It's no surprise that I love movies — I do write about them every week, after all. So it shouldn't shock you that each and every February you can find me in full Academy Awards preparation mode. No, I might not be a member of the Academy, but I do still try to watch as many of the movies that are up for awards as possible. I follow the news, I listen to the buzz, and I genuinely enjoy the surprise, or total lack thereof, on the big night when the presenter opens that envelope and says, "And the winner is..."

What is it that gets us so excited for the Oscars? We have absolutely no involvement in the making of the nominated films. Our country rarely — scratch that — almost never, wins any accolades for our contributions to Hollywood. We maybe don't even like nine out of the 10 flicks up for Best Picture.

For some people, watching the Oscars has little to nothing to do with the movies. For some, it's all about the red carpet. Whether you're a fashion fanatic dying to see who's wearing a dress designed by whom, or you're a celebrity gossip junkie who can't wait any longer to find out whom Bradley Cooper is bringing as his date, the red carpet is a magical place.

For others, the Oscars are about the ceremony or, to be more precise, the emcees. Sure some presenters are lackluster and some are downright bad, but more often than not the host of the evening leaves viewers in stitches. Think back to Billy Crystal's numerous hosting gigs and tell me that none of them made you laugh out loud. You can't? I didn't think so. This year, with the comedic talents of Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane hosting the evening there are sure to be more than a few raunchy laughs to be had.

Maybe you're one of those people who enjoys watching when the censors slip up and lets some profanity or another make it onto live broadcast television. Remember a couple of years ago when Melissa Leo won for Best Supporting Actress in The Fighter and let the dreaded f-bomb slip? That was a moment worth watching!

Or maybe you're a fan of the old school and watch each year for the winner of the lifetime achievement award. The same year that Leo's profanity made it past the sensors, Kirk Douglas took home the prestigious Lifetime award. Not only was it magical to watch someone so talented be recognized for his years of hard work, he was funny. Hilarious. Funnier than some hosts.

Whatever your reason for watching the Academy Awards this year, it's time to start getting excited! The Oscars are a great time all around, and though they're still a few weeks away, I just couldn't contain my own excitement any longer!