The Academy Jumps The Shark: Best Picture Noms at a Glance

By Jiun Kwon

So, it happened.  10 Nominations.  Personally, I would have rather they finally made a comedy category.  A girl can dream.  Whatever, the whole things a frickin’ circus, and has been so for years, but one I dutifully take part in like a proper movie-lover should.  So, I shall rave and rant with appropriate passion and outrage.  Conspicuous by its absence is the obligatory Clint Eastwood/Invictus nomination, which may be even more conspicuous due to the inclusion of The Blind Side in its stead.  Holy hell, what is going on???  Anyway… the list is as follows.

Inglourious Basterds

It’d be awesome if it was as much a shoe-in to win as it was getting nominated.  The Academy likes to screw with QT a lot.  But I lurve this movie and have now re-watched it about 4 times.  It’s spectacular every single time.

The Hurt Locker

My personal pick.  Bigelow’s such a rock star.  On behalf of women everywhere, I thank you.

The Blind Side

Really???  I seriously feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Right on.  This film is equally expected and a pleasant surprise.  The Academy usually gets uncomfy with this kind of material.  But with performances this daring and a narrative this brave, it’d be ridiculous for them to ignore it.

A Serious Man

The Coens rule!

An Education

Haven’t seen this yet.  But I read good things.

Up

Surprising, but not offensive.  This movie is delightful.

Up in the Air

The Cloons turned in a reliably restrained and evocative performance.  I’ve engaged in some private discussions regarding the ending, but overall I think it smells like roses.

District 9

Netflixed.  But if fellow Tenner V-I-C-tor would like to weigh in, I’m all ears.

Avatar

Crash 2.0 — my brain has split open and my thinking-cells are attacking each other.  Makeitstop, makeitstop!