We know the 10 contenders vying for Best Picture at the Academy Awards on Sunday, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of watching that many movies.

Why it matters: Trying to see them all is hard! Americans still aren't turning out to movie theaters en masse, and even if they make the journey, their local cineplex might not be screening some of the more niche contenders.

So if you've got an Oscar party on your calendar, but not a lot of free time, these are the three movies to prioritize:

"One Battle After Another"

Nothing is guaranteed, but Paul Thomas Anderson's Pynchon-inspired magnum opus is almost surely this year's Best Picture.

• The tale of ersatz political revolutionaries fighting back against an authoritarian government force is the type of timely film that Hollywood loves to reward.
• Its potential to win is bolstered by Anderson being long overdue after past masterpieces like "There Will Be Blood" and "Phantom Thread" couldn't bring home gold.

"Sinners"

The most-nominated movie of all-time is bonkers in the best way: part-1930s period piece, part-vampire bloodbath.

• The Academy loves to overlook horror movies, but writer/director Ryan Coogler's parable about the systemic exploitation of Black culture in American history is undeniable.

Why you should watch: Coogler's centerpiece juke joint scene — you'll know it when you see it — is perhaps the best of the year, an ode to the power of music that'll stick in your brain long after the movie ends.

• And what's better than a powerhouse Michael B. Jordan performance? Michael B. Jordan playing twins!

"Sentimental Value"

The best acting ensemble of the year shines in this more-fun-than-you'd-think Norwegian tale of generational trauma.

• Director Joachim Trier has long been a cinephile darling, but he snagged Stellan Skarsgard and Elle Fanning for his biggest swing yet.

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"Sinners" isn't just a commercial success, it's the latest disruptor to a film industry that covets intellectual property.

Why it matters: Director Ryan Coogler, who secured a rare agreement with Warner Bros. that grants him ownership of the film in 2050, could become the first Black person to win Best Director at the Academy Awards, which airs Sunday.

• He made history as the first person to direct two Actor Awards best ensemble winners for "Sinners" and "Black Panther."
• The vampire thriller secured 16 Oscar nominations, breaking a long-standing record for the most-nominated film of all time and made almost $370 million worldwide, more than four times its $90 million budget.

The big picture: "Sinners" signals a decisive power shift in Hollywood — from distributor back to creator.

• Major studio executives are seeing other directors demand the same terms, making talent relationships difficult to manage, Vulture reports.

State of play: Coogler told Business Insider he was motivated by the movie's narrative — centering on two brothers fighting for their juke joint in the Jim Crow South.

• The filmmaker will directly receive royalties from streaming, broadcasts, licensing and merchandising that would normally go to the studio.
• He says he will not seek ownership of future films.

Go deeper

Want to watch fashion, tearful acceptance speeches, and Warren Beatty announcing the wrong Oscar winner alongside friends and strangers?

• Here are a few local viewing party options — all of which greet you with a red carpet.

🎥 The Supermarket: Lights, camera, potluck!

• The Poncey-Highland arts space is asking guests to bring a dish and come dressed in their red-carpet best (or as their favorite actor). Free RSVP; donations encouraged.

🎞️ Enzo: The Italian restaurant and GTC Trilith Cinemas pour bubbly and give away movie memorabilia.

• Proceeds benefit Two Sparrows Village and Variety – the Children's Charity of Georgia. $125.

🎬 Plaza Theatre: Atlanta's longest-running independent cinema screens Hollywood's biggest night. Free RSVP.

Loyal Eats customers can now satisfy their cravings for the restaurant's staples at its new location.

The latest: The restaurant reopened Thursday inside Wild Heaven Beer's taproom at the Lee + White mixed-use development in the West End.

What's inside: Visitors will immediately recognize the iconic decor from the restaurant's former space on Ponce de Leon Avenue, including the red wooden booths, license plates and other trinkets donated by customers and the famous neon sign.

Go: Eats will be open seven days a week. Its hours of operation are 11am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.

The future of the Confederate-themed Wildman's Civil War surplus store is unclear after a woman who won a court battle for control of the business died soon afterward. (AJC)

Georgia lawmakers want more restrictions on the state's food assistance program. Advocates say the law could burden vulnerable households with paperwork and reduce food access. (Georgia Recorder)

🎅 Red signs saying "Santa is watching you" are popping up all over town. Who's behind them? (AJC)

State Rep. Dexter Sharper (D-Valdosta) pleaded guilty to federal charges of pandemic unemployment fraud and announced he will resign from the General Assembly. (CBS News Atlanta)