It's an honor just to be nominated...

The Oscar nominations are out this morning are there are very few surprises. One thing that stood out to me is the absence of Paul Giamatii in the Best Actor category for Sideways. That is sort of a crime, but it's a very full category this year. Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda (a performance everyone will rave about but no one will see),
Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland (cause he's cute and we love him), Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator (cause the Hughes fortune still owns Hollywood), Clint Eastwood in Million Dollar Baby (for playing gruff and brooding - such an accomplishment for him! ugh!), and Jamie Foxx in Ray (for deserving to win from all accounts). Jamie Fox also got a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Collateral. Who would have thought this guy would become such a respected actor over the course of one year?

Over in the Best Actress category it's the very much anticipated rematch between the manish Hillary Swank and the radiant Annette Bening. Swank plays a girl boxer who trains with Clint Eastwood and warms his heart. Jeez, I hate sports movies. And I especially hate boxing. So I'm dreading having to see this movie. But I will try to keep an open mind. In the meantime, Annette Bening, who’s always held a special place in my heart, was absolutely perfect in Being Julia. It was one of those perfect movies that engages on so many levels and you never want to end. And the last 15 minutes are some of the most satisfying I've ever had in a movie theatre. (Not counting that time in that Chelsea "movie house.")

It's also been pointed out to me by my friend Leigh that Fahrenheit 9/11 was not nominated for anything. I'm not sure if Michael Moore entered it into the Best Picture category like he once suggested he would. If so, it's his own fault for over-reaching. Still, it's too bad.