I did a lot better with this than with the Golden Globes. Of the categories I attempted to predict, I actually got 78% of the noms right. And I nailed the Best Supporting Actress category completely. But there were still plenty of surprises.
Let’s start with the stuff I didn’t even attempt to predict.
I think it’s pretty hip that two of the Best Song noms come from foreign films. Of course, it was a pretty weak year for this category.
Wow, The Village actually got a nom. Nope, doesn’t make me like it any better.
As expected, Passion basically got a lot of (well-deserved) technical noms, and nothing more.
How does Eternal Sunshine, a movie dependent on clever editing, not get an editing nom? Probably the same way it doesn’t get a directing nom.
A lot of good docs got left out of the doc race this year, but I am glad to see that Tupac: Resurrection got some love.
Don’t nominate Troy. You’ll just encourage them.
Overall I’m very happy with the cinematography noms this year. It’s a close race between the ones that deserve it, though my early guess is that The Aviator will nab it just cause.
Dude, how did Shark Tale end up with a nom?
At some point later I’ll do a post on how many good foreign films weren’t even eligible this year for Best Foreign. For now, I’ll just say how did House of Flying Daggers, one of the few that was eligible, miss the cut?
I’m glad to see Before Sunset get a nod, but I’m still baffled as to how it’s an adapted screenplay.
I underestimated The Incredibles, but I really underestimated Vera Drake. I figured Imelda Staunton and that’s it. But screenplay, actress and director? Damn.
I’m impressed, and happy, to see Catalina Sandino Moreno get a nod for Maria, Full of Grace. It was a small film, but apparently enough people saw it. Reminds me of Keisha Castle-Hughes nom for Whale Rider.
Alan Alda. Yes, I know. There was talk of this before. But I didn’t think they’d actually do it. He’s in the movie for, like, two minutes.
Biggest sign that Sideways is going to lose for Best Picture? No Paul Giamatti for Best Actor. This, to me, is the biggest surprise and the biggest dis this year. How can you not nominate him and still nominate the picture for so many other awards? If Giamatti doesn’t work, the rest of the film doesn’t, either.
I think part of me resisted the notion of Ray getting directing and picture nods because I thought it was a good movie with a great performance. I’m not surprised, but maybe a little disappointed. Still, you could do a lot worse.
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