The Awards race is heating up. The Golden Globes and People’s Choice Awards started the season off with a bang in January, bringing to light some expected (and not so expected) winners in the film and television industry.

From the Oscars to the Grammys, it doesn’t matter if you’re a music buff, movie mogul or somewhere in between, there’s an awards show for everyone to watch from home. With so many red carpets rolling out, make the most of the season, and have some fun along the way. In the days leading up to show, and on the big night, it’s easier than you think to feel like you’re part of the action, even if you are not living anywhere close to the ceremony. Kari Dilloo, a lifestyle expert from Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, shares her tips on how to get up-to-speed and in the thick of the awards season magic:

* Plan your own red carpet party. Award shows are a great opportunity to get together with friends, dress up and enjoy some delicious treats. Whether you’re going glamorous or doing everything DIY, planning or attending a red carpet party is an excellent way to watch the show and have a good time with friends. According to Bing, the Oscars are searched more than any other awards show, giving you the perfect reason to throw an Oscar party. Still can’t decide a party theme? Go to Bing.com and listen to the song previews of best song and watch trailers for best picture nominees to see which one strikes a chord with you. Word to the wise: Award show nominees are known for their bold fashion choices, so don’t be afraid to get creative in your decorations and food choices. Bright colors and a fun menu will make your guests feel like a celebrity. 

* Get caught up on the latest celeb gossip. New couples, up and coming artists and timeless Hollywood stars are known to mix and mingle before the big shows and on the red carpet. Before the festivities begin, make sure you know who to watch for by catching up on the latest celebrity happenings. From who broke up, to who’s back together, and everything in between, you can stay on top of the rumor mill and get the gossip before the red carpet is even rolled out. One of America’s sweethearts and talk of the town is Taylor Swift, and with both her love life and nomination for record of the year, it’s no surprise she topped the list as the most-searched Grammy nominee on Bing. She’s sure to drive more gossip before the big night arrives, so make sure you know who she’ll be stepping out with and wow your friends with your knowledge.

* Make your predictions. A little research can go a long way, even if you don’t have time to listen to all of the records and watch all of the top nominated films. Dilloo suggests saving time (and money) by focusing on what’s of most interest to you, and reading reviews from friends and experts to fill the gaps. Having background knowledge on the nominees and your own favorites makes the experience more personal and fun when the big night arrives. Once you’ve read up on reviews, make your picks for best picture or record of the year, and you could be the biggest winner at the end of the night among friends or colleagues in an award bracket challenge. By simply going to Bing.com and connecting it with your Facebook account, you’ll see awards search results unlike any other, relevant search results from the Web, as well as related posts from your Facebook friends. Your friends’ comments, photos, check-ins and more will populate in your search, in addition to experts across Twitter and other social networks, so you can get informed faster, and get back to the red carpet.

Whether you’re getting caught up on celeb gossip, reading reviews of the nominees, or planning your own viewing party, doing some research and having fun with friends is sure to make you feel like the star of this awards season.