January 27, 2004

Oscar Nominations

Actress

Keisha Castle-Hughes Whale Rider

I haven't seen this, but I can't help but wish the younger actress slot had gone to Evan Rachel Wood, because she is amazing.

Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give

I haven't seen this, and I have no doubt that she would give a great acceptance speech, and I really like her, but I don't think they'll give it to her for this role over Charlize.

Samantha Morton in In America

It is without the slightest trace of shame that I admit that while sitting on my bed this morning to watch the announcements, my hands flew to my mouth, I stood up, my eyes widened in shock and then filled with tears, and I started jumping up and down when her name was called, (not insignificantly) in manner of Elliot when he realizes that E.T. is still alive. I immediately called my sister who laughed at my emotional outburst and said, "I knew you wanted her to get nominated, but I thought she had no chance! Maybe now people will start to believe us when we tell them how good this movie is! Shit!" Seriously. Of all the actors on this list in every category, I can't imagine an actor who deserves the recognition more than she does for pouring her heart and guts out for us in this little movie that I love so damn much.

Charlize Theron in Monster

From what everyone is saying, she's a lock. I haven't seen this movie yet and don't know if I will. I like her, though. She seems plucky and smart.

Naomi Watts in 21 Grams

This movie is on my must-see list.

Note: Where in the name of all things fair and holy is Scarlett Johansson? Fucking hell! I guess her two performances split the vote, and that is a crying shame.

Supporting Actress

Shohreh Aghdashloo in House of Sand and Fog

I have no idea who this is and have not seen this movie. It looks very dark and depressing.

P@tricia Cl@rkson in Piece$ of Apri1

Well, wouldn't it be awesome to see a native win? I've worked with her mother before, and that is one damn proud mother.

Marcia Gay Harden in Mystic River

I'll repeat what I said about her before: She is a fine, fine actress. I've liked her ever since a little movie called Late for Dinner. Just bite me ten times over this one. It's sweet.

Holly Hunter in Thirteen

She can basically do no wrong in my eyes. I haven't seen this, and her long bushy hair of late is disturbing, but I love her. Has she ever given a poor performance? No. No, she has not. I've been walking around all winter saying, "This is not my hideous coat."

Renée Zellweger in Cold Mountain

Sigh. I think she might win, but I think it will be a career nod for things like Nurse Betty and Bridget Jones and Chicago, which frankly I thought she deserved to win for over Nicole Kidman last year, rather than for Ruby.

Actor

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean

I have recurring lusty dreams about Johnny Depp.

Ben Kingsley in House of Sand and Fog

Ben Kingsley plays the King of Siam on a studio recording of the music from The King and I to Julie Andrews' Anna, and I love it. Hence, I've got a little Ben Kingsley love going on.

Jude Law in Cold Mountain

Hot. So hot. Searingly, blindingly hot. However, I wish that Paddy Considine from In America had taken either this slot or Johnny Depp's, much as I fancy them both and look forward to gazing longingly at their visages on Oscar night.

Bill Murray in Lost in Translation

He's my favorite for this, and I think it's between him and Sean Penn. He was brilliant in this movie, and frankly, this would also serve as a long overdue recognition of (dead serious here) What About Bob?

Sean Penn in Mystic River

Clearly he's the favorite among the critical masses. I thought he deserved to win for Dead Man Walking, but Nicolas Cage beat him. I don't know. I haven't seen this, so I can't choose him over Bill Murray, but I guess I'd be fine if he were to win, because I do have a lot of respect for him as an actor. Plus, hot.

Supporting Actor

Alec Baldwin in The Cooler

I haven't seen this, but overall, Alec Baldwin gives me the heebs.

Benicio Del Toro in 21 Grams

After winning just two years ago, it would irk me if he won again so soon.

Djimon Hounsou in In America

I thought his storyline and performance were the weakest in a movie of mindblowingly strong performances, but I can't complain about anything in this movie getting recognized, so I was pleased as punch to hear his name called.

Tim Robbins in Mystic River

He's bound to make a sweet and intelligent speech, so I'd enjoy his victory, I'm sure.

Ken Watanabe in The Last Samurai

I have not seen this due to my Cruise boycott, and I have no idea who this is.

Note: Sad that Albert Finney wasn't recognized for Big Fish.

Picture

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

I hope it takes it for admittedly sentimental reasons. If the third time doesn't prove to be the charm, I think part of me will always be a little bit sad for everyone involved. Maybe that's stupid, but there it is.

Lost in Translation

If not Return of the King, I'd like to see this win. I thought it was technically and artistically and emotionally perfect and a film that never met someone who didn't really love it for his or her personal reasons. It just hits you square in the heart no matter where you are in life, whether you're a man or a woman, no matter how old you are, no matter who you are. There are little perfect moments in this film that I think are burned into everyone's memories, and everyone has different little moments that he or she won't forget.

Master and Commander: Far Side of the World

Whatever, haven't seen it. Love Peter Weir, but haven't seen it.

Mystic River

My sister and I tried to go see this the other night but decided we weren't up for all of the pain, suffering, and anguish and went for Thai food instead. Like a DUMBASS, I read spoilers and know how it ends, and I hate myself for that, but I know I will still end up seeing it before Oscar night.

Seabiscuit

Loved it on both first and second viewings. I guess this is this year's Chocolat or Cider House Rules, the lovely, touching, well-made feel good film that has no chance in hell.

OH, MY GOD. "A KISS AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW" IS NOMINATED FOR BEST SONG. If that doesn't warrant all caps, I sincerely do not know what does.

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