First Look at 2008 Oscar Noms

I know it doesn’t feel like Oscar time with the strike on and a red carpet free Golden Globes but yes it is that time of the year and this morning we got our first look at the nominations. I’ll have my more detailed 3rd Annual Oscar Preview in February but for now here are some quick observations:

*Juno’s best pic nomination certainly continues the “Little Miss Movie” trend started last year. It’s a small film that’s both funny and touching and while it’s by all account a great flick its lacks the typical Oscar gravitas. I applaud the trend that films like these are getting recognized but until one wins they’ll be treated much the way a 16 seed is in the NCAA basketball tournament; nice that they’re there but no need to pay attention to them cause they’ll be losers soon enough.

*Happiest surprise is that not only did Michael Clayton get a best picture nom but so did director Tony Gilroy. For a first time director he did a magnificent job and certainly deserves to be recognized.

*Biggest disappointment is the lack of respect The Bourne Ultimatum received. I didn’t expect a Best Picture nomination but cinematography and directing would have been nice. At least it’s up in the editing category but with heavyweights No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood in there I doubt it will get the recognition it much deserves.

*Is Johnny Depp going to be the new Martin Scorsese? Every year it seems like the kid is nominated with no hope of winning. While I’m sure he gives a fine performance in Sweeney Todd, Clooney and Day-Lewis have swept through all the critic’s awards and are sure to take home Oscar. Anyone else have the feeling we’ll be seeing a 60 year old Depp on stage receiving an award for a Cocoon remake in like 20 years.

*So glad to see Once get a Best Song nomination but I doubt the Disney juggernaut will be stopped with Enchanted overwhelming the category.

*Very surprised Bee Movie and The Simpsons Movie were shut out of Animated Feature. On the flip side I’m hearing such wonderful buzz on Persepolis that Pixar might have to give up their hold on the Oscar.

*As usual the Screenplay categories are fat with quality. I love the Ratatouille got an original screenplay nod as Brad Bird is one of the best writer/directors working today whether it be live action or animation. Also very rewarding to see Sarah Polley get the nom for her debut film Away From Her.

*Glad to see the virtual shut out for American Gangster. Again I found the film to be a huge disappointment but sometimes Oscar rewards these award ready films anyway so I was grateful that didn’t happen.

*On a personal note I’m thankful that all 5 best picture nominees are movies that I’ve either seen or want to see. Both Michael Clayton and No Country for Old Men made my top 5 for 2007 and Juno, There Will Be Blood and to a lesser extent Atonement are all movies I’m chomping at the bit to see. Hope to knock one of those down over the weekend.

Like I said I'll have plenty of breakdown on the major categories in the weeks to come plus a preview of the show if there is one. Settle the strike now studios, this is a great crop of films that deserve their night in the spotlight plus think about poor Jon Stewart.