Oscar 2011: The nominees

For Best Picture:

The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse


The rest of the nominees.


I find myself kinda underwhelmed by the overall choices. It looked like Dragon Tattoo had a legitimate shot at Picture, which I would've been in favor of, but they went instead with safe choices like War Horse and especially Loud, the latter of which had received unflattering reviews. (At least Steven Spielberg didn't get a Director nod.) Given a choice, the Academy will go with sentiment over innovation more often than not, and that's something I should've remembered. I'm glad I correctly picked Tree, even though I hated the movie, though I should've realized director Terence Malick would've gotten in as well.


No Michael Fassbender for Actor is very disappointing, though my disappointment is mitigated by the inclusion of Gary Oldman. I hated Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but I did like Oldman in it, and it's great to see him finally get recognized by the Academy. Rooney Mara for Actress is a nice surprise. Shaileen Woodley and Ben Kingsley missing out in Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor is not as nice. I was feeling fairly confident that Melissa McCarthy would make the cut for Supporting Actress, so I'm glad I picked her.


I picked A Separation for Original Screenplay, but not Margin Call. Tinker got Adapted Screenplay, so I guess I must be stupid in not being able to follow that movie. Or perhaps I just need to be British. And only two Original Song nominees? Really?


In the end, I guess it doesn't matter what I think of the nominees, because The Artist looks like it's gonna win and win big. Whatever. I can't really complain if that does happen. It's a good, enjoyable movie. Just not what I would've voted for.


Like the nominees? Hate them? Let's talk.

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Related:
Oscar 2010: The nominees
AMPAS to play roulette with Oscar Best Pic field