My morning started out bad. I was so excited about the Oscar nominations (as I normally am), but I missed the official announcement because I am not good at math. Somehow in my mind, 5:30 PST worked out to be 9:30 CST. Only after I got in the car and heard the people on the radio talking about who had been nominated did I realize my mathematical mistake. Rats!
Anyhow, there were a few surprises. Bridesmaids did not get a nomination for Best Picture as many had hoped, but Melissa McCarthy did pick of a Best Supporting Actress nod for her portrayal in the film. Damien Bachir came from out of nowhere it seemed to grab a nod for Best Supporting Actor (for A Better Life) over female population favorite Ryan Gosling. The Adventures of Tintin didn’t receive a nomination for Best Animated Film, which many found odd. Many also saw the lack of nomination of Albert Brooks for Drive as a complete snub by the Academy. Overall, many of those nominated (George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Woody Allen) were old, familiar names.
Each year, I try to watch as many films with nominations as I can. This year, I started with The Descendants, unless you count Puss In Boots, which I saw with my 7-year-old. Three days later, I did what I don’t normally do – I watched a Woody Allen film. Vilify me if you must, but I’ve just never been a big fan. However, I liked the storyline of Midnight in Paris and the film didn’t disappoint me. If you love Paris, literature, writing, and/or Owen Wilson, be sure to rent this one.
My next move is to take off work Thursday afternoon to go see The Artist. I have to take off work because I know my 7-year-old will not sit through a black and white silent film. Nor will my husband, for that matter. Plus, with movie prices as high as they are, matinees totally rock now.
Before February 26th (the big night!), I hope to also see Moneyball (some were surprised by Jonah Hill’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor), The Help, and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (about the West Memphis Three). While I am at it, I may throw Bridemaids in if I need a good laugh because I have heard it is hilarious.