And the Nominees Are...

The White Party

Welcome back everyone!  Last night's ceremony was fantastic - some surprises, lots of red dresses, some touching moments (even for a sarcastic jerk like me!), and even a couple (just a couple, sadly) of dishy fashion disasters to sink our snarky teeth into.  Ooh - and let's not forget the near devouring of Laura Linney and Jennifer Garner (to whom I am JUST starting to warm up) by Gary Busey and his size 17 chompers on the E! Red Carpet show.  I guess Garner doesn't watch "Celebrity Fit Club," nor has she seen any of the fine, fine films he has been making for the last 20 or so years (um, he actually was in a movie called "The Hand Job," and it was not rated XXX), because she clearly thought he was an insane, blithering idiot who meant her potential harm. Which, he is.  Allegedly (to steal from Kathy Griffin).

Before I get started, I know it appears as if I have not posted my latest reviews as I had promised to do between my last post and now.  This is not exactly the case, as there has not been a single film out there that has been worth my 12 NY dollars (plus the $1 pre-order fee...one can't expect to just go to the theater in NY and get a ticket from a person any more) since my last post.  We have rented three damn good films that never found the audience they deserved, so I suppose I could have written about those at some point.  I PROMISE to type those up in the next week or so.

One more "before I get started" - I am actually a published Oscar freak now.  I suppose it's good to have friends in high places, as one of our closest NY friends has recently taken the reigns at NEXT Magazine, NY's premier gay weekly.  Indeed, the Bij gave me the opportunity to write a quick article that was published just this past week.  If you're in NY, you can pick up a copy at your local gay or gay-friendly establishment.  Otherwise, check me online here (um, some of the ads in this publication are def NSFW, you have been warned.  Also, you'll need to click on the "back" button to get back to my blog):

Jack's "Next Magaine" Article

Ok, enough about me already.  As usual, I'll discuss the show first, fashion second.  ENJOY!

The Show

Let's chat about the title of this particular entry.  No, I am not blogging about the annual Circuit Party held in Miami, though I bet some of the supposedly hetero guys might have preferred to be there than at last night's ceremony (Travolta).  Nope, "The White Party" is my personal response to the ad nauseam comment of how "diverse" this year's Oscars supposedly were.  Sure, none of the acting winners were American, however they were still all given to shades of white, from the olive-skinned Javier Bardem to the porcelain Tilda Swinton.  Of the other winners, we had a white former stripper winning Best Original Screenplay (Diablo Cody, for "Juno"), an array of white nerds winning for sound, sound mixing, special effects, etc. for a variety of films about white people, and white people from Austria winning Best Foreign Film about persecuted white people.  Thank goodness that "Freeheld," about a woman who fights NJ state law as she is dying of breast cancer so that her lesbian partner can collect her pension benefits, won for Best Documentary Short or last night could have doubled for the upcoming Republican Convention!

As host Jon Stewart, I thought he did a capable job. His political jokes were expected and yet still somewhat funny, and some of his other stuff was pretty decent too. I particularly enjoyed him ragging on Cate Blanchett for being such a versatile actress and saying that she played one of the pit bulls in "No Country for Old Men" and was actually playing the part of Jon Stewart during the ceremony last night.  If I have a complaint (and seriously, when don't I?  Try working and/or living with me), it was his need to validate each of the winner's after they left the stage.  His "wasn't that a great speech?" and "isn't she a deserving winner?" commentary starting to get a little annoying, as I am very capable of making my own damn opinions.

One area I was admittedly less impressed with was the crowd itself.  Yes, it's always fun to see the host as well as the young male stars cower to Jack Nicholson and George Clooney in the front row.  I also enjoyed the somewhat surprise award for "most reaction shots" of the night, which went not to Nicholson but to my girl Laura Linney.  They must have showed my girl 30 times last night, including a Laughing Linney, a Dewey-eyed Linney, and a Contemplative Linney - bitch can emote, I tells ya!  Unfortunately, the rest of the crowd was not exactly star-filled - no visible Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes, Sean Penn (pissed he didn't get enough noms for his "Into the Wild," I gather), etc.  "Hollywood's Biggest Night" has turned into a ceremony you go to if you're nominated or presenting, and then "Hollywood's Biggest After Party."  Come on, sour grapes stars and starlets who shouldn't need the presenter's gift basket in order to check out the show...bring the glamour back!

As for the awards, the predictable winners were most certainly Daniel Day-Lewis (thank God I don't have to see that freaking vein popping out of his "I ABANDONED MY BOY!" head ever again), Javier Bardem (great speech), and the Coen brothers for Best Director(s), Best Adapted Screenplay, and ultimately Best Picture for "No Country for Old Men."

As for less predictable, I guess I should have seen Marion Cotillard's win for her performance in "La Vie en Rose" coming.  The pundits are feigning shock, however she WAS portraying an actual person (French singing legend Edith Piaf), she is, erm, French, so we can feel more cultured about her win, and she won the Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.  Plus, her closest competition was Julie Christie, in a role that was pitch-perfect but just too tough for many to watch.  I have not seen "La Vie en Rose," but it's going to be hard to convince me that upstart Cotillard was truly better than Julie.  I predict we never see her again.

Even less predictable was Tilda Swinton's award for "Michael Clayton."  The film was heavily nominated and went home otherwise empty-handed, so perhaps she got the "we have to give it something" award.  Either way, I enjoyed her performance, I continue to enjoy her work, and I thought she gave a great speech.

As for my "moment" of the ceremony, there were two this year.  I thought the moment was Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's MUCH deserved win for Best Song from "Once."  I just can't say enough about that film...I feel like it's a secret that only I, and a few others who also saw the film, know about.  RENT THIS MOVIE, please.  Put "Transformers" or, God love ya, "Wild Hogs" down and check this one out.  The fact that they picked "Falling Slowly" over some other decent songs (mostly from "Enchanted") ALMOST undoes the horror of Aimee Mann losing to Phil Collins (PHIL COLLINS?!) in this category almost 10 years ago (we Portuguese-Italians know how to hold a grudge, Academy).  Great victory.

But an even better moment came quickly afterwards.  After Mr. Hansard said his pretty quick thank you's, the ever-obnoxious orchestra played them off before Ms. Irglova could say her piece (um, I know they're trying to save time, but couldn't they have skipped like three of the montages and still let people speak?).  Anywho, after a commercial break Jon Stewart brough Marketa back out on stage and gave her time to say her very sweet thank yous and "everyone should have a dream" speech.  Well worth it indeed, and quite classy.  Now if only Stewart didn't have to ruin his triumph immediately afterwards by telling us how great her speech that he allowed her to make was...

Not much else to say about the awards, really.  SO...

The Fashion

The consensus is in...last night was kind of a yawner in the fashion department.  Overall, approximately 80% of the ladies were in red or black.  Boring.  There were a couple of preg-o purples, a green or two, one scaly mermaid, and one all out disaster.  Ooh, and this year I am throwing one of the guys onto the "official" worst dressed list.  Let's dish.

The Good

I gotta say it....it's really tough for me to pick a Best Dressed this year.  Though there were many dresses I liked, there just weren't two or three dresses that all out wowed me.  Seems to me that the most talked about "thumbs up" so far has been the chatter on Katherine Heigl's throwback red dress.  I don't know....she's a pretty lady who looked predictably pretty.  Not overly impressed, but she looked good.  (Click on the links below each comment for a view of the outfits - and make sure to click the "Back" button on your browser after viewing the picture to be brought back here)

Katherine's 40'a Siren Look

So that's what they say..what about me?  One surprise for me (though she definitely played the role of arm candy at best last night) was Calista Flockhart's soft blue gown.  Maybe it's my growing obsession with "Brothers and Sisters" talking to me more than the dress, but I thought she looked great.  Well, at least the dress looked great.  Her hair is a little out there, but I'll forgive her for now.

Who woulda thunk it?

Probably the second best dressed of the evening, as I am forcing myself to pick, would be Felicity Keri Russell.  I thought she was WAY too slender (especially for someone who popped out a kid in the past year), but the fit, the color, the hair, the bling, it all just worked for me.  Plus, I really enjoyed "Waitress" so I'll throw her a bone.

Feliticious is delicious

So, who gets best dressed?  I flirted with naming Heidi Klum, but she's not even an actress.  So while she looked great, I just can't do it.  Instead, I am totally shocking myself and going with Hilary Swank.  I mean, she actually looked like she had a vagina last night, which in itself is newsworthy!  Add great hair, a perfect dress, and Gary Busey's teeth, and she looked fab.  Maybe I'm just scared she's going to beat me up...

Looks like you CAN take the girl out of the trailer park....

The Bad

You know, the more I gleaned through the photos, the worse some of these dresses got.  Still, only a couple of them were all out horrors - no swan dresses, tutus, or Diane Keaton this year leaves me with only a few choice dresses that made me barf in my mouth a little.

Probably the dress causing the most indecision is Marion Cotillard's white "mermaid" dress, with a number of critics applauding her for taking a risk in a rather unrisky year.   I thought it looked good up top but was just WAY too much on the bottom.  Kind of like a mullet of a dress, fish double entendre unintended.  The dress photographs ok, but watching her move on the red carpet made me just hate it.

Throw that dress back in the water!

Another fashion risk taker is newly minted Best Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton.  Her black, sack of a dress reminded me of Terence Stamp's General Zod wear in Superman II.  Yeah - anytime you are a lady being compared to Terence Stamp you've got issues.  I know I'll get crap for this, but I do love her flame of red hair - it's her thing, and only she can pull it off.  She could really take it to the next level (tasteful?) if she could learn to complement the hair with a dress that was avant garde yet beautiful...think virtually anything that Cate Blanchett pulls off.

Recycled Garbage Bags?

Oh - and just because I am feeling rather naughty, click here for the even more horrendous dress she wore to the BAFTA's.  To add insult to injury (and my misery), she was not only seen in public in this disgusting dress, but she was in this disgusting dress next to Cuba Gooding Jr.  Eew.

Worst throwback outfit goes to Cameron Diaz, who really needs to start reading this blog.  Cam - you are an amazing looking woman, with an awesome body.  Why do you do this to yourself year after year?  What's up with your consistent refusal to comb your mane before coming to these shows?  Add a dress that looked like something from a Miami Vice extra, and she is 3rd worst dress this year.

Like the curtains in a cheap Ft. Lauderdale Motel

On to 2nd worst dressed, and we have a tie.  Luckily, they are married.  No, I'm not going with Daniel Day-Lewis and Rebecca Miller.  Even though I probably should call him out for his nasty tux, I am sick of talking about him.  Nope, to me the worst dress twosome was John Travolta and Kelly Preston.  Preston's marigold dress probably looked great on the hanger, but it was too tight on her, looked awful on her skin, and popped in all the wrong ways on the red carpet.  As for Travolta, his tux was fine but he lands on the list because of his hair.  Seriously....what....was...that on top of his head?!  He's gone from the long-haired summer plugs to some sort of snap on plastic piece.  It was ridunk. 

Colonel Mustard, on the red carpet, with the hair plugs

Let's end, however with the dress that is causing the most derision this year.  Yes, I know that Rebecca Miller (wife of Daniel Day-Lewis, daughter of Arthur Miller) is not an actress.  She is a screenwriter, so I'm sticking with her as Worst Dressed any way.  Let's start down south and work our way up on this one.  The shoes are zebra-striped, which only looks good on zebras (and even then, the stripes only look ok at best...I mean, it's a bit much even on them, don't you think?).  Moving up, the bottom 3/4 of the dress would look beautiful - as wallpaper on an accent wall somewhere in a New England parlor room.  The top is, I believe, made out of velvet (VELVET!) and festooned with a huge plastic-y looking gem that would give Luigi 10,000 points on the latest Super Mario Bros. game.  Finally, the nastiness is held up by bright red ribbons that match, well, nothing, and you have yourself the perfect recipe for red carpet nightmares.

?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

And that's all he wrote on this one.  Thanks for sticking with me, and I will definitely be keeping this blog up to date.  Looking forward to hearing from all of you...come on up to NYC for a visit soon!

There Will Be Nominations...

…but will there be an Oscar Ceremony?  Damn Writer’s Strike!  I write this posting every year and no one pays ME any residuals!

BREAKING NEWS!  I cannot believe that Heath Ledger was found dead in an apartment (owned by Mary-Kate Olsen) here in NYC.  So strange how these things work, with the media obsessing over whether Britney or Amy Winehouse or Lindsay will die first.  He was definitely a talented guy - check out "Brokeback Mountain" to see him at his best.  imdb lists the upcoming Batman movie as his next film, and he was in the middle of filming something called "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" with Christopher Plummer.

Any way, welcome back to my somewhat defunct blog everyone!  As you can all very easily tell, I have not lived up to my 2007 promise of posting reviews of the many, many movies that James and I see.  Well, readers, that is going to change in 2008. 

This time I super promise to post reviews as we see movies.

In other news, we have moved to NYC since my last posting from lovely (but ultimately, very boring) New Haven, CT.  Basic reaction is DUH! – why the hell didn’t we move here sooner?  We are loving the city so far – especially the much easier access to every artsy fartsy movie that only comes out here and LA that no one else wants to see.  We’ve seen a couple, which I am lucky enough to mention due to their nominations this year. 

In particular, I was excited that “Persopolis” was nominated for Best Animated Film, though it will get crushed by “Ratatouille” – the Academy will just not know what to do with a black and white, 2-dimensional, autobiographical cartoon about a young woman’s experiences growing up in Iran.  My other personal “small” favorite is “Once” which is now out on video.  It was nominated for Best Original Song.  The film is about an Irish street performer who befriends and winds up recording an album with a wayward Czech woman.  It was AWESOME and it’s out on DVD.  You might wind up buying the CD the way we did immediately after seeing the movie!

And with that brief diatribe about lesser categories, on to the nominations!

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

·      Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There"

·      Ruby Dee in "American Gangster"

·      Saoirse Ronan in "Atonement"

·      Amy Ryan in "Gone Baby Gone"

·      Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton"

As usual, this category has an assortment of nominees, from young (Saoirse Ronan) to old (Ruby Dee).  As expected, the quality nominees lie in between.  As is my usual custom, let's digest from least likely to most likely.

Saoirse Ronan is the annual nominee whose name is unpronounceable.  Thanks Saorirse - way to give Billy Bush nightmares for the next 6 weeks.  I wonder if she’s related to the great Mary Ronan, who is currently wandering around China somewhere.  Mary – you still with us?  Any way. Saoirse was good in "Atonement" - all precocious and freakishly emotive and all - but not going to win.

Ruby Dee is the emotional choice, i.e., the oldest candidate who is nominated precisely because she's old.  Remember the old bag from "Titanic?"  She's still alive by the way, unless imdb just doesn't bother updating her profile cuz know one cares.  Back to Ruby - she has like three lines in the movie...I vaguely remember her clapping at one point and maybe slapping Denzel Washington (she plays his ultimately disappointed mother in this ultimately disappointing film).  Not exactly the scenes Oscar is made of.  Don't bother crossing the strike lines to come to this one, Ruby.

Finally - on to the quality.  Firm dorks like me have loved Tilda Swinton for YEARS.  "Orlando" and "The Deep End" were both entirely driven by her brilliance.  She was pretty damn good in "Michael Clayton" as corporate counsel with questionable (at best) morals, but she is definitely choice number three.  I'll be pulling for her, however...

Amy Ryan has a much better shot at winning.  She has taken roughly 45% of the pre-Awards for what I'm told is a blistering performance in "Gone Baby Gone."  Sadly, my parents have seen this one yet James and I didn't even consider it.  Apparently, she plays a white trash, drug addicted, bad mom.  Hmmm...wonder who she's channeling there.  She also employs a spot-on Boston accent...big deal.  Anyway, she has a shot but likely will lose to Cate Blanchett.

That's right.  Cate Blanchett turns in yet another amazing, transformative performance in "I'm Not There."  Ok - so we haven't seen that yet either, but can we be blamed?  It's a movie about Bob Dylan in which different actors play Dylan at different times in his life...including Blanchett when Dylan was in his 'fro, leather jacket and sunglass days.  (I wasn't aware that he ever left that era, but what do I know?)  Anyway, anytime a lady plays a man (in a serious movie) or vice versa, the win is all but theirs.

Will Win:  Cate Blanchett

Should Win:  Tilda Swinton

Should have been nominated:  I guess one could make arguments for Helena Bonham Carter in "Sweeney Todd" had her singing voice been a tad stronger.  I’d advocate for two “Juno” ladies – Jennifer Garner for being the surprising heart of the film; Allison Janney for being freaking hilarious.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

·      Casey Affleck in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"

·      Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men"

·      Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War"

·      Hal Holbrook in "Into the Wild"

·      Tom Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton"

How the hell is "Michael Clayton" getting all of these nominations?  Seriously - the Academy must LOVE Law & Order more than my mother, because that movie was nothing more than a very special episode of L&O.  Anyway, I'm giving Tom Wilkinson the least likely to win award, despite his excellent turn as an attorney who either loses his sanity or finally finds clarity.  Let it be noted that my least likely to win last year was Alan Arkin, who then went and won for "Little Miss Sunshine."  If you really like him, rent "In the Bedroom" - a film that I have mentioned in this e-mail/blog post every year since it came out.

In 4th place, we have Philip Seymour Hoffman for "Charlie Wilson's War."  Three reasons here - no one saw the movie, he just won Best Actor two years ago for "Capote," and his best work this year was in my favorite movie of the year, "The Savages."

Finally - an Affleck that can act!  Next up is Casey Affleck's breakout performance in that movie with a hella long title.  Again, a movie that no one saw, though those who DID see it kept talking about how freaking good he was in it.  He portrays the unlikely man who assassinated the first celebrity criminal, Jesse James.  This will be a definite rental for us when it comes out.  James is looking forward to the shut eye already.

A distant second goes to Hal Holbrook for another movie that no one saw (anyone catching on to the common thread with the nominations in this category?).  From what I'm told, he is gives a great performance but does not even enter the film until 2/3 of the way into it, and this one is a LONG one.  I think he basically plays an old guy who encounters the young traveler in this film – doesn’t seem like a stretch to me!

They might as well just give the award right now to Javier Bardem.  His villainous assassin is one of those roles that haunts the viewer for weeks afterwards.  In addition, the film has a shot at Best Picture AND he is a previous nominee.  See this movie, and you will see one of the best performances in any category this year!

Will and Should Win: Javier Bardem

Should have been nominated:  I would substitute Tom Wilkinson for Josh Brolin, from "No Country for Old Men."  Some may argue for John Travolta in "Hairspray" but I thought he was awful!

Performance by an actress in a leading role

·      Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"

·      Julie Christie in "Away from Her"

·      Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose"

·      Laura Linney in "The Savages"

·      Ellen Page in "Juno"

As usual - Best.  Category.  Ever.  Only one "WTF" nominee leaving for GREAT choices.  There is a clear favorite already, but I'm holding out for a miracle!

Least likely is probably Blanchett.  "Elizabeth 2" is the worst reviewed film to ever receive a nomination for Best Actress ( a fact I admittedly stole from another blog...I'm not THAT dorky).  I'm sure she was excellent in this crappy move that never should have been made.  Her Oscars for "I'm Not There" and "The Aviator" should keep her nice a warm though.  Side note - how is it that Cate Blanchett will now have TWO Oscars and Kate Winslet, 4-time Academy Award Nominee Ms. Julianne Moore and Laura Linney have none?  I mean, she's good but I have yet to see her lead a great film (other than the original "Elizabeth") the way the aforementioned have, time after time.

Unfortunately, Ms. Linney should win for her brilliant work in "The Savages" but she won't.  Let me say it again - Best Movie of the Year.  I hope it finds an audience on DVD!  Anyway, she plays one third of an incredibly dysfunctional father-daughter-son trio that deals with the aging process in hilarious and heart-breaking ways.  SEE THIS MOVIE, and you may be praying for the same miracle I am!

Ok - enough (for now...I will never give up!) about Laura Linney.  On to next least likely, who actually has a shot.  Ellen Page was great in “Juno,” this year’s little engine that could.  I fear that her role, as a sarcastic, pregnant teenager who is considering adoption, may be one dimensional, though.  I really don’t think she’ll take it unless “Juno” really starts to take off.

Page lost the Golden Globe for Best Actress Comedy/Musical to the requisite foreign nominee, Marion Cotillard from “Ma Vie en Rose.”  Anyone who tells you that they paid to see this movie is a liar.  I’m sure it’s good, and I have no doubt that she is amazing.  She will get votes, as the people who vote get free screeners of the films and will want to feel smart by nominating a French film.  Alas, the award is guaranteed to go to Julie Christie.

What a story Ms. Christie is.  She last won in 1965 for “Darling,” and has not been relevant since 1997’s “Afterglow.”  Amazing to think that she still has it and more importantly that there are still roles of this quality being written for women at her age (thanks to the director/writer of this film, Sarah Polley, who is a talented actress in her own right).  Christie plays an Alzheimer’s patient slipping into complete dementia.  Definitely the stuff Oscar is made of!

Will Win:  Julie Christie

Should Win:  Laura Linney – duh!

Should have been nominated:  Lots of great female performances this year, including Angelina Jolie in “A Mighty Heart,” Amy Adams for her dead pan portrayal of a Disney Princess in “Enchanted,” Nikki Blonsky in “Hairspray,” and Keira Knightly in “Atonement.”  LOVE that there were so many great roles this year for the ladies!

Performance by an actor in a leading role

·      George Clooney in "Michael Clayton"

·      Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood"

·      Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

·      Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah"

·      Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises"

Definitely the most interesting category, with the widest array of performances ever.  The best news is that we don’t have a single male nominee who is playing an actual person, so no more Idi Amin’s, Truman Capote’s, or Ray Charles’ to muck the category up with a masterfully mimicked performance.

I’m going with Tommy Lee Jones in last place.  “Elah” was supposed to be the Iraq war movie that we would all appreciate, yet we just were not willing to give it a shot.  Maybe on DVD.  Anyway, he is supposedly wonderful as a father investigating what happened to his son in Iraq.

Fourth place goes to my favorite male performance in the category, Viggo Mortensen in “Eastern Promises.”  Had this movie been released in December, more people would have been talking about his great work as a Russian mobster who may just be up to good instead of evil (instead of what they’re STILL talking about, the rather floppy full frontal nude fight scene Mortensen “bravely” filmed for the role).

Gotta give 3^rd to George Clooney for “Michael Clayton.”  If you ask me, this is the least deserving of all nominations – Clooney phoned it in to play the “fixer” at a law firm with personal problems of his own.  At the same time, the freaking Academy AND Hollywood just can’t get enough Clooney…wouldn’t be surprised if he gets enough votes from his friends to snatch this one away.

Second place goes to the long overdue Johnny Depp.  He turns in another great performance in a role that would never even remotely be considered for award show honors in lesser hands.  His wronged barber seething with revenge is just too out there to ultimately take Oscar, however he does have a Golden Globe win AND the actor-learns-how-to-sing for the role going for him.  Wouldn’t be such a shock, except…

…Daniel freaking Day-Lewis is nominated.  Personally, I am not a fan.  He is basically this generation’s Al Pacino – lots of yelling and over-acting, all “I live as the character for three months before shooting – who is Daniel?” and shit.  In this overdone role, he plays a ruthless turn-of-the-century business man who does so many unscrupulous things throughout the course of this tortuously long film that I stopped caring (except to laugh at some of the ridiculousness) about halfway through.  PRECISELY the stuff Oscar loves, for some reason!

Will Win:  I!  AM!  DANIEL!  DAY!  LEWIS!

Should Win:  Viggo Mortensen

Should have been nominated:  Would have LOVED to have seen Philip Seymour Hoffman for “The Savages” here – he matched Laura Linney note-for-note yet was somehow ignored.  James McEvoy in “Atonement” was also good, though I would have though he would be up for Best Supporting rather than Best Actor (which, I suspect, ultimately killed his chances here). 

Best Director

·      "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," Julian Schnabel

·      "Juno," Jason Reitman

·      "Michael Clayton," Tony Gilroy

·      "No Country for Old Men," Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

·      "There Will Be Blood," Paul Thomas Anderson

Best motion picture of the year

·      "Atonement"

·      "Juno"

·      "Michael Clayton"

·      "No Country for Old Men"

·      “There Will Be Blood”

Look – I have a real job and stuff so I am going to keep this one short.  Plus, I’ve at least touched on most of these films.  The ones I have not are “Diving Bell and the Butterfly” and “Atonement.”  Both are dead in the water due to a lack of crossover nominations between the Director and Best Picture categories.  “Atonement” is particularly screwed, as the Academy just doesn’t like to give Best Picture to a film that could have directed itself.  As for “Diving Bell,” I’m told it is quite an achievement, so it will get some votes but will not win.

That leaves two long shots and two nominees in a dead-heat.  “Juno” is the “fun” film of the year – its win is its nomination.  “Michael Clayton” is an even more surprising nominee – cannot believe it got so many nominations, but I believe it will come away entirely empty handed.

So we have one movie that I really liked (but admittedly did not “get” all of) with “No Country for Old Men” and one that I just did NOT like with “There Will Be Blood.”  Both are modern takes on the Western, a genre that usually leaves me extremely annoyed.  Neck and neck at this point, but I’m going with my heart on this one and hoping that “No Country” will take it.

Will Win (and should win, with these nominees):  “No Country for Old Men”

Should have been nominated:  “The Savages,” “Persepolis,” “Pan’s Labyrinth” – ok, that one came out in 2006 but I still loved it!

SO I may or may not be back with a wrap-up on February 25 – there is talk that the ceremony may (GASP!) be cancelled a la this year’s Globes ceremony or pushed back into March, so who knows at this point.  Until then, I hope to post some more reviews on the latest in the theaters.  I’d love to hear your comments – feel free to post a response if you are so inclined!

One of these Queens is not like the others...

Wow – what a show. Let me start off my writing how very wrong I was about this show. I have been telling everyone for weeks how predictable this show was going to be…how wrong I was For the first time in a long time, we had some major surprises in some major categories – sometimes lovely surprises, sometimes disappointing.

Also for the first time since I can remember, we did not host an Oscar party this year. After hosting Oscar night parties for the past ten years in locales as diverse as Carlisle, PA and Washington, DC, this year James and I watched the big show solo from our lovely apartment in New Haven. Nice, but I think I prefer to have some peeps over to celebrate the big night and get bitchy with us.

Anyway, on to the show. Per my usual, we’ll cover the show first and then the fashion. Holla.

The Show

First of all, let’s discuss Ellen. I thought she was GREAT. Her opening was typical Ellen humor, which definitely worked for the event in my opinion. Her velvet maroon suit with white shoes (WAY pre-Memorial Day, I might add) was DIE-sgusting, but whatever. No “ANTM” (America’s Next Top Model, for those of you are straight men and/or over 32) for Ellen, but hopefully a return engagement for future telecasts.

Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed some of the new additions to the show. I really liked how they started by having all of the nominees stand – I enjoyed watching the nominees cross aisles to congratulate each other. It seemed oddly genuine for Hollywood. Other new additions to the show that I liked included the dancers that worked behind a screen to form silhouettes of an Oscar and “Happy Feet” penguins, and the original song number by Will Ferrell (btw…“Stranger than Fiction” was hella good), Jack Black, and John C. Reilly.

What didn’t I like? Well, there were the usual miscellaneous clip packages that clogged up the show. One program claims there were 45 minutes of clips packages…ridiculous. Also, why they had Celine on to sing a song that’s not even from a movie was beyond me. The show reminds me of a quote that my cashier at Shaw’s Supermarket said a couple of weeks ago to the woman in front of me in line…“Take your time….but hurry up.” This from the same 60+ year old woman that told me she was excited to watch the Super Bowl so that she could “watch me some hot ass.” Awesome.

Anyway, we finally got to an award that I actually cared about, we had our first big surprise of the evening. You see, Best Supporting Actor was supposed to go to Eddie Murphy. Everyone has been talking about how this award has been his to lose since December. Well, lose he did - to Alan Arkin, from “Little Miss Sunshine (hereby referred to as “LMS”).” Alan Arkin? Just five weeks ago, I gave him the 5th most likely chance of winning the award….out of five nominees. What happened? Two things….first of all, it looks like releasing “Norbit” when the ballots were still out may have been good for box office, but not so good for Oscar. I’d say, “maybe next year, Eddie,” but sadly this was probably his only shot. Second of all, “LMS” has been doing nothing except gaining steam since December, while “Dreamgirls” hit its high on premiere night. Personally, I was gunning for Djimon Hounsou. Whatev – the surprise was fun.

Several more awards later (what was the “wo”man who accepted Best Costume Design wearing? Yeesh!) we finally made it the next notable surprise. Unfortunately, this time, the surprise sucked because it was in the Best Foreign Film category. After two lesser wins for “Pan’s Labyrinth” it seemed unstoppable. Unfortunately, some German movie that I’d never heard of until last week somehow beat it. Scheisse! Maybe the German movie was good, but there’s NO WAY it was “Pan’s Labyrinth” good. Germans ruin everything….

So now with two surprises under its belt, we came to the Best Supporting Actress category. And I am telling you, this one has had Jennifer Hudson’s name written on it since she was cast as Effie a year ago. It’s no secret that I’ve been pulling for her as well, however I was definitely concerned that one of the Babel biotches or maybe little Abigail Breslin might slip in there. Luckily for all of us, Ms. Hudson is now Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson. Her speech was one of genuine surprise (maybe she was feeling the heat from all the surprises too?), which may be why she pulled a Kelly Clarkson and forgot to thank “American Idol” (despite telling Barbara Wawa before the show that she would). She DID, however, get out a last second shout out to Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role of Effie on Broadway 20 years ago.

Best documentary – “An Inconvenient Truth” won. Sadly, I didn’t see any of the nominees this year, though I would like to catch both the winner and “Jesus Camp,” a film that flirts with the concept of the evangelical brainwashing of our youth. Interesting concept indeed. I was also psyched for Melissa Etheridge’s win for “I Need to Wake Up,” her original song from “An Inconvenient Truth.”

7 hours later, we finally had another award. Ooh – interesting debate topic. During the annual “In Memoriam” clip package of Hollywood folks who have passed away this year, do you think Anna Nicole Smith should have been featured? I vote yes, the Academy voted no. Discuss.

Ok, so the awards. Best Actress to Helen Mirren/Best Actor to Forest Whitaker. The only surprise there was Forest Whitaker’s amazingly coherent speech, after 429 “ums” and 583 “you know’s” during his Golden Globes speech.

Best Director? Martin Scorsese for “The Departed.” Look – the guy is a great director, or at least WAS a great director. I’ll agree that he should have one an award a long time ago…like 30 years ago. I will NOT agree that he should have won for directing a remake of a film called “Internal Affairs” that was made in Hong Kong in 2002.

Furthermore, I was even more dismayed at “The Departed’s” win for Best Picture. Though not the strongest list of nominees this year (where was “Pan’s Labyrinth?”), I just don’t like that a remake won. Plus I don’t understand Hollywood’s (and my mother’s) fascination with mobster movies. Whatever…move to Staten Island if that’s what you’re looking for….

Enough about the show….time for the fashion!

The Fashion

Look kids – this isn’t easy. I spend all day watching the E! Pre-coverage, follow that with the “official” 2-hour “Live from the Red Carpet” on Oscar night, and then combed through the online pictures all night…all to prove to you that what I’m writing is so well-freakin’ researched that it’s practically fact.

So about that E! coverage…when in the hell are they going to hire Joan and Melissa back? Seriously…with the exception of giving Kathy Griffin a shot at the job (and the firing her for what? Being too funny?), E! continues to bring out its cavalcade of idiots to attempt “serious” interviews with the stars. Seacrest is Ok, but just try and tell me that you prefer him over Joan’s hilariously fumbled attempts at talking to stars. One to def lose for next year is Debbie Matenopoulos. She is disgusting inside and out…her proud admission of never eating, just to look like that, has officially set the women’s lib movement back at least 10 years - something I thought only Ann Coulter was capable of. Thanks Debbie! I hope you’re making 70 cents to every Seacrest dollar.

Enough about the coverage…onto the dresses!

This year’s fashion themes seemed to be weird hair (J Lo, Elisabeth Shue (didn’t know she was still with us, but always love to see her!, Rachel Weisz, Cameron Diaz – I could go on and on), tackily shiny fabric (Jennifer Hudson’s Erin Alderette-fashioned bolero comes to mind, as does Emily Blunt’s 1997 Jack Martins Jetta Blue nightmare). Check out the color on Emily’s, and then just try and tell me it doesn’t remind you of my old car:

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Emily's " 97 Blue Jetta" mis-step

Anyway, let’s do some of the best dressed before I move onto the the bitchalicious Worst Dressed ladies.

Best Dressed

Rough year here – VERY few stood out. What we had is basically an extremely mediocre year in my opinion, but I’ll do what I can. As usual, I’ll skip the men and focus solely on the ladies.

Let’s start with Penelope Cruz. Now, I’m not saying that she was a best dressed, but I have to give her props for trying. I’ve heard many differing opinions, from stating that she was best dressed, to hating the stucco swirls on the top but loving the feathers on the bottom, to hating the feathery mess on the bottom and loving the corseted top. My opinion? Loved the bottom, hated the top but it’s grown on me. Check it out for yourself:

Penelope - hot or not?

Now that we’ve gotten that over with, let’s talk about third best dressed. This year, I’m going with Reese Witherspoon. James doesn’t like her bangs, but I think she is banging in this one. Seems to me that the whole point of this particular number is to say to the world, “Ryan who?” Kudos Reese.

Reese's rrrruffles have rrrrridges

Runner-up in this category has got to be Kate Winslet. Why? Because I love her. Yes, I admit that I’m totally biased here, but I still thought she looked smashing. Loved the color on her – sea green on but ass English white just looks classy (interestingly, the same color also looked good on Beyonce’s slightly overcooked ensemble). The shape, the fit….marvelous!

Will someone PLEASE give this woman an Oscar already?!

Finally, best dressed of the evening. Was it even a contest? As usual, no. I’m not sure how she does it, but once again Cate Blanchett has come shining through with quite an outfit indeed. Let’s face it – neither Kate W. nor Cate B. fit the typical mold of Hollywood beauty, but damn if they both don’t use what they momma gave ‘em better than anyone else. Cate’s one shouldered, metallic, beaded delight was far and away the winner in a very weak night.

Cate shines as the Belle of the Ball

Now onto the fun stuff….Worst Dressed!

As usual, many, many ladies apparently have lost their damn minds this year. I mean, come on…is it THAT hard to just look average instead of idiotic? Seriously folks, though we have no Bjork swan dresses or Uma Thurman lederhosen, we continue to have more misses than even a Fundamentalist Mormon could handle.

Let’s start off with who I WOULD have listed a Worst Dressed. Unfortunately, Kelly Preston’s outfit was so hideous that I couldn’t find a shot of it anywhere on the entire world wide web. Let’s just say that it was freaking leopard print from heads to toe…think of something that only Pizazz of the Misfits (you know, the “evil” band from Jem and the Holograms) might wear. Or maybe a 73 year old widow in Boca who still thinks she’s got it. Seriously, it was the drag to her husband John’s queen. Gross. BUT, since there is no photographic evidence of this fabrically tragical event, Kelly cannot win the honor of Worst Dressed this year.

BREAKING NEWS (3.8.07) - many of you have sent pics of Ms. Preston in her Boca, blue plate special worst.  She is now WORST DRESSED!

Someone kill this dress now

So who else was in the running? Well, 10 or not, Abigail Breslin’s outfit was a disaster. I’m all for a 10 year old dressing appropriately and not trying to look like an adult. That doesn’t mean I can support this vile Easter basket gone wrong. Seriously, she looks like a waffle with flower barfed all over it. Back to the stylist, Abigail. As for you, readers, no comments on me picking at a 10 year old. No one forced her into show business, save her likely moneygrubbing stage parents. Now, because she’s not even a teenager yet, I will spare her from the top (or is it bottom) three list this time. No guarantees going forward.

Abigail's Easter Massacre

Ok, so third worst dressed has got to be Jennifer Hudson. SUCH a disappointment – I mean, we’re talking about the “IT” girl of the night, and she shows up wearing this? Let’s start with the aluminum foil wrapped around her shoulders. Worst accessory at the Oscars since Ellen last brought Anne Heche. STILL hate her, but I digress. Anyway, the rest of the dress was blah. Not a fan of pocketed dresses on the runway, not a fan of poo poo brown anywhere…just a miss from La Hudson. She should have stuck with something more like what she performed in later, or ANY of the outfits she wore at the other 482 awards shows she went to this year.

Jennifer's Gum Wrapper Disaster

Second worst dressed has got to be James’ girl, Anne Hathaway, Regular readers, and/or anyone who has ever talked to James about Anne, will know that he can’t stand her. What I couldn’t stand is this dress. Why, oh why would ANYONE older than 7 or younger than 207 wear a doily in public? Maybe Anne was making her First Communion yesterday or something, though it seems odd to try and do that on Oscar Night. Anywho, had she stopped there I might have been able to ignore it entirely. But. She. Didn’t. Nope – she chose a dress that had a huge clack bow sewn into it. Why? Who the hell knows. Along with some of life’s other great mysteries (How many licks to the center of a tootsie roll pop? Why is “According to Jim” still on TV, and who in their right mind has ever watched it? Will Miss Julianne Moore finally win the Oscar she deserves?), this black bow can only be described a phenomena that knows no answer.

Anne's Doily Bowed Failure

So now to worst dressed. Oh, how the once mighty have fallen Kirsten Dunst. How ironic, that some of our worst dressed lasses (Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and now Dunst) come from the two most fashionable films of the year (“The Devil Wears Prada” and “Marie Antoinette”). Kirsten probably should have snagged something from costuming, rather than pick out this horrendous disaster. NOTHING works on this…not the bib-like top that might as well have a huge red lobster printed on it, nor the color contrasted with her pasty skin tone/bleachy hair/ho red lipstick combo, not the wispy feathering towards the bottom….nothing. Kirsten babe – love ya, but you are the official loser of the night. Better luck next year!

Kirsten's Interview with a Bad Dress

Ok – so that’s all from me. Hope you enjoyed. Ooh – my goal is to keep this going as I catch new movies throughout the year. Stick with me ladies and gents…instead of “see ya next year,” how about “see ya next movie” instead?!

Last King of New Haven

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  I'm glad you are enjoying my work so far...keep coming back for more, as I have decided to post mini-reviews on all the films I see.

The latest has been "The Last King of Scotland," which we actually caught just before the nominations.  Though not seen by many yet, it is definitely one to catch.  The film stars AA-nominated Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin, the former ruler of Uganda.  The film's main protagonist is Amin's hand-picked physician, and we see the "character" of Amin as he rises from hopeful leader to vicious dictator through the eyes of a Scottish doctor who at first idealizes then despises the man who refers to himself as the titular Last King of Scotland. 

There are many things about this film that worked for me, starting with the fine performances by Whitaker and relative newcomer James McAvoy as the young doctor whose intentions seem in the right place, though we know he is in the wrong.  What I enjoyed most about Whitaker's performance is his uncanny ability to make us believe in the "good" of Amin when history has already shown us what he actually was.  His performance, unlike so many recent caricatures of "real" historical figures (Jamie Foxx's Ray to Helen Mirren's Queen Elizabeth) breathes new, unsettling life to a figure we thought we knew all about without using mimicry to do so.  He deserves the award he is likely to win on Feb. 25.

I also enjoyed the cinematography in this film.  The manner in which it is shot makes you feel like you are watching a movie that was filmed in the 70's.  In this manner, you never feel like the actors are wearing costumes; rather, you believe that they are the very souls they are pretending to be.  Best film to do so since 2004's "Badasss!," which you should look into renting if you have not already seen it.

So, should you see this in the theater?  Perhaps.  If you're at all interested in recent political history, absolutely.  If you enjoy fine acting performances, definitely.  Otherwise, I suggest holding off and adding this to your "Netflix" queue when it comes out on DVD and focusing on some of the other choices "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Little Children" come to mind) instead.

Cheers!  Next up will likely be "Letters from Iwo Jima" in about a week or so.

Jack's Labyrinth

Hey everyone!  Welcome to "And The Nominees Are," aka Jack's 9th Annual Academy Award Nomination write-up.  SO 2006 of me to set up a blog, I know.  This year is another first for me, as I am "reporting" to you from lovely New Haven, CT.  It was really strange watching the nominations from the 8th floor in a corporate park in Shelton, CT instead of in the Lower Lobby at 2101 L Street with Michelle DePass again.

Anywho, lots of news to share this time around, so let's get to the nominations.  This year's nominees are more diverse than ever - has the Academy finally learned to spread the wealth OR is As usual, we have a few snubs, some shockers, and then my opinion on who should win and who will win.  Take these with a grain of salt, ladies and gays - the world hasn't even had 24 hours to process that Jack Nicholson wasn't nominated yet to start figuring out who will actually take these home in just a little over 4 weeks.  One quick plug - see "Pan's Labyrinth," my personal pic for best film this year.  LOVED it like I loved "Labyrinth" with David Bowie and Jennifer Connolly back in the mid-80's (which I suspect probably holds up about as well as "Grease 2" and "The Beastmaster," other 80's films that I loved back in the day).  Without further adieu....

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Adriana Barraza, Babel
• Cate Blanchett, Notes on a Scandal
• Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine
• Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
• Rinko Kikuchi, Babel

For perhaps the first time ever, the Supporting Actress category is going to be easier to predict than Best Supporting Actor.  I'm going from least likely to win to most likely, so I'll start with Rinko Kikuchi and Adriana Barraza.  Look - "Babel" was good, and Rinko and Adriana both turned in excellent performances, but we're never going to see either again.  In third place, we have little Abigail Breslin.  She definitely rode the "Little Miss Sunshine" wave to a nomination, though Hwood does love a precocious ingenue (think previous winners Tatum O'Neal and Anna Paquin).  Anyway, Breslin is good in this very fun movie, however how is it possible that she is an Oscar nominee before creepy talented Dakota Fanning?

That leaves just two, and Cate Blanchett is a distant second at best, though you can't totally count out the categories only previous nominee.  While I loved "Notes on a Scandal," it really could have been on Lifetime and starred Tori Spelling and Jacqueline Bisset.  So yes, the movie is saved by Blanchett (and fellow nominee Judi Dench), however even her fine work cannot outshine Jennifer Hudson.

Yes, Jennifer Hudson has this award in the bag.  She is in the most nominated film (though it was snubbed for ALL major awards), she outperformed more established stars like Jamie Foxx and Beyonce, AND she was freakin' awesome in this one.  Best performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" since Rajeev Ramchand's incandescent "charity" drag performance at Chaos 5 or so years ago.  Seriously, people clapped in the movie theater as if La Hudson could hear their praise for her gut wrenching performance from North Haven, CT.  Not sure if this is happening in real cities, or if (more likely) the people in North Haven are just insane. 

Will Win AND Should Win:  Jennifer Hudson

Snubbed:  Toni Collette, "Little Miss Sunshine." - I just can't help myself.  I can find a reason for her to win an Oscar every year.  In all seriousness, I would probably trade Shareeka Epps' arresting performance in "Half Nelson" for either one of the Babel women.

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine
• Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children
• Djimon Hounsou, Blood Diamond
• Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
• Mark Wahlberg, The Departed

This one is much tighter, though there is a front runner.  After him, it's kind of a crap shoot - like trying to figure out if Paula Abdul is drunk, overdosing on prescription meds, or just an idiot.  I'll take my best shot here.

Fifth place goes to Alan Arkin, last nominated in the 60's.  I keep thinking he's the same person as Alan Alda, but my sources have confirmed that they are indeed their own human beings.  He was wonderful in "Little Miss Sunshine," and although his character's legacy lives on through the end of the film, his role is simply not big enough to warrant a win.  Fourth place goes to, sorry about the juxtaposition of words here, Jackie Earle Haley's comeback of the year performance as a sex offender in "Little Children."  This guy is a poster child for all that went wrong in the 70's - considered a sex symbol at the time, he could now play the title role in "Nosferatu" without makeup.  Gobsmackingly hideous.

The leaves us with three and it's starting to get tough.  I'm giving third most likely to win to Djimon Hounsou, for his gripping work in "Blood Diamond."  If you've seen this film, you would probably agree that he outperformed Leonardo by leaps and bounds.  Truly great stuff - I look forward to seeing a lot more from him, but I unfortunately don't think this is his year.  In second place, I'll go with Marky Mark - even an Academy Award will not get me to refer to him by his real name.  Interesting nomination here - while I agree with the voters, most thought that Jack Nicholson and/or Matt Damon would see a nomination for their work in "The Departed" and that Marky Mark would get snubbed.  Anyway, I thought Wahlberg was excellent in this film, and he does have an outside chance of winning if the voters want to reward Scorsese like they did when Cate Blanchett won for "The Aviator."

That leaves us with Eddie Murphy.  And seriously - who would have ever thought that Eddie Murphy would be the leading contender for an Academy Award?  I'm not commenting on his talent, but rather on his "normal" roles (comedies, and lately family films) AND on his selection (um, "Pluto Nash" anyone?  How about that whole "ride" for the tranny hooker?).  Anyway, he switched it up this time around and was really amazing in "Dreamgirls."  Good enough for a Will Win, but what about a Should Win?  Let's see...

Will Win - Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"

Should Win - Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond" - electrifying work, ladies and gents.

Snubbed:  Some are going to say that Brad Pitt was snubbed for his role in "Babel," but he was just Ok in my opinion.  I'd prefer to trade Alan Alda-Arkin for his "Little Miss Sunshine" co-star Steve Carell, or maybe for James McAvoy from "The Last King of Scotland," and keep the rest of the nominees

Actor in a Leading Role

• Leonardo DiCaprio, Blood Diamond
• Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson
• Peter O'Toole, Venus
• Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness
• Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland

Sorry - I know "Best Actress" should come next but I thought I'd save it for a little longer because it is, as usual, my favorite category.  So what do we have here?  One long shot, 2 outside chances, one formidable challenger, and the clear-cut fav.

The long shot is Ryan Gosling from "Half Nelson," a movie that just about no one saw.  Don't let the lack of box office fool you though - Gosling was awesome in this movie.  Unfortunately, he just about no shot.  Tied for third, and with a long distance possibility for each, are Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith - both previously nominated. While I have only seen one of their films ("Blood Diamond"), neither has the sort of "showy" role that normally takes home an Oscar.  Furthermore, I personally found DiCaprio's South African "accent" to be somewhere between Lindsay Lohan and 1995 era Robert Downey Jr. on the official Jack Martins Trainwreck scale.

Nipping at Forest Whitaker's well-deserved front runner heels is Peter O'Toole for "Venus."  I'm not going to pretend that I've seen this one, or that I will go to see it before the big night, for what we have here is a pity nomination for an old guy way past his prime.  Think along the lines of the old bag from "Titanic"'s nomination back in 1997.  (Side note - I was surprised to see on imdb.com that Gloria Stuart is still indeed with us.  Apparently she will be turning 97 this year.  Wow.  In other news, her "Titanic" character is listed as "Old Rose," as if there was any confusion as to exactly which Rose she portrayed.  As in, "Did Kate Winslet play Old Rose, or was that Gloria Stuart?  Guess I better go to imdb.com for clarification on this one...")

So yes, Forest Whitaker is going to win for his breathtaking work in "The Last King of Scotland."  The manner in which he makes us believe that Idi Amin, responsible for the deaths of more than 300,000 fellow Ugandans in the 70's, is actually a "good" guy for much of this film - despite what we know to be the truth - is astounding.  Clear a space on your mantel, Forest.

Will Win AND Should Win - Forest Whitaker (though I was THIS CLOSE to putting Ryan Gosling in as my "should win," and I would probably have voted for him if I was a member of the Academy).

Snubbed:  Leonardo was better in "The Departed" than "Blood Diamond," but he could only be nominated for one.  I bet he got enough votes for two nominations but just got more for "Blood Diamond" (hence Gosling's "surprise" nomination).  Otherwise, and especially compared to the women (for once!) a relatively weak field.

Actress in a Leading Role

• Penélope Cruz, Volver
• Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal
• Helen Mirren, The Queen
• Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada
• Kate Winslet, Little Children

Like the Best Actor category, one of these ladies has won virtually every pre-Oscar award thus far.  And yes, she was good.  Despite her great work, my fingers are crossed that there will be a Brokeback repeat (ie, front runner wins everything EXCEPT for the big one...freakin' "Crash" continues to ruin my life) so that one of my favorites can sneak in for the win.

Let's start off with the least seasoned chica, Penelope Cruz.  Penelope, I will admit to having fun at your expense over the course of the last 7 or so years.  Furthermore, I do have to say that your work in "Volver," much like your performance from another Pedro Almodovar film, "All About my Mother," is indeed award nomination worthy.  JUST STICK TO ENGLISH.  Either way, no award for you.

Fourth place goes to Kate Winslet - her FIFTH nomination at age 31 (makes you feel like a loser - eh?).  Seriously - that's three more nominations (and one less win) than Meryl Streep had at the same point in her life.  When is this woman going to be feted for her accomplishments?  Anywho, she was excellent in this one - James thinks she should get the award just for sleeping with a rather attractive Patrick Wilson in the film.  I think her nipples alone are deserving of some sort of recognition - they're HUGE.  Sadly, not many caught this one, so much like her character in the film, she is screwed once again.  Love her 4-ever anyway - seriously, she is officially in my Julianne Moore/Toni Collette/Laura Linney club, which means she'll never win anything.

That leaves us with one of the most established top three Best Actress contender list ever.  Seriously - these ladies have been winning awards since Winslet and Cruz were babies, and continue to turn in work that is award worthy.  Dench comes in third, if only because the film is like Justin Timberlake - entertaining, but no substance.  A distant second is Meryl Streep in "Devil Wears Prada."  I can't think of another word for this performance besides delicious.  Seriously - gayest role of the year in the second gayest film ("Dreamgirls" takes the tiara for #1 gayest, especially now due to it's "tragic" snub in the main categories).

Helen Mirren is therefore the top contender for this year.  Look - I actually enjoyed "The Queen" and found her performance to be dead-on.  My issue, much like my previous criticisms of Jamie Foxx in "Ray" and even Philip Seymour-Hoffman in "Capote" is that what we have here is a great impression of a real person.  Unlike Whitaker's Idi Amin, I just don't feel like Mirren rose above the obvious to effectively make this role her own...rather, than bring a new facet to a very familiar face, I'm supposed to be impressed at how close to the real thing she was.  I'm never going to find that Academy Award-worthy - they do it every week on "SNL" and no one gives them an Emmy for it.

Will Win - Helen Mirren, "The Queen"

Should Win - Kate Winslet's nipples, er Kate Winslet, "Little Children"

Snubbed:  Honestly, I like all five nominees here.  I'm certainly not going to advocate for Beyonce ("Dreamgirls"), Annette Benning ("Running With Scissors").  Instead, I'll go way out there to praise the work of Catherine O'Hara in "For Your Consideration" (an ok film with EXCELLENT work from O'Hara) and young Ivana Baquero in "Pan's Labyrinth" (amazing first big role for a 12 year old from Barcelona).

Ok - just about through here people - even I'm bored with myself at this point!  I'll keep the next two categories quick, and we'll digest them at the same time, as they should go hand in hand anyway.

Motion Picture of the Year

• Babel
• The Departed
• Letters from Iwo Jima
• Little Miss Sunshine
• The Queen

Director 

• Alejandro González Iñárritu, Babel
• Martin Scorsese, The Departed
• Clint Eastwood, Letters from Iwo Jima
• Stephen Frears, The Queen
• Paul Greengrass, United 93

Quickly now people...let's move.  First of all, movies nominated for Best Picture without a nomination for Best Director ("Little Miss Sunshine") do NOT win.  It always amazed me that this happens, as if "Little Miss Sunshine" just directed itself.  Likewise, Paul Greengrass doesn't have a prayer, based on the lack of a nomination for "United 93."

So assuming that the winner of Best Director will then go on to see his film win Best Film, let's go through.  Stephen Frears and "The Queen" are long shots in their categories.  Like "Notes on a Scandal," this one is really about the acting rather than than the film.  I'm going to give Eastwood and "Letter from Iwo Jima" a solid third place showing, with an asterisk as the film may just gather steam over the course of the next couple of weeks.  The Academy rightfully loves Eastwood as a director, loves WWII, and may just fall in love with a truly original take (for a U.S. made film, anyway) on the war from a Japanese perspective.

Overall second place goes to Iñárritu and "Babel," though I think the film has a better shot at the big one than it's director.  Personally, I didn't find anything arresting about this film - considering the wave of multi-story, multi-character, backwards and forwards in time films we have seen since Tarrantino's "Pulp Fiction" 12 years ago, I just didn't find much in this film to be new.  Sure, the message it TRIES to go for is noble, but it just isn't novel.

That leaves us with Scorsese and "The Departed."  Sure, Scorsese deserves an Academy Award.  Quite frankly, I did not enjoy "The Departed" and could not discern a single unique directorial contribution from him in this film.  At the same time, I can't find another nominee more deserving for his work in this list of five (once , so give it to him this year so that Leonardo can stop his whining about this already.

Will Win - "The Departed" and Scorsese, with "Babel" is currently a close second for Best Film.

Should Win - Honestly?  None of these are as deserving as the directors and films in my snubbed listing below.

Snubbed:  By far the biggest snub, in my opinion, is Guillermo del Toro and "Pan's Labyrinth."  Perhaps the combination of a foreign language film and a very odd subject matter did this one in, but it is such an amazing film that it should have been recognized.  At least it has a good shot at Best Foreign Film, especially considering the snub for "Volver" in that category.  The more obvious snub was Bill Condon and "Dreamgirls" - guess all that early buzz didn't translate for you, Billy Boy.  Otherwise, though we had a lot of good films this year, we had few "great ones" - I'd rank "Pan's Labyrinth" up there with the best from years past and not much else.

Phew - that's it from me for now.  I bet a lot of you have a lot of movies to catch up on, so go check some of these out.  Aside from "Pan's Labyrinth," check out some of my other recommendations in a previous post below.

Happy viewing everyone - and thanks for reading.  Check back in the night after the big show for my next official posting.  I just may have some thought between now and then, so don't be a stranger...

Jack

Best Foreign Film?

As I continue to prepare for the nomination this Tuesday (1/23 at 8:35am EST), I'm still checking out the films that may get nominated.  Last night, we saw Pan's Labyrinth, a Mexican film that has been getting all the buzz lately for a Best Film nomination AND has been on many a cricit's "Best of 2006" lists. 

I have to say - I had little expectations on this one.  It's been described as a "Narnia" meets "Lord of the Rings" meets "Harry Potter."  Not exactly my ideal film, considering that I just don't get the Harry Potter OR Lord of the Rings fascination at all.  Plus, the commercials for it just looked plain strange.

Well, I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been more wrong about Pan and his Labyrinth.  In fact, it ranks as my favorite film of 2006 this far.  Truly a MUST see.  The film follows a young girl whose mother remarries a rather horrific General during the Spanish Civil War.  To escape her horrendous life, Ofelia creates a magical world of her own, wherein she is a Princess who must complete three tasks to reclaim her kingdom.

I wish I could make this film sound as good as it was.  A slight word of caution - this one is NOT for kids.  There are several moments (more than 5) of truly disgusting, cover your eyes violence.  Though jarring, these moments make you realize just exactly why Ofelia does what she does to survive in her reality.

SEE IT.

The Hopefuls....

On this lovely post-Globes/pre-noms Wednesday evening, I thought I would provide a brief account of the films we have seen lately.  As is the norm for me at this time, I am solely focused on catching those movies that are likely to at least be nominated...skipping the "Alpha Dogs" and "Night at the Museums" (not that I would EVER see either) and focusing on "The Queens" and the "Dreamgirls" that are currently at your local theater, video store (do they exist anymore?) and Netflix.

So without further adieu, and in alphabetical order....

"Babel" - well done, though not exactly the most novel film of the year.  To be quite honest, I'm going to be a little pissed if a movie with interweaving story lines that intersect in "surprising" ways wins in the same year that the master of that genre, Robert Altman, died.  The performances are good, the story is ok (I found the story of the lonely, deaf Japanese mute the most interesting, though now that I have actually written "lonely, deaf Japanese mute" I am realizing just how over the top that is), and it's worth at least a rental.  Regardless, the lonely deaf Japanese mute has an outside shot at a supporting nom.

"Blood Diamond" - ladies, Italian Men and gays - you will DEFINITELY think more about that diamond on your ring finger, pinky finger and right ear after seeing this one.  Sure, DiCaprio's accent is literally all over the place.  So what.  The real story here is Djimon Honsou.  His portrayal, of a father who loses his son to warlords and will do anything to get him back, had me on the edge of my seat for every minute of this one.  I hope he is nominated.

"Children of Men" - Ok, so I'm not going to pretend that either James or I understood this film.  At the same time, I was engrossed with the story and the idea of the infertile, war-torn future world that it presents.  Clive Owen is predictably excellent, Julianne Moore is not in the film long enough for me to praise her as much as I would like to, and the other mostly unknown cast turned in effective performances.  Made me wish I was smarter without making me feel dumb.  Will probably get some writing and cinematography noms.

"The Departed" - whattup with everyone's obsession with Scorsese?  The movie is ok, though beyond violent.  The most amazing aspect of this film is not the direction or story, but rather that Mark Wahlberg's performance outshines Nicholson, DiCaprio, Damon et al.  Overall, just an Ok film.  Oh well - I'm sure Nicholson will get his 98th nomination and 32nd consecutive front row seat at the big show; DiCaprio may get a nomination for his good performance and Mary Mark will probably be ignored.

"Dreamgirls" - LOVED IT!  Not sure why this hasn't taken off the way that "Chicago" did - it's WAY better, as most of the actors in this one are musicians first, actors second.  Interestingly, the worst performance was Jamie Foxx's - his acting was Ok but his singing was bland.  Beyonce was ok, Eddie Murphy was better, Anika Noni Rose (from CT!) was even better, and Jennifer Hudson was amazing.  Loved, loved, loved her - I expect noms for Hudson and Murphy.

"History Boys" - how in the hell did this story win the Tony for best play?!?  It was horrendously pretentious - imagine 90 minutes of 1980's be-decked middle class Brits quoting poetry, film, and literature to show just how damn smart they are.  Barf.  Hated it.  No noms.

"Little Children" - TOTALLY not what I was expecting, still loved it.  Kate Winslet, like my other favorite actresses (Toni Collete, Julianne Moore, Laura Linney) turns in amazing work yet again in this character study of adulterers.  Raises some interesting and controversial points.  See it, watch Kate Winslet get nominated for it in a week.

"Little Miss Sunshine" - is this the best film of the year?  No.  Is it one of the most fun?  Absolutely.  Look - the film isn't deep and the story isn't exactly a revelation.  And yet, I left with a hige smile on my face.  PLUS, Toni Collete is in it.  Why isn't she more famous?  I don't predict acting noms., I do expect possible Best Picture consideration.

"Notes on a Scandal" - definitely the best acted film of the year, which one would expect from a film starring Dame Dench and Cate Blanchett.  Both are likely to get noms.  Aside from the performances, the story is interesting but probably better suited for Lifetime Television for Women and Gay Men than for the big screen.  A rental.

"The Queen" - I persona