What counts as a 'surprise' during the game?

A surprise could be an unexpected win, a strange or funny speech, or a technical glitch in the broadcast. Decide as a group if you're not sure.

What happens if two players argue over a rule?

Pause the game and settle it democratically,majority rules. If it's still unclear, default to both players drinking as a penalty for holding up the game.

Can we adjust the penalties for drinking?

Yes, but decide on changes before the show starts. For example, you could make a long speech worth three sips instead of one, or have everyone drink for a tie or shared win.

What if someone doesn’t want to drink alcohol?

They can still play by taking sips of a non-alcoholic drink or doing a quick physical task, like a push-up or spin, as their penalty.

Award Show Drinking - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Award Show Drinking is a drinking game in the Movie & TV Games category for 2-15 players that takes about 15-30 min with a easy difficulty level.

Drink for speeches and surprises

Equipment Needed

TV/Streaming device
Drinks

Setup

Put your TV or streaming device in a spot where everyone can see it clearly. Pick an award show or replay one from a streaming service. Have everyone pour their drinks and settle in with a clear view of the screen. Keep a pen and paper nearby if you want to add custom rules during the show.

How to Play Award Show Drinking

Set up the game according to basic rules
Players take turns or play simultaneously
Penalties result in drinking
Success means assigning drinks
Continue until winner emerges
Loser faces final penalty
Winner earns bragging rights
Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Make a list of expected buzzwords or phrases (like 'dream come true' or 'thank you to the Academy') before the show starts and agree on how many sips each is worth. Pay attention to the announcer,sneaky moments, like someone tripping on stage, can turn into unplanned penalties. If you're not sure how hard to go, assign lighter drinking penalties during speeches and save bigger sips for surprises like underdog wins.

Variations

Speech Bingo. Nominee Roulette. Dress-Code Drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a 'surprise' during the game?: A surprise could be an unexpected win, a strange or funny speech, or a technical glitch in the broadcast. Decide as a group if you're not sure.
What happens if two players argue over a rule?: Pause the game and settle it democratically,majority rules. If it's still unclear, default to both players drinking as a penalty for holding up the game.
Can we adjust the penalties for drinking?: Yes, but decide on changes before the show starts. For example, you could make a long speech worth three sips instead of one, or have everyone drink for a tie or shared win.
What if someone doesn’t want to drink alcohol?: They can still play by taking sips of a non-alcoholic drink or doing a quick physical task, like a push-up or spin, as their penalty.

Players: 2-15 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Wes Anderson Drinking — Drink for symmetry and aesthetics
Horror Movie Drinking Game — Universal horror movie rules - drink for every cliche!
Pixar Drinking Game — Drink for emotional moments
Sci-Fi Drinking — Drink for space and tech
Stranger Things Drinking Game — Drink through the Upside Down
Harry Potter Drinking Game — Magical drinking adventure through Hogwarts
Fantasy Drinking — Magic and dragons drinking
Horror Classics Drinking — Classic horror movie drinking

From Our Blog

Large Party Games That Keep the Energy Alive — So you're planning a large party and the pressure's on to keep the energy high and the guests entertained. Trust me, I know the drill. The right games can turn a good party into a legendary one, and I...
Small Group Drinking Games That Pack a Punch — So you've got a small group coming over, and you want to make sure everyone has a night to remember. I've been there countless times. Whether it’s a low-key gathering or a spontaneous get-together, ha...
House Party Tips for a Memorable Night — Throwing a house party is an art and a science I've been refining for years. From picking the perfect playlist to ensuring you've got enough cups to last the night, there are countless details to cons...

Browse more Movie & TV Games drinking games or see all drinking games.