As Promised...

Ok, here's my review of the Oscar nominations for this year. For a list of the nominees, click here: Oscar Nominees
A word of warning: I won't make a complete rundown of all the categories - just the ones that interest me the most.
Best Picture: The nominees this year were definitely not hits at the box office. I hadn't even heard of Capote or Good Night and Good Luck prior to the annoucement of their nominations. I've heard much about Brokeback Mountain, and I predict that it will win the Oscar. I respect this film for presenting a topic with which many, many people are uncomfortable. I also respect it for being able to stand up to so many humorous and at times very crude jokes and jabs. I've read a little about Munich, mainly in my hometown paper, where it was strongly critiqued, and I've read some about Crash, in the same manner, in the same light. I really don't know which film deserves to win, but my money (well, if I had any) is on Brokeback Mountain. Oh, and what happened to Walk the Line and Cinderella Man? They were pretty big box-office hits and I think they were pretty good films. Why were they passed over?
Best Director: Again, I've not seen the films, so I have nothing to go on except for what I've said about the films themselves. My money is on Ang Lee for Brokeback Mountain.
Best Actor: Finally! Some names I recognize! I actually did see one actor in his nominated role - Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line, and he has my vote to win the Oscar, although with Philip Seymour Hoffman of Capote is where I'll place my money. Joaquin Phoenix busted his butt to play Johnny Cash in Walk the Line - I think that deserves the Oscar. I think Brokeback Mountain will have a Titanic victory, in that it will win most of its nominations, excepting those for Best Actor and Actress. Hoffman has been the favorite for the Golden Globe and the SAG awards and I see no reason not to continue the trend. I would have liked to have seen Russell Crowe nominated for Cinderella Man, but I haven't yet seen the film, so I'll reserve judgment for later.
Best Actress: I'm torn on this category. I either want Keira Knightley or Reese Witherspoon to win. I didn't see Pride and Prejudice, although I wanted to something fierce, but I have seen Walk the Line, and I know that Reese Witherspoon deserves that Oscar for what she accomplished as June Carter Cash. I am a great fan of Knightley's, and I'd like to see her win, but I really hope to see Witherspoon take home the gold.
Best Supporting Actor: This catergory has me the most upset. Why the hell did they nominate William Hurt for A History of Violence? He's in the film for maybe five minutes, and I don't care if he was in it for an hour, that film doesn't deserve to send nominees anywhere, least of all to the Oscars! Now, don't get me wrong, I think William Hurt is a good actor, and I love him as Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre and as The Doctor in The Doctor. But come on! There are more talented actors out there who deserve this nod (I call it a nod because I think he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning). I can name one: Sean Bean. Sean Bean appeared in Flightplan and North Country this past year. North Country is twice nominated this year for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress - why not a Best Supporting Actor? I haven't seen the film, but I know that Sean Bean has acted in gobs of movies, portraying the entire gamut of antagonists and occasionally protagonists - why shouldn't he get a break now? Besides, he just happens to be the hottest man alive - that has to count for something! Other than that, I have no idea who should win, but I'd fancy seeing Paul Giamatti win for Cinderella Man, a film that was overlooked in both the Best Film and Best Actor categories.
Best Supporting Actress: Hands down, my vote is on Rachel Weisz. She endeared herself to me as Evie in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, and I genuinely think she should win. She's been the favorite so far, why not at the Oscars as well?
Best Original Score: I'm going to have to go with John Williams. I haven't seen any of the films or heard any of the scores, but John Williams kicks butt as a composer. He's nominated twice, and I'll go with either film, as long as he wins.

Well, there you have it. A little scatter-brained, but somewhat coherent. I can't wait until March 5th, when the Academy Awards air, hosted by Jon Stewart. And on that note, I think Jon Stewart will make a good host provided he remembers that this is a celebration of film, not a public forum for political debate and vitriol.