Oscar Buzz

Seeing as I do a podcast about films, my Netflix queue is almost 500 movies deep, and every time I see my friends I'm asking what the last movie they saw was, I've been getting a lot of questions on my thoughts of the Oscar nominations. So here they are, each of the "major" categories.

Actor in a Leading Role
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
I'm excited about this one as Mr. Jenkins has always been someone I appreciate in films as a character actor and for him to receive such high kudos is great.

Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
I've yet to see this film but have read that he put a lot of time into this film. I think it's a little handicapped in his favor as he also played this part in the stage production.

Sean Penn - Milk
I felt he was robbed the year he played in I Am Sam and not glad he won for Mystic River. Although I haven't seen the film, I've heard he's amazing.

Brad Pitt - Curious Case of Benjamin Button
This one surprised me and I'm not too happy about it. Of all the actors in this film, he was my least fave. No mannerisms, too simple, almost a blank slate. Not sure how that warrants good acting.

Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
This is the one I'm rooting for. I've yet to see this film but for all the praise it's receiving and to see the return of Mickey Rourke makes me happy.

Missing: Clint Eastwood and Colin Farrell

Actor in a Supporting Role
Josh Brolin - Milk
Haven't read enough about him in this film so I'll be surprised if he wins.

Robert Downey Jr - Tropic Thunder
I think this is the academy's response to people saying year after year that comedies get screwed at the Oscars. No chance he'll win, but glad to see him nominated.

Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Another film I've yet to see but have been told is amazing and well acted by all.

Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
The runaway favorite and, I hope, winner. After just re-watching this in IMAX, I'm amazed at how I completely forget it's Heath Ledger and can only see him as The Joker.

Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
Another film I really want to see, but have yet to, and a role that I've been reading/hearing about as one of the best.

Missing: Eddie Marsan from Happy-Go-Lucky. You'll never look at your rearview mirrors the same again.

Actress In a Leading Role
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
I hate to keep typing this, but another film I've yet to see. From what I've read an amazing performance that I could see taking home the statue.

Angelina Jolie - The Changeling
After not enjoying Mystic River, Clint Eastwood's prior film, I didn't have an interest in this. I've heard Ms. Jolie is amazing, but not strong enough to take the win.

Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Much like Mr. Jenkins for The Visitor, this is a role that I'm glad to see nominated. As this film was only released to 3 theaters I don't think I would've had a chance to see it but have heard nothing but rave reviews. She's the Cinderella story.

Meryl Streep - Doubt
If Meryl Streep is nominated for an Oscar, wait, she's always nominated. She's just that good.

Kate Winslet - The Reader
Looking forward to seeing this film and glad to see Ricky Jervais predicted it right on Extras by saying that she would have to do a holocaust film to be nominated.

Missing: Sally Hawkins from Happy-Go-Lucky. A role that you'll either love or hate, but won't forget.

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams - Doubt
I love that she's becoming more and more respected, but I don't think she'll win this one.

Penelope Cruz - Vicky Christina Barcelona
From what I've been reading, she's apparently the clear winner. Didn't see the film so can't say much.

Viola Davis - Doubt
Also from what I've been reading, she should be the winner but her time on screen is so minimal it might not win many votes.

Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
I loved her in Hustle and Flow and thought she did a good job in Button, but not sure if she can win it.

Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
How far we've come since My Cousin Vinny. Having not seen the film, I can't really comment but I don't see her name coming up much.

Missing: Mila Kunis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Say what you will, but I found her charming and beautiful in this role.

Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Great film but not ground breaking enough to merit the win IMO.

Frost/Nixon
I'm surprised with the so-so reviews how well this is doing, but I don't think it'll win.

Milk
From what I've read, just a beautiful film that I could see winning.

The Reader
Haven't heard much about this except for the acting, so no reaction from me.

Slumdog Millionaire
Another film that everyone and their brother is talking about. Easily could take it all, but there may just be a surprise this year.

Missing: Wall-E. Although it chose to go with Animated Feature (gauranteeing an Oscar) this film was so great it should've been nominated here. Also, The Dark Knight. Based on reviews alone, this has to be better than Frost/Nixon. I don't recall seeing scars on our former president.

Other thoughts:
Chistopher Nolan should've been nominated for best director and The Dark Knight should've been nominated for best original screenplay.

I hope Man on Wire wins best documentary and is a must-watch.