The nominees for the 88th annual Academy Awards were announced last week, and while your favorite film might or might not receive the coveted Best Picture statue, there is a chance that you could win a shiny award of your own. You just have to be really smart.

The Benicia Public Library will be hosting its 25th annual Trivia Bee fundraiser at the Clock Tower. As in past years, the contest will consist of teams of three members who will participate in three rounds of questions. The questions will be in the categories of history, geography, entertainment, local history, science and a wild card which has to do with the theme of the event. This year’s theme will be Hollywood and the Academy Awards.

“The first round is the easiest round, and then we disqualify some people,” Administrative Secretary Helaine Bowles said. “The first round is 14 questions on various topics, and 19 is the highest score that will compete in the semifinals. In the next round, there’s five teams left, and the third round decides who the first, second and third place is.”

Additionally, this edition of the Trivia Bee will be honoring past winners of the contest. Bowles said the previous champions would be honored with special awards, but she would not give details on what exactly they would receive.

Even those who are not competing on teams will be able to participate on some level, Bowles said.

“We normally have a total of between 250 and 300 people that attend the event,” she said. “They can play at their seats, but they have to be quiet because they can’t shout out the answers. If you’re there, you’ll see all the tables where people can write down their answers.”

Once again, the audience is encouraged to dress up in accordance with the theme of the event. Last year’s theme was “Alice’s Adventures in Library Land,” so people came dressed as characters from “Alice in Wonderland.” This year, attendees can dress up like celebrities or people going to the Oscars. There will be a prize for the best costume.

Bowles hopes the contest will provide participants and attendees a chance to have a good time and support the library.

“This is a major fundraiser for the library,” she said.

Doors for the Trivia Bee will open at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Clock Tower, located at 1189 Washington St. Openings for teams are still available, so interested participants can call 746-4358 or check the library’s website for the registration form. The cost to have a team is $300, including a dinner catered by First Street Cafe.

For people who just want to watch, tickets will be on sale starting Feb. 1 at the library or through EventBrite.com. There will also be a no-host bar, silent auction and raffle. Early bird tickets are $30, but after Feb. 22 the price will go up to $40. A table can be reserved with the purchase of 8 or more tickets.

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