Here we go, folks. The Oscar nominations were announced this morning and it looks like I either need to go to the movies a lot more or I should just forget about the whole thing. I haven’t seen any of the Best Picture nominees, and yes, my head is hanging low in shame. For a complete listing of nominations, go here.
For those of you who have seen The Aviator, is it really all that good? Eleven nominations… Reminds me of Return of the King from last year, which of course I thought was deserving of every Oscar it won.
One more thing. I’m wondering how nominations work for Best Music (Song). I understand it has to be a new, original piece of music, but honestly, it seems like Andrew Lloyd Weber whipped out “Learn to Be Lonely” just to win an Oscar. The moment I heard the buzz about ALW’s new song and how Minnie Driver sang it and how it was played on Phantom’s credits, well, I knew it was fodder for the Oscars. Bleh.
8 Comments
Bethany Jan 25, 2005 10:10 AM
I think the song category is kind of odd, too. I’m still annoyed that “Come What May” couldn’t be nominated because it had been written originally for Romeo+Juliet, even though it was never used. Bah. And it’s really a bummer that Julie Delpy’s fantastic “Waltz For A Night” from “Before Sunset” wasn’t eligible, because she recorded it a couple years ago, even though she wrote it specifically for the film. Boo.
To be fair to one element of the PotO song, Minnie Driver actually was a singer before she was an actress. I’ve heard a few of her songs off her new album and they’re actually pretty good.
And as much as I love ROTK, I still can’t agree that it deserved all the awards it got. “Into the West”? That song is lame.
charity Jan 25, 2005 10:55 AM
when i looked at the list of nominees, i was struck by the fact that i haven’t seen any of these movies! i’ve got a lot of catching up to do in lining up the netflix queue!
Jason Jan 25, 2005 11:16 AM
I’ve been woefully behind on seeing movies in the theatre these days, so I know almost next to nothing about many of the nominees. However, even though I haven’t seen “Shark Tale” or “Shrek 2”, I’m fairly certain that “The Incredibles” deserves to win.
lindsay Jan 25, 2005 3:14 PM
i also have followed your lead, rebecca, in terms of posting.
for some reason, i don’t have nearly as much enthusiasm about this years nominations than i have in previous years. i’m glad that lemony snicket got a few nods for its EXCELLENT artistic merits. also, finding neverland is probably my favorite film of the year–great acting (Johnny DESERVES this one), great story, great aesthetic elements as well.
isn’t it laughable that flicks like “Shark Tale” can even be NOMINATED for an oscar, when other decent films such as “In Good Company,” “De-lovely,” “Eternal Sunshine” and “I Heart Huckabee’s” get overlooked.
and one last thing: Chris Rock as host? hmmm.
RT Jan 25, 2005 4:09 PM
B, I knew you’d disagree that ROTK deserved every award. And I’m not even sure I believe it either — though I was totally and completely caught up in the moment for Peter Jackson and crew.
I actually like Minnie Driver and she is a qualified singer. I’m just annoyed with the Best Song category in general and I’m wondering if songwriters (like Weber) are granted an Oscar nod just because they are Famous and Important People.
Megan Jan 25, 2005 11:50 PM
We just got back (30 minutes ago) from seeing Hotel Rwanda. I was sad to see it wasn’t on the best picture list. Although I haven’t seen any of the others, I’m going to say that Don Cheadle should get the Oscar for best actor.
What a powerful, sad, powerful, sad, powerful movie. I still can’t formulate the words for it. I have never sobbed in a theater before. I have never still been crying (as I am now) 30 minutes after returning home.
I am so holed up in my little, safe world in Colorado. How did I miss that this happened/is still happening?
Shame on me.
RT Jan 26, 2005 3:10 PM
Megan, I need to see Hotel Rwanda. I’m afraid to see it in the theater (for sobbing reasons, still haven’t seen The Passion either).
Ray w/ Jamie Foxx is being released to video Feb. 1. That’s one less film I will shell out $8 to watch on the big screen. I love going to the movies, but it’s no longer very affordable or easy to go out!
bethany Jan 30, 2005 11:07 PM
Having now seen The Aviator, I would have to say that it is actually really good. The only nomination from it that I really don’t agree with is Alan Alda…he was capable, but nothing special. Sentimental votes I suppose. But it will be a crime (a CRIME I say) if Cate Blanchett doesn’t win. In a very good film, she was the most riveting person, by far. She really nailed it.