Oscars 2010

Shouldn't the cinematography be judged independently from the rest of the film? :hmm:

In theory, yes.

But I was listening to an assessment of voting trends in awards (particularly the Oscars) which said that voters would generally judge on merit in their area of expertise (eg editors would vote for best editor on merit).

Outside their area (eg editors voting for actos) they would vote for the movie they thought best overall or, if a movie on which they had worked was nominated, that one.

Kathryn Bigelow has won the Directors Guild award for The Hurt Locker. It seems like it'll be a very close race between Bigelow and Cameron for the Oscar.

I don't think it will be that close. Bigelow should win easily. Cameron is still in second place though...

Nominations are announced tomorrow; here's my list of predictions (several of which are just educated guesses). I've underlined the ones I think will win, at this point.

BEST PICTURE
(500) Days of Summer
A Serious Man
An Education
Avatar
Inglourious Basterds
Invictus
Precious
The Hurt Locker
The Messenger
Up in the Air
(I genuinely hope I'm wrong about one of these and that Up is nominated here, but I doubt it.)

BEST DIRECTOR
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
James Cameron, Avatar
Lee Daniels, Precious
Clint Eastwood, Invictus
Jason Reitman, Up in the Air

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

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

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Matt Damon, Invictus
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Christopher Plummer, The Last Station
Stanley Tucci, The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelopé Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo'Nique, Precious
Julianne Moore, A Single Man

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Ponyo
The Princess and the Frog
Up

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
(500) Days of Summer
A Serious Man
Inglourious Basterds
The Hurt Locker
Up

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
An Education
Crazy Heart
Precious
Up in the Air
Where the Wild Things Are

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Avatar
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
The Hurt Locker
The Lovely Bones

BEST ART DIRECTION-SET DECORATION
Avatar
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
Nine
Public Enemies

BEST FILM EDITING
A Serious Man
Avatar
Inglourious Basterds
The Hurt Locker
Up in the Air

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
A Serious Man
Bright Star
Nine
The Young Victoria
Where the Wild Things Are

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
2012
Avatar
District 9

BEST MAKEUP
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek

BEST SOUND MIXING
Avatar
District 9
Nine
Star Trek
The Hurt Locker

Nominations are announced tomorrow; here's my list of predictions (several of which are just educated guesses). I've underlined the ones I think will win, at this point.

Where the Wild Things Are has been disqualified for best score. (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/eno-karen-o-burnett-not-eligible-oscar-score-category-12469)

Where the Wild Things Are has been disqualified for best score. (http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/eno-karen-o-burnett-not-eligible-oscar-score-category-12469)

I went to that link and was surprised HBP wasn't even eligible - is that because Hooper used themes from Williams?

I went to that link and was surprised HBP wasn't even eligible - is that because Hooper used themes from Williams?

Yeah, I don't get this either. :hmm:

I suppose that is the reason. I said before I don't think it's deserving of nomination anyways, but I do find it strange it's not even eligible... :shrug:

I went to that link and was surprised HBP wasn't even eligible - is that because Hooper used themes from Williams?

I'm going to guess it is because of the Fireworks song from OotP during the Weasley Wizard Wheezes scene. Hooper's usage of Williams' stuff is modified and not the same. But when you think about it, if what I say is correct, it would make no sense for Return of the King's score to be nominated.

I'm going to guess it is because of the Fireworks song from OotP during the Weasley Wizard Wheezes scene. Hooper's usage of Williams' stuff is modified and not the same. But when you think about it, if what I say is correct, it would make no sense for Return of the King's score to be nominated.

Well, LotR had the same composer throughout. You might be right about the OotP songs.

I didn't expect it to get an Oscar anyway :lol:

The nominations:

Best Picture
A Serious Man
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Up
Up in the Air
(YES, UP MADE IT! :clap:! I realize the film received glowing reviews and has been praised constantly ever since, but it being an animated film, I still assumed it would be ignored. But The Blind Side?! That surprised me much more, that movie received fairly weak reviews, with the only positive notices or award recognition for Sandra Bullock's performance.)


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


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

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


Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo’Nique, Precious


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

Best Original Screenplay
Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman, The Messenger
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, A Serious Man
Pete Docter, Bob Peterson & Tom McCarthy, Up
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
(Disappointed (500) Days of Summer wasn't nominated; I figured it was a shoo-in here.)


Best Adapted Screenplay
Jesse Armstrong & Armando Iannucci, In the Loop
Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell, District 9
Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious
Nick Hornby, An Education
Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air

Best Animated Film
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up
(What's The Secret of Kells? Anyone?)

Best Foreign Language Film
El Secreto do Sus Ojos (Argentina)
Un Prophete (France)
The White Ribbon (Germany)
Ajami (Israel)
The Milk of Sorrow (Peru)

Best Art Direction
Avatar
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria

Best Cinematography
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The White Ribbon
(Yes, you read that right, Half-Blood Prince was nominated for Cinematography! :clap:)

Best Costume Design
Bright Star
Coco Before Chanel
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
The Young Victoria

Best Documentary
Burma VJ
The Cove
Food, Inc.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Which Way Home

Best Editing
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious

Best Makeup
Il Divo
Star Trek
The Young Victoria
(1. No District 9? 2. Has anyone heard of Il Divo?)

Best Score
Avatar
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Hurt Locker
Sherlock Holmes
Up

Best Song
“Almost There,” The Princess and the Frog, Randy Newman
“Down in New Orleans,” The Princess and the Frog, Randy Newman
“Loin de Paname,” Paris 36, Reinhardt Wagner & Frank Thomas
“Take It All,” Nine, Maury Weston
“The Weary Kind,” Crazy Heart, T-Bone Burnett & Ryan Bingham
(Two Disney songs up for Best Original Song, that takes me back. The only difference is it's Randy Newman instead of Alan Menken.)

Best Sound Editing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Up

Best Sound Mixing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Best Visual Effects
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek

Best Documentary Short
China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province
The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner
The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant
Music by Prudence
Rabbit à la Berlin

Best Animated Short
French Roast
Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty
The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)
Logorama
A Matter of Loaf and Death

Best Live-Action Short
The Door
Instead of Abracadabra
Kavi
Miracle Fish
The New Tenants
(I still think they need to move the short film categories to the technical show or lose them altogether. I don't know of anyone who cares, besides the nominees themselves, even the people who predict and follow the award ceremonies every year.)

So there they are; I underlined the ones I correctly predicted (not that I'm patting myself on the back, they're only Oscar nominations).

I am glad In the Loop, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Sherlock Holmes received recognition by the Academy. I think they should all win in their respective categories, especially Delbonel; of the 30 films I saw last year, I think Half-Blood Prince looks the best.

Avatar's effects are extremely good but I still think District 9 should win in that category because what we see is amazing for such a small budget. I hope it also wins Best Picture but I won't mind seeing Inglourious Basterds win; Tarantino is long overdue.

I'm also glad Avatar didn't get nominated for a screenplay award.

The nominations:
Best Cinematography
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The White Ribbon
(Yes, you read that right, Half-Blood Prince was nominated for Cinematography! :clap:).

I'm really happy for HP and Delbonel. The cinematography in HBP was a standout. Most people I talked to (non HP fans) pointed out that it was gorgeously filmed. It's impressive since HP didn't run much of an Oscar campaign, so it's down to the fact that academy members remembered at voting time.

Does anyone know if this is HP's first Oscar nom?

I'm really happy for HP and Delbonel. The cinematography in HBP was a standout. Most people I talked to (non HP fans) pointed out that it was gorgeously filmed. It's impressive since HP didn't run much of an Oscar campaign, so it's down to the fact that academy members remembered at voting time.

Does anyone know if this is HP's first Oscar nom?

It isn't. SS was nominated for art direction, costume design, and original score; PoA was nominated for effects and best original score; and GoF was nominated for art direction.

Okay, thanks.

ETA: Just reading up on this. I guess HP's nom was a surprise; it wasn't nominated for the cinematographers guild award. Those went to the other four oscar nominees plus Nine.

I'm also glad Avatar didn't get nominated for a screenplay award.
Well I mean it would have to go under "adapted screenplay" afterall. Plus didn't Dances With Wolves already win for screenplay back then? OH SNAP!

As for HBP, it deserves what it deserves. I was hoping for a no show since IMHO it's been overblown, but I'm more happy it's for DelBonnel than for HBP.

I can't believe Samson and Delilah didn't get past the short list for best foreign language film.


(I still think they need to move the short film categories to the technical show or lose them altogether. I don't know of anyone who cares, besides the nominees themselves, even the people who predict and follow the award ceremonies every year.)

Best short film is where the money people identify people with potential. Plus it doesn't hurt to be able to describe a person as an Academy award winning director when shopping their first full-length film.

Best short film is where the money people identify people with potential. Plus it doesn't hurt to be able to describe a person as an Academy award winning director when shopping their first full-length film.

I did know that, and I realize I said "lose them altogether," so I'll retract/rephrase. I have no problem with the award, it's a great way of discovering new talent and shining a bit of a light on a form many of us aren't really exposed to - but if I'm thinking of things to cut from the telecast to tighten it up, that's my first thought: move the short subject awards.

So that time of year again - today the list of nominees for the 82nd Academy awards was announced today. Some surprises, some changes and some well...what could be called maybe foregone conclusions

I'll list the major nominees here to get some sort of conversation going....

Best Film
District 9
Avatar
The Blind Side
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up In The Air

Best Director
James Cameron: Avatar
Katherine Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
Lee Daniels - Precious
Jason Reitman - Up In The Air
Quentin Tarantino - Inglorious Basterds

Best Actor
Geroge Clooney - Up In The Air
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart
Colin Firth - A Single Man
Morgan Freeman - Invictus
Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker

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

Best Supporting Actor
Christoph Waltz - Inglorious Basterds
Matt Damon - Invictus
Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones
Woody Harrleson - The Messengers
Christopher Plumber - The Last Station

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz - Nine
Vera Fermiga - Up In The Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal - Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick - Up In The Air
Mo’Nique- Precious

Best Original Screenplay
The Hurt Locker
The Messengers
Up
A Serious Man
Inglorious Basterds

Best Adapted Screenplay
District 9
An Education
In The Loop
Precious
Up In The Air


Best Animated Movie
Up
Fantastic Mr Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Coraline


I'm just realising I've seen pretty much zero from all of these.....:whistle:

^I actually did post the entire list this morning. :p

The nominations:

Best Picture
A Serious Man
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
Up
Up in the Air
(YES, UP MADE IT! :clap:! I realize the film received glowing reviews and has been praised constantly ever since, but it being an animated film, I still assumed it would be ignored. But The Blind Side?! That surprised me much more, that movie received fairly weak reviews, with the only positive notices or award recognition for Sandra Bullock's performance.)

Hmm, quite a few surprises. First of all I thought with the list expanded to 10 that Star Trek and (500) Days of Summer would would make it, but I guess not. :sigh: Now I haven't seen The Blind Side (heard it's good) but District 9 and A Serious Man?! You gotta be kidding me, right? :wow: Alright, so District 9 was pretty good (though not that good) for an alien movie, but if you ask me A Serious Man was awful... :relax:

Haven't seen Up either, but doesn't this seem a bit unfair when, uh you know, it already has it's own category?

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

I'm guessing Jeff Bridge is going to win again judging by the outcomes of the lesser award already handed out...but I'm glad to see Jeremy Renner on there after he got snubbed for the Globes.

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

It's between Sandra Bullock (winner of Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama) and Meryl Streep (winner of Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy) right?

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

As with the awards for Best Actor, hasn't the guy from Basterds been running away with these? Once again I'm surprised to see Matt Damon on there for Invictus. Not that his performance was bad or anything but I really didn't think it was anything too impressive, especially when he wasn't given much to work with. Maybe it's just that Morgan Freeman stole the thunder though... :shrug:

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, Nine
Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
Mo’Nique, Precious

Penelope Cruz? :huh: What happened to Marion Cottilard? Seems I heard she was the best in that musical :hmm: Nice to see both the chicks from Up in the Air on here. :cool: Hmm, now which one is more deserving of the win? :lol: I think my pick is for Vera Farmiga :)

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

Is it going to be Cameron of his ex-wife? :lol: I hope it's the latter...

Best Original Screenplay
Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker
Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman, The Messenger
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, A Serious Man
Pete Docter, Bob Peterson & Tom McCarthy, Up
Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
(Disappointed (500) Days of Summer wasn't nominated; I figured it was a shoo-in here.)

Yeah, I'm disappointed and surprised at (500) Days not being there either...looks like it got completely snubbed, no Best Picture nom, no acting noms, no screenplay nom, etc :grumble: Well then, The Hurt Locker is def my pick for this one.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Jesse Armstrong & Armando Iannucci, In the Loop
Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell, District 9
Geoffrey Fletcher, Precious
Nick Hornby, An Education
Jason Reitman & Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air

Up in the Air was adapted? Hmm, anyways I hope it wins here. I'm guessing it's got pretty good chances given it's Golden Globes win. :tu:

Best Animated Film
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up
(What's The Secret of Kells? Anyone?)

I've only seen Fantastic Mr. Fox so I can't really comment on this. I'm guessing Up is going to be the winner though. Again, I don't think it's fair it has the chance to double up for Best Film awards... :shrug:

Best Foreign Language Film
El Secreto do Sus Ojos (Argentina)
Un Prophete (France)
The White Ribbon (Germany)
Ajami (Israel)
The Milk of Sorrow (Peru)

Uh, I definitely haven't seen any of these. I'm not sure I've ever seen a Foreign Language film actually :lol: I couldn't care less :p

Best Art Direction
Avatar
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria

Only one I've seen is Sherlock Holmes and I hope it wins :cool: I'm not really sure what "art direction" entails but I'm kinda surprised HBP doesn't show up here given it's nomination for what I think are similar categories at the BAFTA's and such. Is this what Stuart Craig would be up for? :whistle:

Best Cinematography
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
The White Ribbon
(Yes, you read that right, Half-Blood Prince was nominated for Cinematography! :clap:)

AWESOME! :clap: I kinda thought it was a shoo-in here, but it's glad to see it come true. He really deserves it...excellent work! :tu: Unfortunately as I've said before, it looks like Avatar has stolen this one :grumble: If only it were a different year... :sigh:

Best Costume Design
Bright Star
Coco Before Chanel
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
The Young Victoria

I havne't seen any of these, so whichever is fine with me...

Best Documentary
Burma VJ
The Cove
Food, Inc.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Which Way Home

same as above :p

Best Editing
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious

Hmm, I guess The Hurt Locker here. I can't say there are too many films that had really impressive editing. Oh, well I'm surprised to not see either Up in the Air, Star Trek, (500) Days of Summer, or It's Complicated...I suppose those are the best I saw in this area. And uh, what is Inglorious Basterds doing here? That's perhaps the worst edited film I saw... :relax:

Best Makeup
Il Divo
Star Trek
The Young Victoria
(1. No District 9? 2. Has anyone heard of Il Divo?)

Star Trek I guess :shrug:

Best Score
Avatar
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Hurt Locker
Sherlock Holmes
Up

Nice, I was hoping Sherlock Holmes would be recognized here :cool:

Best Song
“Almost There,” The Princess and the Frog, Randy Newman
“Down in New Orleans,” The Princess and the Frog, Randy Newman
“Loin de Paname,” Paris 36, Reinhardt Wagner & Frank Thomas
“Take It All,” Nine, Maury Weston
“The Weary Kind,” Crazy Heart, T-Bone Burnett & Ryan Bingham
(Two Disney songs up for Best Original Song, that takes me back. The only difference is it's Randy Newman instead of Alan Menken.)

Wow, 2 songs from the same movie? Hmm, well having seen none of these I don't have much of an opinion.

Best Sound Editing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Up

Def The Hurt Locker for this one. The way the sound was in that movie was really awesome. :tu:

Best Sound Mixing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Same as above. Though Tranformers 2, hmm...I don't recall, maybe :hmm:

Best Visual Effects
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek

Ok, can someone tell me why there are only 3 nominees for this category? :huh: Also, pretty sure Avatar has this one locked up but I'm dissapointed to see HBP didn't make the cut after it made the short list of 7 :sigh: Oh, and I'm kinda shocked that Tranformers 2 didn't make the cut either. Until Avatar came along I thought it was the frontrunner cause if you ask me the first one was snubbed when it lost to Golden Compass in '07 and the sequel was even bigger and better (well in terms of the SFX at least, not the movie itself :lol:)

(I still think they need to move the short film categories to the technical show or lose them altogether. I don't know of anyone who cares, besides the nominees themselves, even the people who predict and follow the award ceremonies every year.)

:agree:

All it does is bog down the show. Do they really present these during it? I don't recall. I've seen award shows before where the winners of "lesser awards" are just announced briefly and they say they were presented eariler. I think that's or like the ESPY's though...

So there they are; I underlined the ones I correctly predicted (not that I'm patting myself on the back, they're only Oscar nominations).

Heh, not bad :lol:

Alright, so District 9 was pretty good (though not that good) for an alien movie, but if you ask me A Serious Man was awful.

I loved District 9, but I haven't seen A Serious Man yet (I really want to, because I'm a Coen Bros. fan). I can understand how those two got in here; they received pretty strong reviews for the most part, unlike The Blind Side.

Haven't seen Up either, but doesn't this seem a bit unfair when, uh you know, it already has it's own category?

No, I don't think it is. Up is a great movie, period, and there's no rule that says an animated movie CAN'T make it into the Best Picture race (although this is the first time it's happened since Best Animated Feature was introduced).

not really sure what "art direction" entails but I'm kinda surprised HBP doesn't show up here given it's nomination for what I think are similar categories at the BAFTA's and such. Is this what Stuart Craig would be up for?

It's been far too long since a Harry Potter movie was nominated in this category; the art department does consistently outstanding work, and the team of production designer Stuart Craig and set decorator Stephanie McMillan have been nominated twice, for Sorcerer's Stone and Goblet of Fire. Art direction/production design covers set design and dressing, and often designs of props, signs, anything that needs to be designed, creating the entire physical visual aesthetic of a film.

I can't say there are too many films that had really impressive editing.

You have, but probably without considering it. Editing's one of those elements that shouldn't, and so usually doesn't call attention to itself. Any movie that moves at the right pace, the right timing, though, is edited well.

You have, but probably without considering it. Editing's one of those elements that shouldn't, and so usually doesn't call attention to itself. Any movie that moves at the right pace, the right timing, though, is edited well.

Hmm, I suppose so. It's just sometimes the transitions and such really impress me, such as in Forrest Gump. Also, those ones I listed are surprise no shows and some of the ones that did make conversely considering the nominees of that group mentioned earlier in this thread-


NOMINEES FOR 60TH ANNUAL ACE EDDIE AWARDS

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC):
Avatar
Stephen Rivkin, A.C.E., John Refoua, A.C.E. &
James Cameron, A.C.E.

District 9
Julian Clarke

The Hurt Locker
Bob Murawski & Chris Innis

Star Trek
Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E & Maryann Brandon, A.C.E.

Up in the Air
Dana Glauberman, A.C.E.


BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL):
500 Days of Summer
Alan Edward Bell

The Hangover
Debra Neil-Fisher, A.C.E.

Julie & Julia
Richard Marks, A.C.E.

A Serious Man
Roderick Jaynes

It's Complicated
Joe Hutshing, A.C.E. & David Moritz


http://www.ace-filmeditors.org/newace/eddieNominees.html

And the nominees for this year's Razzie Awards are:

Worst Picture:
‘All About Steve’
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Old Dogs’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

Worst Actor:
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas – ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience’
Will Ferrell - ‘Land of the Lost’
Steve Martin - ‘Pink Panther 2’
Eddie Murphy - ‘Imagine That’
John Travolta - ‘Old Dogs’

Worst Actress:
Beyonce Knowles – ‘Obsessed’
Sandra Bullock – ‘All About Steve’
Miley Cyrus – ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Megan Fox – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Sarah Jessica Parker – ‘Did You Hear About The Morgans?’

Worst Screen Couple:
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas – ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience’
Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper – ‘All About Steve’
Will Ferrell and any co-star, creature or "comic riff" – ‘Land of the Lost’
Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox or any Transformer – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner – ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Supporting Actress:
Candice Bergen – ‘Bride Wars’
Ali Larter – ‘Obsessed’
Sienna Miller – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
Kelly Preston – ‘Old Dogs’
Julie White – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

Worst Supporting Actor:
Billy Ray Cyrus – ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Hugh Hefner – ‘Miss March’
Robert Pattinson – ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’
Jorma Taccone – ‘Land of the Lost’
Marlon Wayans – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’

Worst Remake, Rip-off or Sequel:
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Pink Panther 2’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Director:
Michael Bay – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Walt Beeker – ‘Old Dogs’
Brad Silberling – ‘Land of the Lost’
Stephen Sommers – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
Phil Traill – ‘All About Steve’

Worst Screenplay:
‘All About Steve’
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Picture of the Decade:
‘Battlefield Earth’
‘Freddy Got Fingered’
‘Gigli’
‘I Know Who Killed Me’
‘Swept Away’

Worst Actor of the Decade:
Ben Affleck
Eddie Murphy
Mike Myers
Rob Schneider
John Travolta

Worst Actress of the Decade:
Mariah Carey
Paris Hilton
Lindsay Lohan
Jennifer Lopez
Madonna

And the nominees for this year's Razzie Awards are:

Worst Picture:
‘All About Steve’
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Old Dogs’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

Worst Actor:
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas – ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience’
Will Ferrell - ‘Land of the Lost’
Steve Martin - ‘Pink Panther 2’
Eddie Murphy - ‘Imagine That’
John Travolta - ‘Old Dogs’

Worst Actress:
Beyonce Knowles – ‘Obsessed’
Sandra Bullock – ‘All About Steve’
Miley Cyrus – ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Megan Fox – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Sarah Jessica Parker – ‘Did You Hear About The Morgans?’

Worst Screen Couple:
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas – ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience’
Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper – ‘All About Steve’
Will Ferrell and any co-star, creature or "comic riff" – ‘Land of the Lost’
Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox or any Transformer – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner – ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Supporting Actress:
Candice Bergen – ‘Bride Wars’
Ali Larter – ‘Obsessed’
Sienna Miller – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
Kelly Preston – ‘Old Dogs’
Julie White – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

Worst Supporting Actor:
Billy Ray Cyrus – ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’
Hugh Hefner – ‘Miss March’
Robert Pattinson – ‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’
Jorma Taccone – ‘Land of the Lost’
Marlon Wayans – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’

Worst Remake, Rip-off or Sequel:
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Pink Panther 2’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Director:
Michael Bay – ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Walt Beeker – ‘Old Dogs’
Brad Silberling – ‘Land of the Lost’
Stephen Sommers – ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
Phil Traill – ‘All About Steve’

Worst Screenplay:
‘All About Steve’
‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’
‘Land of the Lost’
‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
‘Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Worst Picture of the Decade:
‘Battlefield Earth’
‘Freddy Got Fingered’
‘Gigli’
‘I Know Who Killed Me’
‘Swept Away’

Worst Actor of the Decade:
Ben Affleck
Eddie Murphy
Mike Myers
Rob Schneider
John Travolta

Worst Actress of the Decade:
Mariah Carey
Paris Hilton
Lindsay Lohan
Jennifer Lopez
Madonna

Heh, funny that Sandra Bullock is up for both an Academy Award and a Razzie :rotfl: Also, good to see Twilight: New Moon on there a bunch :p

I can't agree with 'em on Transformers 2 though. Ok, it wasn't as good as the first but it's far from one of the worst movies of last year. :p

GI Joe earned its spot on that list. Barely worth the $1 rental :relax:

Here's a great article with a nice chart comparing the contenders- http://www.awardsdaily.com/?p=18879#more-18879

Up in the Air should be in the same position as The Hurt Locker. Given the competition I can't believe it didn't get an editing nod... :relax:

Hmm, this is an even more interesting article- http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2010/02/can-up-in-the-air-win-best-picture-at-oscars-without-an-editing-nomination-.html

Ever since the Oscars introduced an award for editing in 1934, only nine movies have won best picture without at least being nominated for the editing Academy Award

I guess that really does show the importance of editing :wow:

But I think what has to be kept in mind is that Up in the Air SHOULD have got an editing nom. Considering it is nominated for the Eddies, the dis-inclusion for the Academy Awards is asinine. So I'm not sure if this is really a big factor here. It should be able to win without. :shrug:

I really like to watch the oscars but this year it´s just not that great for me, I didn´t like most of the movies or actors nominated and Avatar is going to win everything so I´m over it

hopefully the show would be fun like last year with Hugh Jackman and have a lot of movie stars invited :p

I'm just watching this year because it's a dancing group called Lxd that's going to be on there. If you want to see who it is go to the Glee thread. It's not the cast of Glee.

hopefully the show would be fun like last year with Hugh Jackman and have a lot of movie stars invited :p

Yeah, Hugh Jackman was great. :tu: That actually may have been the first time I actually watched the whole Oscars presentation. I plan to watch it all again this year though, considering I've actually seen a lot of the nominees for once :lol: Do we know the host yet for this year?

Yeah, Hugh Jackman was great. :tu: That actually may have been the first time I actually watched the whole Oscars presentation. I plan to watch it all again this year though, considering I've actually seen a lot of the nominees for once :lol: Do we know the host yet for this year?


Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are hosting this year.

I have not watched many of the oscar nominated films, but I am glad that Up was nominated for best motion picture and HBP for best cinematography :D I think HBP deserved to be nominated for best visual effects too, but it was tough competition this year.

I have not watched many of the oscar nominated films, but I am glad that Up was nominated for best motion picture and HBP for best cinematography :D I think HBP deserved to be nominated for best visual effects too, but it was tough competition this year.

HBP made it to the short list of 7 for visual effects, but for some reason that category differs from the rest and instread of 5 nominees they only have 3...anyone know why? :whistle: I think if there was 5 it would've made the cut. Oh well, at least it's nominated for something...

I'm surprised, and happy, that HBP got nominated for cinematography. I don't think it has much of a chance at winning...that award will either go to Inglourious Basterds or Avatar I'd say, depending on how much the Academy thinks CGI reduces the cinematographer's job. But it's good it got recognised.

This video outlines the Oscar race really well- http://oscar-watch.ew.com/2010/02/04/oscarwatch-tv-avatar-hurt-locker-sandra-bullock/?iid=rr_fv

It feels a bit more like an advertisement for The Hurt Locker, but the good news is from what they are saying Avatar's chances are very slim since only one movie has taken Best Picture without winning those guild awards. Oh, and I love their knock on James Cameron :lol:



Also, here's an article where they try to explain what went wrong with (500) Days of Summer, Brightstar, and Where the Wild Things Are

http://oscar-watch.ew.com/2010/02/05/500-days-of-summer-bright-star-where-the-wild-things-are-what-went-wrong/

That article is utterly ridiculous. Avatar is the underdog because it's the second most likely of 10 nominations? What? It was a race between There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men in 2007, but TWBB was anything but a underdog for coming in the second most probable (losing to NCFOM). Plus the King of the World thing was a joke to the line in Titanic, nothing more than that. There was no ego there, it was a joke.

And about Where The Wild Things Are... are they purposefully riding against the majority opinion of the film? The majority opinion being it's decidingly a more adult film than a children's, in that, it makes the child audience react to it as more of an adult, as the character is put in adult situations where he has to behave maturely. Saying the Oscars wanted it to be a film for grown ups makes no sense at all.

I think Bright Star should have been nominated.

That article is utterly ridiculous. Avatar is the underdog because it's the second most likely of 10 nominations? What?

You're mis-understanding. Avatar is the "underdog" because history and statistics are against it. Like they said, Braveheart is the ONLY film to ever win Best Picture without winning any of those guild awards. :) In what looks to really be a two movie race, Avatar is the underdog.

In any competition between 2 things you tend to have an underdog. Sure, sometimes the underdog comes out on top...who really expected the New Orleans Saints to win? :wow: But hey, this isn't sports we are talking about here...it's not as unpredictable as that. There are trends.

http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2010/02/oscars-guided-by-guild-awards-in-nominations.html
http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/01/the-moviemans-oscar-nomination-predictions-best-picture-direc/


BTW, I think (500) Days of Summer should have been nominated. Such a shame it didn't even get a screenplay nom... :grumble:

You're mis-understanding. Avatar is the "underdog" because history and statistics are against it. Like they said, Braveheart is the ONLY film to ever win Best Picture without winning any of those guild awards. :) In what looks to really be a two movie race, Avatar is the underdog.There are 10 nominations, it's hardly between just 2 films, and plenty of unexpected films in the past have won. Crash didn't seem to be the front runner of 5 noms, and it won.who really expected the New Orleans Saints to win? :wow:Actually, most people did, and I was one of them. But you're right, this isn't a football discussion, and the two couldn't be more different.

There are 10 nominations, it's hardly between just 2 films, and plenty of unexpected films in the past have won. Crash didn't seem to be the front runner of 5 noms, and it won.

Crash won the SAG award ;) Again like they said, only 1 (Braveheart) has taken Best Picture without winning any of those 3 Guild awards.


Unlike with sports and other things, it seems that statistics and trends have been shown to actually be a pretty good indicator here :relax:

Just a couple articles along those lines...

http://www.filmjerk.com/news/article.php?id_new=575

The films that have the crucial nods to win (Picture, acting, writing, directing, editing) are: The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds and Precious. Only those three. By the rules we know, those are, therefore, the three films with frontrunner Best Picture status.

http://www.awardsdaily.com/?p=19014

I think it would be funny if The Blind Side wins though, talk about a shocker... :lol:

I think Bright Star should have been nominated.

It's a travesty that its only nom was best costume.

So here are my predictions:

BEST PICTURE
The Hurt Locker

BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

BEST ACTRESS
Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Mo'Nique, Precious

(These are the most predictable acting races in some time. Usually one or both of the supporting categories are fairly hard to foresee.)

BEST DIRECTOR
Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Up in the Air, Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Avatar

BEST FILM EDITING
The Hurt Locker

BEST ART DIRECTION-SET DECORATION
Avatar

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
The Young Victoria

BEST SOUND MIXING
Avatar

BEST SOUND EFFECTS EDITING
Avatar

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Avatar

BEST MAKEUP
The Young Victoria

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"The Weary Kind," Crazy Heart

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Up

BEST FOREIGN FILM
The White Ribbon (Germany)

The rest of these I really have no clue on, so I'm just choosing randomly. :lol:

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Up, Michael Giacchino

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Cove

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT SUBJECT
"Miracle Fish"

BEST ANIMATED SHORT SUBJECT
"Logorama"

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
"The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant"

While Jeff Bridges's performance is exceptional (based on reports, I'm yet to see it), he has to be favoured as he would fall into the due-for category.

Looks like The Hurt Locker ran away with the BAFTA's...what does this mean (if anything) for Oscars? Some extra momentum perhaps? :whistle:

^I should think so. The Hurt Locker also won Mark Boal the Writers Guild award, and it seems most are predicting he'll walk away with the Original Screenplay Oscar. I stand by my prediction of Tarantino in that race, though.

Well, they'll be televised in less than 12 hrs and with my latest watches (Up and Avatar) I've now seen 9 out of the 10 BP nominees! :wow:

Here is how I rank 'em :)

1. The Hurt Locker
2. Up in the Air
3. The Blind Side
4. An Education
5. Avatar

6. District 9
7. Up
8. Inglorious Basterds
9. A Serious Man

For the record I have no intention or desire to see the only one missing from the list, Precious. It looks too depressing for one thing...

Up should have a lock on Best Animated Feature if only for the reason that it is the only animated film nominated for Best Picture. That said, I'd prefer Secret of the Kells or Coraline simply because Pixar style animations don't engage me.

Perhaps we could also restrict naming winners to this thread instead of those relating to the individual movies to avoid spoilers for those watching the awards on delay.

This is gonna be interesting. Avatar has only won for visual awards so far and The Hurt Locker has won for script, sound, and editing. It's looking like the Academy might differ from the Globes selections. I'm disappointed that HBP didn't win for Best Cinematography and Avatar winning that category really baffles me. I mean it was almost entirely CGI and motion capture...what the hell did the DP have to do? :lol: :grumble:

For the record I have no intention or desire to see the only one missing from the list, Precious. It looks too depressing for one thing...

It is a fair bit depressing, but it's such an incredible film. It'd be silly not to see it, especially if you've bothered seeing The Blind Side.

This is gonna be interesting. Avatar has only won for visual awards so far and The Hurt Locker has won for script, sound, and editing. It's looking like the Academy might differ from the Globes selections. I'm disappointed that HBP didn't win for Best Cinematography and Avatar winning that category really baffles me. I mean it was almost entirely CGI and motion capture...what the hell did the DP have to do? :lol: :grumble:
Make it look cohesively awesome. As "nice" as HBP looked a lot of it looked unnatural and the bluescreen and CG moments stick out far too much for my liking Avatar at least looked cohesive and consistent throughout it's film, but HBP; while having some beautiful shots, it's not consistent throughout. The thing with Avatar is that it truly shows how good 3D could look as a substitute for reality when you have absolute control over ever aspect of the world as opposed to trying to superimpose it over a real landscape. It's that talent that is being recognized and rightfully so, not because I support 3D (I actually don't care too much for it) but to hopefully create better quality films involving 3D rather than destroying an experience because lighting effects don't match up.

Yep, so much for the Golden Globes...Kathryn Bigalow wins Best Director and The Hurt Locker takes home Best Picture! :clap:

Make it look cohesively awesome. As "nice" as HBP looked a lot of it looked unnatural and the bluescreen and CG moments stick out far too much for my liking Avatar at least looked cohesive and consistent throughout it's film, but HBP; while having some beautiful shots, it's not consistent throughout. The thing with Avatar is that it truly shows how good 3D could look as a substitute for reality when you have absolute control over ever aspect of the world as opposed to trying to superimpose it over a real landscape. It's that talent that is being recognized and rightfully so, not because I support 3D (I actually don't care too much for it) but to hopefully create better quality films involving 3D rather than destroying an experience because lighting effects don't match up.

Having now seen Avatar, I'd have to say I disagree. As I said elsewhere "yes, many scenes are like beyond beautiful...but in others it looks like little more than a video game." The visuals were anything but consistent throughout the film. I wasn't impressed for the most part. :shrug:

HBP should've won, was beautiful throughout and the CG blended well, IMO. Out of curiousity, what moments "stick out far too much"? :hmm:

Sucks about HBP losing to Avatar. :grumble: Avatar was mostly CGI! Most of the shots were created on a computer, I would think the visual effects crew have more of a say over angles and lighting and the like. That was stupid. Avatar deserved winning for special effects though. Even if it looked like a cartoon/video game, the graphics were revolutionary and the 3D was amazing.

I am SO HAPPY Up won for best music. That soundtrack can move me to tears. Very beautiful.

I'm also happy Avatar didn't win best picture! Phew, I was worried there. :lol: That was just an awful movie, IMO. Good for Hurt Locker even though I never saw it and it's cool how it was the first time a female directer won for best directer. :tu:

HBP was totally snubbed though. :grumble:

It is a fair bit depressing, but it's such an incredible film. It'd be silly not to see it, especially if you've bothered seeing The Blind Side.

What's that supposed to mean? :hmm: I'm a sports fan and a country music fan (read this as was advertised all over the radio stations I listen to) so I was bound to see it sooner or later. :lol: It's an incredible movie that won over the hearts of Americans and I'm really glad Sandra Bullock won Best Actress! :D She was amazing. I dunno, The Blind Side def looks like the better/more enjoyable of these 2 "emotional punch" movies about African Americans. :shrug: Besides, The Blind Side is based on a true story and if it is unknown I find these fascinating...

Oh, and The Blind Side isn't just depressing throughout...it's also humorous and heart-warming and elicits a string of emotions

Sucks about HBP losing to Avatar. :grumble: Avatar was mostly CGI! Most of the shots were created on a computer, I would think the visual effects crew have more of a say over angles and lighting and the like. That was stupid.

My thought exactly :lol:

I haven't seen The Hurt Locker, so I can't comment on Best Picture, etc.

It was nice to see T-Bone Burnett win an Oscar for Best Song. The man is one of the greatest music producers alive.

It was great seeing Michael Giacchino take home an Oscar for Best Score. I haven't seen UP, but I watch LOST so I've heard over 5 seasons' worth of Giacchino music (not to mention his awesome score for Star Trek). The guy is definitely the next great film composer.

It was wonderful seeing the Roger Corman Oscar. I covered his Oscar last Fall, but it was great to see clips. I just wish they would release the entire Governors' Awards footage.

I loved the Horror Tribute. Great montage. And the introductory bit with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin spoofing Paranormal Activity had me laughing out loud.

I'm kind of surprised that The Hurt Locker won the sound awards over Avatar and Star Trek. But then, I haven't seen the movie so I can't really say. Maybe when I see it I'll be blown away by the sound. After all, it wasn't until after finally seeing Traffic that I understood why it might have beaten Crouching Tiger for Editing (though I still would have given Editing to Crouching Tiger).

I dunno, The Blind Side def looks like the better/more enjoyable of these 2 "emotional punch" movies about African Americans. :shrug: Besides, The Blind Side is based on a true story and if it is unknown I find these fascinating...

Oh, and Precious just sounds depressing throughout, like it doesn't have the same humor and other emotions elicited by The Blind Side...

Haha, yes, well, you caught me on not loving The Blind Side. To me, it was just an emotional punch story, based on true events or not. Of course it was touching, and Sandra Bullock did a great job in her role but perhaps I just lacked interest in it.

Yes, Precious has some depressing moments, but it doesn't lack humour or some of the other emotions you might be thinking about. Like I said, it would seem silly for a film lover not to see it. I don't know who told you not to waste your time; it was a really excellent film, and it offers a great perspective on real life issues (even if it's not a real life story). Don't knock it till you try it. ;)

On a side note, I'm glad Hurt Locker got all of those awards. Great job! And a well-deserved visual effects award to Avatar. Probably unpopular with this crowd, but I had pegged Inglorious Basterds for Cinematography, but oh well. I can at least sympathise with the HBP folks cause I don't understand how filming everything in front of a green/blue screen got Avatar that award.

I'm kind of surprised that The Hurt Locker won the sound awards over Avatar and Star Trek. But then, I haven't seen the movie so I can't really say. Maybe when I see it I'll be blown away by the sound.Same. I mean, I don't know tonnes about what it takes to do sound editing and mixing, but I thought Star Trek would probably have been a better winner than Hurt Locker.

Also, a little sad Star Trek wasn't at least nominated in a few other categories. It was such a good sci-fi flick.

I loved the Horror Tribute. Great montage. And the introductory bit with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin spoofing Paranormal Activity had me laughing out loud.

Great but with some notably curious inclusions including the remake of Little Shop of Horrors and Young Frankenstein which, although including horror themes, weren't horror movies -- strictly speaking.

Great but with some notably curious inclusions including the remake of Little Shop of Horrors and Young Frankenstein which, although including horror themes, weren't horror movies -- strictly speaking.

Young Frankenstein has long since been accepted as a genre film by many Classic Horror fanboys and fangirls... who also accept the Abbott and Costello Meet... series. (I'm married to a fanboy). :)

I forgot to mention the one award I really cared about. Christoph Waltz took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for one of the best performances in any year.

I forgot to mention the one award I really cared about. Christoph Waltz took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for one of the best performances in any year.

Totally agree, though as far as I was concerned, that was the one award I didn't even need to watch to know he'd win. One of the best supporting performances in years! :tu:

Young Frankenstein has long since been accepted as a genre film by many Classic Horror fanboys and fangirls... who also accept the Abbott and Costello Meet... series. (I'm married to a fanboy). :)

Not this fanboy.

A woman wins Best Picture and Best Director! (right? I just heard it on the radio) That's history made!!! There were only three female directors nominated before her! Yay for Katherine Bigelow!!! :clap: :clap:

They need to tighten up the Oscars next year.

I'd recommend the following:

- No catagory should have more than 5 nominees.

- The "personal tributes" segment to the Best Actor/Actress nominees are too long and should be scrapped.

- No more interpretive dance segments, musical numbers, or pointless "montages"

- Merge the "Art Direction" and "Costume Design" and "Make Up" catagories into "Best Production Design"

- Move "Sound Editing" and "Sound Mixing" and "Visual Effects" to the Sci Tech awards

- Scrap the "Best Song" catagory.

- Inform the audience to hold their applause during the "In Memorium" segment until it ENDS.

They need to tighten up the Oscars next year.[SNIP]
I don't know why anyone has a serious opinion about the Oscars anymore. At best they are a small list of films that people might have otherwise missed (or dismissed) in their average movie going experience or a slight indicator of quality, but the Oscars IMHO are defunct with exception to elevating some filmmakers and actors/actresses careers. It sort of makes me wonder why haven't any of the internet institutions started a serious online or even broadcasted show since with the increased exposure of non-mainstream/mass advertised films via the internet, the Oscars is archaic in determining the best of the year in film anymore.
Sucks about HBP losing to Avatar. :grumble: Avatar was mostly CGI! Most of the shots were created on a computer, I would think the visual effects crew have more of a say over angles and lighting and the like. That was stupid. Avatar deserved winning for special effects though. Even if it looked like a cartoon/video game, the graphics were revolutionary and the 3D was amazing.
The visual effects crew created the world, but the camera used to shoot the 3D was there to capture everything in real time. Basically Cameron looking into the lens was like looking at Pandora, not mo cap suits or a blue screened set. At least from my understanding. So really, unlike say...LOTR where there was a 100% for post production and a need for visualization, it was actually like shooting it. Lighting, shadows, colour and all that still needed someone to lead on it and with the tech, they managed to film as in real time.

So really, I find it's probably more deserved to a cinematographer who has to work with a new technology and succeed than award it to one who's done the same thing he's always done but only half heartedly and with a less stellar director.
HBP was totally snubbed though. :grumble:
Rightfully so IMHO. There were probably an ton of films with better cinematography in 2009 than HBP. And who knows? Perhaps the White Ribbon was more deserving than HBP? Has anyone bothered to see it before coming to their conclusion?
HBP should've won, was beautiful throughout and the CG blended well, IMO. Out of curiousity, what moments "stick out far too much"? :hmm:
I don't have the DVD so I'll have to rent it to post some screencaps. But particularly bad moments were Filch on the perimeter guard, Harry calling Snape a coward, the shot of Ron and Lavender running up the stairs to make out only to pan over to Felton brooding. I'd have to begrudgingly rewatch it, but I'm sure I can post them with my thoughts.

I don't know why anyone has a serious opinion about the Oscars anymore. At best they are a small list of films that people might have otherwise missed (or dismissed) in their average movie going experience or a slight indicator of quality, but the Oscars IMHO are defunct with exception to elevating some filmmakers and actors/actresses careers. It sort of makes me wonder why haven't any of the internet institutions started a serious online or even broadcasted show since with the increased exposure of non-mainstream/mass advertised films via the internet, the Oscars is archaic in determining the best of the year in film anymore.

I don't think the films are why people watch them. Most people tune in just to see the stars and what they are wearing. For the majority of the moviegoing public, many of these nominated movies are considered rather obscure.

I don't think the films are why people watch them. Most people tune in just to see the stars and what they are wearing. For the majority of the moviegoing public, many of these nominated movies are considered rather obscure.
So if you agree it's hardly about celebrating film and I agree it's hardly about celebrating film, then why are you suggesting they should tighten it up for next year?

Not this fanboy.

:lol: Do you hang out with a lot of other fanboys?

I'm more a writer/historian/analyst than a fangirl, though I'm certainly a genre fan. I was actually surprised when I learned (on panels at cons) how widespread the acceptance was of Young Frankenstein among the Classic Horror crowd. Anyway I'm guessing it was some Academy fanboy who stuck it in the montage.

I'm thrilled that Christoph Waltz won, his performance was really outstanding. I found The Hurt Locker somewhat boring but I'm so happy that a female director was finally rewarded with an Academy Award.

But Jeff Bridges...well, he's a great actor but did anyone feel that his role in Crazy Heart was basically The Dude - the sequel? :lol:

But Jeff Bridges...well, he's a great actor but did anyone feel that his role in Crazy Heart was basically The Dude - the sequel? :lol:

Really? :huh:

Heh, well I can't say cause I haven't seen it yet...but wasn't he playing a country musician? Anyways, I fail to see how a role like the aforementioned could garner him so much respect and recognition so if that's the case I'm baffled :yuhup:

From what I've heard it's an emotional performance, not an utterly ridiculous one. On the surface they seem nothing alike at least. I'll be able to better answer your question after I've seen it but "The Dude" is not what I'm expecting.

BTW, I thought his acceptance speech ran way too long but it was funny how he said "man" at like the end of every sentence. :lol:

There was an element of due-for in his award but I was glad he won although he's starting to look like Colonel Sanders.

I'm happy about the awards "Up" won. :) It was my favorite among the movies I saw in 2009.

I did see Avatar and Up in the Air, among the other BP nominees. The latter was also excellent. It sounds like I should consider renting Inglorious Basterds and Hurt Locker at some point...

Ben Stiller as a Na'vi was funny as hell

I'm happy about the awards "Up" won. :) It was my favorite among the movies I saw in 2009.

I did see Avatar and Up in the Air, among the other BP nominees. The latter was also excellent. It sounds like I should consider renting Inglorious Basterds and Hurt Locker at some point...

I broke my toe the night before I was planning to see Up. Needless to say, I didn't feel like going to a movie theater for many weeks after the injury. I'm looking forward to seeing it on Blu-Ray soon.

You really should see Inglourious Basterds. The performance by Christoph Waltz alone is worth the rental. I went in to the film within a week of its opening, knowing nothing but the premise. And of course, the premise doesn't really tell you much. It is, after all, a Tarentino film. ;)

You horror fanboys/girls are arguing about 'Young Frakenstien' being in the horror montage when they had NEW MOON in that montage?! :whistle: :lol: I would think you'd be more outraged at that. :p

And Fleur, in my opinion, HBP was the best picture of 2009. :cool: You're right about the academy. I guess it's kinda like my super bowl. I like to see films I love win. :lol:

You horror fanboys/girls are arguing about 'Young Frakenstien' being in the horror montage when they had NEW MOON in that montage?! :whistle: :lol: I would think you'd be more outraged at that. :p

Well, technically, it's got vampires and werewolves... and the montage wasn't necessarily only good genre films! :lol: At any rate, I didn't even notice New Moon. I was too busy enjoying all the tracking shots of little Danny in the corridors of the Overlook Hotel. ;) Not to mention the pigs blood from Carrie and all the other great stuff that was in the montage.

And Fleur, in my opinion, HBP was the best picture of 2009. :cool:

Well, MoD. I can't go there with you. :D I thought HBP was okay on its own terms as a film... particularly if the book had never existed. But I can't really think of any category in which I would have voted for it. :p

Heh, well I can't say cause I haven't seen it yet...but wasn't he playing a country musician?

Yes, a country musician who spends his days in dingy motels, drinking heavily and eating take-away food, while wearing a bathrobe.

And Fleur, in my opinion, HBP was the best picture of 2009. :cool: You're right about the academy. I guess it's kinda like my super bowl. I like to see films I love win. :lol:
Have you seen Love Exposure? Watch that and then get back to me, I'm sure it'll change your mind.

I broke my toe the night before I was planning to see Up. Needless to say, I didn't feel like going to a movie theater for many weeks after the injury. I'm looking forward to seeing it on Blu-Ray soon.

You really should see Inglourious Basterds. The performance by Christoph Waltz alone is worth the rental. I went in to the film within a week of its opening, knowing nothing but the premise. And of course, the premise doesn't really tell you much. It is, after all, a Tarentino film. ;)
Agreed. That film was worth the rental. A little bit off the wall at times :whistle: -- like you said, it is a Tarentino film... so I didn't expect too much from it -- there in terms of the premise.

Also, a big congrats to both Mo'Nique and Kathryn Bigelow on their big wins :clap:!! Just seeing the two of them win was worth watching the Oscars this year in it's entirety.

Loved the John Hughes tribute -- it brought back some memories from my own child hood :D. They did a good job on it.

So if you agree it's hardly about celebrating film and I agree it's hardly about celebrating film, then why are you suggesting they should tighten it up for next year?

Because the show is currently too bloated and long.

As Johnny Carson said once when he was host: "Two hours of sparkling entertainment spread over four."

From what I've heard it's an emotional performance, not an utterly ridiculous one.His performance as The Dude is "utterly ridiculous"? How so? :hmm:

It's a shame he wasn't nominated for Lebowski, he deserved it way back then.

And Fleur, in my opinion, HBP was the best picture of 2009. :cool: You're right about the academy. I guess it's kinda like my super bowl. I like to see films I love win. :lol:Out of curiousity, what were your top films of 2009? There were a few I saw that I thought were better than HBP, and I'm sure there are a few others out there (I didn't get the chance to see as many as I hoped, and missed out on a recent theatrical experience for A Prophet... so disappointed in myself).

Having now seen Avatar, I'd have to say I disagree. As I said elsewhere "yes, many scenes are like beyond beautiful...but in others it looks like little more than a video game." The visuals were anything but consistent throughout the film. I wasn't impressed for the most part. :shrug:But that's the point. It's inspired by video games, it's the incredible video game that plays out demanding a cinematic presentation, and done so right. The whole film feels like concept art brought to life, so many shots are painting like. For once, a CG film doesn't aim to look real to our world. That's the whole point of it.

Phew! I was just glad Avatar didn't win on anything other than technical categories, because that's why it's celebrated: mind blowing movie technology that's visually stunning (because let's face it, the story was a combination of Dances With Wolves, Pocahontas, and FernGully).
I only saw four of the best pic nominees (Up, Up in the Air, Inglourious Basterds, and Avatar), and I felt that the first three were all very deserving. I didn't get to see the Hurt Locker, but from what I gather it was a near perfect war film, so I was perfectly OK with it winning. Not to mention Kathryn Bigelow winning the big award the day before International Women's Day - so awesome!
As a side note, Neil Patrick Harris should host every awards show, though Alec and Steve did a great job.

They need to tighten up the Oscars next year.

They've been needing to do that for a long time. Haha, for the most part, I pay a little attention to the Oscars for the few films I might have missed during the year, but I've never given much credence to the best actor/actress categories because they seem much more political than all the rest of it. But let's not kid ourselves, there's politics in everything, and at the end of the day, what you like best doesn't change just because some group of people (around 6,000 voting members) tell you otherwise.

If you're looking for a shorter program only, you probably ought to just skip it and check the winners the next morning, because all that song and dance probably isn't changing. It's a worthy suggestion though; I bet more people would be likely to tune into a two-three-hour program than the current four-five-hour marathon, and ABC is always complaining about how fewer and fewer people watch the awards each year. XD

Perhaps the White Ribbon was more deserving than HBP? Has anyone bothered to see it before coming to their conclusion?

The White Ribbon was somewhat disturbing (what you might expect from Haneke) and the cinematography certainly pushed audiences in that direction. The film style was reminiscent of Italian Neorealism - a period I tend to dislike more for its content than its filming style - and was well-done and interesting to watch.

Was it better than Half-blood Prince? I hate to admit it, being a fanboy, I probably wasn't paying close enough attention enough during Half-blood Prince to tell you and I've only seen it once, but nothing stuck out to me like it did during The White Ribbon, so I feel it'd be safe to suggest the cinematography was better. I do recall enjoying the technical bits of Half-blood Prince more than most of the other films, however.

While Avatar was the winner, and I'm sure we can all appreciate the technology involved in the making of Avatar, filming in front of green/blue screens isn't something new, so that hardly warrants an award (otherwise, where was Tron's Oscar?) on its own and because teams of animators were doing a lot of the work, I really am puzzled how it was nominated in let alone won this category. If anything, Avatar's animators really deserve an award.

I rather think Inglorious Basterds was snubbed for this award in particular. It was brilliant, through and through, and without a doubt Tarantino's most confident work.

But Jeff Bridges...well, he's a great actor but did anyone feel that his role in Crazy Heart was basically The Dude - the sequel? :lol:

I haven't seen Crazy Heart and probably won't bother since it wreaked of Walk the Line, but all through his acceptance speech I kept thinking, dude, Dude, you're better than this, lol.

:lol: Do you hang out with a lot of other fanboys?

I try not to.

Because the show is currently too bloated and long.
It's best not to give out serious suggestions to things that lost their significance long ago.

While Avatar was the winner, and I'm sure we can all appreciate the technology involved in the making of Avatar, filming in front of green/blue screens isn't something new, so that hardly warrants an award (otherwise, where was Tron's Oscar?) on its own and because teams of animators were doing a lot of the work, I really am puzzled how it was nominated in let alone won this category. If anything, Avatar's animators really deserve an award.
As said before, this was unlike most blue screen stuff we've seen before. A lot of it it was done in post production or after a shot, whereas Cameron and whatever DP was filming "the world" in real time. I can't emphasize this enough. They created the world, virtually and yes Cameron is filming on a blue screen, but when he looks into the camera, he's seeing Pandora or whatever it is supposed to be from that angle as if it actually exists.

This isn't a simple case of animators fitting or adding a bunch of orcs or an army of droids to fit in the shot angle the director filmed a few weeks ago. This is Cameron saying "Oh I want a shot of the sky from below...I'll just move the camera here and take it right now. Oh I want a shot of the mountain range I created to the west, I'll just swivel my camera to capture it right now." All without the help of an animator to post produce it. This isn't a case of a team of animators researching and tweaking considerably Gollum's face to make it look real/natural. This is a case of seeing Zoe Saldana's acting in real time and in the moment already looking natural as a Navi. Obviously there was post production to tighten things up, it was probably never to the level that LOTR or any other mo-cap 3D film required at the time.

I'm not the hugest fan of 3D, but I just want to know the people should at least know the advancement in filmmaking with this tech. While debate of whether Serkis should've won something for acting as Gollumg or perhaps the animating team; this isn't a repeat case of it. It's something incredibly different and to be the first one to be able to use this tech with this amount of success, it should be recognized.

It's something incredibly different and to be the first one to be able to use this tech with this amount of success, it should be recognized.

^ agreed.

I only caught the last two hours of the show and that still was much too long. Can't believe it's taken this long for a woman to win best director. I'd thought Jane Campion had won for the Piano, but apparently not. (and why wasn't she nominated this year for Bright Star? :hmm: )

No big surprises this year. I was happy the Dude won, less so that Meryl lost yet again. The acting presentations bother me. Why all of these speeches about so and so being such a great person instead of just showing clips of their work? Could you imagine if they did the same in the other categories?

I'm not the hugest fan of 3D, but I just want to know the people should at least know the advancement in filmmaking with this tech. ... It's something incredibly different and to be the first one to be able to use this tech with this amount of success, it should be recognized.

I believe Avatar won the Visual Effects Oscar, and I always felt it deserved it. But the reason Avatar didn't deserve a cinematography award is more than just filming in front of a blue screen. Lighting played almost no role in the film (whether someone painstakingly sought out particularly lit shots or not). The simple fact they went back and retouched every scene says a lot. And probably most obviously, the camera angles and shots were nothing impressive. It was all consistent with a blockbuster epic, nothing really new as far as the layman understands it. And sorry, but if the technology can't translate into anything noticeably different, then what was the point of all that expensive technology? The real achievement was in filming real people and animating them into the Na'vi and the creation of the world around them, for which the animators should be getting some kind of recognition, not the people holding the cameras.

It was all consistent with a blockbuster epic, nothing really new as far as the layman understands it. And sorry, but if the technology can't translate into anything noticeably different, then what was the point of all that expensive technology?
Consider this. When was the last mostly 3D blockbuster epic film that came out that wasn't a cartoon inspired design? Probably Beowulf? Look at that film and look at Avatar. The point that there's nothing noticeably different from a blockbuster epic (aka looking natural as I said in my previous post) goes to show that Avatar did something that most other mo-capped and 3D film hasn't done; make the film look natural. It's like the uncanny valley for film and while I'm not dismissing the talents of the animators; it goes to show that the closer they take it away from a computer and more to the camera, the more natural they can film something that it can convince people it's like a real film as opposed to something as janky as Beowulf. That is the point of all the expensive tech, to make before the unnatural into feeling natural.

Lighting played almost no role in the film (whether someone painstakingly sought out particularly lit shots or not). The simple fact they went back and retouched every scene says a lot.

Who doesn't these days? Even Bruno Delbonnel and Yates went back and brightened up the film in post-production. Does this mean it's not deserving of the oscar nomination?
Whether they use blue-screen or not is irrelevant IMO. I would say it makes it a bit trickier, although I have not much knowlege about these technical things.

And probably most obviously, the camera angles and shots were nothing impressive. It was all consistent with a blockbuster epic, nothing really new as far as the layman understands it.

But this is more the director's call than the DP's.

Here's a good article on Avatar's cinematography compared with the other nominees http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2010/02/avatars-cinematographer-on-lighting-a-nonexistent-world-in-3-d.html

“The most difficult part is marrying those two images,” Fiore said of working with a physical set that exists in a virtual world. For a scene that takes place outside a research laboratory on one of Pandora’s floating mountains, for example, the physical set consisted of two structures and scattered Pandoran shrubbery. The entire backdrop—including the light source—was represented on set only by a green screen. Fiore thus had to light the characters and structures on set according to where the sun would be had the characters actually been on Pandora and not on a soundstage in New Zealand.
Fiore says shooting with a green screen is nothing new for most D.P.s, but the scope of Avatar was bigger than anything he had ever seen. “It was tricky because every scene involved some sort of interactive light,” he added.

But this is more the director's call than the DP's.

Here's a good article on Avatar's cinematography compared with the other nominees http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2010/02/avatars-cinematographer-on-lighting-a-nonexistent-world-in-3-d.html

Thanks for that :)

If you ask me, this solidifies the notion that Avatar wasn't deserving of the award for cinematography...

By the time Fiore was brought in, Avatar was just wrapping its 18-month motion-capture production. Though nearly 70 percent of what you see onscreen is produced by motion-capture and C.G.I. technologies (neither of which Fiore was directly involved with), the entire production bears the mark of the D.P.’s lighting designs.

Ok, so he was involved with the lighting and maybe that was a bit tricky because of the nature of the production...so what? Unless I'm missing something, it sounds to me like Fiore had a LOT less to do than Delbonnel and the others who actually had to produce the onscreen images through their camera work. Now sure HBP was fairly CGI heavy too, but there was still a lot of actual filming that took place either in the studio or on location somewhere. It wasn't just plopping motion captured characters into a CGI world. At most HBP is what, 25% CGI? So Delbonnel did like 75% of the work for his movie and Fiore only did 30% yet he's the one who wins...now does that seem fair to you? ;)

You know, it's fine to give Avatar the award for visual effects since they were so spectacular (during certain points of the movie at least) and "revolutionary" or whatever...but cinematography is a different entity and it doesn't seem like there was really that much required, it was the motion capture and CGI technology that was doing most of the work :lol: So I agree with Rabastan here. If anything, it should be the animators who get recognized, not the DP. :relax:

When was the last mostly 3D blockbuster epic film that came out that wasn't a cartoon inspired design?

Blockbuster epic was not a compliment. And seeing it 3D I felt was a complete waste of time and $2.

Who doesn't these days? Even Bruno Delbonnel and Yates went back and brightened up the film in post-production. Does this mean it's not deserving of the oscar nomination?

You'll be glad to know I'm also skeptical of HBP's nomination (so at least I'm a consistent dinosaur), but I probably should rewatch that one at least. What of the other three? Do you think Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds or The White Ribbon were in need of retouching? Nope.

Here's a good article on Avatar's cinematography compared with the other nominees ...

All that article tells me is that the DP's job was practically done for him and that James Cameron has good PR.

Obviously there are enough people who think Avatar deserved it and my opinion is just one of many different ones. The Academy also thought Fiore deserved the Oscar so he won, but nothing I'm hearing is convincing me he would have been my vote (and really, I've heard it all before, I've seen the film, and I'm still not impressed).

It's best not to give out serious suggestions to things that lost their significance long ago.

Well thankyou for the advice.

Although it is odd that something apparently lacking "significance" has managed to provoke 15 pages of discussion.

Thanks for that :)
Ok, so he was involved with the lighting and maybe that was a bit tricky because of the nature of the production...so what?
Lighting is the chief responsibility of the DP.

It wasn't just plopping motion captured characters into a CGI world.

No, because this has nothing to do with cinematography.

...but cinematography is a different entity and it doesn't seem like there was really that much required, it was the motion capture and CGI technology that was doing most of the work :lol:

It is a different entity, but I think you are confusing cinematography with motion capture and animation.

Unless I'm missing something, it sounds to me like Fiore had a LOT less to do than Delbonnel and the others who actually had to produce the onscreen images through their camera work.

It's much easier to light real live sets and actors...

I'm not sure about your response there but the point I was trying to make was simply that there was apparently very little required of Avatar's cinematographer due to so much being motion captured and CGI'd. Thus Fiore's recognition is unjustified, IMO. As director of photography he should be required to do a heck of a lot more than just lighting...

I'd say he Fiore wasn't even deserving of nomination yet alone the win...but I digress. I just hope in the years to follow they recognize the distinction between computer generated and live action filming and look more closely at how much the DP actually had to do or not do before making their decision. :relax: If not it's not fair to the others.

Blockbuster epic was not a compliment. And seeing it 3D I felt was a complete waste of time and $2.

but nothing I'm hearing is convincing me he would have been my vote (and really, I've heard it all before, I've seen the film, and I'm still not impressed).
The interesting thing is that it's the people who are in the know of the industry that at least recognizes it deserves the vote. Also just interpretting your blockbuster comment as not even a compliment but to indicate that even if it was schlocky blockbustery, it was natural enough to be "mistaken" as one, as opposed to a 3D headache with clipping, framejumping and poor direction.
Well thankyou for the advice.

Although it is odd that something apparently lacking "significance" has managed to provoke 15 pages of discussion.
Check your PM.

Check your PM.

I have, thankyou.

Thus Fiore's recognition is unjustified, IMO. As director of photography he should be required to do a heck of a lot more than just lighting...

Here again, I don't think you understand the definition of cinematography. It is above all to make lighting choices. Depending on the director, the DP can some take creative control in terms of angles and framing, but is solely in charge of lighting composition.

Avatar was different as footage was created in layers rather than simultaneously. Was Fiore's accomplishment "unworthy" because it broke with the traditional practice? Not only the Academy, but more importantly the cinematographers guild chose to nominate his work (while Delbonnel was left off that list). The new technology makes it difficult to separate the animator's job with the DPs, but that doesn't mean Fiore's work should be so easily dismissed.

An article from American Cinematographer, the second half focuses on Fiore's work www.theasc.com/magazine_dynamic/January2010/Avatar/page1.php

Um, most of Avatar is shot with a camera. Just because there's alot of CG in the shot doesn't mean anything, there's still a camera shooting that. How is shooting an entire film with 3D technology not an accomplishment? The 3D wasn't added in post production, it was shot that way, the first film of it's kind. It's not hard to believe that the film would be considered for best cinematography, I mean, it did do something remarkable with it.

I don't care one way or the other. I seriously doubt it will make an impact beyond it being the second time the Academy has done this.

It was a nice show, but nothing to jump up and down about. I liked the dancers, but that was all. I'm glad Jeff Bridges won.

There were 2 Oscar wins that surprised me last Sunday: The Hurt Locker taking Best Sound Mixing (I figured Avatar was a lock in that category, and more deserving anyway), and Precious writer Geoffrey Fletcher winning Best Adapted Screenplay (I haven't seen the film I predicted would win, Up in the Air, but I don't think Precious' script deserved to win).

There were 2 Oscar wins that surprised me last Sunday: The Hurt Locker taking Best Sound Mixing (I figured Avatar was a lock in that category, and more deserving anyway), and Precious writer Geoffrey Fletcher winning Best Adapted Screenplay (I haven't seen the film I predicted would win, Up in the Air, but I don't think Precious' script deserved to win).

While I agree with you about the Hurt Locker in this regard, I have to disagree about Precious. It as soul destroying to watch, and her absolute courage and fear in the face of everthing she had to deal with was very well brought across. There were bad things on top of bad things, and yet there were funny moments here and there, and her overall development was very well brought across, sometimes in just a few words she would mutter here or there. I honestly thought that script was amazing, to be honest. That said, I haven't seen Up in the Air, but I did read the book, which was very original.

I was surprised with the Academy's decision about the screenplay awards. As stated above...Precious? Really?

And for the original screenplay, that one really belonged to Inglourious Basterds.

I haven't seen the film I predicted would win, Up in the Air, but I don't think Precious' script deserved to win.

How can you make a judgment like that without having seen the film? Precious was quite good. Have you seen it? Up in the Air was OK, but I honestly don't see what everyone was flipping out over - definitely didn't deserve to win a thing in my book.

How can you make a judgment like that without having seen the film? Precious was quite good. Have you seen it? Up in the Air was OK, but I honestly don't see what everyone was flipping out over - definitely didn't deserve to win a thing in my book.

Yes, I have seen Precious, and I didn't say it was a bad film. On the contrary, I thought it was very good, and a solid script - but, again, not Oscar-worthy, in my opinion.

Yes, I have seen Precious, and I didn't say it was a bad film. On the contrary, I thought it was very good, and a solid script - but, again, not Oscar-worthy, in my opinion.

I'd be interested to know what you thought was not Oscar-worthy about it or what better adapted screenplays there were out there, since you haven't even seen the one you thought should win.

I'd be interested to know what you thought was not Oscar-worthy about it or what better adapted screenplays there were out there, since you haven't even seen the one you thought should win.

Well, I don't necessarily think Up in the Air should have won, I thought it would win; I don't make predictions based on preferences, but on critical reaction(s) and on the award winners up to that point. As for Precious, I found it a bit TOO melodramatic for my taste, and thought it lacked a conclusion - there was some emotional climax, of course, and I don't oppose "ambiguous" endings, but it felt too open-ended to me.

Well I actually thought Avatar was going to win best picture( as many of you I'm sure) but I saw The Hurt locker and it´s very good, I could not believe it was a low budget movie, and Jeremy Renner was awsome :tu:

the bad thing was that before watching it , I had investigated the ending so, I already knew how it ended before I saw it :no: bad idea :p

in general the show was nice, but I liked Hugh Jackman a lot better last year so it wasn´t really that fantastic as the producers want us to think.

Well I actually thought Avatar was going to win best picture( as many of you I'm sure) but I saw The Hurt locker and it´s very good, I could not believe it was a low budget movie, and Jeremy Renner was awsome :tu:

the bad thing was that before watching it , I had investigated the ending so, I already knew how it ended before I saw it :no: bad idea :p

in general the show was nice, but I liked Hugh Jackman a lot better last year so it wasn´t really that fantastic as the producers want us to think.

I made a beet on Avatar not winning late last year, and my brother thought I'd lost my mind. But my bet came through. It's a fact; the only science fiction/fantasy film ever to win Best Picture was Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. It just does not happen. If it's a choice between a real life, honestly-happpening film like The Hurt Locker, or Avatar, which was brilliant but not so much on a par with a bomb disposal squad, which is a realistic interpretation of the present international situation, there was no way a fantasy film would beat that.

And though I'm sure The Hurt Locker is a great film (In fact I honestly look foward to seeing it!), it irks me that fantasy work is never rewarded. Might just be me being moany though!! :D

the bad thing was that before watching it , I had investigated the ending so, I already knew how it ended before I saw it ... bad idea

Just knowing the ending isn't really enough to prepare you for the stark contrast you are forced to experience. I found it gut-wrenching and I doubt that would have changed even if I knew the ending beforehand.

Well, I don't necessarily think Up in the Air should have won, I thought it would win; I don't make predictions based on preferences, but on critical reaction(s) and on the award winners up to that point.

Ah, sorry, that makes sense I guess, but the Oscars really surprise everyone, and not always for the better.

Ah, sorry, that makes sense I guess, but the Oscars really surprise everyone, and not always for the better.

Like the fact that every nomination for Best Film was given time over the whole evening, and then at the end Tom Hanks just came out with the winner, his general manner being that which I usually tell people my birthday? :D All that pomp and ceremony, and then he just finishes the show with a five second speech about Casablanca! :D I'm not sure whether I liked or loathed it, but it did surprise me!! :D

Haha, at that point, I'm glad he just came out and said it. The show was already running quite long. XD