The short end of it

Have you done all your Oscars homework? Not just in preparation for meat-and-potatoes categories either, slacker — let's move beyond best actor and actress in a leading or supporting role and best picture, OK?

In five days, the Academy will dole out 24 awards. While stuff like sound mixing and makeup may be better left in the hands of true buffs, you should at least chalk up on docs and short film nominees. Conveniently, the latter are playing every night, through Friday, at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

For a bargain price, catch five films in a row — either animated or live action — including: "This Way Up," a morbidly charming tale of two undertakers en route to the cemetery, and "Spielzeugland (Toyland)," wherein a young German boy is told that his Jewish neighbors are going to a magical land instead of a concentration camp.

Click here for show times and ticket prices.

Then, of course, there's the ultimate pay-off for your diligent cinema studies: the Brattle Theatre's Oscar Night Party, including an open bar and hors d'oeuvres for a minimum donation of $50 per person to the Brattle Film Foundation.

A worthy cause indeed. Especially if it means more movies and free booze.