8 French Cinema-Inspired Food & Wine Picks for Oscars Sipping & Snacking

Note: Our list features films made by French directors, as well as movies that highlight French gastronomy or take place in France. Get ready to fill your sense of wanderlust (and stomachs!) all at once.  

French Macarons, Petits-Fours, & Cannelés (inspired by Marie Antoinette, 2006) 

Although debatable, if Marie Antoinette actually ever said “let them eat cake,” she was more likely than not referring to traditional French bread over sweets. However, we love the indulgence that this phrase has taken on (and are more than happy to dive into a plate of colorful macarons and mini pastries!) Fair warning, these petite treats can be rather hard to make at home, so we recommend looking to the pros. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, choose your favorite flavors and give it a whirl! 

Pours of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Inspired by Back to Burgundy, 2017) 

Whether watching solo or socially-distancing with friends, one thing’s for sure: no viewing party is truly a celebration until the wine comes out. Although there are plenty of bottles to choose from, we recommend grabbing some delicious bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, inspired by the 2017 documentary Back to Burgundy. Directed by Cédric Klapisch, this charming film dives into the heart of the region’s wine industry, as well as its emphasis on family, land, and all around joie de vivre. Go ahead, pour a second glass. We’ll raise ours right along with you.

Chocolate Feast (inspired by Chocolat, 2000)  

Who doesn’t love the idea of a massive chocolate feast? Inspired by Lasse Hallstrom’s 2000 film Chocolat, we recommend setting up a Vianne-inspired “chocolate shop” at home, no cooking necessary. Simply head to your favorite chocolaterie or grocery store, grab a variety of chocolates (the more styles, textures, and cacao percentages, the better), and create a little at-home feast. We can’t think of a better way to end (or start, because why not) a meal.  

Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille, 2007) 

Who can forget the heartwarming scene where Anton Ego reverts back to his childhood after taking a bite of Remy’s delicious, homemade Ratatouille? Although it looks complex, this vegetarian-friendly dish is actually quite easy to make at home. Simply sautée and layer up some sliced vegetables, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and throw in the oven to bake. This dish promises to unite your love for food and films all at once – no little chef required.

Omelettes (inspired by The Hundred-Foot Journey, 2014) 

Who says omelettes are meant only for breakfast? Contrary to America’s view of omelettes, these egg-based dishes are served all day (and night) long in France. In The Hundred-Foot Journey, rather than interviewing chefs for her Michelin-starred restaurant, Madame Mallory requires that each potential candidate prepare an omelette as a badge of merit. If you’re serving up light-bodied Pinot Noirs or rich Chardonnays as per our Burgundy-inspired recommendation above, gooey cheese and mushroom omelettes provide the ultimate, easy-to-make pairing. For those feeling a bit more confident in their culinary skills, look no further than the film’s Pigeon aux Truffes.  

French Pastries (inspired by Kings of Pastry, 2009) 

Looking for a decadent way to end your Oscars party? We recommend whipping up (or let’s be honest, heading to your local bakery) and grabbing some French pastries, inspired by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker’s 2009 documentary, Kings of Pastry. The movie features 16 of France’s top pastry chefs competing for the world-renowned Meilleur Ouvrier de France title. Some of our favorite French pastries include chocolate-laden Opéras, cream-filled Paris Brests, and of course, the classic millefeuille. 

Tomato Tartines (inspired by Julie and Julia, 2009) 

Fresh tomatoes and sweet basil layered onto crusty slices of baguette? Count us in. This Julia Child-inspired, easy-to-make recipe at home is the perfect bite-sized appetizer for hosting groups of friends. If you aren’t craving tomatoes, think again – simply pop on the famous scene where Julie (Amy Adams) and Eric (Chris Messina) check out the close-up shots of gorgeous produce. You’ll be craving these juicy, tomato-topped toasts slathered in runny olive oil in no time. For those feeling more inspired, we recommend taking on Child’s classic Beef Bourguignon recipe. Either way, you may just become your friends’ favorite host. 

Flutes of Champagne (inspired by A Year in Champagne, 2014) 

Is it really a party without Champagne? We think not. Inspired by the 2014 documentary, we suggest letting the bubbles flow freely throughout the course of your Oscars celebration. Not only is Champagne festive and tasty, it also pairs well with a variety of foods. You really can’t go wrong here – that is, unless you call some other sparkling wine by this world-renowned name. As the movie (and many of our past articles) will remind you, only wines produced within the Champagne region may be labeled as such!