This year's Oscar picks are probably the best in many years. There are no nods that strike me as outrageously unjust and hardly any omissions that are truly infuriating. 3 of the 5 Best Picture nominees fell in my top 10 and the other 2 are still worthy features. I'm especially thrilled with the pack of screenplay contenders. I always say the best way to truly measure the best films of the year is to check out the Best Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay nominees. Unlike the overbearing, ad fueled Best Picture contest, the screenplay categories are least plagued by celebrity and most likely to reward more ambitious features. This year's pleasant screenplay surprises include Nancy Oliver for her boldly funny "Lars and the Real Girl," actress/writer/director Sarah Polley for her stunning breakthrough "Away from Her," and Tamara Jenkins for "The Savages" (also a nominee for Best Actress - Laura Linney, another brilliant surprise nod). Also getting their due: "There Will Be Blood," "Juno," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," and "No Country for Old Men." Biggest snub: "Once" getting nothing but a nod for Best Original Song. For the full list of nominees go here.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
News: Academy Award Nominees
This year's Oscar picks are probably the best in many years. There are no nods that strike me as outrageously unjust and hardly any omissions that are truly infuriating. 3 of the 5 Best Picture nominees fell in my top 10 and the other 2 are still worthy features. I'm especially thrilled with the pack of screenplay contenders. I always say the best way to truly measure the best films of the year is to check out the Best Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay nominees. Unlike the overbearing, ad fueled Best Picture contest, the screenplay categories are least plagued by celebrity and most likely to reward more ambitious features. This year's pleasant screenplay surprises include Nancy Oliver for her boldly funny "Lars and the Real Girl," actress/writer/director Sarah Polley for her stunning breakthrough "Away from Her," and Tamara Jenkins for "The Savages" (also a nominee for Best Actress - Laura Linney, another brilliant surprise nod). Also getting their due: "There Will Be Blood," "Juno," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," and "No Country for Old Men." Biggest snub: "Once" getting nothing but a nod for Best Original Song. For the full list of nominees go here.
