7 Reasons You Should Watch the 2017 Oscars

The Oscars are a time-honored tradition beloved by movie fanatics, basic cable fashion commentators, and bored teenagers everywhere. It's a night when the entire world gathers to celebrate everything (or, at least some things) that Hollywood has to offer. These are seven reasons to microwave some popcorn, fire up some Cracker Barrel mac-and-cheese, and enjoy the glitziest night on the planet. 

1. You've Actually Seen Some of the Nominees

It's hard to get excited about an Oscar telecast if the movies and performances nominated are too obscure. Thankfully, the nominees this year are fairly popular. Just look at the Best Picture category, with movies like "Hidden Figures," "Fences,"  "La La Land," and "Arrival," chances are you haven't just seen one or two of the nomination films but a lot of them. It's always more fun to watch the awards when you have a favorite you're rooting for.

2. The Outfits, Obvi

One of the big reasons to watch the Oscars –- and the hours-long pre-shows -- is to see what everyone is wearing. And this year will be no different. There are some very glamorous people nominated this year who are going to look absolutely stunning on the big night, including Emma Stone, Ruth Negga, Natalie Portman, Viola Davis, Ryan Gosling, and Mahershala Ali. Hell, considering what a weirdo Michael Shannon is, it'll be worth watching just to see what he comes dressed as. Board shorts could be considered Awards chic, under the right circumstances.

3. Jimmy Kimmel Taking a Crack at the Big Time

Oscar hosts are a notoriously mixed bag, and the odds aren't in the favor of late-night hosts taking over the big spot (see: David Letterman's notoriously bizarre job back in 1995). Jimmy Kimmel is an odd choice, especially given his sometimes mean-spirited humor and general lack of charisma, but it makes sense in a synergistic sense because Disney and ABC produce both his show and the Oscars. Will he have celebrities read mean tweets on stage? Will there be a pre-taped bit where he asks dumb people easy-to-answer Oscar trivia? The only way to find out is to watch.

4. How Political Will It Be?

It's no secret that things right now are incredibly touchy, politically, and that there isn't a more outspoken band of issue-minded folk than the Hollywood elite. Which is why it's going to be really interesting to see just how much of the political winds up in the actual ceremony. Will it reach the heights of Marlon Brando sending Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather to accept (and then decline) his Oscar for "The Godfather?" Crazier things have happened.  

5. It's Not Like There's Any Good TV on Anyway

There's really nothing on Sunday nights right now that is worth turning away from the Academy Awards. What? Are you going to use that night to catch up on "The OA" so you can finally talk to Phil in accounting about all the awesome twists? Who are you kidding?

6. There Should Be Some Surprises

One of the more exciting aspects of this year's Oscars is how unpredictable it is. Unlike in years past, there isn't a clear-cut frontrunner in many of the major categories (well, maybe besides Viola Davis sauntering away with the Best Supporting Actress award). It seems like every day you'll hear about a different film or performance taking the edge over another. Plus, there are a number of personal tribulations that could spice things up (Mel Gibson's rocky past, Casey Affleck's accusations of harassment, Meryl Streep's singing). Expect the unexpected. 

7. So Many Musical Numbers

In 2016, the movie musical came back in a big way. And I'm not just talking about "La La Land," which was obviously terrific, but in other nominated movies like "Moana" and "Trolls" (which is to say nothing of the amazing musicals that got snubbed, including "Sing Street"). So it'll be interesting to see how the show puts on the musical numbers -- are we going to get nominated actors like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone up on stage singing? (Probably not.) But Justin Timberlake might be there to sing his song from "Trolls"! And while Lin-Manuel Miranda, a nominee for his song from "Moana," doesn't actually sing in the nominated tune, it'll probably be the closest most of us get to seeing "Hamilton."