OSCAR NOMINATIONS - IN ADVANCE
By now I've read about a dozen predictions for the Oscar nominations, and it seems most of the punditsare on the same page. We do know that MILION DOLLAR BABY, SIDEWAYS, and THE AVIATOR will be nominated, that Jaime Fox will get noninated for RAY, that there will be another face off between Hilary Swank and Anette Bening, and that CLOSER will land a couple of Supporting Actor nominations. In a year of lots of very good films, but, with one exception, not great films, it wi be hard to be disappointed. MILLION DOLAR BABYdoes stand out from the pack, and, of the frequently mentioned nominees, FINDING NEVERLAND stands out for its banality, overcooked sweetness, and for being the most inauthentic biopic of the year
I know the Oscars are not necessarily a sign of quality. Does anyone remember the much monimated LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING or PEYTON PLACE from the 50s, but one can nly wish.
Therefore, knowing that NEVERLAND will get more nominatioins than it deserves, there are others I'm afraid wil not be recognized. For Best Picture, KINSEY, for film and director, as well as Liam Neeson's best performance in years (Laura Linney may well get nominated for her variation on the long suffering wife, but Lynn Redgrave's surprise cameo should have some mention). Foreign fims are aways iffy, but the astonishing HOUSE OF THE FLYING DAGGERS ad the moving MARIA FULL OF GRACE should have a chance. For Best Director, Pedro Almodovar work in the NC=l7 BAD EDUCATION will get overlooked. although it certainly is a directorial tour de force. In the Best Actor category, Jeff Bridges performance in DOOR IN THE FLOOR as well as the screenplay for it, will likely be lost, partly due to its early release (what would have happened if ETERNAL SUNSHINE had come out later?} and partly due to its subtle and abstract downbeat ending. And, of course, there's no chance for the heart rending MOOLADE or STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL, or, on the other end of the spectrom, the inventiveness of LEMONY SNICKET.
So, we;ll se what happend Tuesday morning. Usually, there are some peasant surprises.
I know the Oscars are not necessarily a sign of quality. Does anyone remember the much monimated LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING or PEYTON PLACE from the 50s, but one can nly wish.
Therefore, knowing that NEVERLAND will get more nominatioins than it deserves, there are others I'm afraid wil not be recognized. For Best Picture, KINSEY, for film and director, as well as Liam Neeson's best performance in years (Laura Linney may well get nominated for her variation on the long suffering wife, but Lynn Redgrave's surprise cameo should have some mention). Foreign fims are aways iffy, but the astonishing HOUSE OF THE FLYING DAGGERS ad the moving MARIA FULL OF GRACE should have a chance. For Best Director, Pedro Almodovar work in the NC=l7 BAD EDUCATION will get overlooked. although it certainly is a directorial tour de force. In the Best Actor category, Jeff Bridges performance in DOOR IN THE FLOOR as well as the screenplay for it, will likely be lost, partly due to its early release (what would have happened if ETERNAL SUNSHINE had come out later?} and partly due to its subtle and abstract downbeat ending. And, of course, there's no chance for the heart rending MOOLADE or STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL, or, on the other end of the spectrom, the inventiveness of LEMONY SNICKET.
So, we;ll se what happend Tuesday morning. Usually, there are some peasant surprises.
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