Here's our Oscar night guide: Predictions, parties, food and more

After all the pricey campaigning, the hours spent sitting through lesser awards shows and the endless speculation about Ben Affleck's directing snub, Hollywood's biggest night has finally arrived.

Period pieces are the story at the 85th Academy Awards, which will be handed out on Sunday. The Oscars are headlined by a Best Picture race that has come down to a faceoff between a 1979-set Iranian hostage drama (Affleck's "Argo") and Steven Spielberg's take on Abraham "Lincoln."

The 19th-century France set "Les Misérables," hunt-for-Osama drama "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Silver Linings Playbook," which takes place in Philadelphia circa 2008, also seem poised to come home with trophies.

In many ways, the 2013 Oscar race is harder to predict than its recent predecessors. But that hasn't stopped us at amNewYork. These are our predictions in the major categories:

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Recent Culinary Hall of Fame inductee chef Daniel Boulud and New York Events director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Patrick Harrison shared their tips on throwing a red-carpet worthy Oscar party in a New York City home.

1. As long as space permits it, invite all your friends. The Oscars should be watched in large groups.

2. Serve food family-style. Appetizers, canapés and finger foods allow for maximum guest attendance (no tables needed!) and minimal after-party cleanup.

3. Unlike your typical cocktail party, the food will be a supporting actor to the television on Oscar night. Spread the flow of food throughout the evening and during the commercial breaks so no one misses an acceptance speech.

4. The Oscars are one of the most glamorous events on television, so serve fancier fare that is sure to win Best Classy Cuisine.

5. But don't forget to have a little fun. Harrison suggested an Oscar drinking game to keep acceptance speeches exciting: Drink every time someone thanks their agent.

6. Tailor drinks and dishes to your favorite movies nominated for awards this year. Boulud suggested to "try to capture the soul of the movie, sometimes the journey that the movie takes you on or sometimes the life of the character."

(ALESSANDRIA MASSI)

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