The Martian and star Matt Damon were better than the author anticipated. (Photo courtesy Twentieth Century Fox)

Big movie stars will gather for the 88th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 28, in Los Angeles. In DC, we have a number of Oscar parties to choose from if we want to get in on the glitz.

Last year, I attended the shindig thrown by the Washington Film Institute at Malmaison (3401 Water St. NW, DC) in Georgetown. It’s a fine option if you care more about being seen than seeing what happens at the Oscars. (You cannot. Although the show is running, the room is way too loud and busy for you to actually watch.) This year, I may opt for something far more laidback like the Movie Trivia & Oscars Watch Party at Ventnor Sports Cafe (2411 18th St. NW, DC).

Whatever your speed, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has offered up eight contenders for Best Picture this year, and I’m here to give you my analysis of how those nominations stack up!

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