The 84th annual Academy Award nominations were announced today. Here is the complete list of nominees and my analysis along the way. Stay tuned for the Oscars on Sunday, February 26.
Best Picture
The Artist – Following its PGA win, this film is primed to win the big prize on February 26.
The Descendants – I’m not surprised by this nomination, though I don’t think the film is deserving of it. It’s a flawed film, but AMPAS likes Alexander Payne.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close – This is one of two surprise nominees in this category and the only one I have not yet seen.
The Help
Hugo – If it were up to me, this would win Best Picture. In my opinion, it’s the strongest and best-composed of the nine nominated films.
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball – Overall, a terrific film and deserving of this honor.
The Tree of Life – This is the second surprise nominee in this category. Arguably the most polarizing film of the year, don’t expect Tree to win here.
War Horse – Spielberg gets a Best Picture nomination, but is snubbed for Best Director. This doesn’t bode well for War Horse‘s chances.
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