Oscar wishes and woes

So the Academy Award nominations came out earlier this week, and while I do agree with some, I have a serious bone to pick with others.

I’m skipping Best Picture because there’s 10 movies and let’s be honest, The Artist will probably win. And it probably should (haven’t seen it yet but it’s on my list!). And I’m okay with that.

Moving to Best Actor: HALLELUJAH FOR GARY OLDMAN. The man totally deserves it.

BUT WHERE THE HELL IS MICHAEL FASSBENDER?! I don’t know what could have possibly possessed the Academy to leave out Fassbender. He has had a bunch of good movies out this year, so he’s on the radar (way above the radar in my opinion), and he’s SO. DAMN. TALENTED. From everything I saw and read, his performance is raw, riveting, and incredible. I just don’t understand how something like this got missed. I hope he eventually gets his due, but COME. ON.

And I’m pretty sure Brad Pitt got nominated because he’s Brad Pitt. Moneyball? Really? I could be wrong. I’m probably still bitter about Jen Aniston.

Also, why is there no love for Ryan Gosling?? Come on. There were two AWESOME movies to choose from. I’m sure they could have found something. Actually, where is DRIVE!? Good lord.

For Best Actress: I would really like Viola Davis to win, because she’s Viola Davis and classy and hardworking and wonderful. Rooney Mara – I’m sure she was good, but I’m not sure about Oscar-worthy. Yet. Nice to see her nominated, though. Meryl – just stop. You have enough.

For Supporting Actor: I’m so amazed that Warrior even made it into the Oscars at all, so this was a nice surprise. I’m not that invested in this category otherwise BECAUSE ALBERT FREAKING BROOKS DIDN’T GET NOMINATED.

For Supporting Actress: It’s gotta be Octavia Spencer (despite my major girl-crush on Jessica Chastain).

Animated Film: WHAT IS GOING ON. Look. Puss in Boots? Are you shitting me? I finally saw Rango the other night, and that’s the only one I can see even deserving of the nomination. I really, really liked it, even though it should not have been billed as a kids’ movie, by far. I can’t not like Kung Fu Panda, so I guess that’s okay, too. But I’ll be honest, I don’t know the other two – they could be awesome. I’m still reeling over Puss in Boots, though.

Directing: I cannot believe Terrence Malick made it into the race. Out of everyone in this category, I think Alexander Payne should win – although I can see The Artist’s director, Michel Hazanavicius, winning also. I’m just biased because I haven’t seen The Artist yet. But I loved The Descendants so much. And Midnight in Paris was so much FUN,  it was a kick to see Woody Allen in here.

I LOVE Midnight in Paris. Partly (largely) because of Tom Hiddleston. I’m done now.

I have a couple more opinions on music & screenplay, but the life of a student calls once more (aka I have class). Let the countdown begin!