It takes a village to get to the Academy Awards. But not just any village: One that is made up of power players, savvy in strategy and who will stop at nothing to take home that prized gold statue.

The road to the Oscars is almost as cutthroat as a presidential campaign, only this time it's without out all the fake news and email scandals.

And yes, when it comes to trying to nab an Oscar, campaign is the best adjective to describe the process.

It involves scheming and brainstorming and gobs and gobs of money.

There are no ulterior motives or backroom deals and, really, no secrets—because the end goal is completely transparent.

Movie studios (and the actors they employ) are in it to win it, and they'll do everything that's legal, and within their power, to do so.

But just because the process is lacking in smoke and mirrors doesn't mean it's any less interesting or mind-boggling.

As the 2017 show approaches, there are, quite literally, hundreds of people who have spent the better part of the last six months (and given up the better part of their sanity) to come out on top come Sunday at 9 p.m.