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It’s that time of year again, when rich Hollywood celebrities celebrate themselves. The designer dresses are hung. The suits are pressed. But are you ready for the Oscars? If not, here’s your chance for a little pre-game. Film writer and critic Noah Gittell, who’s had bylines in the Atlantic, Esquire, and the fine publication you’re currently reading, will lead attendees on a journey through the history of the Academy Awards. The talk will cover the most memorable Oscar ceremonies, like that time Ordinary People K.O.’d Raging Bull, or the infamous 1974 awards show where a hairy streaker scurried across the stage. Read more >>> The talk begins at 6:45 p.m. at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW. $35–$45. (202) 633-3030. smithsonianassociates.org. (Tim Regan)

EAT THIS

Tonight, Zengo chef de cuisine Jason Streiff will debut three dinner specials to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The wagyu beef gyoza ($15) will feature pork, shrimp, and serrano ham. Vegetable spring rolls ($9) and shrimp lo mein ($12) supposedly deliver wealth and longevity, respectively. End your meal with a fortune cookie. Zengo, 781 7th St., NW. (202) 393-2929. richardsandoval.com/zengodc/ (James Constant)

OH AND ALSO

Washington Stage Guild presents the second part of its production of George Bernard Shaw‘s Back to Methuselah, at the Undercroft Theatre. This portion takes place 250 years, then 3000 years, in the future. 7:30 p.m. at 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Pay what you can.

The 25th edition of the Washington Jewish Film Festival begins tonight at the AFI Silver Theatre with a screening of Magic Men, a film about a Hasidic rapper and his atheist father who travel from Israel to Greece in search of the man who saved his father’s life during World War II. 6:30 p.m. at 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. $30–$35.

New Jersey ska band the Hub City Stompers headline a night of rocksteady and reggae at Bossa Bistro in Adams Morgan featuring King Django and the Scotch Bonnets. Find more details on Facebook. 8 p.m. at 2463 18th St. NW. $8.

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