Okay, the nominations are out, what do people think?

[Rywill]

Best Picture: I'm sorry to say that, unlike last year, I don't think LOTR should win this year. I haven't made it to "The Pianist" yet and I'm not going to see "The Hours," but "Chicago" was so good that I hope it wins (with 13 nominations, I think it has a good chance).

Director: I notice Peter Jackson (LOTR) is the only director of a best picture nominee who did not get nominated in this category. That's a shame, because he deserved a nomination probably more than anyone this year. TTT, despite its flaws, is still an incredible movie, and really almost all because of him. Oh well. I have to go with "Chicago" again--Marshall did an amazing job adapting a stage musical to film, terrific work with his actors (particularly editing around Zellwiger's lack of dancing ability), and the whole movie just had a great look and feel. If Scorcese wins for "Gangs" I'll be really disappointed.

Actor: Probably going to be Day-Lewis or Nicholson, and I think it's a really interesting choice. They both did great jobs, but in roles that are polar opposites of one another. Which does the academy respect more: an understated, controlled, emotional role, or an over-the-top insane role? We'll get to find out.

Actress: No comment from me since I only saw one of these performances. I will say this, though--I wonder how they're going to handle the "Chicago" nominations. Will people vote just for the acting part of that role, or will they consider the singing and dancing ability as well?

Supporting Actress: I assume Kathy Bates will win, and deservedly so. She made that movie come alive.

Supporting Actor: This is the hardest category, I think. I didn't see Ed Harris' performance, but the other four are all absolutely excellent and would be sure winners in any other year. I think I'd give the edge to Christopher Walken--he was perfect in "Catch Me If You Can." The scene in the fancy restaurant is pure gold. But I'd be happy to see pretty much any of these people win. They were all amazing.

[Troy S Goodfellow]

Actress: No comment from me since I only saw one of these performances. I will say this, though--I wonder how they're going to handle the "Chicago" nominations. Will people vote just for the acting part of that role, or will they consider the singing and dancing ability as well?

Of course they'll consider the singing and dancing part. That's a big part of the performance. Without the singing and dancing, Chicago wouldn't have been as special as it was and neither would the performances.

Chicago is the heavy favorite for Picture, and should win easily.

I think Michael Caine will win Best Actor - the recent wide release of The Quiet American should help his performance stay fresh.

I think you are right on Walken though I think Zeta-Jones will take Best Supp Actress.

Troy

[Anonymous]

See The Hours

[Desslock]

Best Picture: yet and I'm not going to see "The Hours," but "Chicago" was so good that I hope it wins (with 13 nominations, I think it has a good chance).

Well, you'll be happy to hear that it has essentially already won. The only movie that could possibly upset Chicago is the Hours, and that is highly unlikely. I'm not sure Chicago would make my top 100 of the year, heh.


Director: I notice Peter Jackson (LOTR) is the only director of a best picture nominee who did not get nominated in this category. That's a shame, because he deserved a nomination probably more than anyone this year. TTT, despite its flaws, is still an incredible movie, and really almost all because of him.

This is probably the most open category. Other than Almodovar (a great nomination), any of the other 4 could still win, although Polanski's chances are slim because of his history. Marshell will likely win.


Actor: Probably going to be Day-Lewis or Nicholson, and I think it's a really interesting choice.

Yes. Those are the only potential winners. Too close to call, but I'll pick Day-Lewis (who deserves it). Strong category, as usual.


Actress: No comment from me since I only saw one of these performances. I will say this, though--I wonder how they're going to handle the "Chicago" nominations. Will people vote just for the acting part of that role, or will they consider the singing and dancing ability as well?

If Zellweger wins this, Chicago will have a completely dominant night, but I don't think she will win. Likely Julianne Moore, for far from Heaven.


Supporting Actress: I assume Kathy Bates will win, and deservedly so. She made that movie come alive.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a shoe-in for this category.


Supporting Actor: This is the hardest category, I think.

You might be right. I'll guess Chris Cooper, given his performance here and in American Beauty (for which he didn't win).

Others:

Adapted Screenplay
- Chicago will win.
It's a travesty that Two Towers isn't nominated in this category.

Original Screenplay;
A surprising category - it may be the one award that Gangs of New York wins, but it could go to any of the others.

Cinematography:
-Chicago will win.

Again, Two Towers should be here. It's also a joke that Two Towers wasn't nominated for Costume Design or Makeup (Frida? The Time Machine? what a joke).

No one respects the Oscars any more, but they're too big an event in that industry to ignore, either. The nominations are generally more interesting than the awards, and that's certainly the case this year, since the fix is already in for Chicago.

[Jason McMaster]

My only call is that Day-Lewis should win. I didn't love Gangs but because he was in it, I have a strong like for it.

[Anonymous]

I think Insomnia could have got nominations for Robin Williams for Best Supporting or Al Pacino.

It's ridiculous the way movies that don't come out in the last week of the year are ignored, which in turn encourages studios not to release any Oscar-hopeful movies until the last week of the year.

[Jupiter Jones]

Adpated: "About A Boy" should win. It was the best movie I saw all year.

"Attack Of The Clones" sound was incredible. The movie sucked, but the sound was amazing. It should have been nominated.

[graller]

Far From Heaven - Who here saw it? It struck me as the type of movie the film industry likes to pat itself on the back for. Controversial story - Gay husband, interracial, Incredibly styled production - its the first 2 hour leave it to beaver episode I have ever seen, Phenomenal acting by Moore and Hasbert <Pres from 24> and the most BORING 2 hours I have ever spent in a movie theatre

[Ergo]

Far From Heaven - Who here saw it? It struck me as the type of movie the film industry likes to pat itself on the back for. Controversial story - Gay husband, interracial, Incredibly styled production - its the first 2 hour leave it to beaver episode I have ever seen, Phenomenal acting by Moore and Hasbert <Pres from 24> and the most BORING 2 hours I have ever spent in a movie theatre

You and I must have seen different versions of the film.

[Jason Becker]

Gangs of New York for best picture? Would this movie even have been noticed if it hadn't directed by Martin Scorscese? I jusr see the usual Oscar stuff. I mean at least awards like the Golden Globes will be a bit diffrent every now and then. The Oscars is just the same type of stuff year in and year out.

[VegasRobb]

Nicole Kidman was sooooo good in The Hours.

I'm a little torn on best picture, I honestly wouldn't have a problem with Chicago, The Hours or Two Towers winning. I feel The Pianist and Gangs are a little overrated. Overrated like along the lines of "wow, these two good directors actually made a decent film, we better recognize and possibly award them." Would that be called Al Pacino syndrome?

Best Actor - Day-Lewis

Actress - Kidman

Supporting Actress - Does Julienne Moore have a shot here at all? Streep should have been nominated for The Hours.

Supporting Actor - John C Reilly was in 3 of the 5 best picture nominees. He's a longshot to win here tho I think

Director - Stephen Daldry. I agree about Peter Jackson being left out. Least TTT picked up something.

And I agree that the end of December release thing gets a little old, but it is nice to have decent movies to see in during the winter. Alot of this stuff would get lost if they came out during the summer.