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National Oscar Day

Calling all Oscars! Celebrate your special day and share the spotlight with these fun activities, trivia, and discounts just for you.

Friday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 20

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYMovies & TV

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On November 20, we celebrate National Oscar Day! This unique holiday is dedicated to all the people named Oscar around the world. Did you know that the name Oscar comes from Old English and means "divine spear" or "champion warrior"? It gained popularity in the 19th century due to its use in literary works and has since become a beloved name for many families. So whether you're an Oscar yourself or know someone with this awesome name, let's take a moment to appreciate and honor them on this special day.

TIMELINE

National Oscar Day Timeline

Popularity of the Name Oscar

The name Oscar gained popularity in the 19th century due to its appearance in literary works, beginning to be commonly given to newborn boys.

The First "Oscar" Award Ceremony

The Academy Awards, colloquially known as the "Oscars", were first held in 1929, indirectly increasing the name's fame.

Oscar Winner - Star Wars

The iconic character Oscar Isaac, known for his role in Star Wars, was born, adding to the list of notable Oscars in pop culture.

Oscar Winner - Million Dollar Baby

Hilary Swank won the Best Actress Oscar for playing boxer Maggie Fitzgerald in "Million Dollar Baby", mentioning everyone named Oscar in her acceptance speech.

First National Oscar Day Celebrated

The first observed National Oscar Day, encouraging all Oscars to celebrate their special name and its significance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Oscar Day

Host an Oscar-themed party

Invite friends over for an Oscar-themed party! Decorate with gold and red accents, serve fancy snacks and drinks, and even have a mini awards ceremony for your friends with the name Oscar.

WATCH

Watch Oscar-winning movies

Spend the day binge-watching Oscar-winning movies! Invite your friends named Oscar to join in on the fun and have a movie marathon filled with some of Hollywood's greatest films.

CREATE

Create an Oscar-themed photo booth

Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops inspired by famous Oscar moments or movies. Have your friends with the name Oscar strike their best poses and capture the memories of this unique celebration.

HAVE

Have an Oscar trivia night

Test your knowledge of the Oscars with a trivia night! Create fun questions about past winners, red carpet fashion, and iconic moments. Give out prizes to the person named Oscar who gets the most answers correct.

DONATE

Donate to a charity supporting people named Oscar

Use this opportunity to give back to the community by donating to a charity that supports people with the name Oscar. This is a meaningful way to celebrate and honor those with this special name.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Oscar Day

It brings together a community

National Oscar Day is a chance for people with the name Oscar to come together and celebrate their shared identity. Whether it's through social media groups or local events, this day can foster a sense of belonging and connection among those with the same name.

It celebrates a diverse group of people

National Oscar Day honors individuals with the name Oscar - a name that can belong to people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. It's a day to celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of this name and the people who bear it.

It's a chance to learn about famous Oscars

On National Oscar Day, why not take some time to research and learn about famous people who share your name? From actors and athletes to scientists and politicians, there are many accomplished individuals named Oscar that have made significant contributions to society.