Saturday, January 31, 2009

January Movie Watching


January is the slow month for movies (new releases-- not the previous year's hang-overs). But it's always fun to take in a few low-expectation films... and there is an occasional surprise. Cloverfield, after all, was on my top ten for '08 and it was a January release. Plus, it's nice to "ring in" the new movie year.

I saw just two movies theatrically this month: My Blood Valentine 3-D and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. I admit that I actually did, perhaps foolishly, have expectations for My Bloody Valentine. It wasn't awful, but what a letdown. Paul Blart: Mall Cop was a bit embarassing. It did, however, somehow, manage to drag itself up to "tolerable" by the end of the movie. It's the kind of movie that doesn't warant discussion-- if you see it you know what you're getting into, i.e. a timewaster. I hope Kevin James gets a better script next time: he's a funny guy and tried REALLY hard.

On TCM, I watched Fire Over England, which I'd seen as a kid on AMC (in the olden days). A decent costumer, with a great Flora Robson performance. I also watched Contempt, the Godard film-- I enjoyed it but I think (like many, but not all) that it's really NOT a "great" film. But I look forward to seeing it again someday, despite it's non-masterpiece status in my eyes.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Oscar Trivia Friday!

More good old-fashioned Oscar trivia, leading us up to the big night. You can post guesses in the comments--I'll reveal the answers in the subsequent Friday entry. No prizes!!! Just for fun!

1. What happened for the first time at an Oscar ceremony at the 18th Annual Academy Awards (1946)?

(A.) The best songs were performed, including “Accentuate the Positive,” “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” and winner “It Might As Well Be Spring.”

(B.) The show was televised.

(C.) Billy Crystal hosted.

(D.) The wrong name was read when presenter Charles Boyer announced Ingrid Bergman as the winner (Joan Crawford had really won)— it was immediately cleared up.

2. Who forgot to mention the real-life person they portrayed in their Oscar-winning performance, telling reporters backstage: “I didn’t acknowledge her, shamefully…. And I’ve said so many things about her and so many things to her that she knows the esteem in which I hold her.”?

(A.) Julia Roberts— Erin Brockovich

(B.) Jennifer Connelly— Alicia Nash

(C.) Reese Witherspoon— June Carter

(D.) Helen Mirren— Queen Elizabeth II

3. Which of the following never happened at the Oscars?

(A.) In 1932, Walt Disney received a special award for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

(B.) In 1941, Best Supporting Actress winner Jane Darwell said of her Oscar that “awards are nice but she’d rather have a job,” prompting 20th Century Fox studio head Darryl F. Zanuck to call her the next day with a co-starring role in an upcoming movie.

(C.) In 1951, Marilyn Monroe, presenting the Best Sound Oscar, was so nervous that she fainted on stage and had to be revived by host Fred Astaire.

(D.) In 1961, when no one claimed the Bes t Song Oscar, presenter Jayne Meadows took it with her and displayed it on I’ve Got a Secret before sending it off to the winner.

4. Three of the following actors showed up bald at the Oscars, their heads shaved for a film they were currently making-- which is the only one who didn't?

(A.) Bette Davis in 1955

(B.) Jack Lemmon in 1974

(C.) Tommy Lee Jones in 1994

(D.) Jack Nicholson in 2007

5. Who was the first person to present an Oscar to themselves?

(A.) Hal Mohr, a surprise write-in winner, presenting Best Cinematography in 1936.

(B.) Walt Disney, presenting Best Cartoon Short Subject in 1937.

(C.) F. Scott Fitzgerald, presenting Best Motion Picture Story in 1938.

(D.) Hattie McDaniel, presenting Best Supporting Actress in 1939.


Answers to last Friday's Trivia:

Match the Oscar host with the quip:

Johnny Carson __B___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Chevy Chase __C___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Billy Crystal __D___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Ellen DeGeneres __J___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Whoopi Goldberg __F___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Bob Hope __A___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

David Letterman __E___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Steve Martin __G___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Chris Rock __H___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Jon Stewart __I___ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

(A.) “Two years ago I received an Honorary Oscar, but for a man of my determination and honesty, it was a hollow victory. It really meant nothing. As a matter of fact, I only keep the shrine open two afternoons a week.” (1955)

(B.) “This is the 51st Annual Academy Awards— two hours of sparkling entertainment spread out over a four hour show.” (1979)

(C.) “…Welcome to Monday Night Live. When the most important secrets in Hollywood are contained in briefcases held by two men whose complete silence can be depended upon: Poindexter and North.” (1987)

(D.) “Was that for me or are you just glad I’m not Snow White? I thought we’d bring her out and do the Lambada— the forbidden dance.” (1989)

(E.) “Last year, as the global film community knows, I made my big screen debut in a little something called Cabin Boy. And I, too, was lucky enough to turn words into magic.” (1995)

(F.) “For those of you scoring at home, keep it down, honey, we’re doing a show here.” (1999)

(G.) “Now I don’t like the Oscar stage being used for promotion. One year I watched Billy Crystal ride out here on a horse just to promote his movie City Slickers. And I was so mad it just made me want to start bringing down the house.” (2003)

(H.) “Welcome to the 77th and last Academy Awards.” (2005)

(I.) “Tonight is the night we celebrate excellence in film, with me, the fourth male lead from Death to Smoochy.” (2006)

(J.) "I think most people dream of winning an Academy Award. I had a dream of actually hosting the Academy Awards, and so let that be a lesson to you kids out there— aim lower." (2007)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

"Moonlighting" Movie?

As you may have guessed from my summer reviews of classic Moonlighting episodes, all this talk about the posiblitiy of a Moonlighting movie, has got me saying: "How GREAT would that be?!" If only it would be done as a feature film-- that would be the most exciting news of all.

In case you haven't heard, here's the rumor mill chatter:

Link to: tvsquad post

Link to: cinematical post

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Living Hitchcock Actors: Who's Left?

Who among the living Hitchcock actors most conjures up the Master and his movies? My answer is still: Tippi Hedren, who tops my list of the Top Ten Most Significant Living Hitchcock Actors (plus 83 others). Why the list? Just for fun and for Hitchcock fans who want to know that these actors are still with us.












TOP TEN:

1. Tippi Hedren (b. 1930) (The Birds, Marnie)
2. Kim Novak (b. 1933) (Vertigo)
3. Joan Fontaine (b. 1917) (Rebecca, Suspicion)
4. Farley Granger (b. 1925) (Rope, Strangers on a Train)
5. Eva Marie Saint (b. 1924) (North By Northwest)
6. Nova Pilbeam (b. 1919) (The Man Who Knew Too Much [1934], Young and Innocent)
7. Doris Day (b. 1924) (The Man Who Knew Too Much [1956])
8. Rod Taylor (b. 1930) (The Birds)
9. Pat Hitchcock (b. 1928) (Stage Fright, Strangers on a Train, Psycho)
10. John Forsythe (b. 1918) (The Trouble With Harry, Topaz, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour: “I Saw the Whole Thing”)

THE REST (Alphabetical):

1. Kathryn Adams (b. 1920) (Saboteur)
2. Mary Anderson (b. 1920) (Lifeboat)
3. Julie Andrews (b. 1935) (Torn Curtain)
4. Brigitte Auber (b. 1928) (To Catch A Thief)
5. Diane Baker (b. 1938) (Marnie)
6. Laurinda Barrett (b. 1931) (The Wrong Man)
7. Charles Bates (b. 1934) (Shadow of a Doubt, Spellbound)
8. Kimberly Beck (b. 1956) (Marnie)
9. Martin Benson (b. 1918) (Under Capricorn)
10. Karen Black (b. 1939) (Family Plot)
11. Morgan Brittany (b. 1951) (The Birds)
12. Faith Brook (b. 1922) (Suspicion)
13. Frank Cady (b. 1915) (Rear Window)
14. Veronica Cartwright (b. 1950) (The Birds)
15. Sean Connery (b. 1930) (Marnie)
16. Charles Cooper (The Wrong Man)
17. Carolyn Conwell (b. 1930) (Torn Curtain)
18. Bernard Cribbins (b. 1928) (Frenzy)
19. Roger Dann (I Confess)
20. Bruce Dern (b. 1936) (Marnie, Family Plot)
21. William Devane (b. 1937) (Family Plot)
22. Douglas Dick (b. 1920) (Rope)
23. Karin Dor (b. 1938) (Topaz)
24. M’el Dowd (b. 1940) (The Wrong Man)
25. Robert Ellenstein (b. 1923) (North By Northwest)
26. Jon Finch (b. 1941) (Frenzy)
27. Gisela Fischer (Torn Curtain)
28. Rhonda Fleming (b. 1923) (Spellbound)
29. Bonnie Franklin (b. 1944) (The Wrong Man)
30. Sally Fraser (North By Northwest)
31. Jimmy Gardner (b. 1924) (Frenzy)
32. John Gavin (b. 1931) (Psycho)
33. Kathryn Grant (Rear Window)
34. Rand Harper (Rear Window)
35. Barbara Harris (b. 1935) (Family Plot)
36. Mariette Hartley (b. 1940) (Marnie)
37. John Heldabrand (The Wrong Man)
38. Katherine Helmond (b. 1928) (Family Plot)
39. Gladys Holland (To Catch A Thief, The Man Who Knew Too Much [1956])
40. Paul Jasmin (voice, Psycho)
41. Louis Jourdan (b. 1919) (The Paradine Case)
42. Martin Landau (b. 1931) (North By Northwest)
43. Harry Landers (b. 1921) (Rear Window)
44. Louise Latham (b. 1922) (Marnie)
45. Ed Lauter (b. 1940) (Family Plot)
46. Joan Leslie (b. 1925) (Foreign Correspondent)
47. Barbara Leigh-Hunt (b. 1935) (Frenzy)
48. Norman Lloyd (b. 1914) (Saboteur, Spellbound)
49. Alec McCowen (b. 1925) (Frenzy)
50. Hector MacGregor (Stage Fright)
51. Shirley MacLaine (b. 1934) (The Trouble With Harry)
52. Patrick MacNee (b. 1922) (Alfred Hitchcock Presents: “Arthur”)
53. Karl Malden (b. 1912) (I Confess)
54. Joe Mantell (b. 1920) (The Birds)
55. Jean Marsh (b. 1934) (Frenzy)
56. Anna Massey (b. 1937) (Frenzy)
57. Jerry Mathers (b. 1948) (The Trouble With Harry)
58. Vera Miles (b. 1929) (The Wrong Man, Psycho)
59. Martin Milner (b. 1931) (Dial M For Murder)
60. Patricia Morrow (b. 1944) (The Wrong Man)
61. Bill(y) Mumy (b. 1954) (Alfred Hitchcock Presents: “Bang! You’re Dead”)
62. Kate Murtagh (Family Plot)
63. Maureen O’Hara (b. 1920) (Jamaica Inn)
64. Christopher Olsen (b. 1946) (The Man Who Knew Too Much)
65. Adele Pearce (aka Pamela Blake) (b. 1918) (Mr. & Mrs. Smith)
66. Gilles Pelletier (I Confess)
67. Nehemiah Persoff (b. 1919) (The Wrong Man)
68. Michel Piccoli (b. 1925) (Topaz)
69. Robert Quarry (b. 1925) (Shadow of a Doubt)
70. Marge Redmond (b. 1930) (Family Plot)
71. Frances Reid (b. 1913) (voice; The Wrong Man)
72. Melody Thomas Scott (b. 1956) (Marnie)
73. John Stephenson (b. 1923) (Topaz)
74. Michel Subor (b. 1935) (Topaz)
75. Clive Swift (b. 1936) (Frenzy)
76. Richard Todd (b. 1919) (Stage Fright)
77. Philip Truex (b. 1911) (The Trouble With Harry)
78. Charles Tyner (b. 1925) (Family Plot)
79. Peggy Webber (The Wrong Man)
80. Billie Whitelaw (b. 1932) (Frenzy)
81. Elizabeth Wilson (b. 1921) (The Birds)
82. Googie Withers (b. 1917) (The Lady Vanishes)
83. Edna May Wonacott (b. 1932) (Shadow of a Doubt)

Alfred Hitchcock's cast of actors is dwindling, however. Although since last year's list of living Hitchcock players in my blog entry of 1/31/08, just two actors have passed (plus I discovered one other actor that had died years ago-- Roger Dann (1911-2000)). The two who died this year are: Henry Beckman (1921-2008) (The Wrong Man, Marnie) and Paul Newman (1925-2008) (Torn Curtain).

Also, I was at an event during the year and a woman was identifieed in the audience as an actress who had appeared in a couple Hitchcock movies. Her name is Gladys Holland and I've added her this year.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Box Office #1s: US Domestic

The Dark Knight easily topped this year's US domestic box office list, here are the top grossing films of the last ten years, almost entirely "franchise" blockbusters:
2008: The Dark Knight
2007: Spider-Man 3
2006: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
2005: Star Wars: Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith
2004: Shrek 2
2003: The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
2002: Spider-Man
2001: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2000: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
1999: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace


What will be the biggest US domestic release this year? Avatar? Terminator Salvation? Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen? Star Trek? Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?

Monday, January 26, 2009

WGA, PGA, and SAG Winners Announced Over the Weekend


The WGA winners were announced yesterday. Link to the WGA site.


The 15th Annual SAGs were also yesterday-- SLUMDOG took film ensemble. Link to the SAG site.

The PGA winners were announced on January 24th. Link to the PGA site.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

TITANIC Still Atop the Domestic Top 100

The '90s took a big hit last year in the US domestic (unadjusted) top 100 films, down three films, but reigning champ TITANIC held firm against THE DARK KNIGHT. 2008 also saw the oldest film in the top 100 get knocked out-- SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS-- leaving GONE WITH THE WIND as the only classic Hollywood film in the rankings. Of course, in the adjusted for inflation list GONE WITH THE WIND is #1.

Last year I noted in my blog entry of 1/3/08 that the trend for the classics to be bumped is not merely a factor of inflation, but rather of (a) abnormally soaring ticket sales and (b) the fact that older films no longer get re-releases to the extent that they once did.

Of interest this year will be TOY STORYs re-release. At #96, TOY STORY is likely to get bumped from the top 100 by the time it gets its October re-release, positioning it to be one of the first films in years to vault itself back into the top 100 following a re-release. This used to happen all the time-- now it never does. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS and THE POLAR EXPRESS have not pulled off this feat despite their annual re-releases.

If the 3-D trend continues, there will certainly be a vogue of taking older films and re-releasing them in 3-D (until, as with NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, the audience discovers that it doesn't really "work" too well). Wonder if James Cameron (a big fan of 3-D) is secretly prepping a TITANIC 3-D re-release for the 1912 centennial of the Titanic's sinking.

So-- time for the annual breakdown of the US domestic (unadjusted) top 100 films to see where the reigning moneymakers stand.

Here is the current breakdown, year-end 2008:

Number of films in the US TOP 100 DOMESTIC MOVIES GROSSES released from 1998-2008: 71.

By decade:
1930s: 1 (GONE WITH THE WIND [at #90])
1940s: 0
1950s: 0
1960s: 0
1970s: 4 (STAR WARS [#3], JAWS [#42], THE EXORCIST [#60], GREASE [at #98])
1980s: 9 (lowest ranked: INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE [#93])
1990s: 20 (lowest ranked: TOY STORY [#95])
2000s: 66

Link to US TOP 100 DOMESTIC MOVIES GROSSES on boxofficemojo.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Oscar Nominations 2008: My Thoughts

This year's nominations had nearly everyone saying to me: I haven't seen any of those movies! Yet, everyone I know has seen at least SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (the frontrunner) and most have seen BENJAMIN BUTTON, which got the most nominations. What gives? I think I know-- the DARK KNIGHT slight. The simple switch of putting in the DARK KNIGHT (which everyone saw) in Best Picture/Director over surprise nominee THE READER (which no one saw) would have made all the difference (even with the number of little-seen acting nominees).

Not a lot of surprises this year in terms of what was nominated, but a few in what wasn't.






Here's my reactions to the nominations:

TOP TEN BIGGEST SHOCKS (NOMINEES)— Not necessarily because I did or didn't like them, just surprising
1. Stephen Daldry- Best Director- THE READER
2. Michael Shannon- Best Supporting Actor- REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
3. THE READER- Best Picture
4. Courtney Hunt- Best Original Screenplay- FROZEN RIVER
5. Richard Jenkins-- Best Actor- THE VISITOR
6. Robert Downey, Jr.- Best Supporting Actor- TROPIC THUNDER
7. WANTED- Best Sound Mixing [just that WANTED is an Oscar-nominated film now]
8. AUSTRALIA- Best Costume Design [same thing AUSTRALIA is an Oscar-nominee]
9. Melissa Leo- Best Actress- FROZEN RIVER
10. Kate Winslet- Best Actress- THE READER (the surprise here is that she was in lead [which it SHOULD be, but after that Golden Globe win in supporting...]

TOP TEN BIGGEST SHOCKS (SHUT-OUTS)— Again, not necessarily because I like or dislike them, just surprising
1. Christopher Nolan- Best Director- THE DARK KNIGHT
2. Sally Hawkins- Best Actress- HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
3. THE DARK KNIGHT- Best Picture
4. Clint Eastwood- Best Actor- GRAN TORINO
5. Clint Eastwood- Best Song- Gran Torino
6. Woody Allen- Best Original Screenplay- VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
7. Bruce Springsteen- Best Song- THE WRESTLER
8. Clint Eastwood- Best Score- CHANGELING
9. Joel & Ethan Coen- Best Original Screenplay- BURN AFTER READING
10. Dev Patel- Best Supporting Actor- SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

TOP TEN MOST EXCITING NOMINATIONS (SOOO HAPPY THESE MADE IT)
1. Martin McDonagh- Best Original Screenplay- IN BRUGES
2. Penelope Cruz- Best Supporting Actress- VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
3. Frank Langella- Best Actor- FROST/NIXON
4. FROST/NIXON- Best Picture
5. A. R. Rahman- Best Score- SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
6. Ron Howard- Best Director- FROST/NIXON
7. THE DARK KNIGHT- Best Make-Up
8. Amy Adams- Best Supporting Actress- DOUBT
9. FROST/NIXON- Best Editing
10. Kate Winslet- Best Actress- THE READER (not because of the performance, because they put it in lead-- and, after ALL her career noms, she deserves a win for Lead)

TOP TEN BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS— WISH THEY HAD MADE IT (HAD A DEFINITE CHANCE AT A NOMINATION)
1. Woody Allen- Best Original Screenplay- VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
2. Charlie Kaufman- Best Original Screenplay - SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
3. Rosemarie DeWitt- Best Supporting Actress- RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
4. Brendan Gleeson- Best Actor- IN BRUGES
5. Colin Farrell- Best Actor- IN BRUGES
6. Ralph Fiennes- Best Supporting Actor- IN BRUGES
7. Sally Hawkins- Best Actress- HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
8. Michael Sheen- Best Actor- FROST/NIXON
9. CLOVERFIELD- Best Visual Effects
10. SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK- Best Art Direction/Set Decoration

TOP TEN BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS— WISH THEY HAD MADE IT (PERFECT WORLD NOMINATIONS)
1. SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK- Best Picture
2. Charlie Kaufman- Best Director- SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
3. IN BRUGES- Best Picture
4. Mathieu Amalric- Best Supporting Actor- A CHRISTMAS TALE
5. Jean-Claude Van Damme- Best Actor- JCVD
6. Debra Winger- Best Supporting Actress- RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
7. James Cromwell- Best Supporting Actor- W.
8. Ann Savage- Best Supporting Actress- MY WINNIPEG
9. Bill Maher- Best Screenplay- RELIGULOUS
10. Kristen Bell- Best Actress- FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

WISH THEY HADN'T BEEN NOMINATED: I just can't do it— I can't begrudge anyone an Oscar nomination. (But believe me I could think of some!)

THANK GOD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!: I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG- Best Foreign Language Film

Referring back to my "ballot" (link to blog entry), here's my scorecard in terms of what I wished for (a poor showing!):

Best Picture (1/5):
Best Director (1/5)
Best Actor (2/5):
Best Actress (1/5)[two 1/2s- Jolie and Winslet up for other movies]:
Best Supporting Actor (1/5):
Best Supporting Actress (2/5):
Best Original Screenplay (1/5):
Best Adapted Screenplay (3/5):

Other categories:
FROST/NIXON (Best Editing)
THE DARK KNIGHT (Best Visual Effects, Best Make-Up)
IRON MAN (Best Visual Effects)
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Best Score, Best Cinematography)
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Best Visual Effects)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Second Annual One Line Review Oscar Trivia Friday!

For each of the Fridays between now and the 81st Annual Oscars, I offer some good old-fashioned Oscar trivia, leading us up to the big night. You can post guesses in the comments--I'll reveal the answers in the subsequent Friday entry. No prizes!!! Just for fun!





Match the Oscar host with the quip:

Johnny Carson _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Chevy Chase _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Billy Crystal _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Ellen DeGeneres _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Whoopi Goldberg _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Bob Hope _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

David Letterman _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Steve Martin _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Chris Rock _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

Jon Stewart _____ (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J)

(A.) “Two years ago I received an Honorary Oscar, but for a man of my determination and honesty, it was a hollow victory. It really meant nothing. As a matter of fact, I only keep the shrine open two afternoons a week.” (1955)

(B.) “This is the 51st Annual Academy Awards— two hours of sparkling entertainment spread out over a four hour show.” (1979)

(C.) “…Welcome to Monday Night Live. When the most important secrets in Hollywood are contained in briefcases held by two men whose complete silence can be depended upon: Poindexter and North.” (1987)

(D.) “Was that for me or are you just glad I’m not Snow White? I thought we’d bring her out and do the Lambada— the forbidden dance.” (1989)

(E.) “Last year, as the global film community knows, I made my big screen debut in a little something called Cabin Boy. And I, too, was lucky enough to turn words into magic.” (1995)

(F.) “For those of you scoring at home, keep it down, honey, we’re doing a show here.” (1999)

(G.) “Now I don’t like the Oscar stage being used for promotion. One year I watched Billy Crystal ride out here on a horse just to promote his movie City Slickers. And I was so mad it just made me want to start bringing down the house.” (2003)

(H.) “Welcome to the 77th and last Academy Awards.” (2005)

(I.) “Tonight is the night we celebrate excellence in film, with me, the fourth male lead from Death to Smoochy.” (2006)

(J.) "I think most people dream of winning an Academy Award. I had a dream of actually hosting the Academy Awards, and so let that be a lesson to you kids out there— aim lower." (2007)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Oscar Nominations 2008: Interesting Facts

Not that many terribly interesting facts are coming to light.

• DOUBT's four acting nominations is the first since 2002's CHICAGO.

• This is the first year since 1994 that none of the Best Score nominees is a previous winner.

• "Oscar's biggest loser" Kevin O'Connell is not nominated this year after a four-year nomination streak and 20 total nominations.

Oscar Nominations 2008

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON receives the most nominations: 13, as per my (not earth-shaking) prediction.

Oscar Nominations have been announced (link).

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

What Film Will Get the Most Oscar Nominations?

Tomorrow morning at 5:38:30 AM PST, the Oscar nominations will be announced. It's time for the annual parlor game: What is your guess for the film that will get the most nominations? Last year it was a tie between NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and THERE WILL BE BLOOD (garnering 8 nominations each).

Here are the possible choices for this year:

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: With two likely acting nominations (Pitt and Taraji P. Henson) and a possible third in Cate Blanchett, plus all the crafts nominations (Art Direction, Make-up, Music) and the techincal ones (Editing, Visual Effects)-- it's up for a slew of nominations.

THE DARK KNIGHT: Only one acting nomination plus possible shutouts in a few crafts areas (costume, art direction-set decoration) will probably put it a few behind the leader.

DOUBT: It's chance at four acting nominations (Streep, Hoffman, Adams, Viola Davis) puts it in the running, even if it will get little else outside of adapted screenplay.

FROST/NIXON: Will likely only get one acting nomination (Frank Langella) and little in the way of crafts, but with Picture/Director/Adapted Screenplay/Editing, has an outside chance.

MILK: Two acting noms (Penn and Brolin) plus all the crafts (except make-up) will not be enough-- it won't likely make it into the technical areas.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Might not even get one acting nomination, could pick up some crafts/technical nominations (definitely: score, cinematography, and editing) but probably won't sweep them.

THE WRESTLER: With two acting nominations (Rourke, Tomei) and possibilities in many different categories (Director, Screenplay, Art Direction-Set Decoration, Song) has a dark horse chance, but only if it can pull off a miraculous Best Picture nomination.

My Guess: It seems like THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will nab the most nominations (despite the current running toward SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE for the Best Picture win).

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Top Ten 00s Films on My Movie Radar

The 00s are turning out to be the year of the documentary and the emergence of new voices in world cinema: Park Chan-wook, Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro, Michael Haneke, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Fernando Meirelles, and Corneliu Porumboiu-- to name a few. Not to mention the decade of The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight... Here's a list of ten contemporary films that I missed, but they're on my radar:

Yi Yi - 2000

Ali G Indahouse - 2002

The Transporter - 2002

12:08 to Bucharest - 2006

Black Book - 2006

The Fountain - 2006

Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem - 2007

This Is England - 2007

Wendy and Lucy - 2008

Zack and Miri Make a Porno - 2008

Monday, January 19, 2009

Internet Movie Poster Award Winners 2008 Announced

The IMPAwards.com site has posted their winners for the best (and worst) movie posters of 2008 in various categories. Click here for the full list of the winners.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Vintage "Star Wars" Family Photos

I ran across this the other day. Anyone who was a kid during the original Star Wars trilogy will, particularly, get a kick out of this: photos of children doing something related to the movies from 1977-85. ... a blast from the past!

Link to website.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Top 250 Films of the 21st Century (Update)

Every January, the website THEY SHOOT PICTURES, DON'T THEY? re-issues their "top films of the 21st century" list to incorporate the films from the previous year. This is the coolest list to look at, particularly in seeing what manages to "stay" on it: the future VERTIGOs and KANEs. The site also notes the full list of 27 that got "knocked off," plus shows the ranking changes of the others, up or down. OLDBOY made the most dramatic jump-- from 245 to 75 (!).

Still reigning at #1 is Wong Kar-wai's IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (photo above).


Here is a list of the 2008 additions (and link to the entire list):

30. FLIGHT OF THE RED BALLOON
54. A CHRISTMAS TALE
55. WENDY AND LUCY
68. WALL-E
73. STILL LIFE
78. MY WINNIPEG
79. PARANOID PARK
84. HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
86. WALTZ WITH BASHIR
116. SILENT LIGHT
117. SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
118. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
123. IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA
127. THE LIVES OF OTHERS
141. RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
144. HUNGER
153. MILK
159. THE WRESTLER
172. HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (2004)
176. THE DUCHESS OF LANGEAIS
186. THE EDGE OF HEAVEN
196. MAN ON WIRE
197. BALLAST
219. WOMAN ON BEACH
220. REPRISE
223. CHE
231. CHUNHYANG (2000)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Criterion's Upcoming DVDs

The newly announced Criterion DVDs are an interesting group, which includes two films from Nagisa Oshima (In the Realm of the Senses and Empire of Passion) plus a short films collection from a French director named Jean Painlevé, who Criterion describes as "a film director, critic, theorist, and animator" adding: "yet his interests and studies also extended to mathematics, medicine, and zoology." Certainly intriguing.

Link to Criterion's upcoming releases.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

BAFTA Nominations 2008



BAFTA Film Noms were announced today-- with SLUMDOG and BENJAMIN BUTTON tied at the most, with 11 nominations each.

Best Film noms listed below (and link to their website with the full list):

BEST FILM
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON – Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Ceán Chaffin
FROST/NIXON – Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard
MILK – Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen
THE READER – Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti, Redmond Morris
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Christian Colson

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
HUNGER – Laura Hastings-Smith, Robin Gutch, Steve McQueen, Enda Walsh
IN BRUGES – Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Martin McDonagh
MAMMA MIA! – Judy Craymer, Gary Goetzman, Phyllida Lloyd, Catherine Johnson
MAN ON WIRE – Simon Chinn, James Marsh
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE – Christian Colson, Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

One Line Review's Top Ten Movie Posters of 2008

#1.) THE DARK KNIGHT - TEASER. Perfectly captures the mood you'd want for THE DARK KNIGHT. Appropriately menacing and disturbing without being offputting. In person it's even better.











#2.) THE BANK JOB. Retro and stylish.
















#3.) ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO. Funny and daring, and just tame enough to get past the censor-- too bad it didn't! And you gotta love the absence of a tag line when you've got COMING SOON.












#4.) W. - TEASER. Nice image. Plus, it was a movie with a heightened anticipation, so the perfect tag.














#5.) GET SMART - TEASER. Another funny Steve Carrell poster! With all the possible choices, this was the way to go. It features the stars and the humor, without being corny.








#6.) DOUBT. The use of color around the border of the cross is startling. The idea of not featuring the star-studded cast WAS the way to go.









#7.) STEP BROTHERS. Trumped a bit by a similar idea for THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, but still, it works.













#8.) SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Kinetic and illustrative of the film. Nice splash of color for a Bollywood import.















#9.) FUNNY GAMES. Striking. Gets its point across.















#10.) MY WINNIPEG. The tag is hopelessly overused, but the image dares you to check out the movie.


















HM.) 27 DRESSES. Actually takes a chance and breaks the mold for the usual romatic comedy poster.

HM.) FOOL'S GOLD. Shows off it's atractive leads without being obvious; a nice touch with the gold.

HM.) VALKYRIE. Smart and interesting, willing to be more graphic art than photographic art sa with most movie posters.

HM.) THE VISITOR. Takes a well worn concept and pulls off a solid campaign for a "small" film.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Internet Movie Poster Awards Nominees Announced

The IMPAwards.com site has posted their picks for nominees of the best (and worst) movie posters in various categories. Winners will be announced Monday, January 19th. Click here for the full list of nominees in all categories. Tomorrow I'll be posting my own Ten Best Posters of 2008.

Monday, January 12, 2009

My Oscar Ballot: Movie Year 2008

The Oscar nominations polls close at 5 p.m. PST today. Below are my choices for nominations in the 81sh Annual Academy Awards. I've limited them to the "big" categories, but I've added a few choices among the rest. The nominations will be announced 5:30 a.m. PST on Thursday, January 22nd.



Best Picture:
Frost/Nixon
In Bruges
My Winnipeg
Religulous
Synecdoche, New York

Best Director:
Darren Aronofsky for The Wrestler
Ron Howard for Frost/Nixon
Charlie Kaufman for Synecdoche, New York
Guy Maddin for My Winnipeg
Martin McDonagh for In Bruges

Best Actor:
Brendan Gleeson in In Bruges
Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon
Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler
Michael Sheen in Frost/Nixon
Jean-Claude Van Damme in JCVD

Best Actress:
Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins in Happy-Go-Lucky
Anjelina Jolie in Wanted
Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road

Best Supporting Actor:
Mathieu Amalric in A Christmas Tale
James Cromwell in W.
Ralph Fiennes in In Bruges
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
Eddie Marsan in Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Rosemarie DeWitt in Rachel Getting Married
Ann Savage in My Winnipeg
Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler
Debra Winger in Rachel Getting Married

Best Original Screenplay:
Woody Allen for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Charlie Kaufman for Synecdoche, New York
Guy Maddin and George Toles for My Winnipeg
Bill Maher for Religulous
Martin McDonagh for In Bruges

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeeley for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire
Peter Morgan for Frost/Nixon
Melissa Rosenberg for Twilight
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord (screen story) for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Also Noteworthy:
Cloverfield (Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Best Visual Effects)
The Dark Knight (Best Cinematography, Best Make-Up)
Frost/Nixon (Best Editing)
Hancock (Best Visual Effects)
Iron Man (Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)
My Winnipeg (Best Documentary)
Slumdog Millionaire (Best Score, Best Cinematography)
Synecdoche, New York (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)
The Wrestler (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)

Sunday, January 11, 2009

"Slumdog Millionaire," "John Adams," "30 Rock" Big Winners At the Golden Globes; Kate Winslet Nabs Two Globes

The Globes were a bit dull. Just like the Emmys, Ricky Gervais was the only real highlight. I did like Laura Linney's speech and Tracy Morgan's irreverence. But jees, the Globes felt long.

Although generally an actor, say Tom Hanks-- who was right there-- would normally be asked, I admire the HFPA for choosing Martin Scorsese to present to Spielberg. It seemed more genuine. The clip reel was weak (how do you screw that up?). I did like Spielberg's speech (and seeing Drew Barrymore-- Gertie!-- in the audience).

Surprises? A few. Colin Farrell-- a pleasant surprise. Oddly, Vicky Christina Barcelona won up against the others (despite no other wins) but go Woody! And of course Kate Winslet's double win-- hated her speeches-- if you can call them that. Poor Penelope Cruz-- supporting should have been hers.

There was a whole lotta love in the room for Mickey Rourke-- will he win the Oscar?

Saturday, January 10, 2009

This Month on TCM: "Bringing Up Baby" (1938)

On Tuesday, January 20th, TCM is showing one of the definitive examples of Hollywood's screwball comedy genre: Bringing Up Baby. A flop in its day, it's gone on to make best-of lists and certainly favorite-of lists of many a film lover.

If It Happened One Night is the prototype of the screwball comedy then Bringing Up Baby is the working definition. It Happened One Night had one foot in '30s realism; it knew it was escapism for the masses. Bread lines loom in the background of Capra's film but Baby is all escapism, with no pretense of seriousness. This makes It Happened One Night the better film perhaps, but gives Baby the comedy edge. Bringing Up Baby is 102 minutes of the purest comedy.

The thing about Bringing Up Baby is, well, despite starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, you have to be in the mood for it. This has a lot to do with the characterization of Susan Vance, Katharine Hepburn's character. She's a childish, selfish, spoiled idler. You have to get caught just right to let Susan slide by you. And it helps that Hepburn, who we're familiar with as anyone but an idler, embodies her. As Grant's David tells Susan, "... In moments of quiet I'm strangely drawn toward you, but well there haven't been any quiet moments." It's that kind of dicotomy that will draw you to actually liking Susan, and enjoying watching her.

Once in the mood, the film zips by, particularly the early scenes, and only gets a bit bogged down when a parade of character actor parts get introduced toward the finale. However, each of those character actors gets their laughs in as well, particularly May Robson as Susan's no nonsense aunt.

The movie is about a paleontologist (despite Susan's frequent references to him as a zoologist) trying to land his museum a $1 million gift, only a strange girl appears out of nowhere sidetracking him from meeting his contact and, worse yet, distracting him from his fiancee. Cary Grant as David Huxley, delivers as fine a comic performance as has ever been given. His mastery of exasperation, through facial expression and line delivery is the source of much of the film's comedy. Hepburn works well with Grant's fumblings— as in the classic scene when he must hold his hat against her behind after a "wardrobe malfunction" occurs. And just as Susan brings David out of his shell, Hepburn allows Grant the full expression of his talent-- never upstaging him and complementing his style with a relaxed performance.

The production and direction are markedly the voice of auteur Howard Hawks. Although Hawks notoriously excelled in all genres, his comedies— which also include Twentieth Century (1934), His Girl Friday (1940), Ball of Fire (1942), Monkey Business (1952), others— all have a particularly silly sophistication. They're set in perfectly normal places— a Connecticut country home, a newspaper office, a train— but wherein only-in-the-movies occurances arise. Monkey Business pushed this to the limit in its opening moments when Hawks is heard offscreen directing Cary Grant not to start the scene yet! In Bringing Up Baby, not one but two real-life leopards are introduced, and in fact, drive the plot. "Baby," yes, is a leopard that Susan is watching— sent from her brother, as a gift to her aunt, naturally. And just when Baby gets away from her, a leopard from a nearby circus gets loose. And did I mention there's a missing intercostal clavicle?

This all ends up with an extended finale where mix-up after mix-up occurs and soon every character is in the same room— including the leopards. There is even a chance for Hepburn's Susan to impersonate a gangster's moll, when she puts on the town sheriff. Third-billed Charlie Ruggles, who's character spends his time, mainly it seems, performing a dubbed in "leopard's call" is, with May Robson's Aunt Elizabeth, the voice of reason. These two, however, fall into the general spirit of things when, they too, become prey to the will of Baby.

Again, Bringing Up Baby is best consumed when your in a good mood and want to be in a better mood. If you're miserable, you'll reject it outright. But if life is good, Bringing Up Baby is great.

Bringing Up Baby (1938): If you're game, funny escape with the trademark silly sophistication of Howard Hawks and a particularly brilliant comic performance by Cary Grant.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Two Newly Added Films to the National Film Registry at Internet Archive

(At least) two of the newly added films from the National Film Registry '08 list can be found at the Internet Archive: 1910s historically important White Fawn's Devotion and the 1956 home movie Disneyland Dream. Both worth a look.

Links below:

White Fawn's Devotion (1910)

Disneyland Dream (1956)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

BFCA/DGA/Central Ohio Critics Announce Winners/Online Critics Late Posting

Another big "Awards Season" day for announcements, as follows:

The Broadcast Film Critics Association have announced their winners. Link to their website.


The DGA have announced their nominees. Link to their website.


The 7th Annual Central Ohio Film Critics Association Awards, have announcedf their picks. Link to their website.


No word yet from the Online Films Critics, due today.... stayed tuned I guess.

The Online Film Critics Society have announced their picks. Link to their website.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

WGA and PGA Noms Announced

Today the WGA announced their nominations today (the PGA announced on 1/5).

The PGA nominations for Best Film are as follows; winners to be announced on January 24th. Link to the PGA site.



The Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire


The WGA nominations are as follows; winners to be announced on January 25th. Link to the WGA site.






ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Burn After Reading, (Joel Coen & Ethan Coen)
Milk (Dustin Lance Black)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Woody Allen)
The Visitor (Tom McCarthy)
The Wrestler (Robert Siegel)

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Eric Roth; Screen Story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord)
The Dark Knight (Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan; Story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer)
Doubt (John Patrick Shanley)
Frost/Nixon(Peter Morgan)
Slumdog Millionaire (Simon Beaufoy)

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story (Stefan Forbes and Noland Walker)
Chicago 10 (Brett Morgen)
Fuel (Johnny O'Hara)
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, (Alex Gibney)
Waltz with Bashir (Ari Folman)

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Vote For the Internet Movie Poster Awards Nominees 2008/09

On Movie Poster Forum, you can voice your opinion for the Internet Movie Poster Awards. Do it soon as the nominations will be announced on January 12th.

The categories are:

Best Movie Poster
Worst Movie Poster
Best Blockbuster Poster (among the top 10 grossing films)
Best Teaser / Advance
Worst Teaser / Advance
Funniest Poster
Creepiest Poster
Bravest Poster (big stars without the big faces)
Best Character Poster Set
Best Funny Tag Line
Best Serious Tag Line

Monday, January 5, 2009

Kansas City Film Critics Circle Choose "Slumdog Millionaire"

The Kansas Film Critics Circle (the oldest regional critics group outsie of the New York Film Critics Circle) have announced their 2008 winners.

The 42nd Annual KCFCC Awards

Best Film: Slumdog Millionaire
Robert Altman Award for Best Director: Darren Aronofsky - The Wrestler
Best Actor: Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
Best Actress: Meryl Streep - Doubt
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Original Screenplay: Robert Siegel - The Wrestler
Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire
Best Foreign Language Film: Let the Right One In (Sweden)
Best Documentary: Man on Wire
Best Animated Film: WALL-E
Vince Koehler Award for Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror Film: The Dark Knight

Of note: Although the KCFCC has bestowed four previous acting awards to Meryl Streep, the last one was for Out of Africa (1985)!

Seems to me that with the exception of Best Director for Aronofsky, these are the people to beat for the Oscar.

Link to the KCFCC site.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

National Society of Film Critics Pick "Waltz with Bashir"

The National Society of Film Critics announced their winners yesterday. Tied for second-place for Best Film were "Happy-Go-Lucky" and "WALL-E."

.Link to L.A. Times article.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Village Voice Poll Comes Up "WALL-E"

The Village Voice Poll which mirrors the Indiewire poll in many ways (due to the overlap in critics), picked Wall-E (which placed third on the Indiewire Poll) as Best Film over Indiewire's The Flight of the Red Balloon (second on the Village Voice Poll).

Here is how the two groups compared this year:

Indiewire Vs. The Village Voice-L.A. Weekly

1. The Flight of the Red Balloon / WALL-E
2. A Christmas Tale / The Flight of the Red Balloon
3. WALL-E / Happy-Go-Lucky
4. Wendy and Lucy / Still Life
5. Happy-Go-Lucky / A Christmas Tale
6. Paranoid Park / Waltz With Bashir
7. Still Life / Milk
8. Silent Light / Wendy and Lucy
9. Synecdoche, New York / Let the Right One In
10. Waltz with Bashir / Synecdoche, New York

Link to Village Voice Poll.

Link to last year's comparison.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Centennials 2009

As the years go by, the number of interesting centennials in the world of movies is on the rise, with all of the great studio players and film directors of the 1930s-50s reaching their 100th. Below is a list of some of the most notable (and a few other related ones), several of which will find themselves as blog entries from me this year. As always, revival houses and museums often base film festivals around centennials— would be cool to see a Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Julius & Philip Epstein, Elia Kazan, or Robert Ryan series.

Jan 1: Dana Andrews
Jan 3: Victor Borge
Jan 14: Joseph Losey
Jan 22: Ann Sothern
Jan 24: Ann Todd
Feb 3: Dorothy Spencer
Feb 9: Carmen Miranda
Feb 11: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Feb 16: Hugh Beaumont
April 5: Albert R. Broccoli
April 20: George Tomasini
April 29: Tom Ewell
May 4: Howard Da Silva
May 15: James Mason
May 16: Margaret Sullavan
May 26: Richard Maibaum
May 27: Dolores Hope (still alive)
May 30: Benny Goodman
June 20: Errol Flynn [photo, above]
June 22: Buddy Adler
June 22: Mike Todd
June 26: Wolfgang Reitherman
June 28: Eric Ambler
July 4: Robert Burks
July 14: Annabella
July 26: Vivian Vance
August 18: Marcel Carne
August 22: Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein
August 25: Ruby Keeler
August 25: Michael Rennie
September 7: Elia Kazan
September 13: Herbert Berghof
September 22: Allan Lane
September 28: Al Capp
October 10: Robert F. Boyle (still alive)
October 20: Carla Laemmle (still alive)
November 11: Robert Ryan
November 13: Gunnar Bjornstrand
November 18: Johnny Mercer
November 26: Frances Dee
November 27: James Agee
December 7: Arch Oboler
December 9: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
December 10: Hermes Pan
December 12: Karen Morley

Thursday, January 1, 2009

One Line Review's Top Ten Movies and Noteworthy Achievements 2008

TOP TEN 2008 (alphabetical):
Cloverfield (d. Matt Reeves)
Frost/Nixon (d. Ron Howard)
In Bruges (d. Martin McDonagh)
JCVD (d. Mabrouk El Mechri)
The Mother of Tears (d. Dario Argento)
My Winnipeg (d. Guy Maddin)
Rachel Getting Married (d. Jonathan Demme)
Religulous (d. Larry Charles)
Synecdoche, New York (d. Charlie Kaufman)
The Wrestler (d. Darren Aronofsky)




NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS:

Best Film: Synecdoche, New York
Actor: Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon
Actress: Sally Hawkins in Happy-Go-Lucky
Supporting Actor: Mathieu Amalric in A Christmas Tale
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Director: Charlie Kaufman for Synecdoche, New York
Original Screenplay: Charlie Kaufman for Synecdoche, New York
Adapted Screenplay: Peter Morgan for Frost/Nixon

Honorable Mentions: Darren Aronofsky (BD) for The Wrestler; Ron Howard (BD) for Frost/Nixon; Colin Farrell (BA) in In Bruges; Brendan Gleeson (BA) in In Bruges; Philip Seymour Hoffman (BA) in Synecdoche, New York; Mickey Rourke (BA) in The Wrestler; Michael Sheen (BA) in Frost/Nixon; Jean-Claude Van Damme (BA) in JCVD; Kevin Bacon (BSA) in Frost/Nixon; James Cromwell (BSA) in W.; Tom Cruise (BSA) in Tropic Thunder; Ralph Fiennes(BSA) in In Bruges; Heath Ledger (BSA) in The Dark Knight; Eddie Marsan(BSA) in Happy-Go-Lucky; Tom Wilkinson (BSA) in Valkyrie; Rosemarie DeWitt (BSA) in Rachel Getting Married; Debra Winger (BSA) in Rachel Getting Married; Martin McDonagh for In Bruges (BOS).

2008 turned out to be, not a horrible year for movies-- which you'd think at first glance, just a mediocre one. Everything landed in the middle. However, it did turn out to be a good screen acting year, particularly in the area of "comebacks." I wasn't as crazy about the lead actresses this year-- I think a lot of their performances were very good but most of the Oscar nominees in the Best Actress area will be sliding in on past triumphs. Last year was a MUCH stronger year for lead actresses. But the performaces that would fit the other three categories were abundantly good.

I think the most underrated performance was Jean-Claude Van Damme's in JCVD but only because nobody saw it-- everyone who reviewed it has made comment.

For my January 12th blog entry (when the Oscars Nominations Poll closes), I'll list my own Oscar ballot choices.