Wherein we continue our tradition, sort of, of focusing on the circus that is the Oscars, rather than the bread that is the movies themselves. (Not to worry, though, we’ve covered them already.) This year, we have more local connections than the usual to the Academy Awards and, accordingly, bring you the dish on those, as well as a guide to the best local award-watching celebrations.

Hometown Hero: One of our own vies for Oscar gold

A Family Affair: My sister dressed Benjamin Button and Harvey Milk

Chicago on the Carpet: Local designers have stars in their eyes

Oscars Events in Chicago

And for those of you doing a crash course on the Best Picture nominees (yes, we know who we are), here are links to our reviews of each:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Frost/Nixon

Milk

The Reader

Slumdog Millionaire