Oscars

On Tuesday, the Academy Award nominations were announced. There were certainly some disappointments, as well as some welcome surprises. Here are the nominations in major categories and my reactions:

Best picture:
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

My reaction: I have seen all of the above movies except "An Education" and "A Serious Man." First off, let me say that if "The Hurt Locker" wins best picture this year, this will be the most disappointing best picture win since "Shakespeare in Love" beat out "Saving Private Ryan" in 1999. I don't understand the big deal about it. I was so bored, and I could not wait for it to end. Not even Evangeline Lilly could save this. I know a lot of people are like "huh?" when they see "The Blind Side" on this list, but let me be one of the few to defend its inclusion. I thought "The Blind Side" was a great flick, really inspirational with great performances. Cut it some slack, people!
"Avatar" was AMAZING, one of the greatest cinematic experiences you can have, especially if you see it in 3d and in IMAX. This is my personal choice for best picture. I also loved "Up," "Inglorious Basterds," "Up in the Air," and "Precious." I wasn't too crazy about "District 9," and I wish they would have included "Star Trek" if they were going to throw in a science fiction movie.

Best director:
James Cameron, Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds
Lee Daniels, Precious
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air

My reaction : Tarantino, in my opinion, is the greatest director working today. I would love to see him win this.

Best Actor:
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
George Clooney, Up in the Air
Morgan Freeman, Invictus
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

My reaction: With the exception of Jeremy Renner, this is a great group of actors. I have only seen Clooney's performance out of these 5, so I can't say anything just yet. Bridges seems to have this category locked, and he is a really good actor who is long overdue, so I will have to say he deserves it without even seeing his film. I plan on seeing it soon, though.

Best Actress:
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Helen Mirren, The Last Station
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia

My reaction: First, let me say that I am ecstatic that Sandra Bullock is finally nominated for an Oscar. I have always loved her, and I think that she should have been nominated for her small, yet unforgettable, performance in "Crash." For those who know me well, you know that I worship the ground Meryl Streep walks on, as I believe she is the greatest actress ever, and I believe she just may be the most talented actress to walk the face of this planet. She was awesome, as expected, in "Julie and Julia," and I would love for her to win her 3rd Oscar. Sidibe was excellent in Precious, but this is truly a battle between Sandra and Meryl.

Best Supporting Actor:
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

My reaction: This is Waltz's category to lose. He stole the show in "Basterds," and I can't wait to hear his speech!

Best supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo'nique, Precious

My reaction: Penelope Cruz has as much talent as a corpse. She SUCKS, plain and simple. I don't understand why people like her so much. Her nomination is completely undeserved...what a waste. I am happy about the rest of the nominees. Mo'nique has this one in the bag, and she was awesome in "Precious."

Oscar season is always exciting. I can't wait for this year's show!