I like award shows. I know some people think that's weird but I just love watching them. I especially love watching them when I know what is being nominated for each category. Unfortunately, I usually don’t know much of what is going on when I watch The Oscars. I usually have seen a couple of the movies being nominated but that’s the extent of my knowledge. Knowing what's going on makes watching the three-hour production much more enjoyable. Therefore I decided to do a little research on the films I was not familiar with in order to understand what was going on. Here's a brief synopsis of each movie nominated for best picture.

The Big Short - Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, Steve Carell

Four people are able to predict the downward spiral of the housing market and big banks in 2008. These four expose corruption and immoral behavior while earning a large sum in their favor.

Bridge of Spies - Tom Hanks

In the middle of the Cold War, lawyer James Donovan must defend Rudolf Abel who was accused of being a Russian spy. Donovan is then sent to Germany to discuss a trade with the soviets of Abel for a recently captured US air pilot Francis Gary Powers.

Brooklyn - Emory Cohen, Julie Walters

Immigrant Eilis Lacey leaves her home in Ireland for the United States in 1952 in order to find work. While there, she falls in love with an Italian-American man. When she later returns home, she is courted by a boy from her hometown. She now faces being torn between the two men.

Mad Max - Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron

This movie takes place in Australia many years after an apocalypse has destroyed Earth. Australia is being ruled by outlaws who hoard all resources for themselves. In order to escape tyrant Immortal Joe, Max Rockatansky works alongside imperator Furiosa.

The Martian - Matt Damon

When an unexpected storm hits Mars, astronaut Mark Watney is assumed to be dead and left on the planet. Watney must figure out ways to feed and take care of himself until he can go home. Once he is able to communicate with NASA, it's a race to get him home.

The Revenant - Leonardo DiCaprio

During the 1800s, Hugh Glass is dangerously mauled by a bear while on a journey through the American wilderness and further left by his accompanying men. Driven by revenge, Glass begins the pursuit of tracking the men who abandoned him.

Room - Based on a best-selling novel

A young woman held captive for seven years attempts to create a normal life with her five year old son Jack. Once they escape the captor, Old Nick, they must deal with the world and people around them.

Spotlight - Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton

Journalists for The Boston Globe began investigating Father John Geoghan after he was accused of molesting over 80 young boys. During their investigation, the team discovers lawyers and government officials who aided the Boston archdiocese in hiding other molestations.