More Oscar and appliances news: Rachel Getting Married and how to load a dishwasher

The Wrestler isn't the only recent film with an appliances connection. In a key scene in Rachel Getting Married, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Best Actress nominee Anne Hathaway, the father of the bride (Bill Irwin) and the groom (Tunde Adebimpe) engage in a dishwasher-loading contest. This moment of levity in an otherwise somber tale was apparently inspired by an event in the life of screenwriter Jenny Lumet.

The father wins the timed competition, though he likely could have shaved a few seconds off his time had he not prerinsed the load: As our tests have shown, most modern dishwashers like the one in the film will get your cups, plates, bowls and cutlery clean without your having to prerinse them, saving you time and conserving water.—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: Even if you're not into competitive dishwasher loading, read our advice on how to load a dishwasher and steps to cleaner dishes.