Oscar Nominations

Yes, as I speak bald and bearded men are frantically polishing a hoard of little gold fellas ready for March 5th and the glitz and glam of the 78th Oscars. There seem to have been more awards events leading up to the big one than ever this year: Golden Globes, Critics Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, etc., etc., but nothing invokes excitement like the original red carpet extravaganza, does it? It's easy to be cynical, and with winners voted for by academy members often harbouring specific political agendas some of those cynicisms are justified - The best film does not always win, and the right people often win for the wrong thing. However it is a strong year in 2006, as one look at the five Best Film nominations shows (click link above to see full list of nominations). I'm very pleased that Crash got a nod, especially as older films can get overlooked in the whirlwind hype of newer movies. But it is Brokeback Mountain that continues its good run with the most nominations, shortlisted in eight categories. This comes as no surprise if the bandwagon of the bigger awards events is to be believed. The question is will the academy collectively decide it is time to "vote gay", finally accepting a subject that has been something of a taboo, or will the likely division mean another film slips in the back door (so to speak)? That film could be any of the other four who all hold strong dark horse aspirations. For me I would like to see Munich win - I loved B.M. as an entertainment, connecting with it more emotionally perhaps, and Crash would be my favourite for watchabilty, but my head tells me Spielberg's most serious film since Shindler's List is the "best" film and will have a longevity that makes it grow and grow in people's estimations. For acting honours surely it is time for Phillip Seymour Hoffman to step up to the big league, although I would not be unhappy to see Joaquin win for his superb Johnny Cash impersonation. Reese Witherspoon stands out in the weaker female catagory (although I've not seen 2 of the films), also for Walk The Line. And elsewhere, well, I think it will be pretty spread out, with no one film emerging as a clear favourite. But you can never ever tell - strange things happen on Oscar night - as long as someone cries, someone trips on the way to the podium and someone controversially mentions "the war" the night will be complete. Am I showing my dark side to admit my favourite part of the evening is the obituary montage? They really know how to milk it, it can't be beaten for melodrama and sentimentality. Can't wait! Kx