Top 10 Movies of the Decade

Since I've already commented on these movies (see my best of 1998-2008), I'll just list the ones I've retooled below, apparently time has changed me. Heres the simple list:

10. Requiem For a Dream
9. City of God
8. Dreamgirls
7. A History of Violence
6. Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2
5. The Simpson's Movie
4. Sideways
3. Finding Nemo
2. The Dark Knight
1. Almost Famous

Top Ten Performances of the Decade

10. Paul Giamatti "Sideways" - One of the biggest nomination snubs in Oscar history has to be this brilliant performance in Alexander Payne's modern comedic masterpiece. The neurotic, suicidal, alcoholic character of Miles was brilliantly portrayed, superbly acted, and remembered to this very day.

9. Uma Thurman "Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2" - She showed us why she was a star in Pulp Fiction, but Uma Thurman's ass-kicking return to the Tarantino fold left us all panting for air. Kill Bill was original, bloody, and incredibly well-acted, thanks to this leading turn.

8. Jamie Foxx "Ray" - One of the few on this list that played a real person, Jamie Foxx completely embodied the late-great Ray Charles in this Oscar-winning turn. Foxx didn't simply act like Ray Charles, he became him, and protrayed a man with talent, style, and pain, a simply incredible work of art.

7. Jennifer Hudson "Dreamgirls"- This one might shock some people, but for me Jennifer Hudson's star-turning performance was not only Oscar-worthy, but the launched the career of a bona-fide superstar. It wasn't just her version of "And I Am Telling You" that gave me cold chills, but for me it was the more quiet moments, the sass and fire she spewed from every line and song, and if that's not effective, then what is.

6. Philip Seymour Hoffman "Capote" - Who would have thought that the chubby, scruffy, laidback PSH could completely transform himself into the bold, gay, and overly squeaky Truman Capote? I certaintly didnt. But after a couple hours in the movie theater, I forgot it was Hoffman on the screen.

5. Mo'Nique "Precious: Based On the Novel PUSH by Sapphire" - While the Oscar is not hers yet (and I don't want to jinx it), Mo'Niques complete transformation from the maternal, funny comedian into the monster that is Mary is certainly Oscar worthy.

4. Meryl Streep "Julie & Julia" - In a decade that has been chocked full of great performances, none of them have compared to Meryl's turn as the vivacious Julia Child. Like Jamie and Philip above her, Meryl completely embodied Julia Child and gave us a heartwarming performance.

3. Ellen Degeneres "Finding Nemo" - Voice acting is incredibly underrated, and I need no further proof than the comdien's turn as the short-termed memory loss fish Dory. With just her voice, Degeneres created an unforgettable character full of humor, talent, and heart.

2. Kate Hudson "Almost Famous" - Before she almost ruined her career with romantic flops, Kate Hudson emulated her mother in this bright and ethereal performance as an infamous groupie or "band-aid" if you will. She completely lit up the screen, and made the entire audience sing Tiny Dancer the whole way home. Now if only she could do it again.

1. Heath Ledger "The Dark Knight" - Is there really any other choice for this top spot? Heath Ledger died tragically with such a promising career ahead, but at least he left us with one final gem that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest performances of all time. He was vicious, funny, crazy, and everything that the Joker embodies, and created a historical villian.

Top Ten TV Shows of the Decade

10. Grey's Anatomy - Laugh all you want, but Grey's has been a certified hit for closing in on six years, and despite its ups and downs it has made us laugh, cry, talk about McSteamy and McDreamy, Cardio-Gods, and a host of other quips. The writing was quirky, yet dramatic, and the acting superb. The question that remains is does it have the ER distance?

9. Lost - Most people have this higher on the list, but I've never been the biggest Lost fan, but any Yenta can see the impact and creativity that Lost brought to the television world. Everyone wanted to know what was under the hatch, why Matthew Fox breathed so damn hard, and the many other mysteries and shocks that Lost brought its fans over the last decade.

8. Battlestar Gallactica - While Oscar voters are considering nominating a couple of incredible Sci-Fi movies for Best Picture, the Emmy voters should hang their heads for not snatching up this gem while they had the chance. It was inventive, creative, well-acted, superbly written, and a true gem of this decade.

7. The Shield - Michael Chiklis and CCH Pounder are some of the best actors on television. Throw in guest turns from Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson, just to name a few. Throw in some taut writing, interesting storylines, and you have this decades NYPD Blue.

6. The Wire - So Underappreciated. The Wire was incredible drama. It was superbly acted, incredibly well written, and one of the most underrated shows of all time. It truly is a shame this didn't get the love it deserved. It was truly an incredible piece of art.

5. Gilmore Girls - My mom and sister watched this show, only wishing they could have the same relationship. This was the snappiest, funniest, and most refreshing show that ever landed on the WB, and in this decade. Incredible acting, and genuine fun made this show one that ever person, even sons and fathers, can find something to like.

4. The Sopranos - Everyone within their right mind ha this one at number one on their list. I loved The Sopranos, and it is definitely a top five show. Edie Falco and James Gandolfini created archetype characters that will last an eternity, and of course we will forver wondered how the show really ended.

3. The Simpsons - Some things truly are forever. Now in its 21st season, The Simpsons makes Family Guy look weak, and more importantly has no signs of stopping. It still makes us laugh, challenges modern political and social contexts, and even gave us a movie along the way. If it goes off the air, I think I will quit....just quit.

2. Friends - In the 90's Friends proved its popularity. In the new decade, it proved its longevity, and it saw the gang grow up. When the door finally closed on a decade of Friends, the world wept. While Frasier was winning Emmys, Friends was winning and more importantly keeping fans. They became more likely family in the end.

1. The West Wing - There is so much to say about The West Wing, so its best to simply start with a name: Aaron Sorkin. While his other TV products weren't big hits, this seven season miracle gave life to TV, a life never seen before, and never since matched. It synthesized political ambitions with comedy, wit, and personal relationships. It featured some of the best acting ever seen on television, and more importantly it changed television drama forever, and nothing has matched its mastery and boldness since.

Top Ten Artists of the Decade

So I am starting a series to New Years with Top Ten Lists of the Decade, and my Top Ten Movies of 2009. So here are my top ten musical artists of the decade.

10. Dixie Chicks - They were the spunky Grammy superstars, who wouldn't just shut up and sing, and were thankful for it. After Natalie offended country music, and showed the world just how ignorant country music radio stations are (I love how they banned them for exercising their right of freedom of speech). They came back with a vengance, and their hit "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice" showed the world you can't stop the unmovable force that is the Dixie Chicks.

9. Alicia Keys - She was an instant sensation with her debut album, but no one could have predicted the monstrous success that would follow, with the recent release of her fourth album, Alicia Keys has proven that an old school vibe, and a God-given musical talent is really all you need to survive in a musical world that has thrived on Auto-Tune.

8. Coldplay - For a long time they were a quiet British band with an alternative vibe. In the last decade Coldplay has exploded and its members are now pop superstars. They are also Grammy darlings having won Record of the Year for their endearing "Clocks", and continue to see their stock in the music world skyrocket, leaving everyone wondering what they will do next.

7. Kelly Clarkson - There was a need to fill a vacuum of a pop princess, and instead we got Kelly Clarkson...thank God! Kelly has proven to be a pop goddess, but has done it with style. Her hit "Since U Been Gone" is the pop anthem of this decade. She has fire, spunk, and a rock style that has transformed and shaped the new face of pop music.

6. Carrie Underwood - Forget Taylor Swift, the real country music superstar of the last decade was really Carrie. American Idol is usually back end of jokes, but with Kelly, and now Carrie, it has proven to be a hitmaker. Carrie has pushed Country back into the mainstream with style, rock influence, and pure talent.

5. Jay-Z - While the 90's were the launching ground of the new King of Brooklyn, the 2000's were proof of his longevity. Even after his so-called "retirement", Hov has released two more hit albums, done collaborations, and climbed back to the peak of the music world. I'm pretty sure there's still tons of loves in the heart of the city for Hova, despite what he may say.

4. Kanye West - Yes Mr. President, Kanye West is a cocky, arrogant jackass. Since his game-changing debut in "The College Dropout", West has transformed the music world, and produced three of the best rap albums of all time. No matter his attitude, you cannot deny the impact of Mr. West on the last decade.

3. Green Day - With two megahit albums in one decade, Green Day is at the peak of the modern rock world. They also send a message with every song, well thought out, and controversial, and yet still garner plenty of support. That is what breeds music immortality, or at least we hope so.

2. Outkast - Funky, Southern, crazy, outrageous, etc. Whatever you want to call them Andre 3000 and Big Boi completely transformed the rap game with their fast, Faulknerian rhymes that makes Lil Wayne look like he's in the minor leagues. While no new projects are in the near future, this generation will forever be singing Hey Ya! forever, and ever, ever.

1. Beyonce - Music Superstar. The biggest artist of this last decade just received 10 Grammy nominations for "I Am...Sasha Fierce". She went from one of the biggest girl groups of all time, to one of the biggest solo artists. Fame isn't everything, so thank God that she has a shitload of talent, an incredible discography comparable to the likes of Whitney and Mariah, and seems to have no sign of stopping.

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 6

Best Picture
Up in the Air, The Hurt Locker, and Precious are locks. Avatar is gaining steam, and maybe be another Titanic. Inglorious Basterds is gaining huge momentum, as is An Education. Invictus and Nine will probably slip in despite less than stellar reviews because of their star power. A Serious Man is the Coens Bros, and despite lack of support, can still get in, and Up looks like its going to be the second Animated Feature nominated. Don't Forget The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Star Trek, Julie & Julia, A Single Man, The White Ribbon, The Lovely Bones, District 9, The Last Station, and (500) Days of Summer. To Recap:

An Education
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Invictus
Nine
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 5

Best Director
It looks like this year may be a duke out between former spouses Katheryn Bigelow and James Cameron, as both are slowly becoming locks for the prize. After that there are strong contenders sneaking up on them. Jason Reitman snuck into the category two years ago for Juno, and Up in the Air is not only a lock for a nomination, but is currently in the lead for the top prize, so he's in. Then there are two spots that are not so certain. I personally think Lee Daniels has a great shot, but Precious is more of an actor's vehicle than a director's, so he's vulnerable. The fifth spot right now is a toss up. Normally, Clint Eastwood would be a lock, but Invictus buzz is quiet, and last year is proof that maybe the "Cult of Clint" is fading. So I think, right now, at least that the huge buzz that is growing for Inglorious Basterds means that Quentin Tarantino could get into the big leagues, at least I hope. To Recap:

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

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 4

Best Actor

Like the other races, at least four of these nominations are pretty much sewn up. Jeff Bridges is getting rave reviews for Crazy Heart, and although he hasn't gotten too much critical support, I think the Academy will give him this award because the next two in line have already won. Speaking of them, George Clooney has received an uber amount of support from critics, but his subtle role may not appease Academy members looking for a more emotional range. Morgan Freeman is also in for his role as Nelson Mandela, and to be honest, I would not count him out. The Academy loves actors who play real people, and they love Morgan Freeman. The next two spots will most likely go to newcomers. Colin Firth, I feel, is a lock for his career-turning performance in A Single Man. That leaves the fifth spot open. I personally think that the love and support for The Hurt Locker, and the SAG nod will pull Jeremy Renner into that spot. But don't count out Daniel Day-Lewis, Viggo Mortensen, and Michael Stulhbarg, who are right on his tail. To Recap:

Jeff Bridges "Crazy Heart"

George Clooney "Up in the Air"

Colin Firth "A Single Man"

Morgan Freeman "Invictus"

Jeremy Renner "The Hurt Locker"

Golden Satellite Winners

I feel that critics groups and other organizations hop on bandwagons because they don't want to be the group that stops the momentum or doesn't join the club of a certain movie. I liked The Hurt Locker, its just not the best picture of the year...period.


Motion Picture, Drama
The Hurt Locker

Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Nine

Director
Kathryn Bigelow — The Hurt Locker

Actress In A Motion Picture, Drama
Shohreh Aghdashloo — The Stoning of Soraya M.

Actor In A Motion Picture, Drama
Jeremy Renner — The Hurt Locker

Actress In A Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Meryl Streep — Julie & Julia

Actor In A Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
Michael Stuhlbarg — A Serious Man

Actress In A Supporting Role
Mo’nique — Precious

Actor In A Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz — Inglourious Basterds

Motion Picture, Foreign Language Film
The Maid Chile
Broken Embraces Spain

Screenplay, Original
Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber — (500) Days of Summer

Screenplay, Adapted
Geoffrey Fletcher — Precious

Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media
Fantastic Mr. Fox

Motion Picture, Documentary
Every Little Step

Original Score
Rolfe Kent Up in the Air

Original Song
“The Weary Kind” — Crazy Heart

Cinematography
Dion Beebe Nine

Visual Effects
2012

Film Editing
The Hurt Locker

Sound (Mixing & Editing)
2012

Art Direction & Production Design
A Single Man

Costume Design
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

RIP Brittany Murphy

Some sad news today. 32 year old actress Brittany Murphey died of cardiac arrest. You will be missed, and thank you for everything you did for Hollywood and the movie-loving world. Rest In Peace.

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 3

Best Actress
This race seems to be locking up like the rest of them, but the fourth or fifth spot is still up in the air. In my opinion, the road to the Oscar win is a three way split between Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, and Gabby Sidibe. Meryl, in my opinion, is the frontrunner here. She has lots of critical support, and between her and Mulligan, the fact that she is Meryl Streep could give her the prize. However, a couple of years ago, Marion Cotillard, the newcomer, beat out the old favorite in Julie Christie, meaning Carey Mulligan could easily pull this one out. The darkhorse here is Sidibe. We still don't know how Precious will go over with the Academy, but my guess is that her meanigful performance could see both her and Mo'Nique the prize. But of course there are two more spots. I am starting to think that Sandra Bullock is a lock. She has had an incredible year, and is getting a lot of support, I say she's in. The fifth spot for me is completely open up. Helen Mirren has the best shot for The Last Station. But don't count out Marion Cotillard (If they decide to let her go lead), and Saoirse Ronan, who with Tucci is the best part of LB, and Emily Blunt for The Young Victoria. To Recap:

Sandra Bullock "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe "Precious"
Meryl Streep "Julie & Julia"

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 2

Best Supporting Actor

This race is starting to sew up as well, but there are still a few carrots dangling out there. In most people's opinion, including mine, this race has only one real lock: Christoph Waltz. He has been racking up critics awards, and IB has seen its stock rise, and may even contend for Best Picture, a nomination almost a lock at this point. From that point, the race is still wide open. Woody Harrelson has gained momentum for The Messenger in an expodential way, and he's a industry veteran whose had a big year, he's in. Despite the poor reviews for The Lovely Bones, Stanley Tucci got a SAG and a Golden Globe nod, so I think he's in. Plus, he also had a great performance in Julie & Julia, so its a double whammy. The last two spots get tricky for me. I think the legendary Christopher Plummer will finally get the recognition he deserves, and he's gotten a SAG/GG nod, so he's got the support. Then there is one spot. Christian McKay got a BFCA nod for Me and Orson Welles, but the Globe and SAG snub hurts his chances. Aflred Molina was a shoo-in about a month ago, but the same missing links as McKay have the same negative effect. While he doesn't really deserve a nod for this performance, I think they will give him this nod for Invictus and The Informant! Of course I'm talking about Matt Damon. Despite the subtleness of his performance, he keeps racking up nods, and he's never won for acting. TO Recap:

Matt Damon "Invictus"

Woody Harrelson "The Messenger"

Christopher Plummer "The Last Station"

Stanley Tucci "The Lovely Bones"

Christoph Waltz "Inglourious Basterds"

State of the Race: Christmas Edition Part 1

So I FINALLY finished exams, and am currently enjoying my Christmas Break. So here is a look at the State of the Race, after this crazy week with tons of critics awards and nominations. Here is a look at the damage done:

Best Supporting Actress
Right now, it looks as if Mo'Nique is unstoppable for that Oscar, or is she? She has been racking up critics awards like candy at Halloween, but recent stories appearing about her refusal to come to awards ceremonies, and other events without being paid. Now I understand she has a busy schedule with her new talk show, and I personally that that is a valid excuse within itself. But requesting money to campaign to win the highest honor bestowed on actors, could cost her the prize. But of course, she is just one piece to this puzzle. While I'm tempted to claim no locks, I am starting to think that there will be no split vote problems between Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga. Consistently they have appeared together at the Globes, SAG, etc. The question is, can one of them win? Kendrick seems to be the critics favorite, but the older, more conservative Academy may reward Farmiga instead. The next movie that is looking at more than one nomination is Nine. With the BFCA picking Cotillard, who has been campaigning lead but could pull a Kate Winslet, and the Golden Globe/SAG picking Cruz, it could be interesting to see whose name is called, if anyone's. So that is potentially four, potentially five, but if that is four, then who gets the fifth spot? Diane Kruger pulled a shocker at the SAG that I don't think will repeat, but there is definitely IB support. Samantha Morton is incredible in The Messenger and could pull another upset nomination, but it seems as if Woody is getting all the noise for the film. Finally then there is Julianne Moore. While she missed at the SAG, she is well like among the Academy, and I think her status will get her that last spot. So the recap:

Penelope Cruz "Nine"
Vera Farmiga "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick "Up in the Air"
Julianne Moore "A Single Man"
Mo'Nique "Precious"

Detroit Film Critics Winners

Finally, something wins that isn't THL or UITA...A great choice in Up, and nice shout out to Gabby Sidibe and Colin Firth.

Best Film: “Up”
Best Director: Pete Docter, “Up”
Best Actor: Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Best Actress: Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious”
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, “Precious”
Best Ensemble: “The Hangover”
Best Breakthrough Performance: Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious”

SAG Awards Nominations

I have a few beefs like, how did Nine, The Hurt Locker, and An Education only get one nomination outside of ensemble, Up in the Air got 3! and yet couldn't get an ensemble mention. That being said, its still the top contender for the prize, and I think we're going to start seeing a Hurt Locker backlash, especially in this year when there are bigger and better projects out there. That being said. I have two more exams and will be home tomorrow night after a long semester. I will then have a couple weeks to collect my thoughts, and continue on Grammy Predictions, Talk about the state of the race for the Oscars, and more importantly...rest!

Cast
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Nine
Precious

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

Actress
Sandra Bullock "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe "Precious"
Meryl Streep "Julie & Julia"

Supporting Actor
Matt Damon "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz "Ingourious Basterds"

Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz "Nine"
Vera Farmiga "Up in the Air"
Anna Kendrick "Up in the Air"
Diane Kruger "Inglourious Basterds" (Fucking love this nomination!)
Mo'Nique "Precious"

Stunt
Public Enemies
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Austin Film Critics

Another tab for The Hurt Locker

Best Film: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Best Actor: Colin Firth, A Single Man
Best Actress: Melanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress: Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Best Original Screenplay: Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino
Best Adapted Screenplay: Up in the Air, Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Best Cinematography: The Hurt Locker, Barry Ackroyd
Best Original Score: Up, Michael Glacchino
Best Foreign Language Film: Sin Nombre, Cary Fukunaga
Best Documentary: Anvil! The Story of Anvil
Best Animated Feature: Up
Best First Film: District 9, Neill Blomkamp
Breakthrough Artist Award: Christian McKay, Me & Orson Welles
Austin Film Award: Me & Orson Welles

Top 10 Films:
The Hurt Locke
Star Trek
Up
A Serious Man
Up in the Air
Avatar
Inglourious Basterds
District 9
Where the Wild Things Are
Moon, The Messenger (tie)

Top 10 Films of the Decade:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Kill Bill (2003/4
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Incredibles (2004)
Children of Men (2006)
(tie) Memento (2000), The Departed (2006)

San Diego Film Critics Society

Winners in Bold: Interesting List, lot of IB love!

BEST FILM:
500 DAYS OF SUMMER
A SINGLE MAN
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
THE HURT LOCKER
UP IN THE AIR

DIRECTOR:
Coen Brothers, A SERIOUS MAN
Kathryn Bigelow, THE HURT LOCKER
James Cameron, AVATAR
Tom Ford, A SINGLE MAN
Quentin Tarantino, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
Jason Reitman, UP IN THE AIR

ACTRESS:

Meryl Streep, JULIE & JULIA
Abbie Cornish, BRIGHT STAR
Michelle Monaghan, TRUCKER
Carey Mulligan, AN EDUCATION
Sandra Bullock, THE BLIND SIDE

ACTOR:

Ben Foster, THE MESSENGER
Christian McKay, ME & ORSON WELLES
Colin Firth, A SINGLE MAN
George Clooney, UP IN THE AIR
Jeremy Renner, THE HURT LOCKER
Matt Damon, THE INFORMANT
Viggo Mortensen, THE ROAD

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Anna Kendrick, UP IN THE AIR
Mo’nique, PRECIOUS
Melanie Laurent, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
Samantha Morton, THE MESSENGER
Vera Farmiga, UP IN THE AIR

SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Christoph Waltz, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
John Malkovich, THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD
Paul Schneider, BRIGHT STAR
Stanley Tucci, THE LOVELY BONES
Woody Harrelson, THE MESSENGER

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:

Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman, THE MESSENGER
Bob Peterson & Pete Docter, UP
Joel & Ethan Coen, A SERIOUS MAN
Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber, (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
Quentin Tarantino, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:

Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, UP IN THE AIR
Nora Ephron, JULIE & JULIA
Scott Z. Burns, THE INFORMANT!
Tom Ford, A SINGLE MAN
Wes Anderson & Noah Baumbach, FANTASTIC MR. FOX

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:

AMREEKA
CAPTAIN ABU RAED
IL DIVO
RED CLIFF
SIN NOMBRE
THE LEMON TREE
THE STONING OF SOROYA M.
TREELESS MOUNTAIN
THIRST

BEST DOCUMENTARY:

ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVIL
CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY
FOOD, INC.
THE COVE
VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Barry Ackroyd, THE HURT LOCKER
Bruno Delbonnel, HARRY POTTER & THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
Eduard Grau, A SINGLE MAN
Hagan Bogdanski, THE YOUNG VICTORIA
Javier Aguirresarobe, THE ROAD
Robert Richardson, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST ANIMATED FILM:

9
CORALINE
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
UP

BEST EDITING:

Alan Baumgarten, ZOMBIELAND
Alan Edward Bell, (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
Bob Muawski, THE HURT LOCKER
Julian Clarke, DISTRICT 9
Sally Menke, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN:

Anastasia Masaro, IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS
Dan Bishop, A SINGLE MAN
David Wasco, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
K.K. Barrett, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Laurence Dorman, ME AND ORSON WELLES
Rick Carter & Robert Stromberg, AVATAR
Stuart Craig, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

BEST SCORE:

Abel Korzeniowski, A SINGLE MAN
Alexandre Desplat, FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Carter Burwell & Karen O., WHERE WILD THINGS ARE
Ilan Eshkeri, THE YOUNG VICTORIA
Michael Giaccone, UP
Mychael Danna & Rob Simonsen, (500) DAYS OF SUMMER

BEST ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE:

A SERIOUS MAN
HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE
IN THE LOOP
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
THE MESSENGER
UP IN THE AIR
ZOMBIELAND

BODY OF WORK:Woody Harrelson, THE MESSENGER, ZOMBIELAND & 2012

KYLE COUNTS AWARD:Reading Cinemas Gaslamp Satdium

Golden Globe Nominations

I actually really like this list, a few thoughts: No A Serious Man! It wasn't my favorite movie of the year, but I thought it would get nominated in the C/M category. Tobey Maguire just got a huge boost for Brothers. Julia Roberts and Robert Downey Jr. snuck in as well. Overall I actually really like this list. I'll have more thoughts later..right now it's study time!


1. BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. AVATAR
Lightstorm Entertainment; Twentieth Century Fox
b. THE HURT LOCKER
Voltage Pictures C/O 42West; Summit Entertainment
c. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company
d. PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE
A Lee Daniels Entertainment / Smokewood Entertainment Group Production;
Lionsgate
e. UP IN THE AIR
Paramount Pictures; Paramount Pictures

2. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. EMILY BLUNT THE YOUNG VICTORIA
b. SANDRA BULLOCK THE BLIND SIDE
c. HELEN MIRREN THE LAST STATION
d. CAREY MULLIGAN AN EDUCATION
e. GABOUREY SIDIBE PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL
PUSH BY SAPPHIRE

3. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a. JEFF BRIDGES CRAZY HEART
b. GEORGE CLOONEY UP IN THE AIR
c. COLIN FIRTH A SINGLE MAN
d. MORGAN FREEMAN INVICTUS
e. TOBEY MAGUIRE BROTHERS

4. BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
Watermark Pictures; Fox Searchlight Pictures
b. THE HANGOVER
Warner Bros. Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures
c. IT’S COMPLICATED
Relativity Media, Scott Rudin Productions; Universal Pictures
d. JULIE & JULIA
Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing
e. NINE
The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company

5. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR
MUSICAL
a. SANDRA BULLOCK THE PROPOSAL
b. MARION COTILLARD NINE
c. JULIA ROBERTS DUPLICITY
d. MERYL STREEP IT’S COMPLICATED
e. MERYL STREEP JULIE & JULIA

6. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY
OR MUSICAL
a. MATT DAMON THE INFORMANT!
b. DANIEL DAY-LEWIS NINE
c. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. SHERLOCK HOLMES
d. JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
e. MICHAEL STUHLBARG A SERIOUS MAN

7. BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
a. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Releasing
b. CORALINE
Laika, Inc.; Focus Features
c. FANTASTIC MR. FOX
American Empirical Picture; Twentieth Century Fox
d. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Walt Disney Pictures/Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures
e. UP
Walt Disney Pictures/PIXAR Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion
Pictures

8. BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
a. BAARIA (ITALY)
Medusa Film; Summit Entertainment
b. BROKEN EMBRACES (SPAIN)
El Deseo SA; Sony Pictures Classics
c. THE MAID (CHILE)
(LA NANA)
Forastero; Elephant Eye Films
d. A PROPHET (FRANCE)
Chic Films; Sony Pictures Classics
e. THE WHITE RIBBON (GERMANY)
(DAS WEISSE BAND – EINE DEUTSCHE KINDERGESCHICHTE)
Wega Films; Sony Pictures Classics

9. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
MOTION PICTURE
a. PENÉLOPE CRUZ NINE
b. VERA FARMIGA UP IN THE AIR
c. ANNA KENDRICK UP IN THE AIR
d. MO’NIQUE PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL
PUSH BY SAPPHIRE
e. JULIANNE MOORE A SINGLE MAN

10. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
MOTION PICTURE
a. MATT DAMON INVICTUS
b. WOODY HARRELSON THE MESSENGER
c. CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER THE LAST STATION
d. STANLEY TUCCI THE LOVELY BONES
e. CHRISTOPH WALTZ INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

11. BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
a. KATHRYN BIGELOW THE HURT LOCKER
b. JAMES CAMERON AVATAR
c. CLINT EASTWOOD INVICTUS
d. JASON REITMAN UP IN THE AIR
e. QUENTIN TARANTINO INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

12. BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
a. NEILL BLOMKAMP, DISTRICT 9
TERRI TATCHELL
b. MARK BOAL THE HURT LOCKER
c. NANCY MEYERS IT'S COMPLICATED
d. JASON REITMAN, UP IN THE AIR
SHELDON TURNER
e. QUENTIN TARANTINO INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

13. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
a. MICHAEL GIACCHINO UP
b. MARVIN HAMLISCH THE INFORMANT!
c. JAMES HORNER AVATAR
d. ABEL KORZENIOWSKI A SINGLE MAN
e. KAREN O,
CARTER BURWELL WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

14. BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
a. “CINEMA ITALIANO” — NINE
Music & Lyrics by: Maury Yeston
b. “I WANT TO COME HOME” — EVERYBODY'S FINE
Music & Lyrics by: Paul McCartney
c. “I WILL SEE YOU” — AVATAR
Music by: James Horner, Simon Franglen
Lyrics by: James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell
d. “THE WEARY KIND (THEME FROM CRAZY HEART)” — CRAZY
HEART
Music & Lyrics by: Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett
e. “WINTER” — BROTHERS
Music by: U2
Lyrics by: Bono

15. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a. BIG LOVE (HBO)
Anima Sola and Playtone in association with HBO Entertainment
b. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
Showtime Presents, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde
Phillips Productions
c. HOUSE (FOX)
Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z
Productions and Bad Hat Harry
d. MAD MEN (AMC)
AMC
e. TRUE BLOOD (HBO)
Your Face Goes Here Entertainment in association with HBO Entertainment

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
DRAMA
a. GLENN CLOSE DAMAGES
b. JANUARY JONES MAD MEN
c. JULIANNA MARGULIES THE GOOD WIFE
d. ANNA PAQUIN TRUE BLOOD
e. KYRA SEDGWICK THE CLOSER

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a. SIMON BAKER THE MENTALIST
b. MICHAEL C. HALL DEXTER
c. JON HAMM MAD MEN
d. HUGH LAURIE HOUSE
e. BILL PAXTON BIG LOVE

18. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. 30 ROCK (NBC)
Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little
Stranger Inc.
b. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO
Entertainment
c. GLEE (FOX)
Twentieth Century Fox Television
d. MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
Twentieth Century Fox Television
e. THE OFFICE (NBC)
Universal Media Studios, Deedle Dee Productions, Reveille LLC

19. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. TONI COLLETTE UNITED STATES OF TARA
b. COURTENEY COX COUGAR TOWN
c. EDIE FALCO NURSE JACKIE
d. TINA FEY 30 ROCK
e. LEA MICHELE GLEE

20. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES –
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a. ALEC BALDWIN 30 ROCK
b. STEVE CARELL THE OFFICE
c. DAVID DUCHOVNY CALIFORNICATION
d. THOMAS JANE HUNG
e. MATTHEW MORRISON GLEE

21. BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. GEORGIA O'KEEFFE (LIFETIME TELEVISION)
Sony Pictures Television
b. GREY GARDENS (HBO)
Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films
c. INTO THE STORM (HBO)
Scott Free and Rainmark Films Production in association with the BBC and HBO
Films
d. LITTLE DORRIT (PBS)
Masterpiece/BBC Co-production
e. TAKING CHANCE (HBO)
Motion Picture Corporation of America and Civil Dawn Pictures in association
with HBO Films

22. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION
PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. JOAN ALLEN GEORGIA O'KEEFFE
b. DREW BARRYMORE GREY GARDENS
c. JESSICA LANGE GREY GARDENS
d. ANNA PAQUIN THE COURAGEOUS HEART OF IRENA
SENDLER
e. SIGOURNEY WEAVER PRAYERS FOR BOBBY

23. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION
PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. KEVIN BACON TAKING CHANCE
b. KENNETH BRANAGH WALLANDER: ONE STEP BEHIND
c. CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ENDGAME
d. BRENDAN GLEESON INTO THE STORM
e. JEREMY IRONS GEORGIA O'KEEFFE

24. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A
SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. JANE ADAMS HUNG
b. ROSE BYRNE DAMAGES
c. JANE LYNCH GLEE
d. JANET McTEER INTO THE STORM
e. CHLOË SEVIGNY BIG LOVE

25. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES,
MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a. MICHAEL EMERSON LOST
b. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
c. WILLIAM HURT DAMAGES
d. JOHN LITHGOW DEXTER
e. JEREMY PIVEN ENTOURAGE

San Francisco Film Critics

Best Picture
“The Hurt Locker”

Best Director
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”

Best Original Screenplay
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”

Best Adapted Screenplay
Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”

Best Actor
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”

Best Actress
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”

Best Supporting Actor
Christian McKay, “Me and Orson Welles”

Best Supporting Actress
Mo’Nique, “Precious”

Best Animated Feature
“Coraline”

Best Foreign Language Film
“You, the Living” (Sweden)

Best Documentary
“Anvil! The Story of Anvil”

Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins, “A Serious Man”

Special Citation
“Sita Sings the Blues”

Marlon Riggs Award for courage & vision in the Bay Area film community Frazer Bradshaw, filmmaker, in recognition of his film “Everything Strange and New” Barry Jenkins, filmmaker, in recognition of his film “Medicine for Melancholy”

In Memoriam
Rose Kaufman

Indiana Film Critics Awards

Not a well known group by any means, but Streep vs. Mulligan continues as does the love of Up in the Air. Also a lot of love for Where the Wild Things Are.

Best Film of the Year - Up in the Air
Runner-up: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best Director - Spike Jonze, Where the Wild Things Are
Runner-up: Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best Screenplay - Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air
Runner-up: Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers, Where the Wild Things Are

Best Actor - George Clooney, Up in the Air
Runner-up: Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Best Actress - Carey Mulligan, An Education
Runner-up: Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Best Supporting Actress - Mo’Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Runner-up: Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air

Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Runner-up: Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones and Julie & Julia

Best Foreign Language Film - Sin Nombre
Runner-up: Welcome

Best Animated Film - Fantastic Mr. Fox
Runner-up: Up

Best Documentary - The Cove
Runner-up: Anvil! The Story of Anvil

Original Vision Award - Where the Wild Things Are
Runner-up: District 9

The Southeastern Film Critics Awards

My hometown critic Lawerence Toppman belongs to this group, so it is of interest to me. Another boost for Up in the Air which seems to be in a showdown with The Hurt Locker. Also, Streep, Mo'Nique, and Waltz seem to be dominating so far...Oscars? Another thought I had was that both Up and Fantastic Mr. Fox are making a lot of top ten lists, is there a possibility that we have not one, but two animated films nominated this year? You wouldn't here me complaining that's for sure!

Best Picture: Up in the Air

Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Runner Up: Jason Reitman "Up in the Air"

Best Actor: George Clooney, Up in the Air
Runner Up: Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Best Actress: Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia
Runner Up: Gabourey Sidibe – Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Runner-up: Woody Harrelson – The Messenger

Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, Precious
Runner-up: Anna Kendrick – Up in the Air

Best Adapted Screenplay: Up in the Air
Runner-up: Wes Anderson & Noah Baumbach – Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best Original Screenplay: (500) Days of Summer
Runner-up: Mark Boal – The Hurt Locker

Best Animated Film: Up
Runner-up: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Best Foreign Language Film: Summer Hours
Runner Up: The White Ribbon (Germany)

Best Documentary: Food Inc.
Runner-up: The Cove

WYATT AWARD (film best reflecting Southern values or themes)
That Evening Sun
Runner-up: Goodbye Solo

Ten Best Films of 2009:

1 ) Up in the Air
2 ) The Hurt Locker
3 ) Up
4 ) Inglourious Basterds
5 ) A Serious Man
6 ) (500) Days of Summer
7 ) Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
8 ) The Messenger
9 ) Fantastic Mr. Fox
10 ) District 9

New York Film Critics Circle

Another one for The Hurt Locker, with bigger and better films this year, and the expansion to ten, the Academy might see a huge outcry for rewarding such a small film. Not to detract from it's merits, but I hope other groups go a different way otherwise this will be a boring and dissapointing Oscar season.


Best Film“The Hurt Locker”
Best DirectorKathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker”
Best Screenplay“In the Loop”
Best ActressMeryl Streep for “Julie & Julia”
Best Actor George Clooney for “Up In The Air” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Best Supporting ActressMo’Nique for “Precious”
Best Supporting ActorChristoph Waltz for “Inglourious Basterds”
Best CinematographyChristian Berger for “The White Ribbon”
Best Animated Film“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Best Non-fiction Film“Of Time and the City”
Best Foreign Language Film“Summer Hours”
Best First Feature“Hunger,” director Steve McQueen
Special AwardTo Andrew Sarris for his contribution to film criticism

BFCA Critics Choice Award Nominations

Ok I know there's going to be a lot of hate spewed towards teh BFCA for trying to look SO much like the Oscars, but for a blogger like myself, this is probably the closest were going to get to seeing how the real Oscars are going to play out. So I am personally very excited about these. A Few thoughts: Marion Cotillard could easily be the Kate Winslet of this year; Harvey pushes her in one category, and the Academy gives him the middle finger and puts her where they want her, either way, I hope she gets a nod. Sandra Bullock is quickly gaining speed, and although I'm not ready to give her a lock yet, if she keeps racking up nominations like this, I say she is in. Nine and Invictus get much needed boosts, and although Lovely Bones got some technical nods and nods for Tucci and Ronan (well deserved btw), it seems as if it's bigger Oscar hopes are effectively over. Avatar also gets some major love, I'm really starting to like its chances. Overall I actually enjoyed this list, and am started to get really excited for this season.

BEST PICTURE

Avatar
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
Nine
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up In The Air

BEST ACTOR

Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart
George Clooney - Up In The Air
Colin Firth - A Single Man
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Viggo Mortensen - The Road
Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker

BEST ACTRESS

Emily Blunt - The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side
Carey Mulligan - An Education
Saoirse Ronan - The Lovely Bones
Gabourey Sidibe - Precious
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

• Matt Damon - Invictus
• Woody Harrelson - The Messenger
• Christian McKay - Me And Orson Welles
• Alfred Molina - An Education
• Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
• Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

• Marion Cotillard - Nine
• Vera Farmiga - Up In The Air
• Anna Kendrick - Up In The Air
• Mo’Nique - Precious
• Julianne Moore - A Single Man
• Samantha Morton - The Messenger

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

• Jae Head - The Blind Side
• Bailee Madison - Brothers
• Max Records - Where The Wild Things Are
• Saoirse Ronan - The Lovely Bones
• Kodi Smit-McPhee - The Road

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

• Inglourious Basterds
• Nine
• Precious
• Star Trek
• Up In The Air

BEST DIRECTING

• Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
• James Cameron - Avatar
• Lee Daniels - Precious
• Clint Eastwood - Invictus
• Jason Reitman - Up In The Air
• Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

• Mark Boal - The Hurt Locker
• Joel Coen & Ethan Coen - A Serious Man
• Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber - (500) Days Of Summer
• Bob Peterson, Peter Docter - Up
• Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

• Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach - Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell - District 9
• Geoffrey Fletcher - Precious
• Tom Ford, David Scearce - A Single Man
• Nick Hornby - An Education
• Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner - Up In The Air

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

• The Hurt Locker
• Nine
• Avatar
• The Lovely Bones
• Inglourious Basterds

BEST ART DIRECTION

• A Single Man
• Avatar
• Nine
• The Lovely Bones
• Inglourious Basterds

BEST EDITING

• Up In The Air
• Inglourious Basterds
• The Hurt Locker
• Avatar
• Nine

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

• Nine
• Bright Star
• The Young Victoria
• Inglourious Basterds
• Where The Wild Things Are

BEST MAKEUP

• Avatar
• District 9
• Nine
• The Road
• Star Trek

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

• Avatar
• District 9
• The Lovely Bones
• Star Trek
• 2012

BEST SOUND

• Avatar
• District 9
• The Hurt Locker
• Nine
• Star Trek

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

• Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
• Coraline
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• Princess And The Frog
• Up

BEST ACTION MOVIE

• Avatar
• District 9
• The Hurt Locker
• Inglourious Basterds
• Star Trek

BEST COMEDY

• (500) Days Of Summer
• The Hangover
• It’s Complicated
• The Proposal
• Zombieland

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

• Gifted Hands
• Grey Gardens
• Into The Storm
• Taking Chance

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

• Broken Embraces
• Coco Before Chanel
• Red Cliff
• Sin Nombre
• The White Ribbon

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

• Anvil
• Capitalism: A Love Story
• The Cove
• Food, Inc.
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It

BEST SONG

• "All Is Love" - Karen O, Nick Zinner - Where The Wild Things Are
"Almost There" - Randy Newman - The Princess And The Frog
• "Cinema Italiano" - Maury Yeston - Nine
• "(I Want To) Come Home" - Paul McCartney - Everybody’s Fine
• "The Weary Kind" - T Bone Burnett, Ryan Bingham - Crazy Heart

BEST SCORE

• Michael Giacchino - Up
• Marvin Hamlisch - The Informant!
• Randy Newman - The Princess and the Frog
• Karen O, Carter Burwell - Where The Wild Things Are
• Hans Zimmer - Sherlock Holmes

Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards

Another boost for The Hurt Locker, could it be the little film that could ala Slumdog Millionaire?

Best Film: The Hurt Locker
Best Animated Film: Up
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow – The Hurt Locker
Best Screenplay, Original: (500) Days of Summer – Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
Best Screenplay, Adapted: Up In The Air – Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Best Documentary: The Cove
Best Actress: Carey Mulligan – An Education
Best Actress In Supporting Role: Mo’Nique – Precious
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges – Crazy Heart
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz – Inglorious Basterds
Best Ensemble Cast: The Hurt Locker
Best Editing: Sally Menke – Inglorious Basterds
Most Beautiful Film: Bright Star
Best Non-English-Language Film: Summer Hours

American Film Institute Movies/TV Programs of the Year

Invictus needed a boost, and it didn't get it. I still think it's in for Picture because of the names behind it. Also no Avatar, which is a little surprising. Lovely Bones is apparently out, and Nine looks that way too, although there is still a lot of mystery surrounding it, so don't count it out, it will still get plenty of technical nods. Great to see Coraline, Precious, The Messenger, The Hangover, and Sugar.

CORALINE
THE HANGOVER
THE HURT LOCKER
THE MESSENGER
PRECIOUS
A SERIOUS MAN
A SINGLE MAN
SUGAR
UP
UP IN THE AIR

AFI TV Programs of the Year - Great list, glad to see Modern Family, and Glee.

THE BIG BANG THEORY
BIG LOVE
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
GLEE
MAD MEN
MODERN FAMILY
THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY
NURSE JACKIE
PARTY DOWN

Los Angeles Film Critics Awards

Another Hurt Locker boost, as well as Mo and Christoph again. Great to see In the Loop, Yolande Moreau, and The White Ribbon getting some love. Without Runners Up however, this list would be standard and kinda boring. The acting categories are starting to shape up in terms of actual winners (or races to the finish), but nominations are still up in the air. The real question is Best Picture.


PICTURE: “The Hurt Locker”
Runner-up: “Up in the Air”

DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
Runner-up: Michael Haneke, “The White Ribbon”

ACTRESS: Yolande Moreau, “Séraphine”
Runner-up: Carey Mulligan, “An Education”

ACTOR: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
Runner-up: Colin Firth, “A Single Man”

SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Mo’Nique, “Precious”
Runner-up: Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”

SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”
Runner-up: Peter Capaldi, “In the Loop”

SCREENPLAY: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, “Up in the Air”
Runner-up: Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci and Tony Roche, “In the Loop”

ANIMATION: “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Runner-up: “Up”

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: “Summer Hours”
Runner-up: “The White Ribbon”

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christian Berger, “The White Ribbon”
Runner-up: Barry Ackroyd, “The Hurt Locker”

MUSIC/SCORE: T-Bone Burnett and Stephen Bruton, “Crazy Heart”
Runner-up: Alexandre Desplat, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”

PRODUCTION DESIGN: Philip Ivey, “District 9″
Runner-up: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg, “Avatar”

DOCUMENTARY/NON-FICTION FILM: “The Beaches of Agnès” and “The Cove” (tie)

DOUGLAS E. EDWARDS INDEPENDENT/EXPERIMENTAL FILM/VIDEO: C.W. Winter and Anders Edstrom, “The Anchorage”

NYFCO (New York Film Critics Online)

With all the commercial success, Avatar didn't probably need a lot of critical support, but alas, it got some. I think it could Titanic its way to Oscar domination. Mo'Nique, Meryl, and Christoph get more wins, and Jeff Bridges finally gets some attention. Kathryn Bigelow is becoming a lock for a nomination

Best Film: Avatar
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Best Actress: Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia.Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, Precious
Breakthrough Performer: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Best Ensemble: In the Loop
Best Foreign Film: The White Ribbon
Best Documentary: The Cove
Best Cinematography: Robert Richardson, Inglourious Basterds
Best Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Best Directorial Debut: Marc Webb, (500) Days of Summer
Best Film Music or Score: Crazy Heart

NYFCO Top Ten Films of 2009

Adventureland (Miramax Films)
Avatar (20th Century Fox)
Fantastic Mr. Fox (Fox Searchlight)
The Hurt Locker (Summit Entertainment)
Inglourious Basterds (The Weinstein Co.)
The Messenger (Oscilloscope)
Precious (Lionsgate)
A Serious Man (Focus Features)
Two Lovers (Magnolia)
Up (Disney/Pixar)
Up in the Air (Paramount)

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

The Hurt Locker needs Critics Awards to stay relevant, and it just got a big one. Jeremy Renner and Kathryn Bigelow also need to maintain the press, so congrats to them as well. Meryl Streep's win puts her back in the spotlight, and the other two (Waltz and Mo'Nique) keep racking up awards...I think we now have frontrunners in the two supporting categories!

Best Picture
The Hurt Locker

Best Actor
Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker

Best Actress
Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia

Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds

Best Supporting Actress
Mo’Nique for Precious

Best Director
Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker

Best Screenplay
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen for A Serious Man

Best Cinematography
Barry Ackroyd for The Hurt Locker

Best Documentary
The Cove

Best Foreign-Language Film
TBA

Best Animated Film
Up

Best Film Editing
Bob Murawski and Chris Innis for The Hurt Locker

Best New Filmmaker
Neill Blomkamp for District 9

Best Ensemble Cast
Tie between Precious and Star Trek

Best Use of Music in a Film
Crazy Heart

Visual Effects Finalists

The biggest missing is The Lovely Bones, considering the best part about it is apparently its effects. PS - I think Avatar is a lock for the win


“Angels & Demons”
“Avatar”
“Coraline”
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol”
“District 9”
“G-Force”
“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
“Sherlock Holmes”
“Star Trek”
“Terminator Salvation”“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”
“2012”
“Watchmen”
“Where the Wild Things Are”

Detroit Film Critics Nominees

Some really nice picks like (500) Days of Summer, Sam Rockwell, Melanie Laurent, Alison Lohman, and Woody Harrelson. I feel bad for Melanie Laurent and Marion Cotillard however, cause they are being pushed as leads in their movies, but recognition is recognition either (a la Kate Winslet). Also surprising was that Precious received 4 nominations, but no Best Picture nod, the strengths of this movie are truly the acting.

Best Film

(500) Days of Summer
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Up
Up in the Air

Best Director

Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Pete Docter, Up
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
Marc Webb, (500) Days of Summer

Best Actor

George Clooney, Up in the Air
Matt Damon, The Informant!
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, (500) Days of Summer
Sam Rockwell, Moon

Best Actress

Alison Lohman, Drag Me to Hell
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Saoirse Ronan, The Lovely Bones
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia

Best Supporting Actor

Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Woody Harrelson, Zombieland
Christian McKay, Me & Orson Welles
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Best Supporting Actress

Marion Cotillard, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mélanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds
Mo’Nique, Precious

Best Ensemble
The Hangover
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Star Trek
Zombieland

Breakthrough Performance

Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Christian McKay, Me & Orson Welles
Carey Mulligan, An Education
Chris Pine, Star Trek
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Avatar

So for all the hype, then the backlash, then the adorning of the "Smurf" characters, we finally have some reviews about the most highly anticipated movie of the year. For all the haters out there: Avert your eyes!

"The King of the World sets his sights on creating another world entirely in Avatar, and it's very much a place worth visiting."
--Todd McCarthy "Rolling Stone"

"The screen is alive with more action and the soundtrack pops with more robust music than any dozen sci-fi shoot-'em-ups you care to mention."
--Kirk Honeycutt "The Hollywood Reporter"

"It’s been twelve years since "Titanic," but the King of the World has returned with a flawed but fantastic tour de force that, taken on its merits as a film, especially in two dimensions, warrants four stars. However, if you can wrap a pair of 3D glasses round your peepers, this becomes a transcendent, full-on five-star experience that's the closest we'll ever come to setting foot on a strange new world. Just don’t leave it so long next time, eh, Jim?"
--Chris Hewitt "Empire"


...and they just keep rolling in, looks like Jim Cameron may be King of the World again come March 3rd?

Women Film Critics Circle

The most bizarre list most likely to be released before Oscar time, but some nice winners none the less...It's criticisms of Precious however, are unfounded, and confusing as they rewared Gabourey Sidibe. Either way an interesting collection of films/Performances



BEST MOVIE ABOUT WOMEN (tie)Coco Before ChanelMy One And Only

BEST MOVIE BY A WOMANJulie & Julia: Nora Ephron

BEST WOMAN STORYTELLER [Screenwriting Award]Sunshine Cleaning: Megan Holley

BEST ACTRESS Abbie Cornish: Bright Star

BEST ACTOR Ben Foster: The Messenger

BEST YOUNG ACTRESS Gabourey Sidibe: Precious

BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS Meryl Streep: Julie & Julia

BEST FOREIGN FILM BY OR ABOUT WOMEN Seraphine

BEST FEMALE IMAGES IN A MOVIE American Violet, Amreeka, The Baader Meinhof
Complex, Inglourious Basterds,Lemon Tree, The Messenger, My Sister's Keeper, Sweet Crude

BEST THEATRICALLY UNRELEASED MOVIE BY OR ABOUT WOMEN Grey Gardens

BEST EQUALITY OF THE SEXES Julie & Julia

BEST ANIMATED FEMALE Princess And The Frog: Anika Noni Rose as Tiana

BEST FAMILY FILM Up

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Gertrude Berg [Posthumous]: Yoo-Hoo Mrs. Goldberg: Aviva Kempner, director

ACTING AND ACTIVISM: Emma Thompson - For her work on and off screen against sex
trafficking

ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD: For a film that most passionately opposes violence against women:Precious

JOSEPHINE BAKER AWARD: For best expressing the woman of color experience in AmericaAmerican Violet

KAREN MORLEY AWARD: For best exemplifying a woman's place in history or society, and a courageous search for identityAn Education

COURAGE IN ACTING: For taking on unconventional roles that radically redefine the images of women on screen]Isabella Rossellini: Green Porno

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN AWARD [Supporting performance by a woman whose exceptional impact on the film dramatically, socially or historically, has been ignored]Olivia Williams: An Education

BEST DOCUMENTARIES BY WOMEN:

GROUNDBREAKER: The Beaches of Agnès, Agnès Varda

ABOVE AND BEYOND: American Casino, Leslie Cockburn

COURAGE IN FILMMAKING: Tattooed Under Fire, Nancy Schiesari

WFCC TOP TEN HALL OF SHAME

Antichrist: The cinematic equivalent of nails down a chalkboard. Pretentious pornography,
satanic sex, and Willem Dafoe as an artsy New Age femocidal sexorcist.

Deadgirl: Again the theme is vile sexual violence to women. In this case, the woman is dead and the men can do what they like with her And they do. This film brings out the worst of male fantasies towards women, and it wasn't a pretty sight.

Downloading Nancy: The sexual violence towards Nancy, even though she asked for and seemed to want it, was difficult to absorb.

Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past: Matthew McConaughey as cardboard cutout misogynist, in one too many phone-it-in rom-coms featuring toxic bachelors.

Pirate Radio: Horrible male characters who treat women like a floating meat market.

Precious: If this film were a poor 'white trash' family/community, it wouldn't have received the applause that it did. The point is that it promotes prejudice against blacks, fat women, unmarried women, less educated women and a whole lot more. That it is successful screams out for another film from the same neighborhood where the family is kept above the fray of stereotyping, by a strong unmarried mother.

Twilight Saga: New Moon: Bella (lead human female) is completely pathetic, the whole giving up one's soul thing. How sad is it when a gal in a small town picks two boys she likes, one is a vampire and one is a werewolf.

Up In The Air: 'Just think of me as yourself, only with a vagina.' Oh, puh-leez! Who was this corporate female predaor [Vera Farmiga] supposed to be, this gorgeous, available babe with no back story and the magic ability to pull two sexy black dresses from her rollaway with no prior notice?!?!?

Two words: Judd Apatow. Some more words: perfect, beautiful women exist to save overweight schlubby men from their otherwise inevitable fate as complete no-hopers.
Worst Full Frontal Male Nudity 2009: Observe And Report's comedic flabby flasher. Ha Ha.

Grammy Predix: Rap Album

With the exception of Flo Rido in this group (it should have been Fabolous), this category is a pretty decent list considering Rap had such a weak year (especially after last years, star packed rap categories). The greatest inclusion to me was the great Q-Tip album, "The Renaissance". Unfortunately for Q-Tip, he probably won't take this one home. My guess is that the return of Eminem (who seems to have lost his umph, if you will), will most likely be rewarded, seeing as the Grammys LOVE him, to a point of annoying obsession.

Will Win: Eminem "Relapse"
Should Win: Q-Tip "The Renaissance" or Mos Def "The Ecstatic"

Washington D.C. Film Critics Winners

With a quick turnaround, I think we are starting to see a pattern. It looks like the frontrunners are now established, Mulligan (with Sidibe at her heels), Waltz, Mo'Nique, Clooney (This one is still iffy to me), and Up in the Air. Once again, not an inspired list, but a good set of winners. I still think Nine will get nominated for BP because the block that votes in technical categories will give it plenty of nominations (aka Art Direction as below). This is still an interesting year, because we still have a few contenders out in the air like Nine, The Lovely Bones, Invictus, Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, etc. We either need more reviews, or some in general before we can start really looking at this year's race.

Best Actor - George Clooney "Up in the Air"
Best Actress - Carey Mulligan "An Education"
Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz "Inglourious Basterds"
Best Supporting Actress - Mo’Nique "Precious"
Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow "The Hurt Locker"
Best Screenplay, Adapted - Up in the Air
Best Screenplay, Original - Inglourious Basterds
Best Film - Up in the Air
Best Breakthrough Performance - Gabourey Sidibe "Precious"
Best Ensemble - The Hurt Locker
Best Animated Film - Up
Best Foreign Film - Sin Nombre
Best Art Direction - Nine
Best Documentary - Food, Inc.

Washington DC Area Critics Nominations

Well, the first critcal awards are out, and to be honest, they are kinda boring. For the all the remaining speculation with this season, it seemed to be just rehashing the same old same old, where's the surprise nominee that suddenly enters the race? Either way, it's not a bad list, just kinda stale. The Blind Side got some major love, which is interesting to say the least...

Best Film
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious”
“Up”
“Up in the Air”

Best Director
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
Lee Daniels, “Precious”
Clint Eastwood, “Invictus”
Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”

Best Actor
George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
Viggo Mortensen, “The Road”
Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”

Best Actress
Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
Maya Rudolph, “Away We Go”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious”
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”

Best Supporting Actor
Woody Harrelson, “The Messenger”
Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”
Alfred Molina, “An Education”
Stanley Tucci, “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

Best Supporting Actress
Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”
Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique, “Precious”
Julianne Moore, “A Single Man”
Samantha Morton, “The Messenger”

Best Ensemble
The Hurt Locker
Nine
Precious
Star Trek
Up in the Air

Best Adapted Screenplay
“The Blind Side”
“An Education”
“Precious”
“The Road”
“Up in the Air”

Best Original Screenplay
“(500) Days of Summer”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”

Best Breakthrough Performance
Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Christian McKay, “Me and Orson Welles”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious”

Best Animated Film
“Coraline”
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
“9″
“Ponyo”
“Up”

Best Foreign Film
“Broken Embraces”
“Red Cliff”
“Sin Nombre”
“Summer Hours”
“The White Ribbon”

Best Documentary
“Anvil! The Story of Anvil”
“Capitalism: A Love Story”
“The Cove”
“Food, Inc.”
“Good Hair”

Best Art Direction
“The Lovely Bones”
“Nine”
“Star Trek”
“Where the Wild Things Are”
“The Young Victoria”

Grammy Predix: Best Country Album

So I'm starting a slow process of looking at many of the major awards before the Grammy Awards are announced. The first is Country Album.

To be honest there are a lot of big names in this category. Newcomers Zac Brown Band are popular, and Lee Ann Womack, George Strait, and Keith Urban have been here before. But to be honest, unless they get sentimental, Taylor Swift seems to be a lock here.

Preditcion: Taylor Swift "Fearless"

NBR Nominations and Reaction

Reaction: The exclusion of Nine, Precious, and others, while not a great sign, does not mean that these will not be contenders. This is the just the first precursor, and with ten nominations, there is bound to be a huge variety among different groups. That being said, for Up in the Air, Woody Harrelson, Clint Eastwood, Anna Kendrick, Carey Mulligan, Gabby Sidibe, Jeremy Renner, Where the Wild Things Are, Star Trek, It's Complicated, Up, and others, its does give them a boost by putting them in the spotlight. That being said, I still think both Precious and Nine get into the Academy's top ten. Furthermore, Up in the Air could be the one to beat this year.

Best Film:
Up In The Air

Top Eleven Films (In alphabetical order):
An Education
(500) Days Of Summer
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
The Messenger
A Serious Man
Star Trek
Up
Up In The Air
Where The Wild Things Are

Best Director: Clint Eastwood, Invictus

Best Actor: Morgan Freeman, Invictus and George Clooney, Up In The Air (tie)

Best Actress: Carey Mulligan, An Education

Best Supporting Actor: Woody Harrelson, The Messenger

Best Supporting Actress: Anna Kendrick, Up In The Air

Best Foreign Film: A Prophet

Best Documentary: The Cove

Best Animated Feature: Up

Best Ensemble Cast: It’s Complicated

Breakthrough Performance by an Actor: Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

Breakthrough Performance by an Actress: Gabourey Sidibe, Precious

Spotlight Award for Best Directorial Debut: Duncan Jones, Moon, Oren Moverman,The
Messenger and Marc Webb, 500 Days of Summer (tie)

Best Original Screenplay: Joel & Ethan Coen, A Serious Man

Best Adapted Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, Up In The Air

Special Filmmaking Achievement Award: Wes Anderson, The Fantastic Mr. Fox

William K. Everson Film History Award:Jean Picker Firstenberg

NBR Freedom of Expression:
Burma Vj: Reporting From A Closed Country,
Invictus,
The Most Dangerous Man In America: Daniel Ellseberg And The Pentagon Papers

Top Ten Independent Films (In alphabetical order):
Amreeka
District 9
Goodbye Solo
Humpday
In The Loop
Julia
Me And Orson Welles
Moon
Sugar
Two Lovers

Top Six Foreign Films (In alphabetical order):
The Maid
A Prophet
Revanche
Song Of Sparrows
Three Monkeys
The White Ribbon

Top Six Documentary Films (In alphabetical order):
Burma Vj: Reporting From A Closed Country
The Cove
Crude
Food, Inc.
Good Hair
The Most Dangerous Man In America: Daniel Ellsberg And The Pentagon Papers

Grammy Nominations: Reactions

So I will be slowly adding my predictions for each major category between now and the big night, but here are some thoughts on this years nominees.

The Good

• No U2! Ok so they still got a bunch of nominations, but it was nice to see that the Grammys didn't just pile them on in the major categories taking the fun out of predicting. I like U2, I just wanted someone new for once to win some big awards, thank you Grammy Gods for making my wish come true.
• Rap Categories: With the excpetion of missing out on Fabolous, in a sparsely populated year for Rap, they actually did a good job in handing out nominations. Mos Def, Kid Cudi, Drake, etc. all got some recognition. The best choice: Q-Tip's "The Renaissance", an incredible album, that should win the Rap Album award.
• Kings of Leon - great band, getting Radiohead-esque shout out this year.
• Dave Matthews Band - while not their best album by any means, it was nice to see someone other than U2 or Green Day get some rock recognition in the top category.
• Maxwell - Making a great comeback this year, landed him with tons of nominations, including Song of the Year.

The Bad

• Black Eyed Peas - Record of the Year nomination was a foregone conclusion for their cathcy "I Gotta Feeling", but Album of the Year?! I can think of a few Auto-Tune albums that would have been better choices than this mediocre entry.
• ...lke Kanye West...yes he's a jackass (get over it!), and yes, he got 6 nominations, but 808's & Heartbreak was a great album, and should have taken that BEP spot.
• Whitney Houston had a triumphant return and so much Grammy buzz...that died so quickly. Seriously, not one nomination? That is a true shame.
• No Laura Izibor. One of my favorite new artists this year was the souful Irish songstress Laura Izibor. I thought she was a shoo-in for Best New Artist...they never quite get that category right...ever...

The Ugly

• The R&B Categories - No Whitney Houston, The-Dream, etc. There is nothing wrong with them going to more underground artist, hell usually I applaud it. But not when there are better acts missing out. I just looked at them, and suddenly didn't care at all about their outcome...that is usually not a good sign.

Grammy Nominations

Instead of trying to list all of the nominees, the link is posted to look at them. Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band, Maxwell, Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon, Kanye West, and Jay-Z rounded out a lot of the main nominations, with Beyonce leading the way with 10 nominations! I loved some of these picks, and hated some at the same time. Tomorrow I will give my personal thoughts once I've had time to stew over them.

http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx

PS - NBR Comes out tomorrow as well!

Annie Awards

Whew! This is a busy day...the Annie Award Nominations were released, helping us clear up some questions about one of the more intriguing races this year, especially with the potential for 5 nominees. However, don't look too closely into them. They excluded Ponyo from the top category and completely shafted Mary and Max, two contenders. Also, last year Kung Fu Panda swept the awards, not Wall-E. It does however give a boost to The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Princess and the Frog, who I think have a shot at upseting Up, if anyone does.

Best Animated Feature

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up

Directing in a Feature Production

Wes Anderson — Fantastic Mr. Fox
Pete Docter — Up
Christopher Miller, Phil Lord — Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Hayao Miyazaki — Ponyo
Henry Selick — Coraline

Writing in a Feature Production

Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach – Fantastic Mr. Fox
Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy – Up
Timothy Hyde Harris and David Bowers – Astro Boy
Christopher Miller and Phil Lord – Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Animated Effects

Scott Cegielski — Monsters vs. Aliens
Alexander Feigin — 9
Eric Froemling — Up
Tom Kluyskens — Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
James Mansfield — The Princess and the Frog

Character Animation in a Feature Production

Andreas Deja — The Princess and the Frog
Eric Goldberg — The Princess and the Frog
Travis Knight — Coraline
Daniel Nguyen — Up
Bruce Smith — The Princess and the Frog

Character Design in a Feature Production

Daniel Lopez Munoz — Up
Shane Prigmore — Coraline
Shannon Tindle — Coraline

Music in a Feature Production

Bruno Coulais — Coraline
Michael Giacchino –Up
Joe Hisaishi — Ponyo
John Powell — Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Production Design in a Feature Production

Christopher Appelhans — Coraline
Ian Gooding — The Princess and the Frog
Tadahiro Uesugi — Coraline
Christopher Vacher — 9

Storyboarding in a Feature Production

Sharon Bridgeman — Astro Boy
Chris Butler — Coraline
Ronnie Del Carmen — Up
Tom Owens — Monsters vs. Aliens
Peter Sohn — Up

Voice Acting in a Feature Production

Jen Cody – Voice of Charlotte – The Princess and the Frog
Dawn French – Voice of Miss Forcible – Coraline
Hugh Laurie – Voice of Dr. Cockroach Ph.D. – Monsters vs. Aliens
John Leguizamo – Voice of Sid – Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur
Jennifer Lewis – Voice of Mama Odie – The Princess and the Frog

No Julianne Moore?

I just realized the biggest snub of all....no Julianne Moore! Essentially being called a lock for Best Supporting Actress, but left off of probably the easiest list (I thought) for her to get on, does this spell trouble?

Most likely not, she is well liked by the Academy, and I say she's in.

But still....I'm shocked....

Independent Spirit Awards Nominees

I knew there was something else big happening today, of course! The Independent Spirit Awards announced their nominees just a few minutes ago...so here we go!

Thoughts: Ok, so all the love for Crazy Heart, A Single Man, The Messenger, etc, but they miss out on a picture nod? Seems Strange to me. Furthermore, they loved That Evening Sun, but no Hal Holbrook? No Maggie Gyllenhaal? Furthermore, A Serious Man is considered a frontrunner for an Oscar nomination, but was excluded from the Picture list? I love the Spirit Awards, but sometimes they just make me scratch my head. At least there were some nice surprises like Amreeka, Adventureland, and Paranormal Activity!

BEST FEATURE (Award given to the Producer)

“(500) Days Of Summer,” Producers: Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, Steven J. Wolfe
“Amreeka,” Producers: Paul Barkin, Christina Piovesan
“Precious,” Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness
“Sin Nombre,” Producer: Amy Kaufman
“The Last Station,” Producers: Bonnie Arnold, Chris Curling, Jens Meuer

BEST DIRECTOR

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, “A Serious Man”
Lee Daniels, “Precious”
Cary Joji Fukunaga, “Sin Nombre”
James Gray, “Two Lovers”
Michael Hoffman, “The Last Station”

BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)

A Single Man
Crazy Heart
Easier With Practice
The Messenger
Paranormal Activity

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer)

Big Fan
Humpday
The New Year
Parade
Treeless Mountain
Zero Bridge

BEST SCREENPLAY

The Messenger
The Last Station
500 Days of Summer
The Vicious Kind
Adventureland

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

Cold Souls
Crazy Heart
Amreeka
Precious
A Single Man

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Maria Bello, “Downloading Nancy”
Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”
Gwentyth Paltrow, “Two Lovers”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire”
Nisreen Faour, “Amreeka”

BEST MALE LEAD

Jeff Bridges "Crazy Heart"
Colin Firth "A Single Man"
Joseph Gordon Levitt "(500) Days of Summer"
Souleymane Sy Savane "Goodbye Solo"
Adam Scott "The Vicious Kind"

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Monique "Precious"
Samantha Morton "The Messenger"
Natahlie Press "Fifty Dead Men Walking"
Mia Wasikowska "That Evening Sun"
Dina Korzun "Cold Souls"

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Jemaine Clements "Gentlemen Broncos"
Woody Harrelson "The Messenger"
Cristian McKay "Me and Orson Welles"
Ramon McKinnon "That Evening Sun"
Christopher Plummer "The Last Station"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

A Serious Man
Sin Nombre
Treeless Mountain
Cold Souls
Bad Lieutenant

BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director)

Anvil!
Food Inc
More Than a Game
October Country
Which Way Home

BEST FOREIGN FILM (Award given to the director)

A Prophet
An Education
Everlasting Moments
Mother
The Maid


ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD(Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)

A Serious Man

PRODUCERS AWARD
Karen Chien
Larry Fessenden
Dia Sokol

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD—to be announced—

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
Natalia Almada
Bill Ross and Turner Ross
Jessica Oreck