question, “What has been the Jewish influence in Hollywood?” 

Award Show Viewing and Hollywood Trivia 

• How were so many Jews able to become prominent in Hollywood? 
  • When movies were introduced in the 1890’s, the environment was ripe for Jews to get involved.  Many of the immigrants had connections in both the Vaudeville and garment industries.  Vaudeville was ‘variety show meets slapstick comedy’.  Which, because of low ticket prices and shows in various languages (including Yiddish) caused some white Christians to look down upon it.  The Jews however were comfortable in such an environment.  Similarly, Jewish immigrants used their tailoring skills when coming to America to work in the garment/textile industry.  For the early Hollywood culture, all three of these factors coalesced into an untapped market for the Jews to get involved.  (Info gleaned from: How American Jews built Hollywood – Unpacked) 
• During slow parts of the awards and commercials, pose trivia questions from text sheet.  Ideas could questions including the names of early influencers in Hollywood, famous movies with Jewish connections, Jewish actors. 
• Work on Bingo game during show 
• After nominations are released on January 22nd, see what other Jewish actors, movies or directors are nominated for an award.  When their names are announced, spend a few minutes talking about their Jewish connections.  
• One probable nominee with Jewish and Holocaust connections is Marty Supreme, the story of a Jewish ping pong player & business mogul. Read here to learn about Isaac Simon and his role in the movie.  Is Marty Supreme good for the Jews?

Bingo Winner Prize and Wrap Up 

• Here are some potential questions: 
  • Do you think that Jews control Hollywood today? 
  • In general, how are Jews portrayed in television and film? 
  • Can you think of good examples of Jews on screen?  Bad examples? 
  • Thinking back to the beginnings of Hollywood, how do you think Carl, Adolph, Samuel, Jesse viewed one another/worked together? 
  • Do you feel different emotions when you see Jewish actors on screen? 
• Announce bingo winner and award prize