Oscar nominees

[Villavic]

Best Picture:
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
CAPOTE
CRASH
GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.
MUNICH

Complete lista at
http://www.oscars.com/nominees/list.html

[Rickypt]

What is the deal with Crash? That movie suuuuuuuuccked.

Laura Linney--snubbed. At least Squid and the Whale was nominated for best original screenplay. And go Dolly!

[dissention]

William Hurt?! KEIRA KNIGHTLEY?!?! CRASH?!?!?! Crack smokers, the whole lot of them.

If it were up to me... :laugh:

Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain
Best Actor: Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney
Best Actress: Felicity Huffman
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Adams
Best Director: George Clooney/Ang Lee
Original Screenplay: Anything but Crash is fine with me
Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain/A History of Violence

[dissention]

What is the deal with Crash? That movie suuuuuuuuccked.

No language can describe it's awfulness.

Laura Linney--snubbed.

:nod:

Also, Patricia Clarkson--snubbed. But I've gotten used to it.

[Rickypt]

Amy Adams is a rare bright spot in the whole slew of nominees.

[GypsySorcerer]

Amy Adams is a pleasant surprise....and she just may win the thing. :nod:

Supporting Actor will be interesting, depending on whether they give Clooney this or Original Screenplay. If the opt for Screenplay, Gyllenhaal may have a shot.

Very strong year for male leads. I am happy that Strathairn received a nomination; I was afraid he would be snubbed.

Weak year for female leads. Charlize? Ugh. I love Dench, but do they have to nominate her for everything? I wanted Joan Allen to get in for The Upside of Anger, though I know she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

[strandinthewind]

Interestingly, Capote got the Best Picture nod over Walk the Line. Oh well.

[strandinthewind]

. . . I wanted Joan Allen to get in for The Upside of Anger, though I know she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

I agree if for nothing else, the scene when she walks in the rest. and barks at the waiter "I NEED A DRINK AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE" :laugh:

[GypsySorcerer]

I agree if for nothing else, the scene when she walks in the rest. and barks at the waiter "I NEED A DRINK AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE" :laugh:

:laugh: That whole scene was great on her part. Also, I loved when she caught her daughter in bed with the sleazy producer. Priceless reaction.

[dissention]

Amy Adams is a pleasant surprise....and she just may win the thing. :nod:

I'm crossing my fingers. She was so adorable and exciting to watch without ever coming close to turning her character into something cartoonish. She's a gem.

Supporting Actor will be interesting, depending on whether they give Clooney this or Original Screenplay. If the opt for Screenplay, Gyllenhaal may have a shot.

I think Crash will get original screenplay. I shudder at the very thought. Clooney deserves it for Syriana; it was a great movie, but very scatterbrained and he was the glue that held it all together. Liked Gyllenhaal a heckuva lot, too, but I'm probably in the minority when I say he's not worthy of getting an Oscar for it.

Weak year for female leads. Charlize? Ugh. I love Dench, but do they have to nominate her for everything? I wanted Joan Allen to get in for The Upside of Anger, though I know she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

WTF is up with Dench? She already won an Oscar for eight friggin' minutes of screentime.

I'm stunned over the Knightley nod.

[strandinthewind]

. . . I'm stunned over the Knightley nod.

She was widely praised for the part and she was nominated for the GG :shrug:

[GypsySorcerer]

I'm crossing my fingers. She was so adorable and exciting to watch without ever coming close to turning her character into something cartoonish. She's a gem.
She completely stole the movie. I love her.



I think Crash will get original screenplay. I shudder at the very thought. Clooney deserves it for Syriana; it was a great movie, but very scatterbrained and he was the glue that held it all together. Liked Gyllenhaal a heckuva lot, too, but I'm probably in the minority when I say he's not worthy of getting an Oscar for it.
I'd be happy with Clooney. I just fear for the Giamatti "make-up award."



WTF is up with Dench? She already won an Oscar for eight friggin' minutes of screentime.

I'm stunned over the Knightley nod.

AMPAS is getting so predictable. Too much Dench love. And it's starting to become that way for McDormand, too, even though she has done some great work....but North Country wasn't anything special.

I don't know what to make of Knightley. Very strange indeed.

[dissention]

She was widely praised for the part and she was nominated for the GG :shrug:

Golden Globes don't mean ****; they nominate loads of people who won't be getting Oscar nods because they have more categories to fill up. And she sucked, imo. That girl has as much depth as a bedpan.

[hayley]

Golden Globes don't mean ****; they nominate loads of people who won't be getting Oscar nods because they have more categories to fill up. And she sucked, imo. That girl has as much depth as a bedpan.
I'm no fan of hers but I thought she was excellent in Pride & Prejudice. I was amazed at what a good adaptation it was, considering I thought doing it was pointless entirely.

[Rickypt]

I have a conspiracy theory about the Crash nomination.

Maybe there is a conservative wing of the Academy that isn't keen on giving Best Picture to a film with man on man love.

So they got together and decided to push Crash. Since it deals with racism (albeit very poorly), then the Academy can't be accused of bigotry.

Just a little something I thought of on my 3rd cup of coffee.

Crazy, but no more so than the concept that people actually thought it was one of the best 5 films of the year.

[Richard B]

Crash?????? Munich??????????

I hate the Oscars. I wonder if Crash is nominated because they sent the most screeners out to academy members? What a contrived piece of crap. Did I mention crap? Silly? Useless?

I hope Capote wins. And Strand mentioned Walk The Line not being nominated. That's a shocker.

[kak125]

OMG, I thought that Crash was a very very good movie. It was disturbing and I was upset that people could be so cruel to each other but it made me think and that is what good movies are suppossed to do. I hope it wins the oscar.

[dissention]

Crash?????? Munich??????????

I hate the Oscars. I wonder if Crash is nominated because they sent the most screeners out to academy members? What a contrived piece of crap. Did I mention crap? Silly? Useless?

Amen to all of that. Crash was nothing more than a Paul Haggis bowel movement.

I'm excited for "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" to win best song.

[Richard B]

Amen to all of that. Crash was nothing more than a Paul Haggis bowel movement.

I'm excited for "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" to win best song.
I'm excited for Corpse Bride to win Best Animated Film. It's out on DVD today.

[dissention]

OMG, I thought that Crash was a very very good movie. It was disturbing and I was upset that people could be so cruel to each other but it made me think and that is what good movies are suppossed to do. I hope it wins the oscar.

I was upset that it got such glowing reviews when it amounted to nothing but preachy, implausible swill, manufactured by pompous idiots who seem to be under the impression that they created important art. It gave smug elitism a whole new name.

[amber]

I wanted Joan Allen to get in for The Upside of Anger, though I know she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

They have to give her one sometime, she's consistently flawless.

I'm excited for "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" to win best song.
Me, too. You saw that movie? I watched it a couple weeks ago. The movie was okay, but Terrence Howard was great - I'm glad he got nommed. You know the lady who played the pregnant girl? I was watching the extras, and when I saw how she is in real life - her performance impressed the hell out of me even more. Good performances all 'round.
And did you see the story of the Memphis guy who came up with that song? I thought that was very cool.

Anyhoo...I call: (I can't decide who they'll pick for best actor yet. It's a hard one this year.)

Jake Gyllenhaal supporting
Felicity Huffman should win, but I'm gonna bet Reese Witherspoon best actress. The Academy does love them some made-up-to-look-ugly Charlize performances, though! :laugh:
Michelle Williams - supporting. I would be ecstatic if Catherine Keener got an Oscar, but not this time.

Who saw The Constant Gardener? I heard it's very, very good. Diss?

[BTFLCHLD]

I'm excited for Corpse Bride to win Best Animated Film. It's out on DVD today. me too...the movie is/was quite sweet...i really enjoyed how life was dark/doomed and death was bright/vibrant...


depp entered my subcons that day and now most dreammen turn into him (i think ive my awnser sahara!)

[dissention]

Me, too. You saw that movie? I watched it a couple weeks ago. The movie was okay, but Terrence Howard was great - I'm glad he got nommed. You know the lady who played the pregnant girl? I was watching the extras, and when I saw how she is in real life - her performance impressed the hell out of me even more. Good performances all 'round.
And did you see the story of the Memphis guy who came up with that song? I thought that was very cool.

No, I just think it'll be funny for them to announce that song as an Oscar winner. :laugh:

Anyhoo...I call: (I can't decide who they'll pick for best actor yet. It's a hard one this year.)

Jake Gyllenhaal supporting

I say it goes to Clooney. Jake should be thanking his lucky stars that he even got nominated, just like William Hurt (who was in A History of Violence for all of five ****ing minutes at the end). The two of them are the Alan Alda's of this year.

I don't think Brokeback will win any acting awards.

Felicity Huffman should win, but I'm gonna bet Reese Witherspoon best actress. The Academy does love them some made-up-to-look-ugly Charlize performances, though! :laugh:

Witherspoon, unfortunately. I want Felicity to win it so bad, though.

Michelle Williams - supporting. I would be ecstatic if Catherine Keener got an Oscar, but not this time.

Rachel Weisz is already clearing a space on her mantle for her Oscar. I loooooove Keener, but she had absolutely nothing to do in Capote. She was a mere set decoration.

Who saw The Constant Gardener? I heard it's very, very good. Diss?

It's VERY good. I was crying like a baby by the time it finished.

[Richard B]

me too...the movie is/was quite sweet...i really enjoyed how life was dark/doomed and death was bright/vibrant...
At some point today...I'm going to stop by Tower and pick it up. Shiny and new.

[BTFLCHLD]

At some point today...I'm going to stop by Tower and pick it up. Shiny and new. hey moneybags...pick one up for me :thumbsup:

[amber]

No, I just think it'll be funny for them to announce that song as an Oscar winner. :laugh:



I say it goes to Clooney. Jake should be thanking his lucky stars that he even got nominated, just like William Hurt (who was in A History of Violence for all of five ****ing minutes at the end). The two of them are the Alan Alda's of this year.

I don't think Brokeback will win any acting awards.



Witherspoon, unfortunately. I want Felicity to win it so bad, though.



Rachel Weisz is already clearing a space on her mantle for her Oscar. I loooooove Keener, but she had absolutely nothing to do in Capote. She was a mere set decoration.



It's VERY good. I was crying like a baby by the time it finished.


I think Brokeback will win some. But anyway, you should see Hustle and Flow. It's pretty good. Weisz? I dunno about that.

[Richard B]

hey moneybags...pick one up for me :thumbsup:
You'll get a copy when we marry.

I should also stop by and get more white underwear. Why do laundry when I can can just buy more???

I can't believe I just typed that. Back to PM on that topic.

[dissention]

I think Brokeback will win some.

I don't think it stands a snowballs chance in hell. It hasn't won Golden Globes or SAG awards for acting; the chances of it winning anything at the Oscars are so low. Hoffman will take best actor (and I'll cry), Gyllenhaal is lucky just to be nominated, and Williams will lose to Weisz.

I predict best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay.

But anyway, you should see Hustle and Flow. It's pretty good.

Isn't it about rap music? I couldn't possibly.

Weisz? I dunno about that.

For sure. She's already gotten the Globe and the SAG award.

[BTFLCHLD]

You'll get a copy when we marry. hmmm...this could make my decision quite an easy one :cool:

I should also stop by and get more white underwear. just please tell me you dont have the days of the week embroidered on them! :rolleyes:

[Richard B]

just please tell me you dont have the days of the week embroidered on them! :rolleyes:
No. Just daily affirmations.

[amber]

I don't think it stands a snowballs chance in hell. It hasn't won Golden Globes or SAG awards for acting; the chances of it winning anything at the Oscars are so low. Hoffman will take best actor (and I'll cry), Gyllenhaal is lucky just to be nominated, and Williams will lose to Weisz.

I predict best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay.



Isn't it about rap music? I couldn't possibly.



For sure. She's already gotten the Globe and the SAG award.

Yeah, so it will win awards.:confused: How is getting best picture/director/screenplay not winning ?

It's not about rap music, it's about a guy. There's a bit of rap in it. And the melody part of "It's Hard Out There For a Pimp" is really good, actually. I didn't know you were prejudiced....:p

Wanna make a bet on Weisz? :) 20 bucks.

[Rickypt]

it made me think and that is what good movies are suppossed to do.

I respect that, but I thought the opposite. It didn't make me think at all because it crammed everything my throat as if it needed to spend two hours walking me through a Powerpoint presentation on "what is racism".

[dissention]

Yeah, so it will win awards.:confused: How is getting best picture/director/screenplay not winning ?

I was talking about acting.

It's not about rap music, it's about a guy. There's a bit of rap in it. And the melody part of "It's Hard Out There For a Pimp" is really good, actually. I didn't know you were prejudiced....:p

Against rap music? Most definitely! :laugh: It drives me nuts for the most part.

Wanna make a bet on Weisz? :) 20 bucks.

Absolutely. She's got it in the bag.

[DavidMn]

I'm way outta my league here when it comes to being a movie critic, but I did actually enjoy Crash.

[SapphireSister]

What a travesty that Walk the Line was not nominated for best pic, seriously! Crash was good, but not great and definitely not worthy of a best picture nod. Hopefully BM will win. I'm rooting for Reese for best actress although Felicity was sensational. I saw Hustle and Flow 2 weeks ago and fell in love with it! I think it was one of my top 5 movies this year. See the movie if you have not already. Hopefully it will win best original song. I would also love to see Amy Adams win best supporting actress. I saw Jubebug this weekend and as someone mentioned earlier she completely stole the show.

[dissention]

I would also love to see Amy Adams win best supporting actress. I saw Jubebug this weekend and as someone mentioned earlier she completely stole the show.

Isn't she great? I want to her win. I dare anyone to watch that movie and tell me that she didn't make them smile. :laugh:

[amber]

I was talking about acting.



Against rap music? Most definitely! :laugh: It drives me nuts for the most part.



Absolutely. She's got it in the bag.

I didn't know you were only talking about acting. Your sentence, "the chances of it winning anything at the Oscars are so low" confused me.

It's a good movie anyways, you baby. And I'm sure you like it when Debbie raps, so don't lie. ;) yeah, yeah - "for the most part" - I get it. Trust me, it's a nice little movie. No rap haters were seriously injured while watching it.

20 bucks, you're on. :nod:

[BTFLCHLD]

No. Just daily affirmations. my how you have grown!

:lol: down boy down boy :lol:

[Richard B]

I wouldn't place bets on the actor/actress nominations...there is always surprises with those catagories. Best Movie is a easier catergory to bet on.

I think Best Picture will either be Capote or Good Night and Good Luck. Maybe Munich, but certainly not Crash or BM. Although I think A. Lee has a really good chance at Best Director.

[GypsySorcerer]

I wouldn't place bets on the actor/actress nominations...there is always surprises with those catagories. Best Movie is a easier catergory to bet on.

I think Best Picture will either be Capote or Good Night and Good Luck. Maybe Munich, but certainly not Crash or BM. Although I think A. Lee has a really good chance at Best Director.

Hmmm.... I was thinking Lee and BBM were pretty much locked for director/picture.

[GypsySorcerer]

Nominee reactions courtesy of USA Today: (I especially liked Lee's bit)

The nominees speak
USA TODAY's Donna Freydkin, Will Keck, Whitney Matheson, Karen Thomas and Susan Wloszczyna are tracking down the nominees to get their initial reactions.
9:43 a.m. A statement arrives from Judi Dench, up for best actress for Mrs. Henderson Presents: The nomination is "absolutely wonderful. I am so thrilled to be nominated for something I loved working on every single day. I'm in such good company."

9:47 a.m. Amy Adams, who's in her early 30s and up for supporting actress in Junebug, calls. She's one of seven children and says she has "tons of phone calls to make." First up was her sister, and then her mother, Katherine, who was working the Starbucks counter in Colorado. "She had her phone waiting in her pocket, and I heard all the people in the store yell. It was great," says Adams, a first-time nominee.

To celebrate, "I'll invite some friends over and have a glass of champagne and order Chinese food. Maybe we'll go up to (West Hollywood roadhouse) Barney's Beanery. Maybe." Her date for the ceremony will be boyfriend Darren Legallo. Adams hopes she'll be able to meet fellow nominee Frances McDormand (North Country) and see best actor nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow). "He's smooth and he's fantastic and he can dance. I'm looking forward to sharing a dance with Terrence that night." —Karen Thomas

9:54 a.m. Ang Lee, who directed top-nominated film Brokeback Mountain, sounded relaxed. He spent his morning taking his son to school and did not watch the announcement. His assistant called him with the news. "I tried to not worry about it. I tried to go back to sleep, but then the phone rang, and I heard about the results," he says.

He's not celebrating with a glass of bubbly. Instead, says Lee, he'll have two cups of a fine Taiwanese tea he opened up because it's a special occasion. And he's not worried about the competition come Oscar night. "I don't want this to be the movie to beat," he says of Brokeback. "This year, I really enjoy this group. It's a great bunch of people. We're happy for each other. There's a certain togetherness. There's a family kind of feeling. We're all small movies. Even Steven's movie is relatively small. It's issue-oriented, emotion-oriented, and when society finds it, it's a positive feeling in a frustrating time we're in. It's the most sweet and unselfish year." —Donna Freydkin

10 a.m. Terrence Howard, up for actor for Hustle & Flow, woke up at 5:19 a.m. in his room at the Four Season Hotel in Los Angeles, certain he had missed the Oscar announcement. Realizing that no one had called him, he assumed he wasn't nominated. "I called downstairs and asked them to turn off my phone," says Howard. "I didn't want to do to 'consolation' interviews."

Then he realized the announcements would be made at 5:30, and he canceled the order.

Again, he felt disappointment wash over him as his name was not announced for supporting actor. "That's what everyone said I had the best shot at," Howard says. "I was really happy for Matt Dillon, his co-star in Crash who received a nomination for supporting actor. "But you can't help but be a little disappointed."

Then he heard his name, for best actor for Hustle & Flow.

"It felt like I was watching TV in a dream," he says. "I'm damn near 37 years old, and I'm jumping up and down on the bed like my 10-year-old. I was a wild man."

His first call went to his parents, and everyone broke down in tears. "We're crying, laughing. Then my father says 'Aren't you glad I made you?' I knew he was going to take some of the credit. You just can't describe what this is like." —Scott Bowles

10:01 a.m. Real-life couple Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, were both nominated for their Brokeback Mountain roles. Williams sounds exhausted after being woken up by the couple's publicist with the news. The new mom has been up much of the night with 3-month-old Matilda. "We're in L.A., so it was early," she says. "We're just trying to wake up." Her plan for the day? "We're just doing interviews now, and Heath is taking a yoga class with me today, and that's as far as we've gotten," she says. "Matilda was up at midnight, and she was up at 3 in the morning, and she was up at 5 in the morning. It's been a long night." The baby gurgles while her mom talks on the phone. "I just fed her, but she's really chatty this morning." Williams had not watched the nomination announcement and hence wasn't sure who the other contenders were. But, she says, "I'm so happy for Heath, and I'm so happy for Jake (Gyllenhaal). They both really deserved it." The biggest surprise so far? "Me! I was surprised by me!"

Ledger follows, saying they are both "pretty exhausted. We gave each other a little kiss and fell back asleep, and then people started calling us." After they're done doing interviews, "We'll go back to bed and sleep. We'll have a little cuddle, and that'll be about it." Even though he was one of the favorites going in, Ledger says he was shocked by his best actor nom. "I never really have great expectations for my work or the movies I'm in. It's a wonderful surprise," he says. "I'm very proud of everyone, and I'm very proud of Jake." He's even more thrilled that Jon Stewart is hosting the show. "We adore him. The world is a better with him in it, and I think the Academy Awards will be better" with him hosting. —D.F.

10:45 a.m. Rachel Weisz, nominated for best supporting actress for The Constant Gardener, heard the news in a rather unique fashion. "I'm still in L.A., from the SAGs, and I was woken up by a South American radio station that had tracked me down and wanted me to be live on the air," she laughs. "I guess they called every hotel in L.A.! I realized it's time for an alias." Weisz, who has already won both the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden Globe awards, calls her year "pretty incredible."

But she won't be celebrating too wildly today, she says. "It's still 8 in the morning and I'm pregnant. (Dad is director Darren Aronofsky) I can't really crack open the champagne. I'll have to have a smoothie or something." And so far, she hasn't talked to anyone close to her, busy as she has been doing interviews. "I haven't been able to call anyone, but my mum called me," she says. Weisz is thrilled that all the movies nominated this year have a political theme and message. "People are hungry for stories that hold up a mirror to the culture we live in. I think it's great," she says. So, has the pregnant actress thought about what she's wearing to the Oscars? "Oh gosh, not yet! But I will, I will, of course! I have to worry about what frock to wear." —D.F.

11:45 a.m.March of the Penguins director Luc Jacquet first heard he was nominated for best documentary feature on the train from Paris, where he's been working on his next project. Will he attend next month's ceremony in L.A.? "I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said via translator.

As for the writer/director's next project, he says "it's in the same spirit as March of the Penguins and will be a sort of mix between documentary and fiction." The plot involves "a meeting between a young girl and a fox that she finds in the forest. She falls in love with the fox and she wants to seduce him, she wants to tame him. ... It's an adventure of initiation of a young girl in the natural world."

Jacquet added that he still didn't know why Penguins became such a worldwide hit last year. "At the very least, the Emperor penguin is an incredibly sympathetic character, and his story is truly a tragedy," he said. "The film has become something that people have embraced all around the world. Audiences have sort of taken the film with them and into their hearts."—Whitney Matheson

11:15 a.m. Matt Dillon, who was nominated for best supporting actor for his role in Crash got the news in his New York hotel room. "I just can't believe that people remembered this movie. It premiered in Toronto like a year and a half ago, and I'm not sure anyone even bought it back then. I knew we had made a good movie, but you're never sure whether people are going to find it and remember it. It's just such an awesome feeling. You feel a little funny, because it's such an ensemble cast, and everyone is so strong in it. But you hope the attention you get will bring more attention to the movie. Because you don't get a lot of movies that are really trying to say something." —S.B.

12:12 p.m. Best supporting actor nominee Paul Giamatti is in Toronto rehearsing Shoot 'Em Up, a movie he's working on with Clive Owen. Does he feel vindicated after not getting a nomination for Sideways last year? Not really. " I feel great. I feel always stunned by this stuff," he laughs. "My manager called me this morning, first thing in the a.m., then my agent, then my wife."

Giamatti says he's more stunned that Cinderella Man's leading actor Russell Crowe was overlooked this year. "That's a huge shame. It surprised me," says Giamatti. "I thought for sure he would (be nominated). It's a wonderful thing that I got nominated but my performance is kind of meaningless without his. It doesn't make any sense to me, but I don't know how these things work. It's a drag, it's a bummer."

He hasn't talked to director Ron Howard yet, but that's due to technical difficulties. "My cellphone died, so now I'm being berated by everybody. I'm recharging my phone," says Giamatti. —D.F.

12:30 p.m. George Clooney, was shooting a French coffee commerical in LA. "I'm getting paid more for this than I was in the past year and a half," he says. He says he worked for scale as an actor and handed over his DGA check in order to cut costs on his two nominated labors of love, Good Night, and Good Luck and Syriana.

On how he feels about being a triple Oscar threat: "I'll be drinking tonight."

Does getting three nominations as an actor, director and writer – a feat previously equaled by only Woody Allen (Annie Hall), Warren Betty (Reds and Heaven Can Wait), and Roberto Benigni (Life Is Beautiful) – mean he can do anything he wants now in Hollywood?

"I've been able to do anything I want for five or six years now. I'll continue to do it."

If he wins on Oscar night, will he give another humorous speech liked the one he gave at the Golden Globes? "I had a really good one for the Screen Actors Guild. But then that Paul Giamatti spoiled it. Damn that Paul Giamatti. I've never liked that guy."

Now that he has joined the club of directing actors, will he grow a bushy beard and make movies in archaic languages? "Not yet. If Mel Gibson makes $600 million for a film he can grow any beard he wants." —Susan Wloszczyna

12:36 p.m. Best supporting actress nominee Catherine Keener (Capote) said in a statement: "I am so happy to be part of such a great movie and am grateful to Bennett Miller for including me."

1:28 p.m. Steven Spielberg, who won an Oscar in 1993 for Schindler's List, says he's stunned his contentious terrorism drama Munich got so much recognition.

"I wasn't certain we'd receive nominations in those three tall categories," he says, referring to the film's nominations in the picture, directing and best adapted screenplay slots. "I was just absolutely thrilled that the academy had the courage to recognize Munich. They were able to make up their own minds. It's a very controversial film and controversy is not exactly a calling card when it comes to Academy Award time."

Spielberg did not watch the announcements. "The phone rang at ten to six, and I was sound asleep," he says. "My wife (Kate Capshaw) picked up the telephone and it was my associate Kristie Macosko? from the Bahamas, giving us the good news."

They're going to celebrate by "finding the best Oscar dress my wife has ever worn!" And being nominated for the 11th time never gets old: "I love that they're not tired of me!"—D.F.

1:41 p.m. A transcript from Reese Witherspoon's early-morning interview with German TV outlets makes its way to us. "I can't get any of my family on the phone because it's too early there but it's exciting," the best actress nominee (Walk the Line) told APTN during a press conference in Berlin, where the film is just opening. "I take it very seriously."

The actress said she had dozed off in her Berlin hotel during the annoucements (she was "jetlagged," after flying Monday night from the London set of Penelope to Berlin), when she suddenly heard her publicist screaming. "I was having a dream...I was like, what is she screaming about? Doesn't she know I'm asleep but it was funny."

The Oscar nod was totally unexpected, she says. "You never know what people are like in every different group that votes on everything...it's completely different and made up of completely different people so, yeah I was completely surprised and thrilled and...I never thought I'd be here anyway. I never thought I'd be nominated for anything."—K.T.

2:05 p.m. Jake Gyllenhaal's on set in Los Angeles, shooting Zodiac and getting ready to film a seven-page scene with Mark Ruffalo. Gyllenhaal didn't watch the nominations but got a call from his agent with the news that he'd earned a best supporting actor nomination for playing a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain.

"My phone voicemail was filled with messages so she couldn't leave a message so she called me at my house," he says. Tonight, he'll "definitely be doing something" to celebrate, he says.

As for Brokeback's eight nominations, says Gyllenhaal, "the more attention that it gets and the more it's championed by audiences and critics, the more people are likely to see it." He chatted with castmates Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams this morning. "Heath and I talked and I got a, 'Congratulations, mate!'" he says. And Gyllenhaal, who was dating Kirsten Dunst, has no word on who'll be his Oscar date. "I don't know!" he laughs. —D.F.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/movieawards/oscars/2006-01-31-nominee-reaction_x.htm

[Richard B]

Hmmm.... I was thinking Lee and BBM were pretty much locked for director/picture.
Really? The SAG Awards generally set the tone for Oscars. Since actors (myself included) got screeners and free screenings, it does account for where the votes will go once the Academy starts voting, which includes actors, directors, producers, etc. Actors generally have poor taste, so things can change when the Academy gets their screeners. Actors are so cheap and I think that's why Crash did well at the SAG Awards...Lions gate sent a couple thousand free screeners out to SAG members. That helps a great deal for voting. No other film sent that many out.

I don't think BM will win Best Picture. I would be shocked if it did. Same goes with Crash. Usually Director/Best Picture go hand in hand, but not always and probably not this year. I really see Capote, Good Night and Good Luck getting the top honors. But if it's split, the nod might go to A. Lee for director. It's about marketing to a large degree.

[GypsySorcerer]

Really? The SAG Awards generally set the tone for Oscars. Since actors (myself included) got screeners and free screenings, it does account for where the votes will go once the Academy starts voting, which includes actors, directors, producers, etc. Actors generally have poor taste, so things can change when the Academy gets their screeners. Actors are so cheap and I think that's why Crash did well at the SAG Awards...Lions gate sent a couple thousand free screeners out to SAG members. That helps a great deal for voting. No other film sent that many out.

I don't think BM will win Best Picture. I would be shocked if it did. Same goes with Crash. Usually Director/Best Picture go hand in hand, but not always and probably not this year. I really see Capote, Good Night and Good Luck getting the top honors. But if it's split, the nod might go to A. Lee for director. It's about marketing to a large degree.

Lee got the DGA, which is a pretty good indicator.

I just really think BM will get Best Picture. I think Good Night and Good Luck has lost some steam, and I just can't see Capote getting it.

Oh, well. We have a month to speculate. :laugh:

[dissention]

Lee got the DGA, which is a pretty good indicator.

I just really think BM will get Best Picture. I think Good Night and Good Luck has lost some steam, and I just can't see Capote getting it.

Oh, well. We have a month to speculate. :laugh:

I'm with you. I can't even imagine Capote winning Best Picture, same for Crash and Munich. I do think that Good Night and Good Luck could win it, but I'm sticking with Brokeback Mountain.

I'm curious as to how much The Weinstein Company is pushing Huffman for Best Actress. It would be very surprising if Harvey Weinstein isn't going all out on her.

[Richard B]

Lee got the DGA, which is a pretty good indicator.

I just really think BM will get Best Picture. I think Good Night and Good Luck has lost some steam, and I just can't see Capote getting it.

Oh, well. We have a month to speculate. :laugh:
I actually don't care too much. I haven't enjoyed the last 3 years of Oscars anyway.

Thing is with Capote, it is good, very good. My favorite (oscar nominated) film this year. Not to mention that Capote's book 'In Cold Blood' was read by everyone in the 60's. I mean everyone read it. So it's important in that respect, which is why I think it may win. There are some old relics in the academy that account for a large portion of the votes.

But we'll see...and I don't care what wins. As long as it is not Crash.

[GypsySorcerer]

I'm with you. I can't even imagine Capote winning Best Picture, same for Crash and Munich. I do think that Good Night and Good Luck could win it, but I'm sticking with Brokeback Mountain.

I'm curious as to how much The Weinstein Company is pushing Huffman for Best Actress. It would be very surprising if Harvey Weinstein isn't going all out on her.

Interesting point. I think Reese is the frontrunner, but by a nose. Huffman's losing the SAG to her doesn't mean a whole lot when they were able to award her for Desperate Housewives. I think Reese will win, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Huffman did.

[strandinthewind]

I think Capote was an okay picture with a stellar and Oscar worthy performce by PSH (and the guy that played Perry for that matter) - but on the whole, I though the movie itself was just okay. But, to each their own.

[dissention]

I think Capote was an okay picture with a stellar and Oscar worthy performce by PSH (and the guy that played Perry for that matter) - but on the whole, I though the movie itself was just okay. But, to each their own.

It was a good showcase for fantastic acting, but the movie itself wasn't much, imo. Harper Lee's relationship with Capote was treated so lightly to the point where it was almost nonexistent, she was simply his traveling secretary, and I thought it really fell apart in the last half. The pacing became far too erratic and the ending was rather anticlimactic.

[SapphireSister]

Isn't she great? I want to her win. I dare anyone to watch that movie and tell me that she didn't make them smile. :laugh:

SPOILER






I was so disappointed at the end. Out of everyone in the world who deserved some happiness it was her, especially with that d*ick of a hubby. I so wanted to rescue that poor girl. That's when you know someone has done a phenomenal acting job when you actually want your lives to coincide IRL.

[DavidMn]

It was a good showcase for fantastic acting, but the movie itself wasn't much, imo. Harper Lee's relationship with Capote was treated so lightly to the point where it was almost nonexistent, she was simply his traveling secretary, and I thought it really fell apart in the last half. The pacing became far too erratic and the ending was rather anticlimactic.Your film analysis fascinates me. I wish I knew half as much as you did.

[dissention]

Your film analysis fascinates me. I wish I knew half as much as you did.

Thanks. But I wish I knew half as much as you think I do. :laugh: I don't know anything, just what I like and don't like.

[DavidMn]

Thanks. But I wish I knew half as much as you think I do. :laugh: I don't know anything, just what I like and don't like.Holy Schnikey, that first sentence gave me a brain cramp.:lol: But yup, it's all opinions. At least yours are real. I love these ****ty movies that have fake good reviews in the papers. Have you heard of this?

[Richard B]

The pacing became far too erratic and the ending was rather anticlimactic.
Everyone knows what happened through history, of course it's anti-climatic.

[dissention]

Holy Schnikey, that first sentence gave me a brain cramp.:lol: But yup, it's all opinions. At least yours are real. I love these ****ty movies that have fake good reviews in the papers. Have you heard of this?

David Manning? I remember "him." Sony offered $5 refunds on all the movies "he" reviewed. :laugh: I didn't get one because I wouldn't be caught dead going to see The Animal with Rob Schneider or The Patriot with Mel Gibson, two of the flicks "he" reviewed.

My favorites are those quotes from really ****ty places like Wireless Magazine. Baby Geniuses 2 comes out and they say "One of the greatest family films of all time!" Wonky bastards don't even watch the **** they "review."

[dissention]

Everyone knows what happened through history, of course it's anti-climatic.

Too bad it's effects were undermined even more by the shoddy way in which the climax was presented in the movie.

Everyone knows that Dil has a dick, but that doesn't really make it any less effective each time Rea pulls down his panties in The Crying Game.

[DavidMn]

David Manning? I remember "him." Sony offered $5 refunds on all the movies "he" reviewed. :laugh: I didn't get one because I wouldn't be caught dead going to see The Animal with Rob Schneider or The Patriot with Mel Gibson, two of the flicks "he" reviewed.

My favorites are those quotes from really ****ty places like Wireless Magazine. Baby Geniuses 2 comes out and they say "One of the greatest family films of all time!" Wonky bastards don't even watch the **** they "review."Here's a goodie. You remember Catwoman? there was this review on the ad for it in the paper where some critic from a very obscure mag wrote about how this movie was a "Must-see." Of course, after a little snooping, I discovered that neither the person or the publication existed. SURPRISE.:lol:

[SapphireSister]

Against rap music? Most definitely! :laugh: It drives me nuts for the most part.


Eminem's rap song "Lose Yourself" from 8 mile won the Oscar 3 years ago so the song definitely has a chance and it would be well deserved IMO. I'm a huge fan of Hustle and Flow as you can see. It was most certainly not about rap music persay but rather a man's personal strugle (yes that of a pimp). I was fascinated with his world so different than mine yet I related to his passion on a deep level. Between that and Crash Terrence Howard is my new hero :nod:.

[strandinthewind]

Too bad it's effects were undermined even more by the shoddy way in which the climax was presented in the movie.

I tend to disagree to a point. I thought the end was representative of TC going back to his blythe manner of looking at the world. My issue with the movie was the editing, which I found choppy, and the pacing. In the end, the movie to me was a B - maybe a B+. I liked it but do not want to see it again, unlike Walk the Line, BM ( :laugh: ) , etc.

[dissention]

Eminem's rap song "Loose Yourself" from 8 mile won the Oscar 3 years ago so the song definitely has a chance and it would be well deserved IMO.

Yeah, well, I've tried to forget about that. These are the people who didn't give Aimee Mann an Oscar for "Save Me" and then turn around and give that punk one. They thought they were the Grammy's that night.

I'm a huge fan of Hustle and Flow as you can see. It was most certainly not about rap music persay but rather a man's personal strugle (yes that of a pimp). I was fascinated with his world so different than mine yet I related to his passion on a deep level. Between that and Crash Terrence Howard is my new hero :nod:.

The personal struggle of a pimp? That's a must-see. :laugh:

I'll have to check it out sometime if it's as good as you guys are saying. Though I wasn't really impressed with anyone from Crash other than Thandie Newton.

[Richard B]

I tend to disagree to a point. I thought the end was representative of TC going back to his blythe manner of looking at the world. My issue with the movie was the editing, which I found choppy, and the pacing. In the end, the movie to me was a B - maybe a B+. I liked it but do not want to see it again, unlike Walk the Line, BM ( :laugh: ) , etc.
Walk The Line was robbed. Robbed.

I like the pacing...it spanned a great deal of time and nothing much happened other than him writing his novel. It was all about the writing of the book. It worked for me. I loved it. I also love the cinematography a great deal. The dialog was outstanding, particularly the emotional conversations of Capote and Perry. Simply riveting. But there was a large span of time when Capote didn't visit Perry. Poor Capote, after witnessing the hanging could never write again and could only find solace in alchohol.

[dissention]

I tend to disagree to a point. I thought the end was representative of TC going back to his blythe manner of looking at the world. My issue with the movie was the editing, which I found choppy, and the pacing. In the end, the movie to me was a B - maybe a B+. I liked it but do not want to see it again, unlike Walk the Line, BM ( :laugh: ) , etc.

Meh. I thought they were on the right track when they first presented him as a somewhat loveable, self-serving little rat at the start of the movie, but part of the reason it completely fell apart for me was because they didn't effectively demonstrate at the end just how much his writing that book changed him as a person. It was weak weak weak.

Maybe we'll get another installment about his attempted writing of Answered Prayers. :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

. . .
The personal struggle of a pimp? . . . .

Hey there - pimps are people too - hooker :xoxo:

[dissention]

Poor Capote, after witnessing the hanging could never write again and could only find solace in alchohol.

And in trashing Jackie Susann, bless his heart.

[GypsySorcerer]

Speaking of Best Song, anyone find it odd that only three songs were nominated in this category?

[dissention]

Speaking of Best Song, anyone find it odd that only three songs were nominated in this category?

At least that horrid Alanis song didn't get nominated.

I'm still a bitter bitch over Emmylou's Brokeback Mountain song getting the shaft. I can't dig it.

[Richard B]

but part of the reason it completely fell apart for me was because they didn't effectively demonstrate at the end just how much his writing that book changed him as a person. It was weak weak weak.
It did for me. His change was very apparent.

[strandinthewind]

. . . Maybe we'll get another installment about his
attempted writing of Answered Prayers. :laugh:

Lord Child - do not get me started :laugh: Actually, he was a friend of a friend's cousin and oh the stories I have heard :laugh:

[SapphireSister]

Yeah, well, I've tried to forget about that. These are the people who didn't give Aimee Mann an Oscar for "Save Me" and then turn around and give that punk one. They thought they were the Grammy's that night.


I'm not partial to rap music but the song totally deserved to win. It was the highlight of the Oscars for me that year.

[sparky]

I think BBM will take Best Picture, Director, Adapted screenplay, and maybe cinemtography. Academy voters love landscape shots.

I say PSH gets Actor, Witherspoon Actress, Weisz sup Actress, that bitter little troll Giamatti will take sup actor (all he did in his reaction to his nom was bitch that Crowe was nominated, he's a hateful little man).

Williams will get best score just because he is Williams. Crash will probably get original screenplay.

I don't think Jake has a chance at his award. As much as I love the movie, I don't think he will win. There were two scenes in which I thought his acting choices were very bad - even though the rest of the time he was compelling and I would crawl over broken glass to kiss him.

Geisha will get costume design. That publicity push started months ago. VFX to Kong, and Editing might go to Munich as some kind of consolation prize.

What I love is that Brokeback is the top grossing film of all the major nominess. HA. The little gay cowboy movie kicks ass. I never thought it would be so successful. Thought it would top out at 35 million, and it already passed 50 and is on it's way to over 100. Unreal.

Guess what, America ? We're not all Nathan Lane.

[dissention]

It did for me. His change was very apparent.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

Lord Child - do not get me started Actually, he was a friend of a friend's cousin and oh the stories I have heard

What was published of Answered Prayers is unreadable. Just plain boring garbage. He couldn't write anything of substance, so he turned to vulgarity. It's fascinating in a trainwreck sort of way just because you know about all the drama behind it, but hoo boy, it's baaaaaaaaaad.

[SapphireSister]

Question - why is Heath nominated as Best Actor and Jake supporting? I thought they were both the leads.

[Richard B]

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
Everyone perceives things differently, for sure.

[dissention]

Question - why is Heath nominated as Best Actor and Jake supporting? I thought they were both the leads.

I watched it and indentified Heath as the lead. His character had more things going on and I thought his screentime was used much more effectively to get into who his character was. It's all subjective, though.

[BombaySapphire3]

I actually don't care too much. I haven't enjoyed the last 3 years of Oscars anyway.

Thing is with Capote, it is good, very good. My favorite (oscar nominated) film this year. Not to mention that Capote's book 'In Cold Blood' was read by everyone in the 60's. I mean everyone read it. So it's important in that respect, which is why I think it may win. There are some old relics in the academy that account for a large portion of the votes.

But we'll see...and I don't care what wins. As long as it is not Crash.
The momentum for Best Picture and director is solidly behind Brokeback and Lee at this point.I'd give Capote 1/10 odds of winning Best Picture.Hoffman could win Best Actor although a Brokeback sweep could carry Ledger in it's wake,it has happened before .I would not completely count out Phoenix either.Witherspoon is a sure shot though .At this point any other actress winning would be considered an upset.

[Rickypt]

I think BBM will take Best Picture, Director, Adapted screenplay, and maybe cinemtography. Academy voters love landscape shots.

I say PSH gets Actor, Witherspoon Actress, Weisz sup Actress, that bitter little troll Giamatti will take sup actor (all he did in his reaction to his nom was bitch that Crowe was nominated, he's a hateful little man).

Williams will get best score just because he is Williams. Crash will probably get original screenplay.

I don't think Jake has a chance at his award. As much as I love the movie, I don't think he will win. There were two scenes in which I thought his acting choices were very bad - even though the rest of the time he was compelling and I would crawl over broken glass to kiss him.

Geisha will get costume design. That publicity push started months ago. VFX to Kong, and Editing might go to Munich as some kind of consolation prize.

What I love is that Brokeback is the top grossing film of all the major nominess. HA. The little gay cowboy movie kicks ass. I never thought it would be so successful. Thought it would top out at 35 million, and it already passed 50 and is on it's way to over 100. Unreal.

Guess what, America ? We're not all Nathan Lane.


WILL DOLLY WIN???

:)

[sparky]

WILL DOLLY WIN???

:)

I sure hope so. If for nothing else than the hysterical comments she would no doubt make about Transamerica and BBM.

[DavidMn]

Hey speaking of Crash, if anyone is ever interested in what the Stereophonics sound like, their song Maybe Tomorrow plays at the end of the movie.:nod:

[Richard B]

The momentum for Best Picture and director is solidly behind Brokeback and Lee at this point.I'd give Capote 1/10 odds of winning Best Picture.Hoffman could win Best Actor although a Brokeback sweep could carry Ledger in it's wake,it has happened before .I would not completely count out Phoenix either.Witherspoon is a sure shot though .At this point any other actress winning would be considered an upset.
You in the industry? BM will not win Picture. Sorry. It's between Capote, Good Night and Good Luck and Munich.

Don't let the hype fool you. See you here in a month.

[DavidMn]

You in the industry? BM will not win Picture. Sorry. It's between Capote, Good Night and Good Luck and Munich.

Don't let the hype fool you. See you here in a month.Sounds like some good inside info.:nod:

[Rickypt]

My should win/will win....'cuz I'm a bit bored.

Picture: Squid and the Whale (write-in)/Brokeback Mountain

Actor: PSH/PSH

Actress: Felicity Huffman/Felicity Huffman

Sup. Actor: Didn't see Syriana or Cinderella Man, so I don't know

Sup. Actress: This is tough, but I choose Amy Adams over Michelle Williams (just barely)/Rachel Weisz

Director: Lee/Lee

Original Screenplay: Squid and the Whale/Good Night and Good Luck

Adapted Screenplay: History of Violence/Brokeback Mountain

[Serrart]

I'm way outta my league here when it comes to being a movie critic, but I did actually enjoy Crash.

Oh but that's not trendy David;) . I think it was overly melò, but the cast worked generally well. Many worse movies got Oscar nominations during the years, and Paul Haggis is anyways a great screenplayer.

By the way, I'm very happy because Italy is in the run for The best foreign movie with La bestia nel cuore (in US it will be released with the title "Don't Tell) by Cristina Comencini. It's a beautifully written and acted plot that alternates a tough family drama, with a parallel delicate lesbian love story. It's a movie when it's possible to see a very contemporary Italy and some of the best actors in our Country, like Giovanna Mezzogiorno (who won in Venice for this movie the Volpi cup as best actress), Luigi Lo Cascio, Angela Finocchiaro, Alessio Boni (well, is more cute than good, IMO), Stefano Battiston.

So, for your consideration :D , here's the trailer (in Italian but it presents some of the elements):
http://www.cinecitta.com/news/documenti/video/2005/07/labestia.wmv

Romy

[BombaySapphire3]

You in the industry? BM will not win Picture. Sorry. It's between Capote, Good Night and Good Luck and Munich.

Don't let the hype fool you. See you here in a month.
Nah but I used to date an actor does that count?:lol: But seriously I think Brokeback will win as will Lee .So we shall see.

[Richard B]

Nah but I used to date an actor does that count?:lol: But seriously I think Brokeback will win as will Lee .So we shall see.
Sure, it would be great if it did...but I don't see it. Of course I understand everyone wants their favs to win...who doesn't. But knowing the lame Academy, especially these last few years, I just don't see BM happening or Crash.

Like I said in a prior post, I don't personally care which one wins as long as it's not Crash. I will give up on the Academy of MP&S completely if it happens.

[GiniLeaE]

<center>WILL DOLLY WIN???

:)</center>

<center> As Dolly would say in response to that question, "You betcha sweet ass!" "Do redneck, country gals eat Mountain oysters?" (FYI: Those are bull testicles! And yes, we eat'em down in these here parts! :nod: Not my favorite, but my Grandma served'em up! :lol: ) </center>

<center><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/GiniLeaE/dolly4.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></center>

<center>Here's why this song should win, listen for yourself...the songsmith at her best and brightest - EARCANDY is what I call it! :p http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VPWTS838</center>

<center> And whoever said they can't wait to hear Dolly's acceptance speech...I'm with you on that! She's the funniest person I've ever seen LIVE...you have to read her autobiography! I've never laughed out loud at a book! In tears...and stitches in my sides laughter! :lol: Look up her quotes on Google.com, here are a few:</center>

<center><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/GiniLeaE/Dolly20Parton.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></center>

<center>"I look just like the girls next door... if you happen to live next door to an amusement park."</center>

<center>"I modelled my looks on the town tramp."</center>

<center>"I wanted to be the first woman to burn her bra, but it would have taken the fire department four days to put it out."</center>

<center>"I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb... and I also know that I'm not blonde."</center>

<center>"My husband said 'show me your boobs' and I had to pull up my skirt... so it was time to get them done!"</center>

<center>And my FAVE!</center>

<center>"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!"</center>

[Red]

I don't know what all the Crash hating is about. Personally I loved the movie. It doesn't help that I have a crush on Terrence Howard though. Yowza. It IS hard out here for a pimp. :nod:

[Richard B]

I don't know what all the Crash hating is about.
Cause it sucks. Okay...you like it cool, good for you.

The problem is that it is not Oscar worthy. Oscars need to set the standard for amazing films. If they lower their standard, that leaves room for more and more crap.

You know what should have been nominated for Best Picture instead of Crash:
Walk The Line
or
Cinderella Man

But it's marketing, folks. Plain and simple. Lion's Gate sent the most screener's out for Crash. It's in your face. It works.

[dissention]

You know what should have been nominated for Best Picture instead of Crash:

Cinderella Man

I'll take Crash, thankyouverymuch.

[Richard B]

I'll take Crash, thankyouverymuch.
No problem, I prefer Walk A Line much more. But ****, Cinderella Man was a **** load better than Crash.

Not to mention my old boss did the poster art for Walk The Line. And I have a original print:
http://www.obeygiant.com/merch/cash_final_poster.jpg


Did you ever get that Blondie print?

[Red]

Cause it sucks. Okay...you like it cool, good for you.

The problem is that it is not Oscar worthy. Oscars need to set the standard for amazing films. If they lower their standard, that leaves room for more and more crap.

You know what should have been nominated for Best Picture instead of Crash:
Walk The Line
or
Cinderella Man

But it's marketing, folks. Plain and simple. Lion's Gate sent the most screener's out for Crash. It's in your face. It works.

Alright, please explain to me why it sucked. I thought that every series of scenes, characters etc, was truthful, although maybe a little heavy handed. But what, racism shouldn't be addressed in such a manner?

Besides, to be honest, I thought that Joaquin's performance in WTL was too effeminant for Johnny. But that's a whole other thread.

Thoughts?

[Red]

I'll take Crash, thankyouverymuch.

I'm with you on that my dear.:cool:

[dissention]

No problem, I prefer Walk A Line much more. But ****, Cinderella Man was a **** load better than Crash.

I saw Cinderella Man for free, courtesy of AMC. They offered a refund if you didn't like it, no questions asked, and I marched my ass right up to the customer service counter immediately afterwards.

Cinderella Man played like a foul ham sandwich and Crash was the resulting bowel movement.

Not to mention my old boss did the poster art for Walk The Line. And I have a original print:
http://www.obeygiant.com/merch/cash_final_poster.jpg

I love that poster. One of the best ones from the last year. Loved the movie, too.

I really dug Witherspoon (I've loved her since Election), even more than Phoenix, but I still want Huffman to take it. Can't believe that Patricia Clarkson hasn't gotten any notice for The Dying Gaul, though. It's criminal that she doesn't have an Oscar yet.

Did you ever get that Blondie print?

No, I didn't, you just reminded me! I just moved recently and have been buying new stuff for the apartment, so now I have a great excuse to buy it.

[dissention]

Alright, please explain to me why it sucked. I thought that every series of scenes, characters etc, was truthful, although maybe a little heavy handed. But what, racism shouldn't be addressed in such a manner?

It was so heavy-handed that I felt as if I were to going to explode from all of the feces being shoved down my poor throat. It reminded me of student film version of Magnolia, except it completely lacked even an ounce of the heart that Magnolia possessed. Crash is a prime example of Hollywood types being so detached from reality that they think such swill is some piece of art that has something important to say.

I don't think I've laughed harder at anything in any movie as much as I did when Don Cheadle said, completely stone-faced and as stolidly stoic as humanly possible, "I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." HAVE MERCY ON ME, I swear that I caused such a ruckus that everyone turned and looked at me. I could not contain myself.

[dissention]

I'm with you on that my dear.:cool:

Totally. Cinderella Man was pure torture to sit through. I'm allergic to Russell Crowe and hamfisted feel-good movies that have as much emotional honesty in them as a Larry King interview.

[Red]

Totally. Cinderella Man was pure torture to sit through. I'm allergic to Russell Crowe and hamfisted feel-good movies that have as much emotional honesty in them as a Larry King interview.


Okay, Russell Crowe totally smells like chees - and not the good expensive kind. I'm with you on that.

However......

I'm in full agreeance that the Don Cheadle line in the intro was too much. That's the heavy handed part.

However.....

Do you not think that an American film needed to address this issue of racism so squarely? It was honest. Heavy handed yes, but so is Michael Moore and he had to get his point across about the devastation of the Bush administration. I know you know this, Diss!!!!

[Richard B]

Alright, please explain to me why it sucked. I thought that every series of scenes, characters etc, was truthful, although maybe a little heavy handed. But what, racism shouldn't be addressed in such a manner?

Honestly...it does not matter. You liked it. What I say won't change your mind and I don't want to change your mind.

As for it's super preachy, shove it down your throat racism antics: don't you understand what racism is? Does it have to be s-p-e-l-l-e-d out for you?

The peeps I saw it with...we couldn't believe it. We're all very urban and chalked it up to "good for mid-westerners and people who don't get racism."

Not to mention the weak dialog.

[Miss Vicky]

I'm not going to bother watching the Oscars this year.

The only category with a nominee I give a damn about is Best Actor, but I know damn well that my fav is going to lose. I still haven't forgiven the academy for robbing him back in 2000 - Benicio Del Toro, Best Supporting Actor my ass. "Traffic" was bloody awful.

[Red]

Honestly...it does not matter. You liked it. What I say won't change your mind and I don't want to change your mind.

As for it's super preachy, shove it down your throat racism antics: don't you understand what racism is? Does it have to be s-p-e-l-l-e-d out for you?

The peeps I saw it with...we couldn't believe it. We're all very urban and chalked it up to "good for mid-westerners and people who don't get racism."

Not to mention the weak dialog.

Alright, I'm going to be very honest here.

The level of racism in this day and age (and this is coming from a Canadian spectator) is astounding. I am frequently ashamed and embarrased during the time I visit various cities in the States at how prevalent racism still is. Not to say that racism doesn't exist in Canada- sadly it does, but not in the same verbal and mental degree. I could go on, but this post would go on for pages.

Anyway, what I'm saying is, is that sometimes yes, the repurcussions of racism do need to be s-p-e-l-l-e-d out for the audience. I wish it didn't have to be that way. But in this case, it did.

[amber]

"I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." HAVE MERCY ON ME, I swear that I caused such a ruckus that everyone turned and looked at me. I could not contain myself.

:lol:

Oh, c'mon! I've said that very same thing at least three times this week!

Here's Me: "Yes, I'd like cheddar on that. No, light mustard, extra mayo. By the way, I think we miss touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something. Mmhmm, yeah, the order is to go. Do you have a bag for this? Thanks. Take care!"

:laugh:

My friend kept telling me to watch Crash, and that it was really good. I haven't watched it, though. Good cast, bad movie? :distress:

Saw Cinderella Man. I got really emotional in the theatre, but it was against my will and I felt a bit used and cheap afterwards. To be fair to myself, I do love triumphant sports movies. But still.

I have to say that it made the South Park episode with "Russel Crow: Fightin' Round the World!" much funnier. The best part is when he sings and plays guitar, so his boat commits suicide.

[BombaySapphire3]

Alright, I'm going to be very honest here.

The level of racism in this day and age (and this is coming from a Canadian spectator) is astounding. I am frequently ashamed and embarrased during the time I visit various cities in the States at how prevalent racism still is. Not to say that racism doesn't exist in Canada- sadly it does, but not in the same verbal and mental degree. I could go on, but this post would go on for pages.

Anyway, what I'm saying is, is that sometimes yes, the repurcussions of racism do need to be s-p-e-l-l-e-d out for the audience. I wish it didn't have to be that way. But in this case, it did.
You're right racism is alive and well in the United States,in some states more prevalent than others .After all it been less than 150 years since some of the states kept human slaves and the nation as a whole committed mass genocide and other such things to be a proud American over.However this does not justify the film Crash as a Best Picture contender.What's next "The Fantastic Four"?

[Red]

You're right racism is alive and well in the United States,in some states more prevalent than others .After all it been less than 150 years since some of the states kept human slaves and the nation as a whole committed mass genocide and other such things to be a proud American over.However this does not justify the film Crash as a Best Picture contender.What's next "The Fantastic Four"?


Okay, I'm glad that someone sees what I'm talking about - I was afraid of being blasted for my candor.

I'm not saying that Crash should win for best film. Brokeback Mountain should, and thankfully probably will. I'm just saying that Crash's heavy handed nature was an unfortunate necessity.

[elie]

I have somehow lost respect for the Oscars over the last few years (because of the many make-up-for not-getting-it-last-year-awards) but I watch it every year nonetheless!
When I heard the nominations I thought "wow, they're so predictable this year!", but after reading this thread I am not so sure anymore.
Anyway, my guesses are Philip Seymour Hoffman for Best Actor, BBM for both picture and direction (unless they decide to "split" it like they tend to do lately) and Felicity Huffmann for best actress (I am a big fan of Reese Witherspoon but I don'think she'll get it). And the sup. actors will probably be Rachel Weisz and...the other one I don't know, I would like to say G.Clooney but I guess it depends on what he gets in the other categories, so it's probably Giamatti (see, that's exactly whay I hate the Oscars! it's always so calculated and like "Hey, Russel, you dind't get it last year for the Insider, where you really deserved it, have it this year for The Gladiator where you had some pretty ridiculous lines".

Sorry for the long post, but I really agree with some of the above posters about it being a weak year for women. I mean , what's with Judi Dench almost every year?? And Charlize Theron?? I mean, come on! I was already disappointed with her superficial win for the Monster (I know I may be eaten up for this, but I really could not stand her- it was so "look, I am acting so well! I gained 60 pounds! That must have turned me into a good actress!").I am totally against the Academy's fascination about actors getting ugly. IMO, really good acting implies that you don't really have to do anything of the kind. Tom Hanks hardly ever changes his looks and yet he's convincing in every single role.
I liked Kiera Knightley in P&P though, even though I am not a fan of hers. But Laura Linney is constantly robbed.

Sorry for writing so much, I hope I didn't offend anyone with my views..:confused:

[strandinthewind]

. . . After all it been less than 150 years since some of the states kept human slaves and the nation as a whole committed mass genocide and other such things to be a proud American over . . . .

Interestingly, the welfare state and the free money and benefits like Affirmative Action - have not done what they were supposed to do for black people as a whole. Thus, I say fix them or get rid of them altogether. But, when I dare to say things like that, people think I am being a racist, which is untrue. I just want a system that works, which pretty much everyone agrees the current one does not, at least they agree until you talk about changing it :eek:

Anyway - back to the regularly scheduled programming :wavey:

[Keith]

Felicity Huffman in 'Transamerica." I was pulling for Reese Witherspoon until I saw the movie on Sunday, and was totally immersed in her performance. It was one of those soul connections for me. Before I saw the movie, I told my friend that I thought it was odd that a female was playing in the role of a male - but Felicity pulled it off! One of the better performances of the year, and if enough Academy voters actually see the movie, I think she might pull off an upset. I'm hoping! Bree had me in tears - I felt her isolation. And Dolly's song at the end should hopefully garner her an Oscar. It fit into the movie like a glove.

My pick for best Picture is Good Night, Good Luck. It was the one movie that was consistently good in all areas: production, acting, writing, set direction, directing, etc.

I think I'm one of the few homosexuals who was a little disappointed in Brokeback Mountain. (or maybe I'm not). It definitely had its moments - the scene towards the end when Ennis visits Jack's parents was perfection - even though you may not tell them, your parent's know, especially the mother. If each scene in BBM was as good as this scene, then it might have won me over as the Best Picture. Also, I don't consider it really a movie about gay love, etc.. It's more of an honest look at America and all it's flaws - it's easier to live a lie than to acknowledge the truth - and I'm not speaking just about gay people. Hmm.. maybe I should see this movie again.

Go Felicity!

p.s. I'm glad I Walk the Line didn't receive a best pic nod.. it had strong performances and musical numbers, but it plodded along in too many places.

[Moony]

I've no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Julia Roberts an oscar over Ellen Burstyn.

With that said, I really hope Brokeback Mountain wins.

[sparky]

I think I'm one of the few homosexuals who was a little disappointed in Brokeback Mountain....Also, I don't consider it really a movie about gay love, etc..

It is so odd, the variety of responses gay guys have to this movie.
I think that it is the only movie ever made about gay love. The only one that ever made me feel anything, anyway.
And I believe I have seen them all.

[Rickypt]

Alright, please explain to me why it sucked. I thought that every series of scenes, characters etc, was truthful, although maybe a little heavy handed. But what, racism shouldn't be addressed in such a manner?


Racism can and should be addressed in a variety of manners, including with heavy-handedness.

That doesn't change the fact that I found Crash to be a nearly intolerable movie, and certainly not one worthy of a Best Picture nomination.

I found the first 45 minutes to be utterly painful, with the movie's attempts to throw out nearly ever imaginable racist behavior and language. Particularly dreadful was the scene between Dillon and the HMO manager.

The movie got a little more interesting when it stepped out of that approach and got more into the intersection of characters' lives, but at that point, I was bored and didn't find any of the characters to be interesting.

I think it was an interesting attempt to make a movie that was intent on showing racism from a zillion angles, but it just didn't work for me.

[BTFLCHLD]

Not to mention the weak dialog i couldnt get through the first five minutes...EJECT

[dissention]

I've no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Julia Roberts an oscar over Ellen Burstyn.

Thank you. That was an oversight of monumental proportions. Roberts wears a push-up bra, says "boobs" and "fukc" a lot, and gets an Oscar. Ellen Burstyn puts in the best performance I've ever seen and gets nada.

[BombaySapphire3]

I've no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Julia Roberts an oscar over Ellen Burstyn.

With that said, I really hope Brokeback Mountain wins.
Ellen should have won another one of course, but a liitle seen ,harrowing film about drug addiction most likely would have never won out over a feel good woman against the system flick that made jillions and starred the biggest female star in the Universe in the history of the Academy IMO.It's just kind of always been that way with few exceptions.

[dissention]

Lions Gate heard how much you loved Crash, Richard:

http://www.dvdtown.com/discdetails/crashdirectorscutedition/18240/

[Brwn_eyes0511]

I've no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Julia Roberts an oscar over Ellen Burstyn.

With that said, I really hope Brokeback Mountain wins.

I have no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Grace Kelly the f*ckin oscar over Judy Garland.

[dissention]

I have no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Grace Kelly the f*ckin oscar over Judy Garland.

Was your father's ballsack even producing sperm when that happened? :shocked:

[BombaySapphire3]

I have no respect for the Academy ever since they gave Grace Kelly the f*ckin oscar over Judy Garland.
Really the politics go back to almost the start of the existence of the Academy Awards when studios had huge power.In 1930 Norma Shearer won over Greta Garbo in Anna Christie .Both actresses where at MGM ,the most powerful of them all ,but Norma was married to Irving Thalberg the second in command there .The studio also never backed Crawford .their biggest domestic female star in the 1930s .She stole Grand Hotel from a roster of huge names including Garbo and no nomination and none until she left MGM.So I resigned myself to the fact that there have been many mind boggling wins from the start.Occasionally they do right though.

[Red]

It's just so rare when the truly unexpected wins happen. The only one that's really springing to mind is the big Adrian Brody win. That was so wonderful and I have to admit, I totally squeeled with the big Halle Berry smooch. And say what you will about Halle's questionable acting abilities and lame personality...the woman a knockout.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Was your father's ballsack even producing sperm when that happened? :shocked:

My grandmother was only 13 at the time...so...no! :lol:

[BombaySapphire3]

I remember the last one that I was truly ecstatic over was Frances McDormand winning for Fargo..There is no actress past or present that could have nailed that role so perfectly.

[sparky]

I remember the last one that I was truly ecstatic over was Frances McDormand winning for Fargo..There is no actress past or present that could have nailed that role so perfectly.


I love Frances, but since then, other than her great turn in Almost Famous, I kind think she is repeating herself. In North Country, which I cannot BELIEVE she is nominated for, she is just kind of being Frances...it's great, but it wasn't a stretch or anything. It was kinda phoned in.

[dissention]

I love Frances, but since then, other than her great turn in Almost Famous, I kind think she is repeating herself. In North Country, which I cannot BELIEVE she is nominated for, she is just kind of being Frances...it's great, but it wasn't a stretch or anything. It was kinda phoned in.

"Don't do drugs!!"

[strandinthewind]

Really the politics go back to almost the start of the existence of the Academy Awards when studios had huge power.In 1930 Norma Shearer won over Greta Garbo in Anna Christie .Both actresses where at MGM ,the most powerful of them all ,but Norma was married to Irving Thalberg the second in command there .The studio also never backed Crawford .their biggest domestic female star in the 1930s .She stole Grand Hotel from a roster of huge names including Garbo and no nomination and none until she left MGM.So I resigned myself to the fact that there have been many mind boggling wins from the start.Occasionally they do right though.

. . . and let us not forget Gloria Swanson being ROBBED at the first one ever for her terrific performance in Sadie Thompson - though Janet Gaynor was good in all THREE films for which she was nominated - "Seventh Heaven", "Street Angel," and "Sunrise."

[dissention]

. . . and let us not forget Gloria Swanson being ROBBED at the first one ever for her terrific performance in Sadie Thompson - though Janet Gaynor was good in all THREE films for which she was nominated - "Seventh Heaven", "Street Angel," and "Sunrise."

And let us not forget Sally Kirkland being robbed for her performance in "Anna." Another unforgivable move on the part of the Academy.

[strandinthewind]

And let us not forget Sally Kirkland being robbed for her performance in "Anna." Another unforgivable move on the part of the Academy.

Very true :nod: BUT - she has had the last laugh with those outfits of her's :]

[dissention]

Very true :nod: BUT - she has had the last laugh with those outfits of her's :]

I'm convinced that she shows up in those get-ups as a silent way of saying "Fukc you." :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

I'm convinced that she shows up in those get-ups as a silent way of saying "Fukc you." :laugh:

and for that I love her :nod:

[skcin]

I don't understand how you guys have time to watch all these movies. I'm jealous. :p

BTW - I don't really understand much of anything dealing with art, whether it be music, acting, painting, whatever. I don't know what's brilliant or what's garbage. I know what I like. :shrug: I know what entertains me.

Since I've seen very few of the nominated movies as of now(whaaa, I never get to do anything, whaaa, nobody takes me out to the movies, whaaaa!) I'll only give my opinion on Crash.

I thought it was a good movie, the performances were pretty good. Nothing spectacular, not deserving of a "Best Pic" nod, IMO. I thought Dillon put in a great performance, but I'm biased since he'll always be Dally from The Outsiders for me. :cool: And I love him.

About the whole racism thing - the people who "get" the movie most likely weren't racist to begin with. They will shake their heads, disgusted/ashamed/upset at the things that happen in this movie. The racist people who need "waking up" are not going to change because of this movie. They were chuckling at or agreeing with every stereotype/racist assumption in the movie. JMO, of course.

[bikerchic]

Paula, will you go see Brokeback with me? I'll meet you half way, say Hamilton :laugh:

[Rickypt]

Just stumbled on this opinion piece about those who were snubbed by the Academy. I don't agree with all of them, but an interesting read.

http://movies.msn.com/movies/oscars2006/snubs?GT1=7782

[dissention]

Just stumbled on this opinion piece about those who were snubbed by the Academy. I don't agree with all of them, but an interesting read.

http://movies.msn.com/movies/oscars2006/snubs?GT1=7782

They picked some good ones. Especially Ed Harris over William Hurt's one-note cameo.

I saw a movie called "The Circle" recently with Angela Bettis and I'll be damned if she's not one of the best actresses out there, too.

[Rickypt]

I forgot all about "Nine Lives". There were some great performances in that movie, and I'm glad they pointed them out (and how they supposedly cancelled one another out).

[BombaySapphire3]

. . . and let us not forget Gloria Swanson being ROBBED at the first one ever for her terrific performance in Sadie Thompson - though Janet Gaynor was good in all THREE films for which she was nominated - "Seventh Heaven", "Street Angel," and "Sunrise."
Gloria was robbed again and even more glaringly by Judy Holiday when she won for "Born Yesterday ' .Gloria 's Norma Desmond is one of the most indelible characters in film history and to add insult to injury, that same year Bette Davis's equally striking Margo Channing was robbed by her too!

[amber]

that same year Bette Davis's equally striking Margo Channing was robbed by her too!

That, my friends, is the real tragedy here. We all know Miss D. is a waaaay better actress than even Swanson. God, I can't believe it! I'm still mad, and it's been 55 years!!!! :laugh:
She's the Stevie of actresses, you know.

[BombaySapphire3]

That, my friends, is the real tragedy here. We all know Miss D. is a waaaay better actress than even Swanson. God, I can't believe it! I'm still mad, and it's been 55 years!!!! :laugh:
She's the Stevie of actresses, you know.
Wouldn 't it be more like Stevie is the Bette Davis of rock stars?:lol: It would 've been a toss up to me had I been an academy voter in 1950 between Gloria and Bette .So i'd have gone with Gloria since Bette already had 2 of them .

[strandinthewind]

Gloria was robbed again and even more glaringly by Judy Holiday when she won for "Born Yesterday ' .Gloria 's Norma Desmond is one of the most indelible characters in film history and to add insult to injury, that same year Bette Davis's equally striking Margo Channing was robbed by her too!

Yes, that year was just so wrong on so many levels. IMO Swanson deserved it because her portrayal of Norma Desmond was far a far more literal and compelling performace than the one Davis gave as Margot Channing, which was great as well, but to me just not as good.

As for Holiday, she was great in that movie and I love that movie, esp. when she was playing cards and singing :laugh:

That was just a tough year.

Did you know that Swanson was on Broadway at the time with Jose Ferrer (who won best actor that year) in "Twentieth Century" and the two of them and Holiday all attended the ceremony at a satelite location in a rest. in Manhattan. Swanson's take on it was fascinating. She was like awards are BS, the press wanted Norma D. to come out and me to crack Holiday on the head, etc. I would have loved to have been that room :laugh: Finally, years later, I believe Davis said Swanson should have won.

I love that era of Hollywood.

[skcin]

Paula, will you go see Brokeback with me? I'll meet you half way, say Hamilton :laugh:


Yes. Yes I will. Our husbands sure as hell won't. :p

[amber]

Finally, years later, I believe Davis said Swanson should have won.



That doesn't sound like her. :confused: :laugh:
I don't remember that from all the books I read. Maybe it was an interview. I know she wanted to match Hepburn at a 3rd Oscar. :cool:

BombaySaphire3 - yeah, sure, either way. Your way is chronologically correct. :p
It's because they both chew scenery (way over the top) and have very mannered styles in their craft, and both are absolutely mesmerizing either despite or because of those qualities. They're both scene stealers, too. :laugh:

[BombaySapphire3]

Did you know that Swanson was on Broadway at the time with Jose Ferrer (who won best actor that year) in "Twentieth Century" and the two of them and Holiday all attended the ceremony at a satelite location in a rest. in Manhattan. Swanson's take on it was fascinating. She was like awards are BS, the press wanted Norma D. to come out and me to crack Holiday on the head, etc. I would have loved to have been that room :laugh: Finally, years later, I believe Davis said Swanson should have won.

I love that era of Hollywood.
Yes! I do remember reading about that .I just can't remember if it was in a book about Davis.Swanson or the Academy Awards.I really think Davis was more invested in winning than Swanson though.She carried a burning resentment toward Crawford for supposedly helping her lose another Oscar for Whatever happened to Baby Jane? to the grave.:lol:

[strandinthewind]

Yes! I do remember reading about that .I just can't remember if it was in a book about Davis.Swanson or the Academy Awards.I really think Davis was more invested in winning than Swanson though.She carried a burning resentment toward Crawford for supposedly helping her lose another Oscar for Whatever happened to Baby Jane? to the grave.:lol:

Joan Crawford?

"DEAD ya know" :eek:

[Janet]

Amy Adams is a pleasant surprise....and she just may win the thing. :nod:

Supporting Actor will be interesting, depending on whether they give Clooney this or Original Screenplay. If the opt for Screenplay, Gyllenhaal may have a shot.

Very strong year for male leads. I am happy that Strathairn received a nomination; I was afraid he would be snubbed.

Weak year for female leads. Charlize? Ugh. I love Dench, but do they have to nominate her for everything? I wanted Joan Allen to get in for The Upside of Anger, though I know she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

I have to agree. Joan Allen was AMAZING in that movie and I loved Kevin too. No Claire Danes either...I love her. She's too skinny now and she overacts but I LOVE HER. Charlize won already. I think once you win you shouldn't be able to win again. That movie is so early 80's...been there done that already. Joan is like Anthony Hopkins. Old and English and they both get nominated for everything. Anthony's best was Shadowlands...for sure.

Anyway, does anyone else read nominations and cry? I just imagine how awesome it must feel.