Didn’t have time to make it to the movies last year? Need to impress the host of that Oscar party this weekend? Just want to be educated on the impressive cinema of 2015? Don’t worry friends—I endeavored to watch all of the Best Picture nominees so that you didn’t have to, and I’ve written up this guide so that you have all you need to pretend you watched them as well.

“The Big Short”

The biggest gathering of stars by far, “The Big Short” stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt in a comedy-drama about the financial crisis of 2008. While that might not sound like the most thrilling plot of all time, the big names come in handy to create sufficient suspense and emotion regarding the economic downturn. If you need to study for an economics exam and also want your faith in the financial system shattered, watch “The Big Short” to hear Selena Gomez explain synthetic collateralized debt obligations (no, I’m not joking).

“Bridge of Spies”

Steven Spielberg + Tom Hanks = Success. This formula has provided us with such classics as “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers,” but in 2015 the dynamic duo decided to move past World War II. Based on the true story of a Cold War negotiation, Hanks plays a lawyer who helps facilitate a high-stakes trade between a KGB agent and two American citizens. One of four historical movies to get the best picture nod this year, “Bridge of Spies” tells the now-classic story of a good-hearted Tom Hanks using hard work and determination to help others. Check back in year or so for the next installment.

“Brooklyn”

Personally, this was one of my favorite movies of last year. If you haven’t had the chance to behold Saoirse Ronan on the big screen, you have my pity. “Brooklyn” not only provided several genuine laughs, but the cinematography was gorgeous. The movie follows a young woman as she immigrates to the U.S. from Ireland, finds love and then must leave the life she’s built to return to her family. From rolling greens in Ireland to the sprawling streets of New York, the color, costumes and scenery in this movie were all incredible. Based off the book by Colm Toibin, “Brooklyn” is a contender for one of the best adaptions on the list.

“Mad Max: Fury Road”

You probably heard about this movie from your brother when he shouted something about the “alterations” he wanted to add to the family car. Widely regarded as one of the best action films of the past few years, “Fury Road” features an effects team that returned to good old stunt tricks to create an adrenaline-pumping flick. Even with Tom Hardy as the titular character, Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, a one-armed, no nonsense driver of a “war rig,” steals the show. There’s not too much plot to go over, but if you’re looking for the best special effects of the year, go rent “Fury Road” and grab a can of silver spray paint.

“The Martian”

Another adaption, “The Martian” rode into theaters on the coattails of the space hype caused by “Interstellar.” With another star-studded ensemble including Jessica Chastain (who probably reused her space suit), Kristen Wiig and Jeff Daniels, “The Martian” was a lot of time spent watching Matt Damon gardening on Mars. While an interesting film, and a great chance to see where space exploration may be headed, the plot didn’t carry the suspense or character development that would have made it more enjoyable.

“The Revenant”

Directed by last year’s best director winner (hint), Alejandro G. Inarritu, “The Revenant” is a history nerd’s dream. Based off the true story of fur trapper Hugh Glass, this movie finds Leonardo DiCaprio fighting Native Americans, being mauled by a grizzly bear, robbed, left for dead, crawling through the frozen wilderness and seeing his wife and son murdered in front of him (separately). If you have to suffer for your art, then Leo has created a masterpiece – and hopefully one that will finally give the man his coveted best actor statue. While the movie isn’t one you might be rushing to see again, it definitely leaves an impact. Alongside all the blood and heavy breathing, “The Revenant” includes some truly breathtaking scenery and camera work. Rounded out by amazing performances from Tom Hardy and my favorite new actor, Domhnall Gleeson, “The Revenant” is Oscar bait done right.

“Room”

The last adaption on the list, “Room” is the real emotional tug of the Oscars. Following a young woman who has been held captive in a shed for seven years, “Room” details her escape with the son she had with her captor. Heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting, this movie tackles subjects such as rape, depression, suicide and the mother/child bond. Not for the faint of heart, “Room” is a film most people avoided at the theaters due to its intense subject matter, but it is most likely going to win Brie Larson a best actress statue. And despite the grimness of the film, “Room” did bring nine-year-old Jacob Tremblay to center stage. He is already scheduled to appear in five more motion pictures in 2016.

“Spotlight”

The smallest film on the list, “Spotlight” has gained a lot of attention for its unflinching look at the Boston Globe “Spotlight” team’s investigation of child sex abuse by the Catholic Church. Staring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams, the film highlights the power of journalism in this crime-drama-esque movie. Received very positively by critics and relatively enjoyed by audiences, the film is intense without being overdramatic with the subject. While not wielding the same star power as the similarly shot “Big Short,” I would argue that the performances are better overall. Having snapped up a few best picture awards already at smaller ceremonies, “Spotlight” should by no means be discounted for its relatively low box office performance.

So who is going to end up with the win? My bet is “The Revenant” takes home the gold, but it wouldn’t be farfetched to see indie-darling “Spotlight” give Leo and company a run for their money.