Good evening from L.A., I’ve just returned from Puck’s very fun D.C. event last night at the French Ambassador’s residence. It was great to see so many non-Hollywood What I’m Hearing readers and D.C. insiders, and to support our political team. If you’re not getting The Best & The Brightest email, sign up here. It’s like What I’m Hearing, but about people who are actually important.

Programming note: Due to the Oscars, no WIH on Sunday. I may send something on Monday, but only if needed, and I’m doing a call for Inner Circle members that day at 11:30 a.m. PT breaking down the Oscars. Upgrade your membership here (or email fritz@puck.news) to join.

🚨Oscar ratings contest! Respond to this email by Sunday at 5 pm with your best guess of the Live+Same Day total viewers of the show, per Nielsen. Remember, last year’s number was...

• A24’s cost of being everything everywhere: Looks like we’re headed for an Everything Everywhere All at Once coronation on Sunday. (I just don’t think the late movement for All Quiet on the Western Front or the populist push for Top Gun: Maverick will be enough.) If so, we’ll get the same flood of...

Can’t see the full story? You’re receiving the free version of What I’m Hearing at . For full access to Puck, and to each of my colleagues, you can subscribe here.

I got good feedback, so here again is my wrap-up of the whole ridiculous spectacle, acknowledging the cynical marketing campaigns, the awkward moments, the campy on-stage raps, and the doting awards media scrum that covers it all like this stuff actually matters. So enjoy these 23 categories, and feel free to tell me which ones should be booted to a pre-show next year...