10 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2016 Oscars

Well, it's that time of year again: time for the pomp, pageantry, and prognostication of the Academy Awards. And if it seems like the same old, same old, it's not – there are still plenty of reasons to watch this year's show. In fact, we've got ten right here.

1. The Best Picture Race Is Still Wide Open

Unlike past years, when the winners seemed to be a foregone conclusion ("12 Years a Slave" was tapped to win Best Picture after its first festival screenings), the race is still very much open, especially when it comes to the biggest category of them all: Best Picture. While "The Revenant" has gained steam recently, "Spotlight" could still take home the top prize, ditto PGA winner "The Big Short." Some speculate that it might even go to "Mad Max: Fury Road" (can you imagine?) To Valhalla!

2. Chris Rock

There are few things as exciting as this year's host, Chris Rock. He's proven that he can do a great job, by sidestepping the shtick that has derailed hosts in the past. And thanks to this year's glaring and very problematic #OscarsSoWhite controversy, he is the right man to comment on the situation while still making it accessible for casual viewers.

3. The Presenters

The latest group of presenters was just announced, and it included J.J. Abrams (left), Morgan Freeman, and John Legend. Having such diverse presenters seems intentional on the part of the awards' producers, given the lack of diversity in the actual categories, but that calculated approach doesn't make us any less excited -- particularly for Abrams, who is making his first big public appearance since shattering box office records (and expectations) with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

4. The Musical Performances

The fact that Sam Smith, The Weeknd (!) and Lady Gaga (double !) are all nominated in the Best Original Song category means that there are some guaranteed barn-burning musical performances already scheduled for Sunday night. Hopefully the guests will be able to dance in their tuxes and ball gowns.

5. The Outfits

And speaking of tuxes and ball gowns, everyone watches the Oscars to see what people are wearing, and this year should be no exception. While the Oscars ceremony comes at the end of a long and exhausting awards season, most save the best (and most glamorous) for last. And whether they're absolute fiascos or pieces of unbridled brilliance, the outfits are always worth talking about.

6. 2015 Was a Great Year for Movies

People seem to forget what an unbelievable year for movies it was in 2015, arguably one of the greatest years in recent cinema. Here's hoping that the Oscars -- through jokes, jabs, and well-edited montages -- will remind people just how good Hollywood's output was last year.

7. You've Probably Got a Lot Riding On The Winners

Admit it: you've bet big in your office pool and are looking to take home a small dingy full of cash. Well, you've got to watch the big show to know if you've won.

8. Leo Should Finally Be Victorious

DiCaprio is one of the most talented and consistently entertaining performers working today. And yet this man has never won an Oscar. It looks like Leo will finally get what's coming to him during this year's show, when he takes home the statue for "The Revenant."

9. The 'In Memoriam' Should Be Extra Weepy This Year

Think about it: in the last few months we've lost Alan Rickman and David Bowie. While there's no guarantee either will appear in this year's super-weepy segment, the amount of talent we've lost over the previous year is incalculable to the art form and to the performer or technicians' loved ones. Considering how many truly staggering talents we've lost over the previous year (Leonard Nimoy, Christopher Lee, and Wes Craven, to name a few), expect numerous hankies to be snottily blown during the Oscars' memorial tribute segment.

10. It's Something to Talk About

If nothing else, the Oscars provide perfect watercooler chit-chat: a big, cultural moment that captures the zeitgeist with a singularity rarely seen in the business. Expect social media to be just as lively as your in-office debate the next day (especially if you come out on top of your office pool).