81st Academy Awards - Official Thread

[TJ Wells]

Best Motion Picture of the Year
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Frost/Nixon
- Milk
- The Reader
- Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Directing
- David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
- Gus Van Sant, Milk
- Stephen Daldry, The Reader
- Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
- Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
- Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
- Sean Penn, Milk
- Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
- Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
- Angelina Jolie, Changeling
- Melissa Leo, Frozen River
- Meryl Streep, Doubt
- Kate Winslet, The Reader
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
- Josh Brolin, Milk
- Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
- Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
- Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
- Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
- Amy Adams, Doubt
- Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
- Viola Davis, Doubt
- Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
- Courtney Hunt, Frozen River
- Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
- Martin McDonough, In Bruges
- Dustin Lance Black, Milk
- Andrew Stanton, WALL-E
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
- Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
- Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
- David Hare, The Reader
- Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
- Bolt
- Kung-Fu Panda
- WALL-E
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
- The Baader Meinhoff Complex
- Revanche
- Departures
- The Class
- Waltz with Bashir
Best Documentary, Features
- The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
- Encounters at the End of the World
- The Garden
- Man on Wire
- Trouble the Water
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
- Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- James Newton Howard, Defiance
- Danny Elfman, Milk
- A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
- Thomas Newman, WALL-E
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
- A.R. Rahman & Gulzar for "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire
- A.R. Rahman & M.I.A. for "O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire
- Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman for "Down to Earth" from WALL-E
Best Achievement in Cinematography
- Tom Stern, Changeling
- Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Wally Pfister, The Dark Knight
- Roger Deakins & Chris Menges, The Reader
- Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Editing
- Angus Wall & Kirk Baxter, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Lee Smith, The Dark Knight
- Daniel P. Hanley & Mark Hill, Doubt
- Elliot Graham, Milk
- Chris Dickens, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Achievement in Art Direction
- James J. Murakami & Gary Fettis, Changeling
- Donald G. Burt & Victor J. Zolfo, he Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Nathan Crowley & Peter Lando, The Dark Knight
- Michael Carlin & Rebecca Alleway, The Duchess
- Kristi Zea & Debra Schutt, Revolutionary Road
Best Achievement in Costume Design
- Catherine Martin, Australia
- Jacqueline West, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Michael O'Connor, The Duchess
- Danny Glicker, Milk
- Albert Wolsky, Revolutionary Road
Best Achievement in Makeup
- Greg Cannom, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- The Dark Knight
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Best Achievement in Sound
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- The Dark Knight
- Slumdog Millionaire
- WALL-E
- Wanted
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
- The Dark Knight
- Iron Man
- Slumdog Millionaire
- WALL-E
- Wanted
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- The Dark Knight
- Iron Man
Best Documentary, Short Subjects
- The Conscience of Nhem En
- The Final Inch
- Smile Pinki
- The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306
Best Short Film, Animated
- Lavatory Lovestory
- The House of Small Cubes
- Oktapodi
- Presto
- This Way Up
Best Short Film, Live Action
- On the Line
- Manon on the Asphalt
- New Boy
- The Pig
- Toy Country

[JimmyIymmiJ]

I agree on Wall-E. I think it was the best movie of the year, but it's gonna get screwed out of a Best Picture nomination because it will just get thrown into the Animated category. If I were picking my Best Picture nominations it would be:

Wall-E
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire

[TJ Wells]

I agree on Wall-E. I think it was the best movie of the year, but it's gonna get screwed out of a Best Picture nomination because it will just get thrown into the Animated category. If I were picking my Best Picture nominations it would be:

Wall-E
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
The nice thing is when nom's are announced, you'll know before they even get to the Best Picture category whether it's nominated. No WALL-E in Best Animated equals a Best Picture nomination.

[Ailite]

Best Pictrure will be Benjamin Button. Frost/Nixon, The Dark Knight, Milk, and Slumdog Millionaire. Pains me that Wall-e probably won't get nominated.

[andrewshungry]

Wall-E will definitely not get a best picture nomination, and The Dark Knight will probably not either. Benjamin Button will win.

[Ailite]

Wall-E will definitely not get a best picture nomination, and The Dark Knight will probably not either. Benjamin Button will win.
The Dark Knight definitely will

[JimmyIymmiJ]

The Dark Knight has done very well in getting nominated for best picture in the awards leading up to the Oscars. I tend to think it will get nominated, but it would be a big long shot for the win.

[Adeniz19]

you think TDK AND Wall-E will be nominated? interesting. i hope you're right

edit: nevermind, didnt read you disclaimer at the bottom. i'll post my predictions later

[ActorInThisPlay]

Wall-E shouldn't get a nomination for Best Picture...it was good, but not that good.

The Dark Knight should be nominated but it probably won't be...Heath Ledger will probably get a nomination but that's about it.

[Ailite]

If Heath Ledger doesn't win I think there will be a lot of outrage

[Adeniz19]

Wall-E shouldn't get a nomination for Best Picture...it was good, but not that good.

The Dark Knight should be nominated but it probably won't be...Heath Ledger will probably get a nomination but that's about it.
the only snub TDK has gotten so far, as far as best picture nominations go, has been at the golden globes. every other major award ceremony has recognized it as one of the best pics of the year, so i think the chances of it getting an academy nominations is pretty solid.

[JimmyIymmiJ]

I think Heath Ledger is starting to look like the favorite in his category, actually. I'm anxious to see how the Golden Globes go tonight. He will get nominated. I'm not positive about the movie, though.

[TJ Wells]

I don't think The Dark Knight DESERVES a Best Picture nomination (honestly, I don't even think it deserves to be in the discussion) but i'd be shocked if it wasn't nominated.

[Bob Payne]

Pretty ballsy not putting Ron Howard up for best director, or Frost/Nixon for best picture. I'm pretty sure Frost/Nixon is going to be the sleeping giant this year at the Oscars. Probably best original score, too.

[narcoleptic953]

I think Heath Ledger is starting to look like the favorite in his category, actually. I'm anxious to see how the Golden Globes go tonight. He will get nominated. I'm not positive about the movie, though.

no way in hell Ledger doesn't win the oscar.

[aminorthreat55]

I don't think The Dark Knight DESERVES a Best Picture nomination (honestly, I don't even think it deserves to be in the discussion) but i'd be shocked if it wasn't nominated.
Thank you. I agree.

[fake empire]

How does The Dark Knight not deserve to be in the discussion? You really think Milk is a better movie?

[aminorthreat55]

How does The Dark Knight not deserve to be in the discussion? You really think Milk is a better movie?
There were plenty of movies better than The Dark Knight this year.

[bootsydan]

I can not possibly understand how Benjamin Button is getting so much love. And I do not think the Dark Knight deserves any more nomination than Heather Ledger for supporting actor.

However in saying that I do hope Taraji P. Henson is nominated/wins for her role in Benjamin Button - cause she was amazing. I also think the cinematography in that film was brilliant. I would've picked it hands down for the cinematography win had I not just come back from Slumdog - which I now think will challenge it in that category.

Also, I noticed you didn't put up picks for technical categories like editing, sound, production design, cinematography etc...?

[Just An End]

I really hope Wall-E gets nominated for Best Picture. It deserves better than being associated with crap like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar 2" in the Best Animated category. I didn't see a movie this year that I enjoyed more than Wall-E. That being said, I think it will get overlooked by most for Best Picture since it is animated, which is a shame because it shouldn't matter.

[jwelborn]

-I don't think Wall-E or Benjamin Button will get Best Picture nods, I think Frost/Nixon and maybe The Reader will take their place.

-Best Supporting Actor, I don't really know. I think Brolin for Milk, Ledger for The Dark Knight, and Ralph Fiennes for The Duchess are lock ins.

[Adeniz19]

I think Ben Button is a shoe-in nod. It's the type of film the academy loves. My guesses would be:

Ben Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Frost/Nixon
The Wrestler
Revolutionary Road

Possible spoilers:
The Dark Knight
Doubt
and wall-e (which i find highly unlikely)

[Ailite]

The Dark Knight
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
Frost/Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire

pains me that Wall-e probably won't get nominated

[Adeniz19]

crap, i forgot milk. replace that with RR

[Ailite]

I can't figure out what it was about Revoultionary Road that bothered me so much

[Ailite]

If I had my way, Wall-e would replace Frost/Nixon, which I did love- Wall-e just deserves that nod more.

[MyWorldEntire]

I'm going to be very disappointed if Benjamin Button doesn't win best picture.

[clandestinerdc]

To maybe keep your hopes up both Beauty and the Best and Babe were nominated for best picture.

[Thomas Balkcom]

There were plenty of movies better than The Dark Knight this year.

I can name at least eight or nine offhand.

[pseudonym28]

i would be happy is best picture looked like this


the curious case of benjamin button
slumdog millionaire
the wrestler
Changling
the dark knight or wall-e

[fluke182]

What I want:

Wall-E
Slumdog Millionaire
Let the Right One In
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
In Bruges

What I want (that is semi realistic):

Wall-E
Frost/Nixon
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight

What I think will get nominated:

Frost/Nixon
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight

So essentially replace Wall-E with Milk (which I think is ridiculous - Wall-E is far greater than Milk).

[kaycey]

slumdog millionaire ftw!

[bootsydan]

Movies I've enjoyed this year: Slumdog Millionaire, Burn After Reading, Frost/Nixon, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Movies I've found very overrated: The Dark Knight, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Movies I need to see ASAP: The Reader, The Wrestler, Doubt, Milk, Revolutionary Road, Wall-E, In Bruges, Pineapple Express

[kafe]

I haven't seen most of the films discussed in this thread so I don't have anything to contribute with other than I hope the swedish film Låt Den Rätte Komma In (Let the Right One In) will be nominated for best foreign film. Still haven't seen it but I don't think we've ever won an Acedemy Award and I think it has a better shot of winning than the other swedish film nominated for The Golden Globes.
edit: Oh, we've won 3 Best Foreign Film, but a looong time ago.

[TJ Wells]

I haven't seen most of the films discussed in this thread so I don't have anything to contribute with other than I hope the swedish film Låt Den Rätte Komma In (Let the Right One In) will be nominated for best foreign film. Still haven't seen it but I don't think we've ever won an Acedemy Award and I think it has a better shot of winning than the other swedish film nominated for The Golden Globes.
edit: Oh, we've won 3 Best Foreign Film, but a looong time ago.
yeah those crazy bergman films, they certainly cant be relevant now...

[Recovery Room]

I really hope The Visitor gets as much recognition as you think.

[fluke182]

I haven't seen most of the films discussed in this thread so I don't have anything to contribute with other than I hope the swedish film Låt Den Rätte Komma In (Let the Right One In) will be nominated for best foreign film. Still haven't seen it but I don't think we've ever won an Acedemy Award and I think it has a better shot of winning than the other swedish film nominated for The Golden Globes.
edit: Oh, we've won 3 Best Foreign Film, but a looong time ago.
I really hope it gets nominated as well.
I really hope The Visitor gets as much recognition as you think.
And I also hope this. I loved the Visitor.

[chronomic]

haha has the 'it's now time to be cool by hating in the dark night' phase begun? it was only a matter of time

/blah blah I've always though it was bad, blah blah



;-)

[drudo182]

I think Button needs a best picture nom for sure.

[kafe]

I really hope it gets nominated as well.

Oh you've seen it? I just got the audio book :-)

[batmannj]

the only snub TDK has gotten so far, as far as best picture nominations go, has been at the golden globes. every other major award ceremony has recognized it as one of the best pics of the year, so i think the chances of it getting an academy nominations is pretty solid.

same as what i was thinking. I dont think that Wall-E will get the nod because it does not have enough steam among critics

[batmannj]

-I don't think Wall-E or Benjamin Button will get Best Picture nods, I think Frost/Nixon and maybe The Reader will take their place.

-Best Supporting Actor, I don't really know. I think Brolin for Milk, Ledger for The Dark Knight, and Ralph Fiennes for The Duchess are lock ins.

i ben button is a lock for at least a nomination.

[jwelborn]

Oh you've seen it? I just got the audio book :-)

Let The Right One In was in my top 3 favorite films of 08, I just don't know how much I would enjoy only listening to it.

[stayillogical]

When are the noms announced?

[kafe]

Let The Right One In was in my top 3 favorite films of 08, I just don't know how much I would enjoy only listening to it.

Oh? I was thinking that too but I don't think it's out on dvd yet and it's not in the cinemas still. From the trailer, the movie looks awesome so I think I might actually just wait for it.

When are the noms announced?

First post: "Yeah, way too early, blah blah blah. I'm bored and felt like posting up my picks for nominations (announced 8am EST Tuesday, January 20). Post what you think will be nominated as well:"

[TJ Wells]

Oh? I was thinking that too but I don't think it's out on dvd yet and it's not in the cinemas still. From the trailer, the movie looks awesome so I think I might actually just wait for it.



First post: "Yeah, way too early, blah blah blah. I'm bored and felt like posting up my picks for nominations (announced 8am EST Tuesday, January 20). Post what you think will be nominated as well:"
I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday.

And here's the list of the Foreign Language finalists. WTF, again, another bunch of fuckups. Where's A Christmas Tale? Gomorrah? The Edge of Heaven?

Austria, “Revanche” (Gotz Spielmann, director)
Canada, “The Necessities of Life” (Benoit Pilon, director)
France, “The Class” (Laurent Cantet, director)
Germany, “The Baader Meinhof Complex” (Uli Edel, director)
Israel, “Waltz with Bashir” (Ari Folman, director)
Japan, “Departures” (Yojiro Takita, director)
Mexico, “Tear This Heart Out” (Roberto Sneider, director)
Sweden, “Everlasting Moments” (Jan Troell, director)
Turkey, “3 Monkeys” (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, director)

NOTE: Let the Right One In wasn't eligible.

[Adeniz19]

I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday.

And here's the list of the Foreign Language finalists. WTF, again, another bunch of fuckups. Where's A Christmas Tale? Gomorrah? The Edge of Heaven?

Austria, “Revanche” (Gotz Spielmann, director)
Canada, “The Necessities of Life” (Benoit Pilon, director)
France, “The Class” (Laurent Cantet, director)
Germany, “The Baader Meinhof Complex” (Uli Edel, director)
Israel, “Waltz with Bashir” (Ari Folman, director)
Japan, “Departures” (Yojiro Takita, director)
Mexico, “Tear This Heart Out” (Roberto Sneider, director)
Sweden, “Everlasting Moments” (Jan Troell, director)
Turkey, “3 Monkeys” (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, director)

NOTE: Let the Right One In wasn't eligible.do you have a link to all the finalists in every category?

[kafe]

I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday.

And here's the list of the Foreign Language finalists. WTF, again, another bunch of fuckups. Where's A Christmas Tale? Gomorrah? The Edge of Heaven?

Austria, “Revanche” (Gotz Spielmann, director)
Canada, “The Necessities of Life” (Benoit Pilon, director)
France, “The Class” (Laurent Cantet, director)
Germany, “The Baader Meinhof Complex” (Uli Edel, director)
Israel, “Waltz with Bashir” (Ari Folman, director)
Japan, “Departures” (Yojiro Takita, director)
Mexico, “Tear This Heart Out” (Roberto Sneider, director)
Sweden, “Everlasting Moments” (Jan Troell, director)
Turkey, “3 Monkeys” (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, director)

NOTE: Let the Right One In wasn't eligible.

Oh okay. That's a weird list, haven't heard of any of those and the swedish finalist seems just such a whatever while Let the Right One In is on imdb's top 250 (which might not be a legit list, but still)

edit: Was it you who had the avatar of the picture of Eli? I remember seeing it and not knowing where it was from until I visited LTROI's imdb page.

[stayillogical]

Oh? I was thinking that too but I don't think it's out on dvd yet and it's not in the cinemas still. From the trailer, the movie looks awesome so I think I might actually just wait for it.



First post: "Yeah, way too early, blah blah blah. I'm bored and felt like posting up my picks for nominations (announced 8am EST Tuesday, January 20). Post what you think will be nominated as well:"

:hitself:

I'm on my phone. Didn't bother reading anything. Thanks. I wasn't sure if it was 20th or 21st.

[kafe]

:hitself:

I'm on my phone. Didn't bother reading anything. Thanks. I wasn't sure if it was 20th or 21st.

I was wrong too, update from OP: "http://images.absolutepunk.net/images/buttons/arrow.gif (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=32387872#post32387 872)I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday."

[jwelborn]

I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday.

Do you know the time and will it be on NBC? I would like to set my dvr.

[TJ Wells]

Oh okay. That's a weird list, haven't heard of any of those and the swedish finalist seems just such a whatever while Let the Right One In is on imdb's top 250 (which might not be a legit list, but still)

edit: Was it you who had the avatar of the picture of Eli? I remember seeing it and not knowing where it was from until I visited LTROI's imdb page.
yeah

[TJ Wells]

Do you know the time and will it be on NBC? I would like to set my dvr.
they usually start the announcement right around 5am pacific, and most morning shows usually air it.

[TJ Wells]

I've heard The Class and Waltz with Bashir are incredible, but I haven't even heard of any of the other ones. I am interested in 3 Monkeys, though, as the director's last film, Climates, was incredible.

[clandestinerdc]

Why isn't Let the Right One In eligible?

[kafe]

yeah

Awesome.

Why isn't Let the Right One In eligible?

Apperantly we had a "better" movie out this year.

[TJ Wells]

The rule of "each country gets only one nominee" is the dumbest thing I think the Academy has.

[aminorthreat55]

The rule of "each country gets only one nominee" is the dumbest thing I think the Academy has.
This.

I'm bummed that the two Foreign Film submissions I actually saw this year weren't picked, especially given how good Eldorado (Belgium's submission) was.

[TJ Wells]

The Class, Waltz with Bashir, A Christmas Tale, Let the Right One In, Tokyo Sonata would be my picks in a perfect world.

[fluke182]

The rule of "each country gets only one nominee" is the dumbest thing I think the Academy has.
That's why Let the Right One In didn't get in? In that case, I officially am boycotting Sweden.

Also, I must admit, I was not a huge fan of A Christmas Tale. Saw it last night and found it to be overly long and poorly paced. Very good performances, but it dragged pretty bad.

[Ailite]

Is I've Loved You So Long considered foreign?

[TJ Wells]

Is I've Loved You So Long considered foreign?
I would assume so.

[Just An End]

I just saw Gran Torino and it was much better than I expected. I know the Academy always seems to nominate Clint Eastwood movies, but I actually think this one deserves it. I thought it was much better than Million Dollar Baby

[JHSace923]

Harry over at AICN has written a little on the faults of the Foreign Film category, as well as explaining how Let The Right One In wasn't nominated.
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39752

[yakob89]

I just saw Gran Torino and it was much better than I expected. I know the Academy always seems to nominate Clint Eastwood movies, but I actually think this one deserves it. I thought it was much better than Million Dollar Baby

Ok so I rented million dollar baby to see what it's all about and I enjoyed I just was so depressed after words. I felt near the end it kinda drag. So how was gran Torino it didn't drag and was pretty good at keepin you engaged?

[bootsydan]

I saw the trailer for Gran Torino and couldn't believe it was for real. Had it not been for the fact that it was playing on 35mm projector on a 20 metre screen I would've thought Clint Eastwood just made a joke trailer. It looked that terrible.

So I do find it very surprising that people are coming back with positive reviews.

[aminorthreat55]

Good news for Let The Right One In fans: submissions for Best Foreign Language Film were due October 1st, and Let The Right One In didn't premiere in Sweden before that, so it's eligible next year. Also, it will be on dvd in March, so this opens it up to an entirely larger audience before next October. Basically, it can build up a huge following and actually be a populist win if there's enough noise.

[TJ Wells]

So with four days 'til nominations are released, here are, according to AwardsDaily.com, the frontrunners in the major categories (listed from most likely to win to least likely):

Best Picture
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
Frost/Nixon
The Dark Knight

Best Actor
Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler
Sean Penn in Milk
Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon
Brad Pitt in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino

Best Actress
Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road
Meryl Streep in Doubt
Angelina Jolie in Changeling
Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married
Kristin Scott Thomas in I've Loved You So Long

Best Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
Josh Brolin in Milk
Dev Patel in Slumdog Millionaire
Brad Pitt in Burn After Reading
Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder

Best Supporting Actress
Kate Winslet in The Reader
Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis in Doubt
Amy Adams in Doubt
Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler

Best Director
Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Christopher Nolan for The Dark Knight
Gus Van Sant for Milk
Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon

Best Original Screenplay
Dustin Lance Black for Milk
Robert D. Siegel for The Wrestler
Joel and Ethan Coen for Burn After Reading
J. Michael Straczynskin for Changeling
Tom McCarthy for The Visitor

Best Adapted Screenplay
Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire
Eric Roth for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Peter Morgan for Frost/Nixon
John Patrick Shanley for Doubt
Jonathan and Christopher Nolan for The Dark Knight

Best Original Score
A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire
Alexandre Desplat for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Zimmer and Howard for The Dark Knigh
Thomas Newman for WALL-E
James Newton Howard for Defiance

Best Foreign Language Film
Waltz with Bashir
The Class
The Baader Meinhof Complex
The Necessities of Life
Revanche

Best Documentary Feature
Man on Wire
Standard Operating Procedure
Trouble the Water
Encounters at the End of the World
Fuel

Best Animated Feature
WALL-E
Kung-Fu Panda
Bolt

[Chris M.]

How exactly would Dev Patel get a Supporting Actor nod? He played Jamal, correct?

[JimmyIymmiJ]

How exactly would Dev Patel get a Supporting Actor nod? He played Jamal, correct?

I've been wondering that myself, because I saw he was nominated in that category for one of the other awards (I don't remember which). My only guess is that he is considered supporting since so much of the movie revolves around the younger Jamal and Dev Patel is therefore considered a supporting actor. That's the only thing I can come up with.

EDIT: It was the SAG Awards.

[bootsydan]

I would love to see Brad Pitt get an oscar for Burn After Reading. He was brilliant.

[TJ Wells]

How exactly would Dev Patel get a Supporting Actor nod? He played Jamal, correct?
You are nominated in whichever category your studio pushes you in. If they think'd you have a better shot at Supporting (even though you technically gave a lead performance) then they'll push you for that.

[TJ Wells]

I just want to say that AD's lists have changed drastically the last couple of days for whatever reason, and I really think Brad Pitt being a double nominee is an EXTREME longshot. There's a possibility he's not nominated at all.

[HBdoubleJ]

Sam Rockwell! The guy is getting seriously snubbed. He had a great supporting performance in Frost/Nixon and earlier this year an even more amazing lead performance in David Gordon Green's Snow Angels.

In fact, more people should be talking about Snow Angels. Such an underrated film. Green and the film should be nominated.

Oh, and Amy Adam's performance in Miss Pettigrew is tons better than her performance in Doubt. I hate how the plethora of films at year's end somehow nulls and voids the great movies that came out in early 2008.

[Ailite]

No way Brad Pitt will get nominated for Burn After Reading.

[Ailite]

I definittely afree that Amy Adam's was way better in Mis Pettigrew that she was in Doubt

[jwelborn]

Sam Rockwell! The guy is getting seriously snubbed. He had a great supporting performance in Frost/Nixon and earlier this year an even more amazing lead performance in David Gordon Green's Snow Angels.

In fact, more people should be talking about Snow Angels. Such an underrated film. Green and the film should be nominated.

Oh, and Amy Adam's performance in Miss Pettigrew is tons better than her performance in Doubt. I hate how the plethora of films at year's end somehow nulls and voids the great movies that came out in early 2008.

I was under the impression that Snow Angels was released in 07, it just came out on dvd in 08, but I could be wrong.

Im a huge Sam Rockwell fan, Snow Angels is my favorite David Gordon Green film but his performances in these films that came out this year do not compare to someone's like Mickey Rourke, Sean Penn, or even Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt or Ralph Fiennes in The Duchess or The Reader.

[HBdoubleJ]

I was under the impression that Snow Angels was released in 07, it just came out on dvd in 08, but I could be wrong.

Im a huge Sam Rockwell fan, Snow Angels is my favorite David Gordon Green film but his performances in these films that came out this year do not compare to someone's like Mickey Rourke, Sean Penn, or even Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt or Ralph Fiennes in The Duchess or The Reader.

It screened at the 07 Sundance Film Festival and released in limited release in theaters in March 08, and the DVD was released in September. I do agree that his performance doesn't compare to some of the ones you mentioned. But, I'd rather see him get a supporting nod then Patel or Pitt. I think just a nomination would be a win for him.

[TJ Wells]

A very cool thing I just realized, there's a very good chance this could become the year of the indie/cult director in the Best Director category, if it ended up Aronofsky/Boyle/Fincher/Nolan/Van Sant.

[fluke182]

A very cool thing I just realized, there's a very good chance this could become the year of the indie/cult director in the Best Director category, if it ended up Aronofsky/Boyle/Fincher/Nolan/Van Sant.
I was thinking about that last night. It's like in baseball when a bunch of big time prospects really take it to the next level all at the same time. In that regard, it's a great year for movies. Ron Howard totally looks like the outcast in potential nominees given his history and pedigree.

[TJ Wells]

My final picks with 15 hours to go:

Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E

Last one in: The Dark Knight
First one out: Frost/Nixon
----------
Best Director:
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight

Last one in: Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler
First one out: Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
----------
Best Actor:
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
Sean Penn, Milk
Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon

Last one in: Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
First one out: Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
----------
Best Actress:
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Last one in: Melissa Leo, Frozen River
First one out: Angelina Jolie, Changeling
----------
Best Supporting Actor:
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Josh Brolin, Milk
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky

Last one in: Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky
First one out: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
----------
Best Supporting Actress:
Rosemarie DeWitt, Rachel Getting Married
Viola Davis, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina BarcelonaMarisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Last one in: Rosemarie DeWitt, Rachel Getting Married
First one out: Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
----------
Best Animated Feature:
Bolt
Kung-Fu Panda
Waltz with Bashir

Last one in: Bolt
First one out: Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!
----------
Best Foreign Language Film:
Waltz with Bashir
The Class
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Everlasting Moments
3 Monkeys

Last one in: 3 Monkeys
First one out: The Necessities of Life
----------
Best Documentary Feature:
Man on Wire
Standard Operating Procedure
Trouble the Water
Encounters at the End of the World
At the Death House Door

Last one in: At the Death House Door
First one out: I.O.U.S.A.

[fluke182]

I'm going to finally do my picks, but only for Picture, Director, Actor, and Actress. Also, I just wanted to say, I have nothing to go off of besides the fact I didn't love it as much as everyone did and the fact that every year one major movie seems to get snubbed, but I think Milk is going to get skunked tomorrow outside of Sean Penn.

It's probably more likely that it will be Frost/Nixon getting shut out outside of Best Actor, but I have a feeling about Milk getting shut out.

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Dark Knight, Wall-E.

Last one in: Wall-E
Last one out: Milk

Best Director: Danny Boyle, David Fincher, Ron Howard, Christopher Nolan, Darren Aronofsky.

Last one in: Darren Aronofsky
Last one out: Gus Van Sant

Best Actor: Mickey Rourke, Sean Penn, Frank Langella, Clint Eastwood, Richard Jenkins.

Last one in: Richard Jenkins
Last one out: Brad Pitt

Best Actress: Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Sally Hawkins, Melissa Leo.

Last one in: Melissa Leo
Last one out: Kristin Scott Thomas

[Mirrorsandfevers]

Wasn't it announced yesterday?

[c_rob2700]

As long as Heath wins best supporting, i'm happy

[jawstheme]

I still need to see so many movies. The only movies in contention that I've seen are Wall-E, Benjamin Button, Gran Torino, and The Dark Knight. In order my pics would be:
Gran Torino
Benjamin Button
Wall-E
The Dark Knight
But like I said, I'm missing way too many.

[TJ Wells]

I like that Last One In/Out idea, editing.

[bootsydan]

Still need to see a couple of movies (Milk, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Doubt, WALL-E) - So I can't do a complete list like you guys yet. But of the films I've seen, I hope like hell these get nominated:

Best Picture

Slumdog Millionaire
Frost/Nixon
The Wrestler
Burn After Reading (Yes, I know this one has no chance in this category - but still)

Best Director

Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler
Coen Brothers, Burn After Reading

Best Actor

Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Michael Sheen, Frost/Nixon

Best Supporting Actor

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Brad Pitt, Burn After Reading
Javier Bardem, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Supporting Actress

Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

Best Original Screenplay

Robert D. Siegel, The Wrestler
Coen Brothers, Burn After Reading
Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Cinematography

Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Editing

Chris Dickens, Slumdog Millionaire
Lee Smith, The Dark Knight

[jwelborn]

Best Picture

Slumdog Millionaire
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Actor

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Leonardo Dicaprio, Revolutionary Road

Best Actress

Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Best Supporting Actor

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Ralph Fiennes, The Duchess
Josh Brolin, Milk
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Javier Bardem, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Supporting Actress

Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Freida Pinto, Slumdog Millionaire
Kate Winslet, The Reader


Thats all im going to predict. I also hope Woody A. gets a nod for best screenplay.

[Ailite]

Tommorow will be intense

[nhoium]

I got that date wrong, they're actually Thursday.

And here's the list of the Foreign Language finalists. WTF, again, another bunch of fuckups. Where's A Christmas Tale? Gomorrah? The Edge of Heaven?

Austria, “Revanche” (Gotz Spielmann, director)
Canada, “The Necessities of Life” (Benoit Pilon, director)
France, “The Class” (Laurent Cantet, director)
Germany, “The Baader Meinhof Complex” (Uli Edel, director)
Israel, “Waltz with Bashir” (Ari Folman, director)
Japan, “Departures” (Yojiro Takita, director)
Mexico, “Tear This Heart Out” (Roberto Sneider, director)
Sweden, “Everlasting Moments” (Jan Troell, director)
Turkey, “3 Monkeys” (Nuri Bilge Ceylan, director)

NOTE: Let the Right One In wasn't eligible.
Why wasn't LTROI eligible?

[FstFtsVsFences]

You guys think Wall-E will break out of the Best Animated Film category? I think it deserves to, but I dunno about the academy.

[TJ Wells]

Why wasn't LTROI eligible?
This was on the last page:

"Good news for Let The Right One In fans: submissions for Best Foreign Language Film were due October 1st, and Let The Right One In didn't premiere in Sweden before that, so it's eligible next year. Also, it will be on dvd in March, so this opens it up to an entirely larger audience before next October. Basically, it can build up a huge following and actually be a populist win if there's enough noise."

[fluke182]

Tommorow will be intense
I know man. I'm pumped. I get so excited for Oscar noms. It's really weird.

[Ailite]

I know man. I'm pumped. I get so excited for Oscar noms. It's really weird.
So do I. I'm having my English teacher, who is a film nerd like me, print them out for me as soon as they're announced so I can pick them up during second period. It will be an exciting morning.

[-Aaron-]

The Class, The Edge of Heaven, and Waltz of Bashir are the best foreign films released this year.

[aminorthreat55]

I'm excited that I might actually be able to see both Revanche and Che this weekend. Unfortunately, I doubt Che will be nominated for much.

[TJ Wells]

Nominations start in 74 minutes. I'll be updating the first post in this thread with them as I get them. Also will be setting up an Oscar pool thread later today, with a link to the ballot sheet (like last year). If anyone has anything they'd like to offer up as prizes, PM me.

[jwelborn]

Is this on ABC, or will it be airing on any morning show?

[TJ Wells]

Haha HOLY SHIT, The Dark Knight just got SHIT on.

[TJ Wells]

no best picture, no screenplay.

[WordzandDreamz]

It got 8 Nominations though.

[WordzandDreamz]

Viola Davis was barely in this damn movie. And Brad Pitt was nowhere near as good as Cate in Ben Button.

[TJ Wells]

What is with love for The Reader in everything but what it actually deserved a nomination for (Winslet)?

[TJ Wells]

Wait did you find the full nominations somewhere? I can't find them.

[WordzandDreamz]

I didn't, they just said on the today show that it got 8 nominations anyway.

[TJ Wells]

Ah. I'm really disappointed with a lot of these nominations, namely Jolie, Pitt, Adams, the excessive Reader Love, no Sally Hawkins :(

[WordzandDreamz]

you're really mad at Adams? I thought she was the best part of that movie.

[TJ Wells]

you're really mad at Adams? I thought she was the best part of that movie.
that was my #2 most annoying performance of 08 actually, haha, right behind another nominee, shannon in rev road.

[WordzandDreamz]

Shannon, in fact, was ridiculous.

[WordzandDreamz]

Alright, I gotta go back to bed. I'll be back later on.

[TJ Wells]

Here's the real shocker of the year:

THE WRESTLER NOT NOMINATED FOR ORIGINAL SONG (actually, this may just be tentative, as there are always five nominees in this category, and right now OSCAR.com only lists three).

[sweetforever]

Very happy that Heath Ledger got a nom for Best Supporting Actor.

[WakingTheMisery]

LOL at TDK getting very little.

[Mitch]

Here's the real shocker of the year:

THE WRESTLER NOT NOMINATED FOR ORIGINAL SONG (actually, this may just be tentative, as there are always five nominees in this category, and right now OSCAR.com only lists three).

It better be.

[Bob Payne]

Pretty disappointed with what's been represented this year. HOWEVER, It's great to see some Richard Jenkins love. I know TJ agrees with me. There's 3 better performances than his up there, and he's not going to win, but the guy deserves some recognition. He had a pretty good 2008.

[TJ Wells]

It better be.
it's looking likely that the list is final. no clue why.

[TJ Wells]

LOL at TDK getting very little.
Yeah TDK didn't get Picture/Screenplay/Score/Director, but it did still get 8 nominations.

[TJ Wells]

I'm hoping for a reverse ROTK effect on Ben Button this year.

[Thomas Balkcom]

So Slumdog Millionaire got ten nominations and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button got thirteen, and both Milk and The Dark Knight got eight

[Bob Payne]

I'm still astounded as to all the love for TDK. It doesn't even break my top 20 for 2008. It's one of the most ridiculous movies i've seen in years. But hey, I know I'm in the minority, so whatever. I'm just glad that it didn't get anything other than technical stuff and Ledger.

[TJ Wells]

I'm still astounded as to all the love for TDK. It doesn't even break my top 20 for 2008. It's one of the most ridiculous movies i've seen in years. But hey, I know I'm in the minority, so whatever. I'm just glad that it didn't get anything other than technical stuff and Ledger.
I'm with you on Picture/Screenplay/Score, but I think Nolan deserved a nomination for Director.

[williek311]

The exclusion of Bruce from Best Original Song is appauling and I am highly upset.

[-Aaron-]

Thank god TDK didn't get any big nominations; would of been a waste of a nominee. How the fuck didn't Bruce Springsteen get a nomination...

[gloriousmuse]

I haven't seen Tropic Thunder but wtf at RDJ being nominated for that? Is he really that good? That film didn't (and still doesn't) look worthy of my money but I'll have to rent it now I guess. I'm shocked by that.

And no Springsteen for Best Song? Wow. Surprised there.

I feel like Brad Pitt shoudn't be nominated for Benjamin Button. I would rather have Collin Ferrell there for In Bruges.

[TJ Wells]

I haven't seen Tropic Thunder but wtf at RDJ being nominated for that? Is he really that good? That film didn't (and still doesn't) look worthy of my money but I'll have to rent it now I guess. I'm shocked by that.

And no Springsteen for Best Song? Wow. Surprised there.

I feel like Brad Pitt shoudn't be nominated for Benjamin Button. I would rather have Collin Ferrell there for In Bruges.
Absolutely deserving, in fact I think he's the only one who could upset Ledger (not that that'll happen).

[poppa Q]

http://www.imdb.com/features/rto/2009/oscars

Full list.

[jwelborn]

Overall I guess you could say im pretty pleased with the nominees. Im really glad The Dark Knight didn't get a best picture nomination, personally I enjoyed all of those films that were nominated much more than TDK. I was shocked to see Stephen Daldry under best director category.

[jwelborn]

Hopefully Cruz will pick up a win for best supporting actress, I think she has a pretty good shot. And how about Michael Shannon for best supporting actor, that was a real shock, I thought he did an excellent job in Revolutionary Road, but I had no clue he would get type of recognition.

[jbaseball44]

Shocked by the lack of Bruce Springsteen and there isn't really a ton of love for The Wrestler.

[pshh]

interesting noms.

[fluke182]

When I saw that the Reader got the fifth nomination, my jaw dropped with a mouthful of cereal and I actually said "THE READER?!" How many different movies can I think of that are better than the Reader this year? 10? 15?

Congrats to the Academy once again for not having a collective ball sack. Very nice! Not a fan of these nominations.

[Drew Beringer]

Hey the Academy still sucks. How does Gran Torino get shut out? Fuck this shit.

[Chemical Love]

Absolutely deserving, in fact I think he's the only one who could upset Ledger (not that that'll happen).
I feel the same way. RDJ was excellent in Tropic Thunder (which is one of my favorite movies of '08), but he won't take Ledger down.

[selftitled85]

Once again the Oscars prove how worthless they are. Terrible picks.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

What the hell at some of these nominations

[selftitled85]

Benjamin Button is nowhere near deserving of 13 nominations. Brad Pitt is also not deserving of a best actor nom. These nominations are fucking ridiculous.

[TJ Wells]

Pool thread up, with ballot.

[popdisaster00]

BP noms are absolutely no surprise.

[eMart]

I'm glad Michael Shannon got nominated for best supporting actor, I thought he was terrific in Revolutionary Road.

[Recovery Room]

I guess I shouldn't be shocked since the Academy is known to get something wrong every year, but The Dark Knight and Christopher Nolan should've definitely been nominated. Also, Winslet should've been selected for her role in Revolutionary Road over The Reader. The male categories are pretty strong and a toss-up (with the exception of Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button); glad to see Richard Jenkins and Michael Shannon get their due credit.

Here are my picks:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement In Directing
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Stephen Daldry, The Reader
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role
Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen
Courtney Hunt, Frozen River
Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin McDonough, In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Andrew Stanton, WALL-E

Best Writing, Screenplay Based On Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
David Hare, The Reader
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Bolt
Kung-Fu Panda
WALL-E

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
The Baader Meinhoff Complex
Revanche
Departures
The Class
Waltz With Bashir

Best Documentary, Features
The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
Encounters at the End of the World
The Garden
Man On Wire
Trouble The Water

Best Achievement In Cinematography
Tom Stern, Changeling
Claudio Miranda, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Wally Pfister, The Dark Knight
Roger Deakins & Chris Menges, The Reader
Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement In Editing
Angus Wall & Kirk Baxter, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Lee Smith, The Dark Knight
Daniel P. Hanley & Mark Hill, Doubt
Elliot Graham, Milk
Chris Dickens, Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement In Art Direction
James J. Murakami & Gary Fettis, Changeling
Donald G. Burt & Victor J. Zolfo, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Nathan Crowley & Peter Lando, The Dark Knight
Michael Carlin & Rebecca Alleway, The Duchess
Kristi Zea & Debra Schutt, Revolutionary Road

Best Achievement In Costume Design
Catherine Martin, Australia
Jacqueline West, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Michael O'Connor, The Duchess
Danny Glicker, Milk
Albert Wolsky, Revolutionary Road

Best Achievement In Make-Up
Greg Cannom, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Best Achievement In Sound
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

Best Achievement In Sound Editing
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted

Best Achievement In Visual Effects
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man

[drudo182]

I'm surprised DiCaprio didn't get a nom for Revolutionary Road. He always gets one.

[Recovery Room]

I'm surprised DiCaprio didn't get a nom for Revolutionary Road. He always gets one.
He should be in Brad Pitt's spot.

[Adeniz19]

i really don't get the fucking reader nomination for best picture. the film is hardly getting any critical praise, with only a 58 on metacritic and a 60% on RT. hardly even a fresh rating! TDK and The Wrestler both got robbed on that one. Hell, I wouldn't even mind if a film like Doubt took it over The Reader.

With that said, I'm still happy with the amount of nominations TDK got. Would of loved to see it get a best pic and directing nom, but that how it goes, I guess.

[drudo182]

I don't necessarily think Dark Knight needed a best picture nom but Chris Nolan did.

[Recovery Room]

i really don't get the fucking reader nomination for best picture. the film is hardly getting any critical praise, with only a 58 on metacritic and a 60% on RT. hardly even a fresh rating! TDK and The Wrestler both got robbed on that one. Hell, I wouldn't even mind if a film like Doubt took it over The Reader.

With that said, I'm still happy with the amount of nominations TDK got. Would of loved to see it get a best pic and directing nom, but that how it goes, I guess.
I agree. I actually really liked The Reader, but The Wrestler, Doubt, Revolutionary Road or The Dark Knight should be in its place.

[Adeniz19]

Hey the Academy still sucks. How does Gran Torino get shut out? Fuck this shit.i think clint at least deserved an actor nom

[Recovery Room]

I don't necessarily think Dark Knight needed a best picture nom but Chris Nolan did.
Yeah, Nolan should've definitely gotten the nomination over Stephen Daldry.

[fluke182]

You know, I'm not surprised it didn't happen, but I'm still pissed that Wall-E didn't get a nomination. It was a weak year overall for movies, but that was a truly exceptional movie that people will really remember in 10 years. Think anyone is going to be still going on about the Reader or Frost/Nixon in 10 years? Hmmph.

I know that isn't one of the qualifying reasons for nomination, but still, I think it should matter a bit.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

i think clint at least deserved an actor nom
Agreed. And I would've liked to see Michelle Williams get one for Wendy and Lucy, but that was a longshot.

[Adeniz19]

I don't necessarily think Dark Knight needed a best picture nom but Chris Nolan did.
I'm not really upset that it didn't. I already figured it probably wouldn't happen, I'm just kind of upset of the film they picked over it.

[Recovery Room]

i think clint at least deserved an actor nom
I don't know where he would've fit in, though. As I said, the male acting categories are stacked this year and I would say (with the exception of Brad Pitt; Leo should be in his place) it's a toss-up. Mickey Rourke and Heath Ledger will more than likely win, of course, but the others are just as deserving.

[fluke182]

I don't know where he would've fit in, though. As I said, the male acting categories are stacked this year and I would say (with the exception of Brad Pitt; Leo should be in his place) it's a toss-up. Mickey Rourke and Heath Ledger will more than likely win, of course, but the others are just as deserving.
Personally, I thought Clint deserved it over both Pitt and Leo. While I quite liked Button, he didn't really act (or change the look on his face even) he just kind of observed. Leo on the other hand did a good job, but overall he really just made his character to schizo for my tastes. He was flying a little too off the handle for me in that performance.

Now that I think of it, besides Shannon, did Revolutionary Road get a nomination? Man, who saw that coming when that movie was announced? A movie directed by Mendes, adapted from a critical darling, and starring Winslet and DiCaprio got a single nomination for a random character actor as Best Supporting Actor? Crazy.

[bradyreier]

I was really hoping for Wall-E to get a best picture nomination.

[jwelborn]

Pool thread up, with ballot.

Link?

EDIT: I found it.

[Drew Beringer]

Well, here's to another year of me not watching the shitty Oscars.

[jbaseball44]

The Reader for Best Picture is an awful awful pick by the academy. The Wrestler, Doubt, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, even Revolutionary Road or In Bruges are all more deserving

[bradyreier]

The Reader for Best Picture is an awful awful pick by the academy. The Wrestler, Doubt, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, even Revolutionary Road are all more deserving
Agree 100%

[poppa Q]

Glad to see In Bruges pick up a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, although it would have been nice to see Synecdoche slip in there.

[thebestkylever]

really really really glad to see richard jenkins getting a nod for the visitor. i knew he deserved it, but didn't think it would actually happen.

[B-Bones]

I haven't seen Tropic Thunder but wtf at RDJ being nominated for that? Is he really that good? That film didn't (and still doesn't) look worthy of my money but I'll have to rent it now I guess. I'm shocked by that.

And no Springsteen for Best Song? Wow. Surprised there.

I feel like Brad Pitt shoudn't be nominated for Benjamin Button. I would rather have Collin Ferrell there for In Bruges.

Tropic Thunder is an awesome movie.

[MyWorldEntire]

The Oscars are complete bullshit. The Wrestler not being nominated for best song is just a travesty, and why the hell is The Reader nominated for best picture?

[jbaseball44]

The Oscars are complete bullshit. The Wrestler not being nominated for best song is just a travesty, and why the hell is The Reader nominated for best picture?
the Oscars have a hard on for anything relating to WW2 Germany, namely the holocaust. It is beginning to get sickening.

[jbaseball44]

Glad to see In Bruges pick up a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, although it would have been nice to see Synecdoche slip in there.
Would have liked to see a little love for synecdoche new york.

[fake empire]

This is bullshit

[TJ Wells]

I think In Bruges for Best Original Screenplay could be a dark horse this year. It's really been picking up steam lately.

[jbaseball44]

I think In Bruges for Best Original Screenplay could be a dark horse this year. It's really been picking up steam lately.
Agreed.

[TJ Wells]

I would bet anything that The Reader is the first movie with a sub 60 score on Metacritic to be nominated for Best Picture.

[jbaseball44]

It's a shame really, just so many more deserving movies.

[TJ Wells]

I have to be fair and say I haven't seen the Reader yet, but i've heard that Winslet is about 1000x better than the movie itself.

[TJ Wells]

I'm going to do my best to find the short films nominated and post them up. Already found one on AOL Video.

[Recovery Room]

I have to be fair and say I haven't seen the Reader yet, but i've heard that Winslet is about 1000x better than the movie itself.
It's a good film and I really enjoyed it, but there are far more deserving films that should be in that and Benjamin Button's slot (along with Daldry's nomination for Directing). Kate was great in it, of course, but her performance in Revolutionary Road was much better.

[stayillogical]

What's with the hate on Michael Shannon? I am stoked he got a nomination. He held his own with Leo and Kate and was very memorable. Reminded me a bit of Pitt in 12 Monkeys.

[terrycw89]

There are some shitty choices, but at least Miley Cyrus wasn't nominated (for best song).

[Recovery Room]

What's with the hate on Michael Shannon? I am stoked he got a nomination. He held his own with Leo and Kate and was very memorable. Reminded me a bit of Pitt in 12 Monkeys.
Definitely. If Ledger wasn't there, I'd be torn between Shannon and Hoffman winning.

He did a little film called Shotgun Stories that I watched last night and you should check it out if you haven't seen it.

[fake empire]

Does anyone really think Milk is better than The Dark Knight?

[fluke182]

What's with the hate on Michael Shannon? I am stoked he got a nomination. He held his own with Leo and Kate and was very memorable. Reminded me a bit of Pitt in 12 Monkeys.
I honestly thought he was the only part of that movie that was truly exceptional. He was a burst of energy and a dynamic that was missing from the movie when he was off screen.
Does anyone really think Milk is better than The Dark Knight?
I really don't. I was not a huge fan of Milk. Very good performances in an overall good, not great movie.

[Recovery Room]

I honestly thought he was the only part of that movie that was truly exceptional. He was a burst of energy and a dynamic that was missing from the movie when he was off screen.

I really don't. I was not a huge fan of Milk. Very good performances in an overall good, not great movie.
You didn't sense any energy in the scene where Leo and Kate are fighting after Shannon calls them out for not going through with their plans?

[Kyle Huntington]

Not sure if it's been said, but seems very ironic (and stupid) that Robert Downey Jr. is nominated for his Tropic Thunder role.

[fluke182]

You didn't sense any energy in the scene where Leo and Kate are fighting after Shannon calls them out for not going through with their plans?
I thought Leo and Kate felt like they were going through the motions to a degree. There was nothing exceptional about their performances in that movie to be honest, and it really only buzzed for me when Shannon was there. Not a huge fan of that movie.

[TJ Wells]

Does anyone really think Milk is better than The Dark Knight?
MUCH better.

[Recovery Room]

I thought Leo and Kate felt like they were going through the motions to a degree. There was nothing exceptional about their performances in that movie to be honest, and it really only buzzed for me when Shannon was there. Not a huge fan of that movie.
Weird, but to each their own.

I thought Winslet was exceptional. DiCaprio was great as well, but something about Winslet shined to me. There was just something about her delivery especially mixed with her facial expressions (e.g. they way she stares Leo down when he backs her into a corner), but together I thought the chemistry was great.

[fake empire]

MUCH better.

I don't think so. Milk is good but is missing something to make it great. The performances are all excellent though.

[poppa Q]

Milk was the best Oscar bait film this year.

[drudo182]

I think the Tropic Thunder/RDJ nom is a bit of waste myself but whatever. He won't win.

He didn't get a nom for Zodiac but he does for this... So dumb.

[TJ Wells]

I think the Tropic Thunder/RDJ nom is a bit of waste myself but whatever. He won't win.

He didn't get a nom for Zodiac but he does for this... So dumb.
In my opinion, Robert Downey Jr., Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie and Frank Langella all gave vastly superior performances last year but get nominated for inferior performances this year. WTF.

[poppa Q]

In my opinion, Robert Downey Jr., Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie and Frank Langella all gave vastly superior performances last year but get nominated for inferior performances this year. WTF.

Yeah, but Zodiac got NO love from the Academy (and RDJ wasn't yet the hot man in Hollywood), a movie like Enchanted isn't going to produce any nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role (especially compared a film like Doubt, and a supporting nomination), Changeling > A Mighty Heart anyway, and the Academy didn't care about Starting Out In the Evening last year (whereas everyone notices his heavyweight this year).

[chronomic]

would've liked to see nolan for best director, oh well.

fuck the reader.

bb was good, but c'mon now.

bruce??

/repeat what everyone else is saying haha

[Ailite]

The Reader for Best Picture is an awful awful pick by the academy. The Wrestler, Doubt, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, even Revolutionary Road or In Bruges are all more deserving
Completely, why the fuck did it get nominated? Absolutely ridiculous

Very very upset at the Dark Knight getting snubbed, along with Bruce Springsteen. He absolutely deserved that nomination for The Wrestler.

And though I'm very happy that Richard Jenkins was nominated for The Visitor, shame that Eastwood was snubbed. The acting category is stuffed, that was a tough race.

also, very happy about Benjamin Button doing so well

[TJ Wells]

Yeah, but Zodiac got NO love from the Academy (and RDJ wasn't yet the hot man in Hollywood), a movie like Enchanted isn't going to produce any nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role (especially compared a film like Doubt, and a supporting nomination), Changeling > A Mighty Heart anyway, and the Academy didn't care about Starting Out In the Evening last year (whereas everyone notices his heavyweight this year).
I know, i'm just pointing it out. And Adams got A LOT of buzz for Enchanted, a lot of people were betting on her getting a nomination.

[Recovery Room]

I know, i'm just pointing it out. And Adams got A LOT of buzz for Enchanted, a lot of people were betting on her getting a nomination.
Cannot wait to see your avatar.

[Ailite]

I think the Tropic Thunder/RDJ nom is a bit of waste myself but whatever. He won't win.

He didn't get a nom for Zodiac but he does for this... So dumb.
I agree, all the proof that one needs that films earlier in the year are ignored.

[TJ Wells]

Cannot wait to see your avatar.
SUCH a fantastic movie, the most overlooked film of this year (or '06 I guess, technically).

[TJ Wells]

I just want to say, I would not be shocked if Heath didn't win. It's not nearly as much of a lock as people think it is. I'd still say it's the safest bet of the night (along with Man on Wire), but I wouldn't call it a lock.

[narcoleptic953]

I just want to say, I would not be shocked if Heath didn't win. It's not nearly as much of a lock as people think it is. I'd still say it's the safest bet of the night (along with Man on Wire), but I wouldn't call it a lock.

Really? I think it's one of the biggest locks since ROTK getting everything (because who didn't see that coming, especially with what it was up against). I would be willing to bet a lot on saying that there is no way in hell Ledger isn't getting that award.

As for the awards, I don't understand all the hate for Benjamin Button. Then again there's still a lot of movies I haven't seen.
I'm ok with The Dark Knight being snubbed. Parts of that movie were a bit too undeveloped and ridiculous (the cellphone thing, the abrupt and unsatisfying ending).
The worst snub by far though is Springsteen for song. Like someone said earlier, that's probably the best movie song this decade not counting once, and seeing as only 3 songs got a nom, you have to be wondering what the fuck is up. How the fuck did two songs from Slumdog Millionaire get nominations? That category is just a shit show now.
Haven't seen The Reader, but I will say I was shocked that it got a nomination considering what I've heard. Still, I was glad Winslet only got one nomination. That double win at the Globes was the stupidest thing ever.

[-Aaron-]

TDK and Slumdog are fast catching up with Crash for most over-rated films this decade.

[narcoleptic953]

TDK and Slumdog are fast catching up with Crash for most over-rated films this decade.

Crash was terrible. I would agree both of those are reaching overrated status, especially TDK, although I do enjoy them both.

[jbaseball44]

TDK and Slumdog are fast catching up with Crash for most over-rated films this decade.
Both are superior to Crash.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

i wish wall-e had gotten a best picture nom.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

helluva day for heath to get nominated: today is the 1 year anniversary of his death

[Recovery Room]

I'm ok with The Dark Knight being snubbed. Parts of that movie were a bit too undeveloped and ridiculous (the cellphone thing, the abrupt and unsatisfying ending).
Um, what?

[TJ Wells]

I liked the ending, but I really think that you end it right after Rachel gets killed, the Joker gets away, you have a perfect movie.

[jbaseball44]

I liked the ending, but I really think that you end it right after Rachel gets killed, the Joker gets away, you have a perfect movie.
I agree but considering what happened to Heath, i liked seeing more of him. If heath hadn't died then i completely agree with you.

[Recovery Room]

I liked the ending, but I really think that you end it right after Rachel gets killed, the Joker gets away, you have a perfect movie.
I agree but considering what happened to Heath, i liked seeing more of him. If heath hadn't died then i completely agree with you.
Then you cut out quite a chunk of the message behind the film (i.e. the situation on the boats, Joker's final monologue, and the conflict between Dent and Gordon/Batman). In my opinion, it was perfect, especially in a cliffhanger sense and all of the possibilities it opened up for the third installment.

[Adeniz19]

If they ended the movie right after Rachel gets killed, it sort of ruins a lot of the themes they were working on throughout the film

[narcoleptic953]

Then you cut out quite a chunk of the message behind the film (i.e. the situation on the boats, Joker's final monologue, and the conflict between Dent and Gordon/Batman). In my opinion, it was perfect, especially in a cliffhanger sense and all of the possibilities it opened up for the third installment.

Should have saved two face for the next movie. I agree with TJ Wells that ending it after Rachel's death would have been a much more tragic, and all around superior cliff hanger. Most of the second half was bloated and overambitious. They tried to fit way too much into the movie and everything you mentioned (especially the boat situation) was way underdeveloped. Even the final confrontations with Joker and Dent were dealt with way too quickly and came across as a cop out.

[Lueda Alia]

The list was so predictable this year.

[Ailite]

If they ended the movie right after Rachel gets killed, it sort of ruins a lot of the themes they were working on throughout the film
It would have been cool but yeah I agree with this

[Recovery Room]

Should have saved two face for the next movie. I agree with TJ Wells that ending it after Rachel's death would have been a much more tragic, and all around superior cliff hanger. Most of the second half was bloated and overambitious. They tried to fit way too much into the movie and everything you mentioned (especially the boat situation) was way underdeveloped. Even the final confrontations with Joker and Dent were dealt with way too quickly and came across as a cop out.
Dent's arc and story is the backbone of the film.

It essentially plays out like a Greek tragedy so if you end right after Rachel's death and cut out the remainder you really don't have much meat left.

[Adeniz19]

It would have been cool but yeah I agree with thisthey werent making TDK to setup another movie. the story wouldn't of been complete and would of left way too many questions left open to be a satisfying film. nolan wasn't setting this up to be a kill bill or LOTR

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I thought Josh Brolin's nod for Milk should've gone to Emile Hirsch; found his performance much more interesting and impressive. Course, Brolin's the older/more established actor.

Jenkins had quite a year with quality performances in the Visitor and Burn After Reading.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Overall I guess you could say im pretty pleased with the nominees. Im really glad The Dark Knight didn't get a best picture nomination, personally I enjoyed all of those films that were nominated much more than TDK. I was shocked to see Stephen Daldry under best director category.

surprised me as well

[Thomas Balkcom]

Does anyone really think Milk is better than The Dark Knight?

yes

[mattybobviously]

Cannot believe the Bruce thing, what the fuck happened there?

[TangledUp]

I'll be like a lot of people probably and say I am so happy Heath got the Oscar nomination, and I sincerely hope he wins.

[narcoleptic953]

Dent's arc and story is the backbone of the film.

It essentially plays out like a Greek tragedy so if you end right after Rachel's death and cut out the remainder you really don't have much meat left.

I said save Two-face for the next movie, not Dent. If you end right after Rachel's death, you also end right after his disfiguration, and that would have left him as the main villain in the next film. I just felt that even though Aaron Eckhart was brilliant, he was overshadowed by Ledger's joker, and the two dueling for screen time made for a crowded second half.
I agree with the Greek tragedy thing though. And I did really enjoy the movie, I just don't really think it was Best Picture quality.

[narcoleptic953]

they werent making TDK to setup another movie. the story wouldn't of been complete and would of left way too many questions left open to be a satisfying film. nolan wasn't setting this up to be a kill bill or LOTR

The story still wasn't exactly complete with the way they ended it. Once again, it comes back to them trying to fit way too much into the film. The story of Batman Begins was far more complete.

[Adeniz19]

The story still wasn't exactly complete with the way they ended it. Once again, it comes back to them trying to fit way too much into the film. The story of Batman Begins was far more complete.the overarcing themes they were going for in the film were complete

[fantasma]

Fuck This Shit: A list of Everything Wrong With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

1. The Wrestler isn't nominated for Best Picture
2. Wall-E isn't nominated for Best Picture
3. Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" isn't nominated for Best Original Song
4. Eddie Marsen not getting a nominated for Best Supporting Actor
5. The Dark Knight Score getting nominated for Best Original Score
6. Milk getting nominated for Best Picture
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button getting nominated for Best Picture
7. Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for Best Director

[narcoleptic953]

Fuck This Shit: A list of Everything Wrong With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

1. The Wrestler isn't nominated for Best Picture
2. Wall-E isn't nominated for Best Picture
3. Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" isn't nominated for Best Original Song
4. Eddie Marsen not getting a nominated for Best Supporting Actor
5. The Dark Knight Score getting nominated for Best Original Score
6. Milk getting nominated for Best Picture
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button getting nominated for Best Picture
7. Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for Best Director

If you didn't see these coming, you know nothing.

[fluke182]

Fuck This Shit: A list of Everything Wrong With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

1. The Wrestler isn't nominated for Best Picture
2. Wall-E isn't nominated for Best Picture
3. Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" isn't nominated for Best Original Song
4. Eddie Marsen not getting a nominated for Best Supporting Actor
5. The Dark Knight Score getting nominated for Best Original Score
6. Milk getting nominated for Best Picture
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button getting nominated for Best Picture
7. Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for Best Director
You're upset about Marsen and not Sally Hawkins? Hawkins was that movie. Even Marsen was obsessed with her.

[Ailite]

Fuck This Shit: A list of Everything Wrong With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

1. The Wrestler isn't nominated for Best Picture
2. Wall-E isn't nominated for Best Picture
3. Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" isn't nominated for Best Original Song
4. Eddie Marsen not getting a nominated for Best Supporting Actor
5. The Dark Knight Score getting nominated for Best Original Score
6. Milk getting nominated for Best Picture
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button getting nominated for Best Picture
7. Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for Best Director
Fuck This Shit: A List of 6 Things Wrong With Your List of Everything Wrong The With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

(For Wall-e and The Wrestler, yes, it is a shame because both are fantastic films- but were you expecting them to?)

[aminorthreat55]

Fuck This Shit: A list of Everything Wrong With the 2009 Oscar Nominations

1. The Wrestler isn't nominated for Best Picture
2. Wall-E isn't nominated for Best Picture
3. Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" isn't nominated for Best Original Song
4. Eddie Marsen not getting a nominated for Best Supporting Actor
5. The Dark Knight Score getting nominated for Best Original Score
6. Milk getting nominated for Best Picture
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button getting nominated for Best Picture
7. Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for Best Director
Sally Hawkins not being nominated is probably worse than no Eddie Marsen.

[Machu505]

I'm just glad I'll finally be able to see Frost/Nixon and Slumdog Millionaire this weekend.

[bootsydan]

Mostly good choices in each category. The only thing that really disappointed me was the fact that The Wrestler didn't get any more love. Sure, I don't think it deserves to win many categories, but it definitely deserves the nominations. Of all things I can't believe it didn't get a best screenplay nominations.

The only major thing that really disappointed me is I would've loved to see Brad Pitt nominated for his role in Burn After Reading, rather than his role in Benjamin Button. I mean, I can't say it surprised me, and he never would've won over Heathe Ledger, but still.

[bootsydan]

I'm going to do my best to find the short films nominated and post them up. Already found one on AOL Video.

This would be fantastic.

[poppa Q]

I thought Josh Brolin's nod for Milk should've gone to Emile Hirsch; found his performance much more interesting and impressive. Course, Brolin's the older/more established actor.

Jenkins had quite a year with quality performances in the Visitor and Burn After Reading.

I thought Hirsch deserved a nomination last year (James McAvoy also), even though neither actor had any shot in hell of winning. Both performances I felt were deserving of nominations, however. And I'm glad Jenkins got nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Performance for the fourth best performance of the year.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

One of the things on the list that stood out to me was the make-up. Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for Best Supporting Actor but the make-up department, the people who made him look like a genuine black guy, got nothing. I know that award is for the whole movie overall and there are other films that deserved the nomination, but it just struck me as a little odd.

[AshesAshes]

I was hoping Let The Right One In would get a nomination

[TJ Wells]

So I have a question; I know it won't happen, but who would accept if The Reader won best picture? Minghella and Pollack, the two producers, both died last year.

[clandestinerdc]

So I have a question; I know it won't happen, but who would accept if The Reader won best picture? Minghella and Pollack, the two producers, both died last year.

Probably a firing squad shooting everyone in the academy.

[Ailite]

So I have a question; I know it won't happen, but who would accept if The Reader won best picture? Minghella and Pollack, the two producers, both died last year.
I would lose my shit. Just thinking about that is ridiculous.

[Stephen Chamberlain]

I'm pretty confident that Slumdog will win.

[irthesteve]

I'm pretty confident that Slumdog will win.
agreed



I was trying to think of a way to have an AP pool, but I couldn't think of how to do it so that a) people can't edit their guesses and b) that won't require everyone to check everyone's guesses at the end

[stayillogical]

agreed



I was trying to think of a way to have an AP pool, but I couldn't think of how to do it so that a) people can't edit their guesses and b) that won't require everyone to check everyone's guesses at the end

:eyebrow: We already have one.

[irthesteve]

:eyebrow: We already have one.
well fuck, help a brother out here

[narcoleptic953]

Call me crazy, but Frost/Nixon is my favorite of the three best picture nominees that i've seen so far (still haven't seen Milk or the Reader). The two lead performances alone put it above Slumdog for me (and I loved Slumdog, so that's saying a lot). Michael Sheen was robbed a nomination for best supporting actor-what the hell? And too bad they can't get best actor to both Langella and Rourke because those are two of the best performances I've seen in awhile.

[stayillogical]

well fuck, help a brother out here

http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=817082

[TJ Wells]

Posting my picks in here now so (since i'm in charge of the contest) no one thinks i'm cheating later. Don't expect many of these to change, and will add technical categories later:

BEST PICTURE:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Rachel Getting Married

BEST ACTOR:

Will win: Sean Penn, Milk
Should win: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Should've been nominated: Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino

BEST ACTRESS:

Will win: Kate Winslet, The Reader
Should win: Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Should've been nominated: Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Will win: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Should win: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Should've been nominated: Bill Irwin, Rachel Getting Married

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Will win: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Should win: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Should've been nominated: Rosemarie DeWitt, Rachel Getting Married (should've won as well)

BEST DIRECTOR:

Will win: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:

Will win: WALL-E
Should win: In Bruges
Should've been nominated: A Christmas Tale

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Let the Right One In

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Revolutionary Road

BEST ORIGINAL SONG:

Will win: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Bruce Springsteen - "The Wrestler," The Wrestler

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:

Will win: WALL-E
Should win: WALL-E
Should've been nominated: Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:

Will win: Waltz with Bashir
Should win: TBD
Should've been nominated: A Christmas Tale

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:

Will win: Man on Wire
Should win: Man on Wire
Should've been nominated: American Teen

[jbaseball44]

Posting my picks in here now so (since i'm in charge of the contest) no one thinks i'm cheating later. Don't expect many of these to change, and will add technical categories later:

BEST PICTURE:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Rachel Getting Married

BEST ACTOR:

Will win: Sean Penn, Milk
Should win: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Should've been nominated: Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino

BEST ACTRESS:

Will win: Kate Winslet, The Reader
Should win: Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Should've been nominated: Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Will win: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Should win: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Should've been nominated: Bill Irwin, Rachel Getting Married

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Will win: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Should win: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Should've been nominated: Rosemarie DeWitt, Rachel Getting Married (should've won as well)

BEST DIRECTOR:

Will win: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:

Will win: WALL-E
Should win: In Bruges
Should've been nominated: A Christmas Tale

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Let the Right One In

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE:

Will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Revolutionary Road

BEST ORIGINAL SONG:

Will win: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
Should win: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
Should've been nominated: Bruce Springsteen - "The Wrestler," The Wrestler

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:

Will win: WALL-E
Should win: WALL-E
Should've been nominated: Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:

Will win: Waltz with Bashir
Should win: TBD
Should've been nominated: A Christmas Tale

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:

Will win: Man on Wire
Should win: Man on Wire
Should've been nominated: American Teen
Penn over Rourke huh TJ, i think it is beginning to look that way myself and that has me sad because i would really like to see Mickey win

[batmannj]

I'm pretty confident that Slumdog will win.

same here. It definitely deserves the award too. My favorite film of the year was this and TDK. I cant decide which one I love more.

[TJ Wells]

Penn over Rourke huh TJ, i think it is beginning to look that way myself and that has me sad because i would really like to see Mickey win
I'm picking Penn for my pools, but I will still be much happier if Rourke wins.

[narcoleptic953]

I'm picking Penn for my pools, but I will still be much happier if Rourke wins.
Yeah. Penn was great, but Rourke's was undoubtedly the performance of the year.

[TJ Wells]

Well it's official, after taking the WGA and now the BAFTA this weekend, if Slumdog Millionaire DOESN'T win Best Picture it has to go down as the biggest upset of all time.

[stayillogical]

I'm also thinking Penn will win over Rourke.

[TJ Wells]

I'm hoping the Academy keeps in mind the odds of each of these actors getting nominated again.

[narcoleptic953]

I'm hoping the Academy keeps in mind the odds of each of these actors getting nominated again.

Exactly what I was thinking. This might be a one time chance for Rourke, whereas with Penn, the question is only of when he will get another nomination. Plus he's already one.
I saw both of these movies in the same weekend, and while Penn was great, I don't think I've seen many (or perhaps any) performances that were as believable as Rourke. Had me fighting tears numerous times.

[Whalejaw]

Winners list leaked? Obvious spoilers if you click..
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4782/1235075752496jc8.png

[Ailite]

The Reader is so painfully undeserving of being nominated for Best anything except actress that it makes me sad.

[spriltsc]

Winners list leaked? Obvious spoilers if you click..
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4782/1235075752496jc8.png
wtf how in the world does a person get this.

[TJ Wells]

wtf how in the world does a person get this.
So unbelievably and obviously fake. They haven't even finished counting the ballots yet.

I mean c'mon; Amy Adams? Waltz with Bashir or the Class NOT winning Best Foreign? Defiance Best Score? THE READER BEST SCREENPLAY?!?!