Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 9

20. Fatal Attraction - This one might shock some people, as its overall reviews and audience reaction weren't exactly stellar, especially compared to the rest of the movies in the top 25. The reason that I love this movie so much is two fold. First of all Michael Douglas and Glenn Close give us some of the best performances of any actors on this entire list. It doesn't hurt that there are some fine performances from its supporting cast as well. The second reason, is that unlike most suspense thrillers, Fatal Attraction isn't just fluff. It is a deep look into the relationships between adults, and the issues that are faced by those who are psyhologically sick. This deft combination of suspense and depth makes this one worth revisiting.

19. Full Metal Jacket - Kubrick missed the cut for most of his movies on this list because of their release date. So I was thrilled when I realized that one of his best classics had a shot to make the list. Below you can see another Vietnam classic Platoon, and this one is just as exciting and has the same emotional impact. Simply put, Full Metal Jacket is one of the greatest war movies ever made. Its keen look inside the minds of those that defend our country may shock some, and make others feel ashamed. But for most of us, this pragmatic movie, which breaks the Kubrick science fiction mold, lets us know that even heroes have problems, and that even heroes are humans, something we need to be reminded of every once and awhile.

18. The Silence of the Lambs - Not since Hitchcock and The Exorcist, has a movie not only been suspenseful and scary as hell, but also fantastically made and an Oscar contender, in this case, an Oscar winner. Unlike most horror movies today, this one doesn't rely on cheap gimmicks or unnecessary gore. Instead it relies on old fashion suspense techniques, deep psychological study, and incredible performances to both entice us and make us think. Jodie Foster and Sir. Anthony Hopkins are fantastic individually, but together, their chemistry and intense acting abilities are what make this Best Picture winner soar. All those young horror movies need to not look at the crap that is usually released, and instead look to this modern horror masterpiece.

17. Wall-E - Only Pixar could create an almost silent film about two robots in a futuristic world that fall in love with each other, and make it work. Not only did it work, but it soared. It was funny, poignant, and managed to make an environmental message without being too preachy, something that James Cameron should take note at. The thing about Wall-E though that made it so special, and made it soar even above its Pixar counterparts was how it stays with you long after you leave the theater. To me, it did a better job of leaving an emotional impact than 90% of the live action movies released in the last 25 years, and if that isn't worth recognition, I don't what is.

16. Platoon - In case you can't tell, I have a weak spot in my heart for Oliver Stone movies. Maybe it is because I am a bleeding-heart liberal, or maybe, just maybe it is because he has a knack for making incredible movies, and Platoon is not exception. When a young soldier faces the horrors of war, he begans to question the purpose of the fight and more importantly, the morality of man. Not only was the movie well written, shot well, and featured some great performances from Charlie Sheen, and the plethora of other actors, but it speaks well particularly in today's world. As we see ourselves continue in various conflicts across the globe, it is the message of this movie that sticks with us, and makes us question the values of mankind and peace.

15. Apollo 13 - Houston, we have a problem. That line has become so engrained in our culture, so overused in other films, so synonymous with movie greatness that we sometimes forget its source. Ron Howard's Apollo 13 was a maginificent epic that combined suspense with the American fascination with the world beyond ours, and more importantly the heroism that we associate with NASA and astronauts. It was incredibly well acted, especially by Tom Hanks and Ed Harris, and was a well polished feel good movie that excited and moved audiences across country. That is not to say that it was hokey or commerical fluff. Instead it was a tense and inspirational epic that may be one of the best...period.

14. Brazil - I think that Terry Gilliam is one of the most underappreciated and misunderstood directors of all time, and in 1985, he reached (in my opinion) one of the highest pinnacles of movie greatness seen in the last quarter century. Brazil was the 1984 of movies. The story of a bureaucrat who becomes the enemy of the state, sounds like classic treason or whistleblower tale. But combine a retro-futuristic world and the sounds of 1984 and Brave New World are alive and well. It doesn’t hurt that Gilliam was able to snag Robert DeNiro, but this is Gilliam’s baby, and he shows his signature style of weirdness, creativity, and imagination that really makes this movie come alive.

13. Fight Club - David Fincher has now become a director that is known by name to the general public thanks to more high-profile projects like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and his highly anticipated The Social Network. However, before he was a household name, he created what has become one of the biggest underground hits of all time, the illustrious Fight Club. The story of an underground fighting group that ends up terrorizing a city with its antics sure was an interesting premise for a storyline. But the real shocker came when we discovered the fact that Edward Norton was schizophrenic, and that Tyler (Brad Pitt) was only a figment of his imagination. Built on that crazy premise Fight Club is one of the most intense and compelling movies released in the last 25 years, and one that sticks with you long after each viewing.

12. Beauty and the Beast - It is a tale as old as time. But in 1990, we saw the rebirth of Disney come into full swing as this magical tale came to life in a way that had never been done before, and has yet to be matched. Combining stunning visuals, a thrilling and soul-stirring story, and vibrant music, Beauty and the Beast soars to the top of the animation pack, and became the first animated film to ever get nominated for Best Picture. What Beauty and the Beast really represents however, is just how excellent animation can be, that whether it is live action or not, that a universal story, combined with great filmmaking can truly make a tale of love a story that stands the test of time.

11. Aliens - Sometimes, when a series changes directors the vision and quality can drop significantly. Well The Alien saga is one that not only breaks that stereotype, but blows it out of the water. James Cameron continued where Ridley Scott left off, as our heroine Ellen returns back to colonized planet after they have lost contact. The only survivor is a young girl, and with her help, and the help of some kick-ass marines, Ellen revenges the Nostromo and using some bad-ass weaponry goes to war with the blood-thirsty aliens. This movie was simply bad-ass, Sigourney Weaver killing shit, amazing. Jim Cameron may have a lot of faults, but making great sequels is one area that he deserves praise. Pure sci-fi heaven.

If There Had Been Ten: 2000

The Nominees:

1. Gladiator

2. Traffic

3. Erin Brockovich

4. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

5. Chocolat

The Next Five:

6. Almost Famous

7. Billy Elliot

8. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

9. Wonder Boys

10. Cast Away

Possibilities:

11. You Can Count On Me

13. Sunshine

14. U-571

15. Meet the Parents

16. The Contender

17. The Patriot

18. Quills

19. Pollock

20. Before Night Falls 

Commentary: In still one of the most atrocious shockers of the last decade, Almost Famous missed the cut at five, but I have no doubt that it would have easily made it in with ten. Billy Elliot managed a nod for Stephen Daldry, whose movies are beloved by the Academy, if The Reader got in, then Billy Elliot definitely would have gotten in with ten nods. O Brother, Where Art Thou? is another entry in the Coen Bros arsenal, so I refer back to the argument that if A Serious Man could get a nod, then any of their other movies could, and this one was hilarious. The last two spots proved to be trouble, because there weren't a lot of great movies to choose from. Wonder Boys had an all star cast and managed a writing nod, so I went with it. Finally, Cast Away was a big hit, starring the great Tom Hanks, and could have been the blockbuster to get in.

Review: Inception

For months, the world waited in anticipation to see the interworkings of Christopher Nolan's mind in the highly awaited Inception. Now after grossing $62 million on its first weekend, and currently sitting at an 86%, 74 on Metacritic, and 94 on BFCA, it is officialy that Inception is a hit. So last night I finally went to dive into Nolan's world, and came out mesmerized by its visuals, emotionally stunned by its content, and officially on the Inception Oscar bandwagon.

Despite its premise, the idea of Inception isn't all that complicated. A team of the best and brightest are hired and assembled by a wealthy buisnessman to help thwart a rival. Underneath that is the layering story of a long-suffering husband who is still mourning the loss of his wife, as well as dealing with being on the run for her accused murder. Sounds simple right?  That is where Nolan takes us on a twisting, turning thrill ride, because the team is a group that goes and steals ideas from people's dreams. The businessman is trying to get them to perform an even more complicated procedure called inception, in which a new idea is planted into the subconscious, and the lingering memory of the dead wife comes back to ruin their plans by sabatoging the dreams at the most inconvienent times. So as the audience slips further and further into the interconnecting layers of dreams, the task becomes more difficult, Cobb's memory of his wife becomes more painful, and the dream becomes more visually enticing.

The acting ranges from steady to phenomenal depending on the character. Michael Caine makes an impression in just one short scene. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ken Watanabe are decent enough as their respective characters, but neither shows dramatic range or has many speaking lines. Ellen Page is dealt a lot of clunky dialogue because her character, the architect, is stuck explaining a lot of what is going on. Despite that, Page is wonderfully curious, and surprisingly strong in her first big role since her quirky Juno. Tom Hardy is surprisingly funny, and adds a certain quality that makes him a stand out. Cillian Murphy is also surprisingly deep in his role, and turns out to be incredibly important to the story. However the two that carry the acting weight are Marion Cotillard and Leonardo Dicaprio. Their story is the emotional center and both play it with intensity and passion that make both of them Oscar contenders.

The most rememberable part has to be the technical wizardry that is Christopher Nolan. From the enticing visuals, to the incredible sound highlighted by Hans Zimmer's score, all make for a delictable treat for both the eyes and the ears.

Despite its great heights, Inception isn't without its flaws. The story is confusing, and while Nolan usually explains everything, there are moments where we could have used an explanation, and moments where clunky dialogue weighs down the pace, and over explains. Furthermore, while there is tremendous emotional depth, it sometimes gets lost among the twists and turns leaving less impact that I had hoped for.

However, while it doesn't reach the heights of The Dark Knight, it is still the most original and inventive movie released in many years, that is well-acted, superbly made, and visually entertaining, and has plenty of Oscar potential. There are a few locks such as the sound categories, visual effects, and most likely Zimmer's score. I also think that Nolan deserves a directing nod, as does much of the cast especially Marion Cotillard, Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hardy, and Cillian Murphy. Finally, if they can make room for The Blind Side and A Serious Man, then there is surely room in the ninth or tenth slot for an original work of art that is pure movie magic.

Grade: A-

If There Had Been Ten: 2001

The Nominees:

1. A Beautiful Mind

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

3. Godsford Park

4. Moulin Rouge

5. In the Bedroom

The Next Five:

6. Shrek

7. Black Hawk Down

8. Mulholland Drive

9. Amelie

10.The Man Who Wasn't There

Other Possibilities:

11. Iris

12. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

13. Ali

14. Training Day

15. Monster's Ball

Commentary: Not the strongest year for movies, yet I had a hard time getting down to ten from eleven, as I went back and forth on two movies for a while. If there is one designee for an animated movie, then Shrek would easily be a shoo-in. Next I went with Black Hawk Down because it managed a good many nominations including one for Ridley Scott in directing. Mulholland Drive also got a directing nod, so I stuck with my director/picture theory. The last two slots were kind of tricky. While no foreign language film got into the running last year, I feel that with five nominations, that Amelie could have gotten in due to lack of great competition, despite the fact that it was not in English. The last spot was tricky for me. Iris got three acting nods, and won one for Jim Broadbent, however I chose the Coen Bros for a couple of reasons. First, it managed a writing nod, second they love the Coen Bros, and third, if A Serious Man can get a nod, then this much better movie can.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 8

30. Finding Nemo - Pixar has yet to make a bad movie, so it is up to the population to sort out which ones are simply better, and for me, few top the greatness that is Finding Nemo. The vivid colors of animation, the whimsical story of father and son, and the great adventure that it shows all make Finding Nemo one of the most incredible, funny, and inspirational movies of the last quarter century. Not only did it extend Pixar's incredible streak, but it also made many of us want to add a voiceacting Oscar for the incredible Ellen Degeneres, and the most memorable character of the last decade, the lovable, ditzy Dori.

29. Beverly Hills Cop - For all of those that detract from Eddie Murphy because of a few bad performances, may you should stop and look back at the great ones: Donkey in Shrek, Jimmy in Dreamgirls, and of course, his greatest role, Axel Foley in the infectious Beverly Hills Cop. In 1984, Eddie Murphy became forever engrained in American pop culture, with this absolutely laugh out loud riot, that is without a doubt, one of the best comedies and movies of the last 25 years, hell one of the best of all time...period. And all of that was possible because of Eddie...whose hating now?

28. Hannah and Her Sisters - Woody Allen has had his ups and downs, from Annie Hall, to Melinda and Melinda. But in 1986, Woody hit one of his highest points, with the family dramedy Hannah and Her Sisters. Like all Woody Allen movies, the combination of his surreal writing, and incredible acting is what makes it works. So some credit goes out to Barbara Hershey, Michael Caine (who won a Oscar), Carrie Fisher, Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest (Who also won an Oscar), Max von Sydow, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Louis Black, and of course Woody himself, for taking this story to a whole new level of movie magic.

27. American History X - As a new battle over race heats up on the airwaves, maybe we should all go back and take a look at Tony Kaye's cult masterpiece, American History X. This brilliantly, tense drama is frighteningly vivid and surreal in a way that truly makes you think about the world around you. Revolving around Edward Norton's brilliant performance, American History X is a compelling whirlwind story that teaches us the valuable lesson that it is not what a person is that makes them good or bad, it is who they are. The sad thing is that even in 1998 when it was released, as well as twelve years later, this magnificent movie is still as relevant as ever.

26. Jurassic Park - For every boy who ever played with dinosaur toys as a child, this movie was their dream come true. Spielberg, like all good geeks, has given us a variety of incredible adventures based on his own love of subjects, and Jurassic Park was no exception. The magic and mystery of Jurassic Park made us all believe that we really could recreate dinosaurs, and the authentic of their look only made the screen even more vibrant. While its sequels never amounted to much, we will always be left with this enduring masterpiece.

25. sex, lies & videotape - Before he was an Academy Award winning director, Steven Soderbergh came flying onto the big screen with this independent masterpiece which earned him his first Oscar nomination for writing, and won four Spirit Awards. sex, lies & videotape today remains one of the greatest independent movies of all time, and marks the beginning of what has been a great, and still going, career of Soderbergh. This psycho-porno had some great performances, and mroe importantly tackled the issues of sex, fetishes, relationships, sibling rivalry, and a variety of other topics in such a direct and open manner, something the world needs more of today.

24. Boyz N the Hood - In 1991 John Singleton became the first African-American to be nominated for a Directing Academy Awards (and only one, Lee Daniels, since), for his modern urban masterpiece about the struggle of a group of friends in the Los Angeles, and the day to day struggle of their lives. Featuring a string of great performances from the likes of Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Morris Chestnut, Boyz n The Hood is a gritty, sometimes hard movie, to watch, but its overarching message that the struggle of life isn't a black or white problem, it is a human problem, is what made this classic rise above the norm and penetrate deep into the psyche of all that stopped for a viewing.

23. Heat - I think the thing about his modern crime classic, is that it didn't resort to flashy gang fights or mindless action. Instead, every scene, every character, every moment of Michael Mann's masterpiece is well-thought out, and contributes to the story. Anchored by some incredible performances including Robert De Niro, Jon Voight, Al Pacino, Tom Sizemore, and Ashley Judd, the true glory of this movie is how every character is important, and well thought out, and so developed, that their growth, interwined with brilliant action sequences, and tense dialouge combine brilliant to make what is quite possibly the best crime movie since The Godfather, and it has yet to be topped.

22. Slumdog Millionaire - It is hard to believe that this movie was almost relegated to the straight-to-DVD dump, considering it won eight Academy Awards and made over $140 million with not one bit of star power. Slumdog Millionaire is the story of an underdog, not unlike the story of the movie itself, that overcomes the odds to become a millionaire. On paper, an Indian-set movie with no stars doesn't sound like a crowd pleaser, but the uberly talented Danny Boyle turned a magnificent book, and created a fast-paced, adventure ride that expands your mind, entices your senses, and transports you to what seems like another world. Did I mention that it is a cinematic masterpiece?

21. Toy Story/Toy Story 2 - Unfortunately Toy Story 3 couldn't be included in this list, but it didn't make the time cut off. I was going to try to separate these two movies on the list, but simply couldn't. In their own right Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are masterpieces on their own, but together, they constitute one of the best continuing stories of the last 25 years, and I find it is best to watch them together. For most of us, what these two movies represent is the birth of Pixar, who after 15 years since Woody, Buzz, and the gang stumbled onto the silver screen, has become the most consistent studio in Hollywood, which has yet to make a bad film. Now that is worth celebrating.

Oscar Predictions: July Edition

Best Picture

127 Hours

Another Year

The Fighter

Inception

Love and Other Drugs

The Kids Are All Right

The Social Network
Toy Story 3
The Tree of Life
The Way Back

Commentary: We already know that The Kids Are All Right, Toy Story 3, and Inception have Oscar potential, the question is: can they hold on through the Oscar season? If The Hurt Locker could with no real starpower or box office prowless, then these three can. Another Year is gettting rave reviews out of Cannes, but needs to be seen by American audiences. The rest are big baity projects, such as Danny Boyle's "127 Hours", Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life", Peter Weir's "The Way Back", David O Russel's "The Fighter", and the recently seen trailer David Fincher's "The Social Network" puts it on the map. Finally I went with Love and Other Drugs which includes Ed Zwick, Anne Hathaway, and Jake Gyllenhaal, and could be a winner.

Best Director

Danny Boyle "127 Hours"

Mike Leigh "Another Year"

Christopher Nolan "Inception"

David Fincher "The Social Network"

Peter Weir "The Way Back"

Commentary: Peter Weir gets nominated for almost everything, and Mike Leigh even got in for Vera Drake, so they are probably in for their respective projects. Christopher Nolan was robbed two years ago for The Dark Knight, and since Inception is really a director's paradise, he could finally get some overdue credit. Danny Boyle has already charmed the Academy once, so who says he can't do it again? Finally, after seeing the trailer for The Social Network, I think both Fincher, and his writer the incredible Aaron Sorkin are now major contenders.

Best Actor

Johnny Depp "The Rum Diary"

Robert Duvall "Get Low"

Colin Firth "The King's Speech"

Ryan Gosling "Blue Valentine"

Jake Gyllenhaal "Love and Other Drugs"

Commentary: All of these guys are former Oscar nominees, but none of them have won. Johnny Depp is probably the most overdue, and The Rum Diary could be his ticket in for at least a fourth nomination. Colin Firth was devastatingly brilliant in A Single Man, and the more classic King's Speech could be his vehicle to show his classicly trained prowless. Marky Mark is back in the race, although I am weary of The Fighter, as if could be a bomb, and Whalberg isn't exactly the best actor in the world, so I went with the legend Robert Duvall in his place. Finally, I went with two younger stars, Ryan Gosling, who we already know is good, and Jake Gyllenhaal for his baity role in Love and Other Drugs.

Best Actress
Annette Benning "The Kids Are All Right"

Anne Hathaway "Love and Other Drugs"

Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"

Leslie Manville "Another Year"

Michelle Williams "Blue Valentine"

Commentary: Annette Benning is finally the frontrunner to win, and while Hilary Swank could be up again, I think that Conviction will bomb. So instead I am going with two fresher faces who have had early raves: Jennifer Lawrence and Leslie Manville, Manville snagging an Imelda Stauton-esque nod. In the final two spots, I went with the Best Actress counterparts to Love and Other Drugs and Blue Valentine, Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway, both very talented, and both previous nominees.

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale "The Fighter"

Andrew Garfield "The Social Network"

Ed Harris "The Way Back"

Bill Murray "Get Low"

Mark Ruffalo "The Kids Are All Right"

Commentary: Christian Bale is way overdue, and while I am uncertain about The Fighter, I put him in. Ed Harris and Bill Murray are WAY overdue for an Oscar, and both have baity roles in high-profile projects. while Benning is stealing most of the buzz, a lot of people are talking about Mark Ruffalo's role in The Kids Are All Right, and he too is overdue. Finally, I'm going out on a limb, and judging a movie by its trailer, picking Andrew Garfield as the newcomer to the gang.

Best Supporting Actress

Helen Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"

Rebecca Hall "The Town"

Kiera Knightly "Never Let Me Go"

Julianne Moore "The Kids Are All Right"

Dianne Wiest "Rabbit Hole"

Commentary: Julianne Moore is still a mystery in terms of category placement, but if they put her here, she has a great shot of getting nominated. In Lead Actress, she'll be outshined by her co-star. Rebecca Hall has been on the radar for a few years now, and this role has an Amy Ryan type feel, plus her earlier role in Please Give was understated but well done. Kiera Knightly nabbed a nod for Pride & Prejudice, and her role in Never Let Me Go looks baity. Dianne Wiest could be back in the game with Rabbit Hole, but right now I am riding on name recognition. Finally, I am going with Helen Bonham Carter, who is constantly great, and this role plus her Harry Potter role could be enough for her to get another nomination, plus it doesn't hurt to play a real life person.

If There Had Been Ten: 2002

I'm continuing the series I started last summer, analyzing what would have happened if there had been ten nominees in previous years. I did 2003-2008, and will now be backing up and doing the rest of the 2000's, and maybe even into the 1990s.

The Nominees:

1. Chicago

2. The Pianist

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

4. Gangs of New York

5. The Hours

The Next Five:

6. Far From Heaven

7. Adaptation

8. About Schmidt

9. Talk to Her

10. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Other Possibilities:

11. Road to Perdition

12. Bowling For Columbine

13. Catch Me If You Can

14. Spirited Away

15. Minority Report

16. Y Tu Mama Tambien

17. About A Boy

Commentary: There are a few that seemed to be on the cusp of getting nods back in 2002 that would have surely made the list. Far From Heaven was a cinematic masterpiece, and completely underappreciated. But with a Lead Actress nod and a screenplay nod, plus a few technicals, it was pretty popular that year. Adaptation and About Schmidt were great movies that had some great acting and writing, which is usually a winner for Oscar glory. I went with Talk to Her because of the directing/best picture combo. Then came spot number 10. Part of me said to go with Road to Perdition which managed a good many nods, but I went out on the limb, and predicted the surprise of 2002, the hilarious My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It managed a writing nod, and I think it could have pulled a Blind Side type nomination.

State of the Race: July Edition

Well it is time to start your Oscar horses. Now that the Emmy Nominations have been announced, it is time to turn my focus to the Oscars, which was heated up in the last couple of weeks, after a dead-end start for the first half of the year.

Best Picture
Well, if it weren't for Cannes, there would be only two, maybe three contenders, so let's start with those. Toy Story three got a stunning 99% (should have been 100%) on Rotten Tomatoes, and at this point is the frontrunner for the Animated Feature race, and may, finally have a shot at the top prize. Two more recent releases are also making a stir. The first is The Kids Are All Right, which is getting huge Best Picture buzz, and has now put Annette Benning ahead of the pack for the Best Actress prize, and her performance from Mother and Child doesn't hurt. Finally, Winter's Bone, the harrowing movie starring newcomer and Best Actress contender Jennifer Lawrence, is getting a lot of buzz, hoping to become this year's Hurt Locker.

Also, there are the contenders coming out of Cannes. Mike Leigh's latest Another Year is getting huge buzz, as are some of its stars, and could put him in the Best Picture race. Another strong contender is Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, which apparently is Stone's best work in years, and has some really strong performances. Biutiful is also getting some buzz, for Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, and recent Oscar winner Javier Bardem. However, as will all festival contenders, especially Cannes, the response in France can be very different from the American reaction which may help Woody Allen's newest You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger which got pretty bad reviews in Cannes (as did Inglorious Basterds if you remember correctly), and may find its niche back home. Also coming out of Cannes was the well-received Blue Valentine, but that is more in the running for its two leads.

Also, watch out for this year's earliest contender Shutter Island, as the last three Dicaprio-Scorsese combos (The Departed, The Aviator, and Gangs of New York) scored Best Picture nods. Of course they had much better release dates, and better reviews.

Best Director
Since most of the Best Picture nominees match with Best Director, which is now more likely to be true with ten nominees, some of the top contenders were from the top BP candidates mentioned above. Mike Leigh got in even for Vera Drake, so you know he is on the short list. Martin Scorsese is always in the running, although Shutter Island was by no means his best work. Oliver Stone is another contender, and if Wall Street 2 gets good reception, then he could ride the wave in. Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu got in for Babel, so his chances for getting in for Biutiful are good. After Kathryn Bigelow finally broke the barrier female power is now not a detractor for a nod, or even the win, so look out for Nicole Holofcener for Please Give, Debra Granik for Winter's Bone, and Lisa Cholodenko for The Kids Are All Right. Finally, don't count out Woody Allen, like I said before, if the movie gets better reception in the US, he could get in again.

Best Actor
Leonardo Dicaprio deserves at least a nomination for his excellent performance in Shutter Island, but will most likely miss the cut because of the early release date. Ryan Gosling, however has a great shot for Blue Valentine, as he has gotten in before with his surprise nod for Half Nelson. As previously mentioned, Javier Bardem has a great shot coming out of Cannes, as he is apparently the best thing about Biutiful. Michael Douglas also makes this short list for his great turn in Solitary Man. This combined with his supporting turn in Wall Street 2 means he may get at least one nomination. Some other contenders include: Michael Caine in Harry Brown, Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 2, Ben Stiller in Greenburg, and Ewan McGregor in The Ghost Writer.

Best Actress
Annette Benning has two contenders this year, but her Kids Are All Right role seems to be her golden ticket. Jennifer Lawrence got rave reviews for Winter's Bone and could be this year's Gabby Sidibe. Leslie Manville finally got promoted to lead in a Mike Leigh movie and could have an Imelda Staunton kind of year. Two younger, and former nominees Naomi Watts for Fair Game and Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine are getting huge buzz. These are just five contenders, but all of them have a shot at lasting through the year's derby race.

Best Supporting Actor
There are a lot of potential contenders, but I think that there are very few that have a shot of sticking through the year. Mark Ruffalo has great potential and could ride the Kids Are All Right wave. Former winners Michael Douglas and Jim Broadbent for Wall Street 2 and Another Year have a great shot at returning, but were waiting on a wider array of reviews. Finally, the many Inception potentials need to be sorted out as Cillian Murphy, Joseph Gorden-Levitt, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy. and Ken Watanabe all could be potential awards threats.

Best Supporting Actress
Once again there are alot of contenders, but few have any shot at sticking around. Vanessa Redgrave had to be in a not so good movie, but she apparently was phenomenal, and her name alone could get her recognition. Ruth Sheen was fanatstic in Another Year, but may suffer from lack of name recognition. Finally, the Inception girls, like the guys, need to be sorted out. Ellen Page and Marion Cotillard are potential contenders, but one may go lead, the other supporting, or both supporting leaving confusion for all of us trying to blog. Finally, I would like to put a note out on Kerry Washington's performance in Mother and Child, as one of the best of the year, and including her Ray performance, this will most likely be her second Oscar snub.

Top 100 Movies of the Last 25 Years (1984-2009): Part 7

40. Die Hard - Forever cementing Bruce Willis' legacy and career, in 1988 the world was told to Die Hard. It is not often that you get an old-fashioned action thriller that is intelligent, thrilling, and well acted, but Die Hard showed the world that those three things are not mutually exclusive. More importantly, it became an instant movie classic, that has spawned a great series that has continued its high octane run, which is hard to do, as today, most series or sequels end up being mashed together and utter crap. If you ever need a good thrill just pop in this 1988 classic, and enjoy the ride.

39. Crash - In 2005 this dark movie about the race tensions of LA, shocked millions of viewers and every pundit in the book by stealing away the Best Picture prize from the controversial, yet beautiful Brokeback Mountain. While many are still fuming from that controversy, I still hold that Crash was one of the most realistic, gritty, and emotional movies of the last decade. The writing is well-done, and the incredible group of actors sells what could have been pat, into something emotional and real. More importantly, the connection between these people is real, as are their battles, and the message it sends us about tolerance is something all of us need a dose of.

38. As Good As It Gets - James L. Brooks has made some classics, for sure (as you will see below), and the streak continued in 1998, with this quirky little dramedy about a man who finds love in the strangest of places. This quirky little comedy rises above the masses through its zappy screenplay by Brooks, and of course the incredible performances. Helen Hunt is funny, and emotional, Greg Kinnear is perfect, but the real winner here is Jack Nicholson. His OCD character was played with gusto, care, and acting prowless, all of which earned him his third Oscar. A delictable treat for anyone looking for a good time, plus there is a cute dog.

37. Born on the Fourth of July - While we are in the midst of the new Vietnam, or Vietnams I should say, Stone's haunting, and somewhat disturbing look at the effects of war seem even more poignant and relevant than ever before. Stone's blatant liberalism might offend many people, but his blunt display of those beliefs make excellent points, and makes my liberal heart beat with pride. Stone isn't crazy, Stone is brilliant, and his excellent directing combined with a passionate performance from Tom Cruise, makes this 1990 classic shine bright, as fireworks on Independence Day.

36. Secrets & Lies - Mike Leigh constantly makes incredible movies, and apparently his newest, Another Year is nothing short of amazing. So it should be no shock that this 1996 stunner, which received five Oscar nominations made this list reserved only for the best. Once again, as it seems is the trend on this list, it is all about the script and the performances, and lucky for us, Mike Leigh never fails to write beautifully, and the winning performances, particularly Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Brenda Blethyn, and Timothy Spall. Also to note, Leslie Manville has a minor part as the Social Worker, of course she is now receiving major Oscar buzz for Another Year, just an interesting observation.

35. The Player - No best of list is complete without at least 2 Robert Altman films, maybe more. So since Godsford Park already graced the list, I had to make sure that this 1992 classic also made its debut. For those of us movie buffs, there is nothing better than an anti-Hollywood movie that is all about Hollywood, I think they call that irony. Once again, the script never gets lost in Altman's vision, as despite the plethura of talented actors, led by Tim Robbins, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Gallagher, and Sydney Pollack, and the story's coherence is always remarkable every time I watch. An entertaining, and brilliant entry into Altman's already loaded arsenal.  

34. Broadcast News - If As Good As It Gets continued the streak, then Broadcast News (combined with Terms of Endearment who was one year too old to make the list), helped start it. This smartly scripted dramedy play like a classic Brooks film, two individuals fighting, combined with some romance, and little humor, plays out so well that it managed seven Oscar nominations, sadly winning none, like many of the great films, some of which are on this list. The thing that really works here is the great actings, particualrly from the three leads, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter, and William Hurt, who make this snappy script work to its highest potential.

33. Do The Right Thing - Spike Lee pulls at your anger, stirs up controversy, and does it with style and a no-apology attitude. More importantly, he usually is right on the money, and in 1989 he tackled the never-ending issue of race in a way that angered some, infuriated others, and made most of us cheer for someone finally tackling the sensitive issue of race head on. This well-written, well acted, and well done film takes us to the hottest day of the year, and the heat is really stemming from the smouldering tensions of race. The truth, and grittiness that spews from the screen takes us to the streets in a way that has yet to be repeated.

32. Sideways - In 2004, Alexander Payne addressed Rex Pickett's long wine-soaked journey through northern California, into one of the most devastating, and funny movies of the last quarter century. What really makes this movie soar though is the strong dialogue that develops four complex, intricate characters. Topping that off is the great performances. Sandra Oh is sexy and kick ass (literally), Virginia Madsen is radiating, airy, and brilliant, and Thomas Haden Church was surprisingly deep. But the real hero is the unsung Paul Giamatti whose Miles is devastatingly funny and sad, and is so well played. The biggest Oscar snub of the last decade for sure.

31. Up in the Air - The move that will be remembered as the defining moment of 2009, combining comedy, quirkiness, love, and the economic meltdown all in a short period of time. While it didn't win any Oscars (a true travesty), Up in the Air will forever be remembered for its incredible performances, its zippy script, and its ending that still leaves us...well....Up in the Air. For me the true talent here was Vera Farmiga who brought a soulfulness and sexiness to her character, but Anna Kendrick and George Clooney were award worthy themselves. An incredible ride.

Emmy Nomination Breakdown: Drama

Outstanding Drama Series
Lost
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Mad Men
True Blood
The Good Wife

Commentary: A great list, while it would have been great to have had a seven spot for Damages, the inclusion of True Blood was well worth the snub.

Early Predicted Winner: Lost wins for its final incredible season.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Hugh Laurie (House M.D.)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Matthew Fox (Lost)

Commentary: The Kyle Chandler inclusion was one of the best, and most deserved surprises of the whole list. Throw in Matthew Fox, and this is a winning category.

Early Predicted Winner: Bryan Cranston has a shot at repeat, but I think Michael C. Hall's Dexter gets an overdue win.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Mariska Hargitay (Special Victims Unit)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
January Jones (Mad Men)
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)

Commentary: Three names: Julianna Margulies, January Jones, and Connie Britton. Enough said.

Early Predicted Winner: Julianna Marguiles beats out Glenn Close. But only if Connie Britton won. I think I think I could die happy.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Martin Short (Damages)
Terry O’ Quinn (Lost)
Michael Emerson (Lost)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)

Commentary: The first five names were expected, then came the unexpected, the awesome Andre Braughter, which was such a pleasant surprise.

Early Predicted Winner: My guess is that one of the Lost guys gets it, but Aaron Paul should take home the gold.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Sharon Gless (Burn Notice)

Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)

Commentary: This is the strangest, most surprising category yet. I think I got two or three right. I will say that despite its decline in quality, Chandra Wilson and Sandra Oh are fanatastic on Grey's and now will probably never win for their roles. But back to the category at hand. Both Mad Men women got in finally, and Sharon Gless gets an amazing nod for her winning turn in Burn Notice. Christine Baranski was not a surprise, but Archie Panjabi was an amazing nod, and a well deserved one.

Early Predicted Winner: I have no idea, so I'm going with Elisabeth Moss from Mad Men.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Beau Bridges (The Closer)

Ted Danson (Damages)
John Lithgow (Dexter)
Alan Cumming ( The Good Wife)
Dylan Baker (The Good Wife)
Robert Morse (Mad Men)
Gregory Itzin (24)

Commentary: A loaded category of Emmy favorites, and once again a Good Wife haven (is it me or is it starting to look like a serious contender for the top prize). Loved the Gregory Itzin nomination.

Early Predicted Winner: John Lithgow was scary-good in Dexter, but watch out for old Ted Danson.

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Mary Kay Place (Big Love)

Sissy Spacek (Big Love)
Shirley Jones (The Cleaner)
Lily Tomlin (Damages)
Ann-Margret (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost)

Commentary: Some real surprises, but some good ones. The Shirley Jones, Ann-Margaret, and the excellent Elizabeth Mitchell get in. I think this one is going to be tough one to tackle.

Early Predicted Winner: Right now I'm going with Elizabeth Mitchell for her Lost role.

Emmy Nominations Breakdown: Comedy

Outstanding Comedy Series
Glee
Modern Family
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Nurse Jackie
30 Rock
The Office

Commentary: I thought that The Big Bang Theory would finally get in, but was pleasantly surprised that Nurse Jackie got in instead, and got tons of nominations across the board, all of which are deserved. Other than that, Modern Family and Glee both were huge with the voters, Glee getting nominations across the board, and the most of any series.

Early Predicted Winner: Glee

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Matthew Morrison (Glee)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)

Commentary: This is exactly what I predicted, so no major snubs or shocks, although I am thrilled that this will be Tony Shaloub's last year at the Emmys.

Early Predicted Winner: Because it may be his last season, Steve Carrell "The Office"

Oustanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Lea Michele (Glee)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Toni Collette (The United States of Tara)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

Commentary: The biggest snub in my opinion came in this category as Courtney Cox was once again given the middle finger by the academy, as was the always great Mary-Louise Parker for Weeds. However glad to see Poehler and Michele get in.
 
Early Predicted Winner: Nurse Jackie cleaned up so well that I'm going with Emmy fave Edie Falco.
 
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Chris Colfer (Glee) Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)
Jon Cryer (Two and A Half Men)
Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)

Commentary: This category had some big surprises. Glee was so well liked that the lovable Chris Colfer surprised us all and got in. Also surprising is the includsion of Jesse Tyler Ferguson, which I am thrilled about, but would have loved to see the way over due Ed O'Neill get in that third spot instead. As always the annoying Jon Cryer gets in. If he wins this time instead of any of the other nominess....I'm starting a riot.

Early Predicted Winner: Maybe this is the year that Neil Patrick Harris finally gets in, plus the Modern Family guys may cancel each other out.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Holland Taylor (Two and A Half Men)

Commentary: Wish that Vanessa Williams had gotten in one last time for her awesome role on Ugly Betty, especially in lieu of Holland Taylor, but the other five were expected.

Early Predicted Winner: Jane Lynch, because she simply has to win.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Mike O’Malley (Glee)
Neil Patrick Harris (Glee)
Fred Willard (Modern Family)
Eli Wallach (Nurse Jackie)
Jon Hamm (30 Rock)
Will Arnett (30 Rock)

Commentary: Wish that Harvey Fierstein had gotten in, but pretty happy, and not surprised with these nominees.
 
Early Predicted Winner: Eli Wallach is the old fave which they tend to go for in these categories.
 
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory)
Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives)
Kristin Chenoweth (Glee)
Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live)
Betty White (Saturday Night Live)
Elaine Stritch (30 Rock)
Jane Lynch (Two and a Half Men)

Commentary: I guess there were just too many good performances. This is a tough category with lots of incredible talent.

Early Predicted Winner: Betty White "SNL". She is the new "it" girl, but watch out for Krisitin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, and Kathryn Joosten, who are recent Emmy winners, the last two winning in this exact category.

Emmy Nominations 2010

I personally think that this is the best list the Emmys have put out in a number of years. Of course there were great surprises and huge snubs, but overall all, a great list. Below are the nominess in the main categories, and later tonight or tomorrow I will start breaking down each category and giving my first early prediction. Enjoy!

DRAMA


OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Lost
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Mad Men
True Blood
The Good Wife

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)
Mariska Hargitay (Special Victims Unit)
Glenn Close (Damages)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)
January Jones (Mad Men)
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)
Hugh Laurie (House M.D.)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Matthew Fox (Lost)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
John Slattery (Mad Men)
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)
Martin Short (Damages)
Terry O’ Quinn (Lost)
Michael Emerson (Lost)
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Sharon Gless (Burn Notice)
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
Rose Byrne (Damages)
Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)
Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Beau Bridges (The Closer)
Ted Danson (Damages)
John Lithgow (Dexter)
Alan Cumming ( The Good Wife)
Dylan Baker (The Good Wife
Robert Morse (Mad Men)
Gregory Itzin (24)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Mary Kay Place (Big Love)
Sissy Spacek (Big Love)
Shirley Jones (The Cleaner)
Lily Tomlin (Damages)
Ann-Margret (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost)

COMEDY

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
Glee
Modern Family
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Nurse Jackie
30 Rock
The Office

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Lea Michele (Glee)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Toni Collette (The United States of Tara)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine)
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)
Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm)
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Matthew Morrison (Glee)
Steve Carell (The Office)
Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Chris Colfer (Glee)
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)
Jon Cryer (Two and A Half Men)
Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Ty Burrell (Modern Family)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Jane Lynch (Glee)
Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)
Sofia Vergara (Modern Family)
Holland Taylor (Two and A Half Men)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Mike O’Malley (Glee)
Neil Patrick Harris (Glee)
Fred Willard (Modern Family)
Eli Wallach (Nurse Jackie)
Jon Hamm (30 Rock)
Will Arnett (30 Rock)

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Christine Baranski (The Big Bang Theory)
Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives)
Kristin Chenoweth (Glee)
Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live)
Betty White (Saturday Night Live)
Elaine Stritch (30 Rock)
Jane Lynch (Two and a Half Men)

REALITY

OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW HOST
Ryan Seacrest (American Idol)
Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race)
Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars)
Heidi Klum (Project Runway)
Jeff Probst (Survivor)

OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW COMPETITION
Project Runway
Top Chef
The Amazing Race
Dancing with the Stars
American Idol

OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM
Antiques Roadshow
Dirty Jobs
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List
Mythbusters
Undercover Boss

VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live
The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien

MINISERIES OR MOVIE

MINISERIES OR MOVIE
The Pacific (HBO)
Return to Cranford (PBS)

OUTSTANDING TV MOVIE
Endgame (PBS)
Georgia O’Keeffe (Lifetime)
Moonshot (History)
The Special Relationship (HBO)
Temple Grandin (HBO)
You Don’t Know Jack (HBO)

Emmy Nomination Predictions: All Drama Categories

Outstanding Drama Series
1. Lost
2. Mad Men
3. Breaking Bad
4. Dexter
5. The Good Wife
6. Damages

Alternatives: Big Love, House, Grey's Anatomy, Treme, Justified, Parenthood

Commentary: While Big Love or House could slip in and steal the 6th spot, I think that this is going to be the field, with anyone's game going for the top prize.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
1. Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
2. Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
3. Michael C. Hall "Dexter"
4. Hugh Laurie "House, M.D."
5. Simon Baker "The Mentalist"
6. Bill Paxton "Big Love"

Alternatives: Peter Krause "Parenthood", Clarke Peters "Treme", Timothy Olyphant "Justified", Kiefer Sutherland.

Commentary: Went with Bill Paxton in the last spot, but could easily see Olyphant, Sutherland or Krause getting in instead, the other five are set in stone.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
1. Julianna Marguiles "The Good Wife"
2. Glenn Close "Damages"
3. Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"
4. January Jones "Mad Men"
5. Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: SVU"
6. Sally Field "Brothers & Sisters"

Alternatives: Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad", Katey Segal "Sons of Anarchy", Holly Hunter "Saving Grace", Melissa Leo "Treme", Anna Paquin "True Blood"

Commentary: This is a tough category, and I'm going to play it safe, with more conventional choices, Field and Hargitay instead of Paquin, Leo, Gunn, or Segal. Also watch out for January Jones, who, despite her incredible talent could miss the cut for Hunter's final shot.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
1. Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
2. Michael Emerson "Lost"
3. Martin Short "Damages"
4. Terry O'Quinn "Lost"
5. John Slattery "Mad Men"
6. John Goodman "Treme"

Alternatives: Campbell Scott "Damages", Dean Norris "Breaking Bad", Chris Noth "The Good Wife", Andre Braughter "Men of a Certain Age"

Commentary: I think that five of these are locked in, its the sixth spot that I'm concerned about. John Goodman is in, in my opinion, but don't count out Campbell Scott, Dean Norris, or Chris Noth.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
1. Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"
2. Rose Bryne "Damages"
3. Sandra Oh "Grey's Anatomy"
4. Chandra Wilson "Grey's Anatomy"
5. Chloe Sevigny "Big Love"
6. Christina Hendricks "Mad Men"

Alternatives: Christine Baranski "The Good Wife", Khandi Alexander "Treme", S. Epatha Merkerson "Law & Order", Ginnifer Goodwin "Big Love", Monica Potter "Parenthood"

Commentary:  Like the last one, I think there are five in. I wish that Christina Hendricks were a lock, but there are three or four possible replacements. The great honor would be is S. Epatha Merkerson finally got the Emmy love she deserves.

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
1. Jack Bender "Lost - The End"
2. Charles McDougall "The Good Wife - Pilot"
3. Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - Shut the Door. Have a Seat"
4. Agnieszka Holland "Treme - Do You Know What it Means?/Pilot"
5. Thomas Schlamme "Parenthood - Pilot"

Alternatives: Katie Jacobs "House - Broken Parts 1&2", Lesli Linka Glatter "Mad Men - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency"

Commentary: Lost, The Good Wife, and at least one Mad Men episodes are in. The last two spots are tricky. I went with the two Pilots for Treme and Parenthood, but watch out for House's Broken Parts episode to slip in.

Oustanding Writing in a Drama Series
1. Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof "Lost - The End"
2. Matthew Weiner, Erin Levy "Mad Men - Shut the Door. Have a Seat"
3. David Simon, Eric Overmyer " Treme - Do You Know What It Means/Pilot"
4. Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency"
5. Robert King, Michelle King "The Good Wife - Pilot"

Alternates: Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner, David Foster, David Shore "House - Broken Parts 1&2", Brett Johnson, Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - The Grown Ups", Marti Noxon, Cathryn Humphris & Matthew Weiner "Mad Men - The Gypsy & The Hobo"

Commentary: This one is tricky, as Mad Men could get up to four nominations. I split it up this year though because of the talent of Treme and The Good Wife, as well as the finale of Lost.

Halfway Awards 2010: Winners

Best Picture

Winner: Toy Story 3

Commentary: While some bloggers and commentators scoff at this year's offerings so far, I was easily able to find ten nominees, but there was no competition for the winner. Toy Story 3 is a soaring achievement, and like many of Pixar's movies, it deserves not only a nomination for Best Picture, but maybe the win.

Best Director

Winner: Debra Granik “Winter’s Bone”

Commentary: The gritty and harrowing masterpiece that is Winter's Bone stands almost entirely on the back of this greatly underappreciated director.

Best Actor

Winner: Michael Douglas "Solitary Man"

Commentary: While Dicaprio was great as always in Shutter Island, Douglas gave his best performance in years as the not so good guy in Solitary Man.

Best Actress

Winner: Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"

Commentary: Annette Benning would have won if it had been for The Kids Are All Right, but the new face on the block Jennifer Lawrence was devastating and brilliant in the new indie hit Winter's Bone.

Best Supporting Actor

Winner: Samuel L. Jackson "Mother and Child"

Commentary: His best performance in years, and he may stick around come Oscar time unlike the other candidates.

Best Supporting Actress

Winner: Kerry Washington "Mother and Child"

Commentary: The real unsung hero of a great cast, Kerry Washington proves time and time again that she is one of the best, and most underrated actors in Hollywood today.

Best Screenplay

Winner: Michael Ardnt "Toy Story 3"

Commentary: The real hero behind the new classic.

Best Animated Feature

Winner: Toy Story 3

Commentary: Duh

Tally List

Toy Story 3 - 3
Winter's Bone - 2
Mother and Child - 2
Solitary Man - 2