Oscars Faces Backlash Over Small and Underwhelming Snack Boxes

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Although the Oscars are known for their glamour, the meals provided to attendees are often quite simple. Recently, a video showing the basic boxed lunches given to celebrities went viral, leading to online criticism and jokes about the Academy Awards.

People attending the event at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles received a small gift box with just three things inside: a bottle of water, a small bag of SkinnyPop popcorn, and a box of dark chocolate Raisinets.

A video shared by someone at InStyle quickly became popular on X (formerly Twitter), with many people shocked by the basic snacks available. Viewers felt the food choices were surprisingly underwhelming for such an important occasion.

Online reviewers immediately noticed the food was similar to what you’d find on a cheap airline or in a school lunchroom. Many compared it to the notoriously bad catering at the Fyre Festival.

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One social media user joked that the snack boxes at the Oscars looked like the kind of basic meals you’d get on a low-cost airline. They wondered why attendees, many of whom are very wealthy, were being given simple snacks like raisins and popcorn, especially considering how expensive the tickets are – some cost as much as a down payment on a house.

People were surprised the event didn’t have professional catering. One person joked the refreshments were worse than what prisoners receive, and others criticized the Academy for being unusually stingy.

Conan O’Brien, the host for the evening, included a funny note with the snacks. He playfully called the selection a “moderately happy meal” and pointed out that, despite being simple snacks, they would cost a lot more at a typical movie theater.

The note ended with a playful message: “Good luck tonight, have fun, and remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego.” However, this attempt at humor didn’t distract from the criticism surrounding the fact that the nominees weren’t provided with a proper hot meal.

Award shows have faced criticism for their food before. For example, the Critics’ Choice Awards received complaints earlier this year when they only served a very small meal of pita chips, grapes, and cherry tomatoes.

During a previous event, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey famously declined pizza served in paper bags. Winfrey explained she didn’t want to ruin her lipstick, prioritizing her makeup over enjoying the casual food.

Conan O’Brien is experiencing a comeback in his career, thanks to the popularity of his travel show and podcast. He recently appeared in a funny video with Robert Downey Jr. where he was jokingly declared the show’s permanent host.

The night’s biggest winner was the film One Battle After Another, earning top honors like Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Michael B. Jordan also won his first Oscar for his performance in the thriller Sinners.

The event also highlighted upcoming films like Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and the popular animated movie KPop Demon Hunters. Even though everyone was very hungry, the evening was still a major celebration for leading figures in the film industry.

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2026-03-17 19:45