Thoughts On the 2012 Oscar Nominations

I was laying in bed after the nominations had already been announced, grabbed my phone and saw the list. My first reaction was: The Tree of Life? What the hell?

It’s a beautiful movie to look at. Look at. That’s it. It leaves you with no emotional response after leaving the theater, nothing. I’m actually mad that the Academy snubbed Girl with the Dragon Tattoo over this.

Best Picture: War Horse, The Artist, Moneyball, The Descendants, The Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, The Help, Hugo, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

War Horse was another Huh? It’s expected for the Academy to nominate this Oscar bait of a movie but this was a paint-by-numbers film that Spielberg could have done in his sleep. In fact, he may have. Didn’t he have 3 other films released this year? (It was only Tintin, I know. I was making a joke.).

I”m completely disappointed that these two films were included in the nominations.

I was happy to see that The Artist, Moneyball and The Descendants were nominated. Fantastic films that deserve recognition and more eyeballs to watch. 

Best Actress: Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs; Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo; Viola Davis, The Help; Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady; Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Yes! Rooney Mara was recognized for Dragon Tattoo! She was great and this was well deserved. Other than that, the rest were all expected. Great work by all.

Best Actor: Demian Bichir, A Better Life; George Clooney, The Descendants; Jean Dujardin, The Artist; Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Say what you want about Brad Pitt and George Clooney but you have to give it to them: They’re both terrific actors. I’d give Pitt the leg up in this race though. Although, Gary Oldman could take this – he was incredible in Tinker Tailor. Demian Bichir‘s nomination is nice to see. A hard working actor who was wonderful in A Better Life. The actual film… [shoulder shrug]. And what happened to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for 50/50?

Supporting Actress: Berenice Bejo, The Artist; Jessica Chastain, The Help; Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids; Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs; Octavia Spencer, The Help

Another Yes! for Octavia Spencer. Please movie Gods, let her take home this statue. Jessica Chastain had a banner year but Spencer should win this one.

Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn; Jonah Hill, Moneyball; Nick Nolte, Warrior; Christopher Plummer, Beginners; Max von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Jonah Hill over Albert Brooks? Uh, ok. Hey, he was really good but Brooks in Drive good? No way. I love that Nick Nolte was given props for Warrior but I think this is Christopher Plummer‘s year.