In the week before the ceremony I’ll give my expert analysis on who should and will win on February 25th but today here are some initial reactions to the nominations.
Biggest Surprise: No Best Picture Nom for Dreamgirls
Last summer, when Dreamworks started the train rolling on the Oscar buzz for this movie, I was convinced it was destined for a nomination. When the movie premiered to mostly positive reviews and respectable box office, I was convinced it was destined for a nomination. On Christmas Day when I saw the movie and enjoyed it far more then I expected, I was convinced it was destined for a nomination. At the Golden Globes when it took him Best Musical or Comedy, I was convinced it was destined for a nomination. Now I sit here in complete shock. I didn’t expect it to win and I’m guessing after I finally see The Departed I would not have wanted it to win but still to see what everyone thought was a sure bet miss the cut is really leaving me dumbfounded.
Second Biggest Surprise: Mark Wahlberg beats out Matt, Alec, Leo and Jack
I haven’t seen The Departed (2/13 on DVD) but I can’t believe that Marky Mark, who is a decent actor, was able to outshine 4 previous nominees and/or winners. There was a lot of confusion over whether Leo and Matt were both in leading roles or supporting roles so I’m guessing that’s part of it. Still I thought Jack would be a shoe in.
Biggest Snub: No Best Actor Nom for Borat
Here’s another case where I did not expect Sacha Baron Cohen to win but I thought the Academy would have the balls to at least give him a nomination to acknowledge his amazing work. This just further shatters my faith in the nomination process.
Most Pleasant Surprise: Children of Men picks up 3 nominations
Again I was well prepared for the fact that despite the rave reviews, 2006’s best film was going to be snubbed from the major categories. However I am very pleased that it picked up nominations in 3 categories were it actually has a chance; Cinematography, Editing, and Adapted Screenplay. If it doesn’t take home Cinematography then they shouldn’t even hold these awards anymore.
Most Competitive Category: Best Picture
Since I’ve only seen one of the films and it’s the one I’ll guarantee won’t win (Little Miss Sunshine), I’m in for a busy month and I don’t think I’m alone. There seems to be no sure fire frontrunner this year. Sure Babel won at the Globes but it’s come up short in many of the Critic’s awards. Letter from Iwo Jima has won a number of awards already but will its lack of English be a hang up for voters. The Departed is the most mainstream film nominated and while it’s got the pedigree to win, its lack of art house cred may hurt it. Finally you have The Queen which has gone the Walk the Line route and managed to snag a best picture nomination on the strength of its performances.
Least Competitive Category: Best Supporting Actress
If Jennifer Hudson wasn’t already a shoe in, the backlash over the lack of a Best Picture nomination for Dreamgirls is sure to lift her to victory and deservingly so.
Biggest Disappointment: Realizing it’s not a dream and Ellen is still hosting
Still it could be worse and we could be doomed to another 3 plus hours of Whoopi freaking Goldberg.
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