Best Picture Showcase scheduled

Aside from the nominations themselves, it’s the second most eagerly anticipated Oscars announcement each year.

OK, that might be a slight exaggeration. Still, for fans of the annual AMC Theatres Best Picture Showcase marathon, having the “which movies screen in what order” lineup in hand is a big deal.

The Best Picture Showcase takes place on the two Saturdays leading up to the live Academy Awards telecast on Sunday, Feb. 26. The nominees for best picture are shown back-to-backto-etc. at select AMC multiplexes around the country, including three in metro Atlanta: AMC Parkway Pointe in Atlanta, AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18 in Lawrenceville and AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 in Cumming.

The number of best picture nominees varies annually from a minimum of five to a maxium of 10. It’s fun seeing the way AMC lines them up each year, and 2017 is no exception.

Day One, Feb. 18: 10 a.m. “Manchester by the Sea”; 12:40 p.m. “Fences”; 3:20 p.m. “Hell or High Water”; 6 p.m. “LaLa Land.”

Day Two, Feb. 25: 10 a.m. “Moonlight”; 12:15 p.m. “Lion”; 2:35 p.m. “Hacksaw Ridge”; 6 p.m. “Arrival”; 8:30 p.m. “Hidden Figures.”

Tickets cost $32.50 each day, with a $5 discount on tickets purchased for both weekends (available at participating theater box offices only). For additional information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www. amctheatres.com.