The biggest night in movies is almost here. Who will win? Who will lose? Who will be branded with the ever-embarrassing title of “Worst Dressed?” We’ll find all of this out this Sunday night.

Oscars night, like any big sporting event or awards show, is a great opportunity to celebrate creatively and frugally. Without spending much money at all, you can create a fun evening with family or friends that’s completely out of the ordinary. Here are some ideas to help you get started planning an evening of frugal fun that’s all about the movies of 2011:

1. Create Oscars Ballots:

   Think you know which film people will go home with statues this year? Get a list of the nominees and make enough copies for all of your guests. You could also just use this this ready-made printable ballot. Have everyone hazard a guess at who/what will win the big awards. Then tally up the scores at the end of the evening to see who the big winner is.

2. Make Your Own Red Carpet:

   A great cheap way to do this is to use red plastic tablecloths from your local dollar or party supply store. It should be cheap and can be cut to fit your space. If possible, tape down the carpet so that people can easily walk in on it without much fuss.

3. Require Formal Dress:

   How often do you get to dress up in those formal dresses that are hanging up collecting dust in your closet? Take this opportunity to create your own red carpet night and put those old bridesmaids dresses or suits and ties to good use!

   Just be sure to take lots of pictures so that your guest get the full paparazzi experience!

4. Oscars Trivia:

   Make the night a little more interesting (aka competitive) by preparing a little Oscars’ trivia to play during the red carpet or commercials. You can offer a small prize, like a homemade gift, to the winner. Need some trivia question ideas? Check out these from About.com.

5. Movie Theater-Themed Food:

   What better way to celebrate a night about movies than with snacks that you would eat at the movies? Try some of these homemade snacks that will make you feel like you’re snacking at the movies (but for much less money).

   It’s also smart to provide finger foods because you’ll be spending your time in front of the TV. You’ll want to opt for snacks that are easy to pick up and eat – just like at the cinema!

6. Or Go for Easy Appetizers:

   Last year, I wrote about 5 easy appetizers that you can prepare for your Oscars soiree. Finger foods like bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs and dips can go a long way on the cheap. Just think of creative presentation as a way to make your simple apps look extraordinary.

7. Best and Worst Dressed:

   Have a group full of guests who love fashion? If the red carpet is one of your favorite things about the Oscars, here’s a fun idea to try out. Give everyone a clipboard, notebook, piece of paper, etc. and put the fashion to a vote. Have everyone keep track of their favorite outfits and ultimately decide on the best dressed and worst dressed on the red carpet for the evening. Then at the end, you can put it to a vote. It might be fun to see if glamour experts agree with you the next day!

Are you planning on hosting or heading to an Oscars party this year? What are some of your tips for making it successful and fun on the cheap? Please share your ideas with us in the comments section below. Thanks for being a Tip Hero!

Sources: About.com, eHow, Oscars.org