Wednesday, January 23, 2008

On a Lighter Note, Oscar Noms

For years now I have pursued what I refer to as My Oscar Project, I explain here. I only have a few films to see to accomplish the goal before February 24th. Two surprises for me were, for all the foreign film I've seen this year, not one is nominated in that category (quite a few are nominated elsewhere). And Norbit ?!?! Oh my ~

A few thoughts on the Oscar nominations announced yesterday .......

The beloved Once garnered a nod for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly". Not only a beautiful song, the scene we hear this song in is so touching. I cried both times it appeared in the film. (why did "Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy" not get noticed?) hehe

Another cool nom is one that was maligned a bit at the Golden Globe announcements (note to Billy Bush, imitating someone else is often referred to as "acting"). Cate Blanchett is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in I'm Not There. She plays Jude Quinn, a rock star who's career mirrors Bob Dylan's. At first I thought, well she's OK. Then I rented a Bob Dylan documentary, and was stunned. She nailed his walk, his speech and his mannerisms so well that, having seen her performance first, it looked to me like Dylan was imitating Blanchette.

Big cheers from me for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, four nominations! Such an original film that I saw in a very uncomfortable theater, and as the film unfolded, I really didn't care. Gorgeous!

And as my love for George Clooney has not waned, a little shout out. George, if your lovely girlfriend is washing her hair the evening of the Oscar ceremony, I can still jump into a gown and be in LA so you don't have to go it alone. Always willing to give : )

6 comments:

Nayana Anthony said...

I was also captivated by The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. I am so glad it's getting some of the acclaim that it deserves.

I'm also with you on the foreign film thing. I think I've seen more foreign films this year than any other year in my life... and not one is on the list of nominated films! Oh well, I guess we have our work cut out for us. :-)

Linda said...

Nayana~ Even with my access to NYC, don't know if I'll catch all the foreigns, fun to try though!

2 Dollar Productions said...

I couldn't believe that about Norbit either. Ha. Somebody must be playing a joke.

And I defniitely need to see "I'm Not There" as well as "Atonement" as the latter is the only best pic nominee that I've missed.

Nayana Anthony said...

Sadly, I have missed I'm Not There. It was playing in Minneapolis for about 5 minutes. So either they'll have to bring it back, or I'll have to wait for DVD. It's not looking good. :-(

Anonymous said...

I'm soooo disappointed Into The Wild and Zodiac both got snubbed. Those are two near perfect films. Ah well, can't win 'em all I guess. Still need to see The Diving Bell And The Butterfly. Was supposed to check it out at the Chicago International Film Festival, but unfortunately missed it. Soon enough though.

Oh, and I'm Not There is definitely worth a look.

Great stuff on your page. Check out mine when you're up to it....

Wine and Werewolves

Linda said...

2D~ Jesse James, In the Valley of Elah and Norbit are the only ones I need to see. The Norbit viewing may be accompanied by multiple adult beverages!
Nayana~I had the same problem with In the Valley of Elah, was not long in theaters around here. Fortunately it's out in DVD in a few weeks.
CD~ Welcome! I thought Zodiac would get a little Oscar love, it's on almost every Top 10 list I've read. Like your page, I'll keep and eye on it. See Diving Bell if you can, a lovely piece.