Key Takeaways
- Celebrities have been speaking out about the food served at Hollywood events like the Oscars and the Met Gala
- Many stars have expressed disappointment and frustration with the menus, citing a lack of substantial food and unappetizing options
- Some celebrities have even resorted to bringing their own snacks, such as sandwiches and cookies, to these events
- The issue of food at Hollywood events has become a topic of discussion and humor, with many stars joking about the situation on social media and in interviews
Introduction to the Problem
The world of Hollywood events is known for its glamour and luxury, but it seems that the food served at these events is not always up to par. In recent years, many celebrities have spoken out about the lack of substantial food and unappetizing options at events like the Oscars and the Met Gala. From jokes about the lack of bread to criticisms of the vegan options, it’s clear that many stars are not impressed with the cuisine at these events.
Calling Out the Critics’ Choice Awards
At this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards, Abbott Elementary star Janelle James joked about the lack of food served throughout the night during her acceptance speech. She quipped that the event would never feed its guests properly, and that they would have to make do with "grapes and ice cream every year." Actor Stellan Skarsgård also called out the food at the event, saying that he was "disappointed" by the options and that his "grumpy" appearance in a viral photo was due to his dissatisfaction with the cuisine. A photo shared online by reporter Kyle Buchanan showed that guests were given crackers, grapes, and other small bites to eat during the event.
Oprah’s Shocking Reaction
In 2024, Oprah Winfrey was filmed with her mouth hanging open in apparent shock while being served "pizza in a bag" at the Critics’ Choice Awards. She ended up refusing to eat any of the pizza, claiming that she didn’t want to mess up her lipstick. Her The Color Purple costar Fantasia Barrino had a similar reaction, giving the camera a deadpan stare before asking: “Where are the lamb chops?” Film producer Jen D’Angelo also shared her thoughts on the bagged pizza, posting a photo online and writing: “Absolutely revolting 3D printed ass pizza.”
The Oscars and Afterparties
After the 2024 Oscars, actor Simu Liu shared a very candid review of the food served at the ceremony, but at various afterparties. Rating the food a scathing 3/10, Simu wrote on Threads that the snacks provided by Jimmy Kimmel, including soft pretzels and Sour Patch Kids, were not glamorous but did their job. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra Jonas joked about the lack of bread served at the 2023 Met Gala, telling Extra that she loves a good bread and was disappointed that it was not available.
Met Gala Mishaps
In 2021, Keke Palmer posted a very unflattering photo of her meal at the Met Gala, writing "This is why they don’t show y’all the food." The picture sparked comparisons to the food provided at the infamous Fyre Festival, and Keke ended up apologizing to the Met chef, saying that she just has different taste buds. In 2020, actor and comedian Alex Borstein made it clear that she wasn’t a fan of the all-vegan offerings at the Screen Actors Guild, sharing a photo of her plate and writing, “In the words of John Merrick, ‘I am not a rabbit!’”
Sneaking in Snacks
In 2020, then-10-year-old actor Julia Butters revealed that she also wasn’t a fan of the 70% plant-based menu served at the Oscars. She told Variety that she had put a sandwich in her bag, saying "Sometimes the food here is not for me…It’s a turkey sandwich. I’m sorry for the vegans." In 2019, Gemma Chan revealed that she’d snuck cookies into the Oscars as she called out the lack of substantial food served. She told Entertainment Tonight that she had some rice crackers with her, saying "You know, it’s a long ceremony…It’s a long show, and you don’t get dinner."
Conclusion
The issue of food at Hollywood events has become a topic of discussion and humor, with many stars joking about the situation on social media and in interviews. While some may see it as a minor complaint, the lack of substantial food and unappetizing options at these events is a real issue for many celebrities. Perhaps event organizers will take note of the feedback and make changes to the menus in the future. Until then, it seems that many stars will continue to speak out and sneak in their own snacks to these events.