The National Archives is hosting free screenings of Oscar-nominated films in four categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film. Screenings will be held at the William G. McGowan Theater.

Some films to be on the lookout for in Documentary Feature include Alex Gibney’s Taxi to the Dark Side, about the use and abuse of torture practices by American troops, and War/Dance by local filmmakers Andrea Nix and Sean Fine, which focuses on a group of refugee children in northern Uganda. Read our profile of Nix and Fine here.

Every screening will be introduced by a member of the local film community, including Grace Guggenheim, president of Guggenheim Productions,, and Flo Stone, founder of DC’s Environmental Film Festival. Tickets will be distributed at the Special Events entrance of the building on Constitution Avenue an hour before showtime, and all seating will be first come, first  served. For more information call 202-357-5300.

The Washington DC Film Society will host its annual “And the Winner Is . . .” party at the Arlington Cinema ’n’ Drafthouse on the night of the ceremony. You’ll be able to watch the event on the big screen and participate in a silent auction with autographed posters and DVDs of films such as Juno, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, No Country for Old Men, and Michael Clayton. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the pre-Oscar show begins at 7. Tickets ($20) can be purchased at the door or online at dcfilmsociety.org.

UPDATE:

The day before the awards, selected AMC theaters in the area will be hosting all-day screenings of the best picture nominees. Passes to the AMC Best Picture Showcase are $30 and include a free large popcorn and unlimited refills. For tickets and more information click here.

This year's nominees for best live-action short film and animated short film are being screened at E Street Cinema (555 11th St., NW) as two separate feature-length programs. This is a limited engagement, so make sure to check it out while you still can. For tickets and more information call 202-452-7672 or click here.

The Red Cross will also be hosting its own Oscar party at Posh (730 11th St., NW) to celebrate the awards. Tickets to the Red Cross Oscar Party are $95-$150 and include hors d'oeuvres, open bar, and an Oscar swag bag. Dress is black tie. All proceeds to benefit the Red Cross. For more information call 703-584-8420.

UPDATE 2:

The Washington Film Institute will be hosting their Oscars Night Party at the Goethe-Institut (812 7th St., NW). Dress up like your favorite Hollywood star and watch the ceremony on a big screen. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and include a free beverage and hors d'ouevres. The party and the broadcast start at 7 PM. Click here to RSVP and get more information.