2011 Academy Awards

[Chaky]

It wasn't exactly a shock that Hurt Locker won - by the time the Oscars rolled around it was clearly a two-way battle between that and Avatar. Last big surprise at the Oscars was Crash beating Brokeback Mountain - another ridiculous decision by the Academy!

The Social Network is clearly more highly regarded by critics than Inception. The popular vote would go the other way: in the IMDB top 250, Inception is at #6, The Social Network at #150.

 

[TheCheekyCritic]

^ "Another ridiculous decision by the Academy"? Avatar was visually unparalleled, sure enough, but strip away the visuals and in terms of substance it was neither groundbreaking nor particularly creative, especially compared to The Hurt Locker, a truly bold piece of filmmaking. Personally, I applaud the Academy for once having made their own decision and not pat James Cameron on the back like everyone else. (I could also go into Brokeback Mountain, but it's not really relevant to this.)

I'm really surprised that Inception is even being discussed as a serious Best Picture contender, though. Although with 10 BP nominees this year as well yuk it is sure to be among the nominated, but the thought of Inception taking the BP Oscar rather than e.g. The Social Network or Black Swan seems impossible to me, and not so much because Inception would be "forgotten" than because it's simply a weaker film by comparison. Judging from The Social Network's Rotten Tomatoes rating, its Best Picture nomination (and I dare say, win) seem given.

On a related note, the Academy needs to urgently scrap their current practice of having 10 Best Picture nominees. There was a time when a Best Picture Oscar nomination alone was a coveted and prestigious achievement, when the Best Picture nominees would generally be considered great films. But the inescapable reality is that there just aren't 10 great films to be had in one year, and therefore a couple of "just" good films are now ranked as high as the "great" ones, which to me lessens the prestige of the nomination (if not the award) considerably. Take Inglourious Basterds last year, for instance. A good film, an entertaining and even to an extent creative film. But a serious Best Picture contender? Possible Best Picture of 2010? Really?...

Hmm. Anne Hathaway and James Franco seem like an odd choice, both as a pairing and as hosts. But I suppose the show can only go up from last year. God, I miss Billy Crystal.

Personally, I'm secretly hoping for a long shot Supporting Actress nomination to Milla Jovovich for her beautiful, raw performance in Stone. But that's not gonna happen.

 

[Chaky]

^ "Another ridiculous decision by the Academy"? Avatar was visually unparalleled, sure enough, but strip away the visuals and in terms of substance it was neither groundbreaking nor particularly creative, especially compared to The Hurt Locker, a truly bold piece of filmmaking.

I think you misunderstood me. I agree with you! Hurt Locker was the right choice imo. I was using Crash beating Brokeback Mountain as an example of the last time there was a truly unexpected result, and a bad choice!

 

[MyNameIs]

Crash beating BBM is one of the biggest upsets in Oscar history. Probably THE BIGGEST upset in Picture category. I was so excited about it though (still am). I thought Crash was an incredible film and always felt BBM was overrated.

As for this year, I'd say it's not entirely clear whether The Social Network will be this year's The Hurt Locker or say Sideways. I personally can't see it losing the big prize, but the truth is, it is quite a young (cast and issue wise) movie and Academy tends to go the other direction usually. Critics awards are one thing but we still have most of the ones that will decide the race, Globes, SAG, PGA, DGA, BAFTA. It's TSN's to lose, but if it does, I don't see it losing to Inception, more likely to The Fighter or The King's Speech.

 

[Decalion]

Crash deserved Best Picture more than any film that year apart from Match Point and The New World. Yeah I said it. I'd also take Inglourious Basterds over every BP nominee last year, and for me it isn't close.

The race for BP this year is only between The Social Network and The King's Speech, and the latter has maybe a 30% chance of winning.

 

[TianSoFine]

I'd actually prefer if The King's Speech won. The Social Network was a good movie, but I don't feel that it's a movie I'd remember much about by the time award season finishes. I can't speak for everyone, but there wasn't a special spark or "X-factor" for me in The Social Network. It kept me entertained, but that's about it.

 

[beatriz]

I just saw Never Let Me Go. I thought the movie didn't do the book justice, but I'm surprised the actors aren't nominated for any award! Especially, Garfield and Mulligan. What do you guys think about it?

 

[saann]

^I think it's stupid that actors don't get nominated just because their films don't do well overall. That's why actors like Mila Kunis (I liked her in the film but I don't see how what she did is even GG or SAG worthy) are most likely to get nominations over someone who actually did a better job but happened to be in a "lousier" film. Because their films were better received, they ride the wave with it.

 

[Miss Dalloway]

I'd actually prefer if The King's Speech won. The Social Network was a good movie, but I don't feel that it's a movie I'd remember much about by the time award season finishes. I can't speak for everyone, but there wasn't a special spark or "X-factor" for me in The Social Network. It kept me entertained, but that's about it.

While i thought that TSN was excellent, well made and acted (JT was a HUGE mistake, i wont ever change my mind over that! But even he didnt do as badly as i expected), but did it blow me away like every critic under the sun? Um no, i do think its slightly overhyped, and maybe overrated? It will probably win the statue though, and if it doesnt i wont be crying. Brokeback was mentioned losing to Crash, which i still didnt get over, all these years later!

ps:When exactly are the noms announced?

 

[ad041715]

^I think it's stupid that actors don't get nominated just because their films don't do well overall. That's why actors like Mila Kunis (I liked her in the film but I don't see how what she did is even GG or SAG worthy) are most likely to get nominations over someone who actually did a better job but happened to be in a "lousier" film. Because their films were better received, they ride the wave with it.

COMPLETELY agree with you. And I also agree with beatriz, Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley acted beautifully in that film. If anything, Never Let Me Go was one of the films I expected to get nominated for its acting.

 

[ad041715]

ps:When exactly are the noms announced?

January 25th, 5:30 am PST

 

[Miss Dalloway]

Thank you, dear.

 

[IAmLordZen]

I've seen 'The Social Network' and while it was a great film, I don't think it was all spectacular as most critics said it was. I'd be happier if "Black Swan" won Best Picture in this year's Oscars. I'm yet to see 'The King's Speech' though and just to make a point -- I thought Inception was a better movie than TSN but I don't see it going home with the BP trophy soon.. If anything, TSN failed to live up to the hype.

 

[Miss Dalloway]

It will be SO interesting to see who wins Best Actress category this year. I am aware that most people think its already in Portman's bag, however i think we might be for a bit of an upset this year. Kidman was simply spectacular, and imo acted Portman off the screen. Not to say Natalie wasnt good in BS, but Kidman in RH is just wow!


​

 

[ad041715]

^ I have yet to see Rabbit Hole, but I'm very eager to do so. Kidman's getting rave reviews and the 'grieving mother' role is definite Oscar bait.

 

[Flashbang]

^ Now if it was 'based on true story', Nicole would get bigger chance. Oscars loooove them real ppl.

 

[beatriz]

^I think it's stupid that actors don't get nominated just because their films don't do well overall. That's why actors like Mila Kunis (I liked her in the film but I don't see how what she did is even GG or SAG worthy) are most likely to get nominations over someone who actually did a better job but happened to be in a "lousier" film. Because their films were better received, they ride the wave with it.

I tottally agree. To me, Mila Kunis is a good suporting actress in BS, but nothing award-worthy. My only hope at Never Let Me Go actors getting some recognition is at BAFTA's.

 

[Chaky]

My only hope at Never Let Me Go actors getting some recognition is at BAFTA's.

I can certainly see that happening. I've not read the book but I liked the film. I thought Mulligan and Garfield were great.

 

[Empress Merel]

^ Now if it was 'based on true story', Nicole would get bigger chance. Oscars loooove them real ppl.

Yes, but the Oscars also love high ratings.

I don't want Natalie to win. Very limited actress who plays the same kind of woman every time.

 

[beatriz]

I can certainly see that happening. I've not read the book but I liked the film. I thought Mulligan and Garfield were great.

Yeah, absolutely. After watching that and TSN I have the biggest crush on Garfield.