Oh, the Oscars…

As I sit here watching the State of the Union address, I can’t help but think about the important votes that are soon to be cast… unfortunately I’m not allowed to vote in this election. Only members of the Academy are allowed to submit a ballot. (What did you think I was talking about?)

For the record, I believe that Best Picture should be awarded to new and innovative films, that get other filmmakers excited about the future of filmmaking, and films that mark a departure from the stale styles of the past. I wish the Academy agreed with me.

The nominations were announced today. Here are my opinions.

1. Hollywood is obsessed with itself.

If you’ve ever seen an Oscar telecast, you know that there never fails to be SEVERAL montages celebrating various aspects of filmmaking and film history. This self-obsessed tendency has been further expressed in the 2 top nominated films – The Artist and Hugo. Don’t get me wrong, I eat it up. But I don’t think celebrating film history equals a Best Picture.

2. I don’t get The Descendants hype.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie. But it was good, not GREAT. I thought it was fairly basic, and didn’t show us anything especially new or interesting that is worthy of the praise it has received. I loved George Clooney. Didn’t care for the teenage daughter.

3. George Clooney and Meryl Streep

Best Actor and Actress will be more lifetime achievement awards than accolades for the specific roles. George Clooney will most likely win, and it will be a message from the Academy saying “George, you’ve been doing good these last few years. We’ve noticed.” And if Meryl wins, “Meryl, we hear you’re not satisfied with your 14 nominations and 2 statuettes. Here’s ANOTHER one, for longevity, even though your movie sucked.” I hope Viola Davis wins.

4. Yay Jonah Hill! See Moneyball if you haven’t already.

5. Yay Rooney Mara!

She was fantastic. I don’t think Dragon Tattoo should have won, but I would have preferred it get a nomination rather than The Descendants, or…

6. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

How did this get nominated? I admit I have not seen it. But I didn’t bother seeing it because it got mediocre reviews, and I figured it wouldn’t be nominated… I guess I forgot how much Hollywood loves Tom Hanks…

7. Shocked and happy about Tree of Life

This was a tough film. Beautiful, but tough. Very artsy, the type of film that you needs your focus while watching, and consciously think “I am appreciating this piece of film”. And I love that Terrence Malick got the director nod. Sorry Spielberg.

8. Rango should win.

Period. I wish it was able to be nominated for cinematography.

9. Bridesmaids!

Comedy is tough, and I’m glad when it gets the respect it deserves. I thought about praising the all women cast, but I won’t. Talent is talent; funny is funny.

10. Drive

…was not nominated. Ok, I get it. Not the Academy’s taste. But Albert Brooks should have been nominated for Best Supporting.

11. I’m unimpressed that Martin Scorsese made a 3D movie. 3D is a shiny toy, it doesn’t replace good storytelling. (note: I liked Hugo.)

Now My Best Pictures (plus my Honorable Mentions)