Long before Academy Awards night rolls around on March 4, you’ve probably assembled your own slate of favorites in the Oscar race. There’s nothing more enjoyable than comparing your picks, talking about the nominated films and performers—and of course, those you felt really should have gotten a nod—with other movie fans.

Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell is back for an evening that focuses on all things Oscar, from Academy Awards history and trivia to discussions of this year’s nominations and behind-the-scenes stories. Sip something festive and cast your vote for the winners in several major categories, with the most accurate predictions eligible for prizes after the awards are presented. A major (wax) celebrity or two (appearing courtesy of Madame Tussauds Washington) will be on the red carpet, waiting to pose for a photo with you!

Gittell has covered film and politics for publications and sites including the Atlantic, Guardian, Slate, The Economist, and L.A. Review of Books. He is a regular on-camera contributor to BBC’s “Talking Movies.”