Initial thoughts on the Oscar Nominations

Here's some quick thoughts on the nominations, announced this morning.

Absences that make me sad: No Best Director for Altman, his last chance and let's face it, I'd think dying would give him an edge. No nomination for DiCaprio for The Departed. I haven't seen Blood Diamond, and I don't want to, so kind of I'd prefer he got it for the movie I loved him in. No nomination for Matt Damon for The Departed; he was brilliant.

Nothing for Casino Royale. Nothing. Those fucking snobs. I was sure it would get a nod for Best Song, Best Musical Score, or a technical award. What the fucking fuck? Three song nominations for Dreamgirls and nothing for Casino Royale's admittedly so-so song. Yeah, so-so, but better than more than half the songs that have won awards, and way better than the songs that have beaten Bond songs for Oscars in the past.

Inclusions I don't care for: Mark Wahlberg was strictly one note in The Departed. He was utterly adequate. The Children of Men had a flat, preachy screenplay.

Things I am happy about: Rah cheer for Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy, who richly deserve their nominations. Rah cheer for Forest Whitaker and Meryl Streep, even though I've seen neither movie. Rah rah cheer cheer for Al Gore.

Some thoughts on The Departed: Nothing for the major star (DiCaprio) or the real Best Supporting (Nicholson). Even though it has a Best Picture nomination, I feel like the accolades are inadequate and a sign that Marty is going to get screwed again.

(Best Supporting Cross-Post for an Original Blog)
[That's all, folks]