IT'S the all-nighter that most of us have pulled at one time or another – even if we live to regret it the next day.

The Oscar ceremony – all those trophies, all those tears, all those stupendously expensive and revealing dresses – this year have an added ingredient: Donald Trump.

With Trump having alienated liberal Hollywood, there's a chance that at least some of the Oscar winners tonight will have a go at the brazenly duplicitous figure who now runs the free world.

Presenting ... the Sunday Herald guide to watching the 89th Academy Awards.

* When does it start?

Unless you're lucky enough to have a seat in the Dolby Theatre, you can catch all the action on Sky Oscars, from 1.30am to 5am. Stock up on the drinks and popcorn.

* Who is tipped to win?

La La Land's 14 nominations – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, etcetera etcetera – have prompted a backlash, with people falling over themselves to find fault with the plot and the acting. Variety's awards editor Kristopher Tapley, however, says that, "barring anything wildly unforeseen, La La Land should stay on track to win best picture, as well as director and actress honours ... Another safe bet is Viola Davis as supporting actress for Fences."

Tapley leans towards Denzel Washington (Fences) as best actor and Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) as best supporting actor.

Incidentally, the online slots specialist Mr Gamerz has analysed the winners of each award since 1995 to reveal common characteristics and produce an 'Oscar profile', the perfect candidate for the prize. It thus predicts La La Land as best picture, Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea) as best actor, La La's Emma Stone for best actress as well as the Oscar for its director Kenneth Lonergan, Mahershala Ali for best supporting actor and Naomie Harris (also Moonliht) for best supporting actress.

* What time should you go to bed?

On Oscars night a few years ago I went to bed at around 8pm and set the alarm for 1am but slept through it, woke up suddenly at 1.40am and was in front of the TV at 2am, thus making me utterly useless in the office that day. (Hardly a first for you! Editor)

Try setting two alarms. Or go for the all-nighter. You're only young once. Once you're up and about in the pre-dawn darkness, pace yourself. Nip outside for some fresh air once in a while. Enjoy the starry night and the magnificent solitude (take an umbrella just in case). Then scuttle back to your armchair in time to catch the nominations for Sound Editing.

* What snacks should you eat?

Energy bars. Protein snacks – nuts or seeds. Some dieticians suggest an advance protein-rich meal, a salmon cutlet or a chicken breast, say. I'm now checking the vegan options. Let me get back to you.

* What drinks should you drink?

Red Bull, freshly-ground coffee. More Red Bull. NB: Remember to schedule lots of toilet breaks.

* Who will make the most political speeches?

Meryl Streep is one to watch. At the Golden Globes seven weeks ago she spoke of her heartbreak that Trump had mocked a disabled reporter. Trump responded by describing her as "over-rated". Will she go after Trump tonight? We can but hope.

Nominees Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Michael Shannon and Natalie Portman have all spoken about the President.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the hit musical Hamilton, and a nominee for Moana, said in the Hollywood Reporter this week: "It's a political time, so I imagine the Oscars will look exactly like your Twitter or Facebook feed. Why should we ignore for three hours what we're talking about 24 hours a day?"

Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel knows there might be political speeches: "Some of the best Oscar speeches ever have been political. And sometimes they're annoying. So I think it depends on what's said, and who's saying it.”

* How to pull an Oscar sickie?

Tough one, this. Your line manager isn't stupid, despite appearances. He' or she will know you've been up 'til 5am watching. Best to struggle heroically into work and spend the day with your head resting lightly on your keyboard. If you're unemployed or retired just rest that head on the pillow.

* The fashions

Little point in asking a bloke about this. But, since you're asking: expect lots of Chanel, Armani Privé, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Calvin Klein. Oh, and Dior. Can I go now?

* Oscar parties

The Vanity Fair bash on North Santa Monica Boulevard is where lots of Oscar winners will be on show with their trophies. Another must-see is the Elton John AIDS Foundation 25th annual Oscar Viewing Party, in West Hollywood, where the menu will once again be in the capable hands of Gordon Ramsay. See you there.