Oscar nominations: Who got snubbed?

Matthias Cooke Fri, Mar 10, 2006 at 12:25 PM EST

The most suprising was Ralph Fiennes not getting nominated he was incredible in the constant gardener and carried the film. Oscar seems to snub him every time he has a amazing film during oscar season. If he would of been nominated he would have had a good shot of winning the oscar.

John Jensen Sat, Feb 25, 2006 at 11:10 PM EST

I was so looking forward to seeing Emmylou Harris sing A Love That Will never Grow Old Oscar night. I went out and bought the soundtrack the day after The Golden Globes to hear the song. Then I saw the movie to see how it fit in. I cannot get it out of my mind ever since. Too bad they did not make a video and play it on CMT. I thought it would be so great if Dolly Parton sang her Oscar nominated song, the Emmy would appear and sing A Love, and then out would walk Linda Ronstadt and they would sing a trio on It's SO Easy from The BB soundtrack! What a show that would be!

Nate Sun, Feb 5, 2006 at 11:33 AM EST

I was also surprised at the nominations of Charlize Theron and Keira Knightly over Mario Bella and Naomi Watts. North Country was not Charlize's best work and was weakened by tired cliches. Pride & Prejudice was good but there have been many remakes of this story that were just as enjoyable. I'm not sure at all that Keira gave us an Oscar worthy performance. The Academy againg justifies our cynicism.

seatex Wed, Feb 1, 2006 at 03:12 PM EST

Although I am glad Noah Baumbach was recognized for his wonderful screenplay for The Squid and the Whale, I am still disappointed(but not surprised) that Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney were not nominated for their funny, subtle honest performances. I happen to think this was one of the best movies of the year.

Also, I was hoping Shirley MacLaine would get a nod for her wonderful work in In Her Shoes...too bad.

Chris McVetta Wed, Feb 1, 2006 at 01:15 AM EST

Michael Caine - Best Supporting Actor - "Batman Begins"

Michael Caine, as "Alfred the Butler," gave a sense of style and soul that kept that movie - and the character of Bruce Wayne/Batman from spinning off into oblivion...

Anne Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 10:18 PM EST

Yay for Amy Adams (Junebug)! Also, I was very pleased to see Crash get as many nominations as it did. I'll admit I was getting nervous when it didn't get a best picture nomination at the Golden Globes. As for snubs, I think Steve Carrell (The 40-Year Old Virgin), The Squid and the Whale, and Walk the Line were overlooked.

Corran Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:41 PM EST

THANK U NICK! How in the world does Judi Dench get nominated every single time????

Delilah Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:30 PM EST

I would like to think that actors other than Philip Seymore and Reese even stand a chance. Not that I dislike either of them, but it seems that there are so many awards that it's just a given that they are going to walk away with the Oscar.

Nancy Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:13 PM EST

First, I have to say how happy I am that Matt Dillon was FINALLY nominated! About time! I thought he would have been years ago for Drugstore Cowboy, but better late than never. And also, way to go, Rachel Weisz, who I've been a fan of since the Mummy days. Also Michelle Williams, who I thought was the only reason to watch Dawson's Creek. But I'm pissed that Steve Carrell and Vince Vaughn weren't nominated for The 40 Year Old Virgin and Wedding Crashers. They both would have deserved it, esp Steve Carrell, who was hilariously touching (or touchingly hilarious) in a movie that could have been just a forgettable sex romp without his nuanced performance. And I'm steamed that a Quebec film called C.R.A.Z.Y. didn't get a foreign language nomination. The story of five brothers in a working class Quebec home, with a rockin' soundtrack and fantastic performances--Academy, you blew it.

Nick Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 07:11 PM EST

What's with Judy Dench? Every year she seems to be nominated. It reminds me of Meryl Streep when she had her glory and there was nothing she couldn't do and not get nominated. Enough is Enough of Judy Dench!!! AND Stephen Spielberg. All he does it seems is Hoalacaust or Israel theme movies now a day and gets nominated for anything he does concerning this two topics. Again enough is enough!! I don't think he deserves the attention, when Munich hasn't been out even a month and gets nominated. Again on "Brokeback Mountain", this movie is the BEST it has everything its Cinematography is spectacular,the acting is beyond comprehension as its core reaching every wife/husband that has had to deal with the topic and the music is haunting and beautiful, besides having a real story line from start to finish. IT is a masterpiece.And it stands on its merit far ahead of any other movie made this year. This movie will haunt forever in its mesmerzing effect on millions of husbands/wifes all their lives that have had to deal with their "true self" as they watch "Brokeback Mountain" not counting those who are yet to idenify themselves and follow their lives after watching "Brokeback Mountain".Jake,Ledger and Michelle and Lee deserve the oscar indeed !!!.

Thad Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 06:27 PM EST

Thandie Newton and Walk the Line, clear oversites

Corran Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 06:19 PM EST

I for one am happy Crowe did not get nominated. He is a pompous arrogant person, and on top of that Howard is far better than he was this year. I am reeling that Maria Bello did not get nominated, Walk the Line got snubbed, Star Wars Episode 3 got snubbed for visual effects (are the academy and I watching the same films???!!!). Also, Thandie Newton, Sandra Bullock especially, and Don Cheadle were robbed. Why dont they nominate Sandra since every trailer they show shows Sandra do her stunning dialogue sequence?

peggym Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 05:41 PM EST

How about jeff daniels, Laura Linney and,(I'm surprised myself to be writing this), Pierce Brosnan?He was great in The Matador.

Josh Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 05:01 PM EST

Joan Allen did not get snubbed. I don't think she deserved a nomination for Upside of Anger. She was over the top. I am excited for Keira Knightly and Terrence Howard, both were pleasant surprises for me. My top 5 movies of the year were Cinderella Man, A History of Violence, Pride & Prejudice, Match Point and Good Night, and Good Luck which I am happy that got nominated. I would have loved to have seen my top 5 nominated, but I think all the movies were excellent and deserving of a nomination. This year seems like the year of the small picture. There isn't a big one in any of the major categories.

Laura M. Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:59 PM EST

Pride and Prejudice most definitely should have received a Best Picture and Best Director nod. It was the tightest, freshest, most inventive, joyous, and exhilerating film of the year. Simply put, it was perfect from start to finish.

I am, however, very glad that it at least received 4 nominations, especially Keira's lead actress nod and the music! LOVED the music - one of the most gorgeous film scores I've ever heard.

Jamie Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:57 PM EST

Am I the only person who is happy that Clooney is getting some Academy love?

Also, Scarlett was totally screwed, and Anne Hathaway. I really hope though, that Michelle Williams can pull this out, I can't watch her NOT win something again!

Dylan Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:48 PM EST

Thandie Newton should have definitely been nominated. Russell Crowe as well for Cinderella Man. From what I've seen of North Country, Charlize wasn't that great. Philip Seymour Hoffman and his overwrought imitation deserve to lose to Heath Ledger, who was amazing. I love Rachel Weisz but I'm torn between her and Michelle Williams.

magz Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:41 PM EST

Poor Scarlet Johanson has been in 3 Oscar buzz movies and never got a nomination.

Dylan Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:34 PM EST

SPOILER: Rachel's character did die at the very beginning of 'Constant Gardener' but her character was shown quite a bit in flashback. I think her performance was even deemed a lead at one point.

Keith Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:25 PM EST

Normally I would agree with the Theroux article on Constant Gardener, Tyler, but I think it doesn't fit here. The "villains" in the movie are western corporations and western government officials. The hero is only a hero because he and his wife are privy to information because of their proximity to information due to their positions in British society/government. I don't think the leads are portrayed as heros but as people with information trying to work against a near insurmountable western system of corporate greed. Just because the story is set in Africa and there are white characters motivated to do good doesn't necessarily make it exploitive.

jon Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:24 PM EST

I just wanted to know if EW could do a time count on a few of these nominees because I feel like they're bordering on Judi Dench in "Shakespeare in Love" short... didn't Rachel Weisz die like 10 mins into "The Constant Gardener"? Am I wrong? And is William Hurt only in one or two scenes in "A History of Violence"? Not taking anything away from their performances but just wanted to know...

Chris Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:06 PM EST

I was very disappointed that "Walk The Line" did not get nominated for best picture

Tyler D Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:06 PM EST

Regarding The Constant Gardener, Paul Theroux wrote in the UK Sunday Times, "the impression that Africa is fatally troubled and can be saved only by outside help — not to mention celebrities and charity concerts — is a destructive and extremely misleading conceit."
Anyway, I was disappointed that Joan Allen wasn't nominated. Also Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney for The Squid and the Whale.

JasonHomey Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

Naomi Watts and Russell Crowe deserved nominations but here is why they didn't-the academy doesn't like action movies and they don't like Russell Crowe. Someone explain to me how star wars wasn't nominated for soundtrack and visual effects? Also getting old, the academy never nominating films released after october. It is like Hollywood has the memory of a fly.

Michelle Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:50 PM EST

Ahhhhh...that makes complete sense. Thanks for clearing that up for me, 42man! I appreciate it.

42man Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:33 PM EST

Michelle, the thing about Jake Gyllenhall getting Supporting Actor nomination is that when the original award shows' nominees are announced, the actors have a choice. For joint stars like Brokeback's Ledger and Gyllenhall, they have a choice. Either stay in the same race, or go to Supporting Actor category for a better chance. Obviously Jake preferred Supporting to Lead, so from then on, he was in the Supporting categories.

lilu Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:25 PM EST

I am so happy for the movie Crash--what a great film with so much to say!!!!In my opinion Sandra Bullock and Don Cheadle has been robbed this entire award season

Michelle Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:24 PM EST

Like many of you, I'm disappointed that Naomi Watts(King Kong), Scarlett Johanssen(Match Point), Russell Crowe(Cinderella Man), and Maria Bello(A History of Violence) were not nominated. But, can someone explain something to me? I will grant that I'm a tad ignorant on the subject, but how does one determine that Gyllenhaal's performance is supporting, while Ledger's is leading. Not to take anything away from either actor, because I feel Ledger unquestionably had the more haunting role, imho. And I feel both actors did a superb, remarkable job. It is definitely my fave film of '05 because of these stand-out, young actors. Yet, I wouldn't be able to say one had the more leading role over the other. Is it because this love story was not told in the vein of the more traditional hollywood male/female relationship?

Lloyd Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:09 PM EST

First even though we all knew "Brokeback Mountain" would garner the most nominations it's still a thrill to know that the film has touched the academy.

Second I would have loved Anne Hathaway and Maria Bello to receive nominations. Anne was bitter to perfection and knew the complexities of her character so well. Maria was thrilling, sexy and emotionally raw. I also thought the director of History of Violence and the movie itself deserved nominations as well. The movie was so raw and so exciting to watch that i left the theatre with my heart on the floor. Dido to Brokeback. Here's hoping Heath wins instead of the nasally-inclined Hoffman. Oh yeah kudos to the scary William Hurt.

Jp Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 03:01 PM EST

UGH! What with all this Crash love?! I thought it was better the first time around when it was called GRAND CANYON. The actors were all great, and they did well with what they were given, but the whole movie is just silly.

Emma Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:46 PM EST

While I, too, suffer moral indignation at certain omissions and baffling additions to this year Oscar nominations, I must respectfully remind all of you that the Oscars are NOT notoriously known for awarding (or even nominating) the most deserving. While on the whole good performances do get in, they don't necessarily win. Rather, it becomes a popularity contest, the most savvy political campaign, and the moo-mentality "momentum" sweeper. Often the most deserving get lost in the shuffle, or, worst, not even a card in the deck.

Alexei Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:35 PM EST

Where was Thandie Newton!! I know she got no pre-Oscar love except a BAFTA nom. but I was secretly hoping that she would somehow pull through on "Crash"'s gaining momentum. Otherwise, yay for slightly surprising noms for Jake Gyllenhaal and Keira Knightley.

stéphane Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:33 PM EST

I have been this UPSET at Academy voters since they gave best actress to Jodie Foster (The Accused) over Glenn Close (Dangerous Liaisons) i think it was 1988.
(I still sometime wake up at night and secretly weep!)

But this Morning they revive my anger. NO MARIA BELLO! I'LL repeat: NO MARIA BELLO! I don't believe it!
How could this happen. If someone can explain to me what is so amazing about Rachel Weisz (BOORING!) performance in The constant gardener (Snoozefest!) and how in the WORLD has she become a font runner in a year where they snub no no no no THEY ROBBED Miss Bello for a performance that was nuance, daring, sexy, complicated, shocking, moving, complex and i could go on on on, but insted i'll just go weep alone in my bed...

Danny Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:27 PM EST

A couple of things

How does The 40 Year-Old Virgin get completely shut out? Carell was phenominal (best comedic performance in a long, long time) and the screenplay was out of this world.

Also, I have to assume that Sin City wasn't eligible for the Oscars, because if it is and wasn't nominated for Cinematography (among others), it's the worst snub of all.

Eilon Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:25 PM EST

This year's nominations seem to confirm the importance of having an extensive Oscar campaign rather than simply an excellent film.

Most of the obvious snubs came from one studio and its indie division, with each having three worthy films to back.

Naomi Watts, Eric Bana, Russell Crowe, Ralph Fiennes came up short as a result.

Universal had to split its campaign between Munich, Cinderella Man and King Kong (after Jarhead failed to impress). Personally I feel that it is a shame CM didn't come out last year because it was so much better than last year's winner (the boxing drama Million Dollar Baby). Munich and King Kong are even better and are both excellent pieces of filmmaking. I am glad that at least Munich is receiving the recognition it deserves because it was truly one of the most complex, subtle and fascinating pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen and Eric Bana's performance was wonderful.

Focus Features had Brokeback Mountain (the frontrunner), The Constant Gardener and the brilliant Pride & Prejudice. This probably explains why the latter two came short of receiving the nominations they deserved and especailly why Ralph Fiennes was snubbed.

Furthermore, although she is the female lead, Rachel Weitz's performance in the same film had been pushed to the supporting actress category very early on (before the movie even came out,)and now she is the frontrunner in that race, which just makes one wonder. In addition, the publicized early campaigns for Crash and Junebug's Amy Adams have also proved themselves extremely fruitful.

Even though Universal and Focus had the best films this year, they had to split their resources between six worthy motion pictures, Unlike Sony Pictures Classic, Warner Independent, or Lion's Gate who each had one film to pour all their money into.

So it may no longer be just about the politics, or even the size of the film that matters in the nomination game but how much is poured in the end toward the academy votes.

keith Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:25 PM EST

Independent Spirit Awards are the day before the Oscars traditionally, Juan. I think that hasn't changed anyway. And now they televise it which is cool!

Lloyd Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:15 PM EST

I held out a stubborn hope that the academy would recognize Steve Carell and the 40 Year-Old Virgin. But oh well. And Ralph Fiennes got robbed. I guess chewing up the scenery is all it takes to get nominated anymore.

Chesnut Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:14 PM EST

Very predictable nominees. The winners are even easier to predict:

WILL WIN (Should win)
--------------------
Best Picture BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (Crash)
Best Director ANG LEE (Ang Lee)
Best Actor PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (Heath Ledger)
Best Actress REESE WITHERSPOON (Felicity Huffman)
Best Sup. Actor PAUL GIAMATTI (Paul Giamatti)
Best Sup. Actress RACHEL WEISZ (Michelle Williams)
Best Orig. Screenplay CRASH (Crash)
Best Adap. Screenplay BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (Brokeback Mt.)

Emma Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 02:13 PM EST

"Capote" as BEST PICTURE? C'mon! Acting nods, sure, but Picture? In lieu of "The Constant Gardener" or even "King Kong"? Nope, sorry...

Hoffman (whom I adore) will probably win, but my heart is with Heath Ledger. The performance of his career, and the best of the year.

G Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:59 PM EST

The Academy was right to honor such films as Crash and Brokeback Mountain, which were, in my opinion, the best movies of the year. But I'm sorry, I know you are all going to go on hattin on me, but Jake Gyllenhaal? Am I the only one who finds his empty puppy eyes and static im-yelling-and-forcing-words-out-because-im-upset retouine a bit overdone? I would have given the third acting nomination to Anne Hathaway, whose performance has been incedibly underrated. Just watch her final phone call scene. Its chillingly effective, more effective than Jake was the entire movie.

Snubs off also to Naomi Watts (you try making the audience feel for a killer gorilla who wasnt even there while filming) and Joan Allen. Perhaps Keira Knightly should make a few more films before she is considered on par with these blonde bombshell powerhouses and can take their hard earned spots on the nomination stand.

Lastly... Munich? It was allright. I think the Academy is just giving it its Steven Speilberg love. "He made a movie? Great, makes our job easier. Thats a few nominations taken care of!"

cookie Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:55 PM EST

I'm not surprised A History Of Violence got snubbed. David Cronenberg has never played well in the Hollywood sandbox. But I do think that a man that has always been known for his horror movies, should really be awarded a special Oscar for making all the women in all his movies look smart, sexy, complex and even heroric. No other director of his generation can say the same. Speilberg, I'm looking at you.

karen Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:43 PM EST

the independent spirit awards are the night before (or the week before?) the academy awards.

Juan Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:38 PM EST

Thanks Keith! I just don't believe that the film is getting credit just because of its subject matter. It's plain good filmmaking.

I forgot to mention that I was very impressed by Sandra Bullock who fleshed out a character in Crash in THREE scenes. And it was very much against type for her.

Gordon Leavitt was also unbelievably good in Mysterious Skin, which of course could never have gotten much viewing by the academy because of its really explicit and disturbing nature. I wish there were other awards for such small and challenging films. (Independent Spirit awards? have those happened?)

Cass Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:35 PM EST

Munich was crap. Quite possibly the worst movie I've seen in a very long time. So how did it get so many nominations, especially for Adapted Screenplay? I normally like Tony Kushner very much, but this movie was just horrible. If I was a member of the Mossad, I would be outraged at this bastardization.

Brons Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:34 PM EST

Keith - You hit the nail right on the head! Well put! Brokeback Mountain is a movie of breathtaking brilliance, all the way from the writing to the direction and acting. Great movie. I also agree completely about you Crash comments.

Keith Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:24 PM EST

I agree with you Juan. The thing that makes BBM so stunning is not its subject matter, but its spare story-telling. Many of the same people who criticize BBM for being slow probably thought the same of Lost in Translation. It's a matter of taste and style. Much of the story in BBM (and Lost in Translation) is what is not said, what is suggested by the performances, the silences, the metaphors in the photography. It does NOT hit you over the head like Crash does. There are things I admire about Crash, most notably the cast. But to me it felt like every racist cliche I had ever seen thrown in a blender and peppered with completely unauthentic dialogue. When I left BBM I felt like every bit of that story was authentic--those characters felt so real that their tragedy seemed real. It's the sort of movie you can't trick. It's all in the craft.

djm Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:23 PM EST

Hey Yolly -

I think you gpt your list out of order. First, there aren't many films about "gays" so I'd say that while it has helped THIS year (and for Philadelphia the year it came out), good films featuring gay characters are way too few and far between. I'd move Jews/Holocaust to the front of the list - in fact, every year at the Oscar paty I go to we all vote for any short film, documentary, animated feature or any other category that has a film about the Holocaust to win - and they usually do. It's the easy way to get to the front of the pack for the Oscar pool we do.

Jasmine Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:22 PM EST

Where's 'Grizzly Man' in the Documentary category?!?! It was an unblievable movie that was sweet, sad and moving. Screw the acadmey!

BoxOfficeGoddess Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:21 PM EST

Actually, I'm suprised that the Academy snubbed a lot of crappy potential nominees. "There's Nothing Like a Show on Broadway" from "The Producers" was eligible for Best Original Song and "Robots" and "Madagascar" were both eligible for Best Animated Picture. I'm also glad "Memoirs of a Geisha" was shut out of the Acting Categories as the acting was very disappointing, but Ziyi Zhang seemed to be on a roll (she was much better in 2046). In those instances, I'm glad the Academy snubbed them and their snubs were actually pleasant surprises. The nominations this year didn't really outrage me like they have in years past, although for the first time I honestly feel that a lot of crowd pleasing movies like "King Kong" "Batman Begins" and "The 40-Year Old Virgin" were just as, if not more, "award worthy" than their more serious counterparts.

MattyL Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:20 PM EST

The academy actually got it right this year for the most part, expect in the best actress category (and maybe best song - what's up with that?). The big snubs are Joan Allen for Upside (complex role - brilliant performance as always) and Gwyneth Paltrow for Proof. It may be easier to play a crazy person, but Paltrow has to play someone on the edge of craziness, and she does so brilliantly. Easily her best performance to date. If the film wasn't so bad she would have made the cut. One final note: I'll probably be the only person in the world to say this, but I feel that if you take away the masterful accent, Phillip Semour Hoffman's performance is great, but a little overrated. He's definitely one of the greatest ever (Mr. Ripley assured that), but I think the role was a little flat, and the accent makes him stand out from a crowded field. I wouldn't replace him on the Best Actor list, but I would definitely say that Ledger should be the true front runner this year.

dma69 Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:15 PM EST

I'm disappointed that Cinderella Man was snubbed for Best Picture and Actor. Whatever you may think of Russell Crowe, he's damn good. At least Paul Giamatti got nominated (about friggin' time after being snubbed two years in a row). Also Constant Gardner should'be gotten more nods. Munich was not that good to get a BP nod.

D. Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:12 PM EST

MARIA BELLO....she not only should have been nominated but should have won the whole thing...I mean, did anyone else find Catherine Keener's work in Capote and Fraced McDormand's work in North County to be totally boring and forgetable? Granted I'm a Keener fan, but a nom for this performance??

Furthemore, I wish the Academy wouldn't fall for baity films all the time and go a little out of what is expected...I think Steve Carrell is absolutely deserving for the 40 Year Old Virgin...as was the screenplay

Also, the best film of the year was 2046 and Ziyi Zhang's work in that film barely got any state-side recognition!

Scout Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:11 PM EST

i can't believe Ralph Fiennes got snubbed!!

Jenn Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:08 PM EST

just realized that THE NEW WORLD got the nom for Best Cinematograpghy so...

Peter Sarsgaard for JARHEAD

Yolly Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:06 PM EST

How much does campaigning and visibility by actors influence awards nomination and winning? Rachel weisz has been campaigning since last October and was everywhere so I suppose she is reaping the benefits of all that hard work. Too bad that Michelle Williams who is fantastic in Brokeback Mountain was busying being a new mom and not in LA to do the same.

Charlize Theron in North Country is such an Oscar bait movie and she too was everywhere.

Then there is Judi Dench who would read the phone directory and still get nominated. Same with Frances McDormand who pretty much plays the same in her films now. She is good at that but still...

OVerall, Oscars likes these types of films and in this order: Films about gays, Jews/Holocaust and women empowerment. Your odds of winning are greatly boosted if you make one of those three types of films.

Kyle from Philly Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 01:01 PM EST

How is Jake Gyllenhaal's performance in Brokeback Mountain a supporting performance? That's just a microcosm of how there is neither rhyme nor reason to how any of these award shows (especially the Oscars) operate. It's WWE logic. We're all better off watching Wrestlemania.

Jenn Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:59 PM EST

Eric Bana for MUNICH
THE NEW WORLD for Cinematography

Lynny Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:45 PM EST

I don't think that Sin City was eligible because RR gave screenwriting and co-director credit to Frank Miller who is not a member of Director's Guild or Writer's Guild. I think it is a union thing.

Will Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:43 PM EST

Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney in The Squid and the Whale.

I know the Best Actor category was packed this year, but Daniels' performance, and the film as a whole, deserved more recognition. At least Noah Baumbach got a much-deserved nod for his original script. Not even the Philistines in the ranks of the Oscar voters could have derailed that nomination.

Mike Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:36 PM EST

Overall, I was pretty pleased. Was a bit surprised by Jake's nom, as he hasn't gotten many to this point. One of my favorite films of the year was "Millions". I thought both the script (with the amusing references to Saints throughout the film) and the young boy who played the lead were both worthy (though so few people saw the film the snubs were expected).

Dub Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:34 PM EST

NAOMI WATTS got hardcore smacked down by the Globes, SAGs, and Academy this year. She provided much needed soul to KONG which, incidentally, was the most entertaining film of the year.

VINCE VAUGHN, the world's funniest man. his flawless turn in the Wedding Crashers was a brilliant comedic feat.

TARYN MANNING for supporting actress in Hustle & Flow, just ask julia, it ain't easy to be a ho.

CILLIAN MURPHY for Batman Begins. what a creeper.

Ep Sato Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:33 PM EST

Although Timothy Treadwell had a certain Anton Newcombe factor about him that was grating, I felt as if Grizzly Man should have gotten the nom for best documentary.

Werner Herzog got dissed men!

apollonia corleone Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:32 PM EST

Charlize Theron??? Paaaaleeeez! She belongs in that group of actresses who don't actually act, they simply pose and are VERY aware of the camera: Ashley Judd, Angelina Jolie, Paris Hilton, Emmy Rossom, Cindy Crawford, etc.

damiged Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:31 PM EST

A History of Violence was a terrible movie and I can understand why it wasn't nominated. Walk the Line should have been nominated, as should Russell Crowe, Ron Howard and Cinderella Man.

Lauren Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:30 PM EST

What's with the Clooney obsession? And what happened to King Kong?! It (and Viggo and Eric Bana, plus a little Batman Begins) have been overlooked all season.

Sean Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:27 PM EST

I can't wait to see them perform "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" at the Oscars and Jon Stewart's comment right after. Man, imagine if they had nominated "Whoop That Trick"?

lostygoodness Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:21 PM EST

I thought Pride and Prejudice should have been nominated for Best Picture. It really was phenomenal. Also, there was a bunch of good acting in Batman Begins. I know it's a superhero movie, but really. It was pretty awesome.

pn Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:21 PM EST

Yep, it looks like this is Clooney's year although he will not get a win for Director. Hate to see that Donald Sutherland was again shut out for the umpteenth time in his career. He should ban from going if he ever gets nominated.

willie Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:20 PM EST

Yawn...how boring are these Oscars going to be? Walk the Line deserved a best picture nom and where's the funny movies or the fantasy? I usually make it a point to see every movie that's nominated and I really don't care about the list this year except for Brokeback. I loved it.

lei Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:19 PM EST

Dear Academy;
Why, why why, Munich, I thought we all agreed that it was a bad redo of a early 90's HBO flick Sword of Gideon.
Oh I get it you want to make Spielberg pay for this crap by making him sit through the award's ceremony knowing he'll never win and doesn't deserve to be there.

Chris Richards Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:17 PM EST

Now, I know this might be unconventional, but I thought Serenity should have gotten a nomination for best its screenplay. It was definetly the MOST enjoyble film of the year, and the dialouge was a big part of that. Of course, when not a lot of people see a movie...

Also snubbed was Liam Neeson for Batman Begins as supporting actor. It was a complete switch for him, and one of the most enthralling performances of the year. Yeah they may be snazzy, non-art flick, but no one can deny they were enjoyable.

Adam Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:16 PM EST

Woody Allen's Match Point was one of the year's best and one of Woody's best (which is no small feat) it's one measly nomination for original screenplay is today's biggest disappointment to me (although I am thrilled that Terrance Howard and George Clooney were recognized for their acting)

Shalom Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:14 PM EST

Ziyi Zhang was overlooked as was the song from Brokeback. And Claire Danes!

peter Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:11 PM EST

here is who will win and who should win (in brackets):
PICTURE: Brokeback Mountain [Munich]
DIRECTOR: Ang Lee [Steven Spielberg]
ACTOR: Phillip Seymour Hoffman [Heath Ledger]
ACTRESS: Reese Witherspoon [Felicity Huffman]
SUPPORTING ACTOR: Paul Giametti [Matt Dillon]
SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Rachel Weisz [Michelle Williams]

Heather Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:08 PM EST

How did Star Wars Revenge of the Sith not receive a visual effects nomination?

Lyla Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:02 PM EST

A complete shut out for Sin City is more than a little appalling. I didn't love the movie as I found it incredibly misogynist and overly stylized performance-wise, but I certainly appreciated the technical ingenuity and creative drive that went into it. No noms for art direction, cinematography, film editing, makeup, or visual effects? What was the academy thinking! Were academy members really that ticked with Rodriguez for dropping out of the DGA so he could share a director credit with Frank Miller???? Shame.

TorontoTom Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 12:02 PM EST

I am absolutely delighted that 'A History of Violence' and Maria Bello were left out in the cold!!!

Erin Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:59 AM EST

This is going to sound crazy, but I was kind of hoping that Ewan McGregor would have gotten a nod for BSActor in SWars. His ObiWan added soul and heart to a movie that really needed it, and that look on his face toward the end just made the whole Greek tragedy seem real. I'm saying this and I swear I'm not even a SWars fan!

Jake Lader Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:58 AM EST

Match Point deserved so much more than what it got. Best work Woody has done in years! At least the writing was nominated, but the understated work of Rhys-Myers and Mortimer and the crazy psyco girlfriend of always snubbed, always perfect Johannsen def topped anything in Brokeback (minus maybe Anna Faris).

I was also disapointed about the lack of love for Walk the Line. No best picture!! It won the golden globe! No snub like this since Richard Gere won for Chicago and got shut out at the Oscars. Also, Ginnifer Goodwin did a hell of a job as Viv Cash and held up the entire first half of the movie where Witherspoon made few appearances.

And Crash...wasn't that good, either was Munich...and Judy Dench must be tired of these things! But mad props for recognizing Kiera!! Belinda Blythen and Donald Sutherland deserved noms too!! And maybe some adapted screenplay love!

djm Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:56 AM EST

As much as I hated Crash (and I really did), I do believe that Thandie Newton was absolutely AMAZING in the movie and deserved some recognition. I am also kind of surprised by Jale getting the nom in the Supporting Actor field - I thought his was the weakest performance in the movie (right along side Anne Hathaway).

Colin Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:53 AM EST

I'm pretty happy with Match Point not getting much love because I didn't think it was a good movie at all. Very surprised at Terence Howard (although well-deserved, just didn't think they would give it to him), and astounded that Russell Crowe was not nominated. Also glad that Jake Gyllenhaal got recognized. But very disappointed in Peter Jackson's directing work not being picked, as well as King Kong for best picture...and maybe Adrien Brody for supporting actor?

Stephen Albano Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:52 AM EST

You are dead on. Best lead female performance of the year was HANDS DOWN Joan Allen, (Rachel Weisz was hands down best supporting).
And the best movie of the year was The Constant Gardener.

So big ups to you for getting it dead right in terms of biggest snubs.

Ned Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:51 AM EST

I'm pretty happy, Terrence Howard got nominated, and I was sure they would snub him. Hustle and Flow could have easily taken Crash's spot, I just never had the love for Crash that some had, but overall, they did a pretty good job.

Rivers Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:49 AM EST

Yeah, baby! Jake Gyllenhaal got in there for "Brokeback Mountain"! Excellent. But the movie still got robbed one nomination. It won a Best Song Golden Globe for "A Love That Will Never Grow Old" by Bernie Taupin and Gustavo Santaolalla. But it didn't make the cut as one of the three contenders in the Best Song Oscar category. Dolly Parton's tune for "Transamerica" is good, I don't remember "In the Deep" in "Crash" and "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from "Hustle & Flow" was a surprise to me. I wanna see THAT one performed on the Oscars. If I was the executive producer, I'd hire Kathie Lee Gifford and Snoop Dogg. And I'd tell Kathie Lee to put some stank on it.

nathan Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:47 AM EST

Grizzly Man for Documentary Feature
I love the Best Picture category, I am missing Walk the Line, Cinderella Man and King Kong, but with such a strong year, it's hard to complain. Nice year for Clooney!

Scott Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:47 AM EST

Yes, I too am disappointed that great performances by Maria Bello and Thandie Newton weren't acknowledged over the umpteenth nomination for Judy Dench or Frances McDermott, but, I am glad that a movie like Munich (which is much better than the lack of attention it has gotten) and Crash are up for best picture over something like the been there before biography Walk The Line.

I think I am most shocked though over the original song category. The quality of original songs in movies has waned over the years, but, with only three songs this year, I think too, the Academy rules over what can be nominated are really restricting the quality of songs and the general interest in this category. At least we won't have to listen through Beyonce's renditions of the nominated songs this year.

Joel Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:46 AM EST

The most glaring Oscar omissions are:

PICTURE:
Match Point
Syriana
(These are the two best films of the year, period.)

Also warranted consideration: “The New World”

Stinker Nominees: Munich. (An important subject, which Spielberg mistakenly approached as a caper flick, though it does contain an outstanding performance by Michael Lonsdale as Papa; see Supporting Actor.) Crash. (Another important subject matter—delivered by Haggis with all the subtlety of a blow to the head with a crowbar.)

DIRECTOR:
Woody Allen “Match Point”
Christopher Nolan “Batman Begins”
(I know. No one expected Nolan to be up in the first place. But when are people going to get it into their heads that the best director doesn’t necessarily have to have directed the best picture—and face it, “Batman Begins” is a far better film than the overrated and over-the-top-in-your-face-racism-is-everywhere “Crash,” which only contains one astoundingly well written and acted storyline: the one featuring Matt Dillon-Thandie Newton; see Supporting Actress).

Also warranted consideration: Terrance Malick “The New World”

Stinker Nominees: Steven Spielberg “Munich” and Paul Haggis “Crash”

ACTOR:
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers “Match Point”
(This is the best performance by an actor in a leading role in 2005, bar none—and I’ve never much cared for the actor or many of his performances heretofore.)
Bill Murray “Broken Flowers”
(It’s actually a better performance than the one he gave in “Lost in Translation”.)

Also warranted consideration: Christian Bale “Batman Begins”. (He actually made Batman seem credible, and if that doesn’t make him worthy of a nomination, nothing will.)

Stinker nominee: None. (Though the weakest is Ledger, and he should have been bypassed for Rhys-Meyers.)

ACTRESS:
Joan Allen “The Upside of Anger”
Q’Orianka Kilcher “The Lost World”
(How these two were left off the list is well beyond any sense of logic.)

Also warranted consideration: Maria Bello “A History of Violence”. (Does the Academy hate her? One has to wonder, considering that they shunned her outstanding performance in “The Cooler” as well.)

Stinker nominees: Charlize Theron “North Country” and Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice”. (See Allen, Kilcher, and Bello, and you’ll know why Theron’s and Knightley’s nominations here are simply unwarranted.)

SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Michael Lonsdale “Munich”
(He so quietly commands the screen as Papa that, during the three scenes he’s in, you’ll actually forget that you’re watching a bad film.)
Mickey Rourke “Sin City”
(This is quite simply one of the very best performances of the year; if you don’t believe, you haven’t seen it. Rourke should be the one ascending to the podium on March 5.)

Also warranted consideration: Jeffrey Wright “Broken Flowers” (I guess it peaked too soon—had it been released in December, he may well have been the front runner in this category.)

Stinker nominee: Jake Gyllenhaal “Brokeback Mountain” (But only because he’s not a supporting actor in the film—he’s a lead, and I welcome debate on this issue.)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Thandie Newton “Crash”
(How can you only nominate half of the duo that made “Crash” worth watching? No one could be happier than me that Matt Dillon got his due—and if there’s any justice, he’ll win it—but Newton’s work is equal in every respect.)
Emily Mortimer “Match Point”
(Whoever said “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” couldn’t have known just how prophetic that phrase would prove to be for Mortimer, whose quiet and devoted wife to Jonathan Rhys-Meyers’s philandering husband is the moral centre of Woody Allen’s dramatic masterpiece.)
Anne Hathaway “Brokeback Mountain”
(They picked the wrong gay cowboy’s wife—Hathaway’s phone conversation with Ledger near the end of the film should have secured her a nomination all by itself.)

Also warranted consideration: Sharon Stone “Broken Flowers” (Though she’s first up at bat on Bill Murray’s hit list, and followed by no less than Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and a nearly unrecognizable Tilda Swinton, you’ll still be thinking of her when the credits roll.)

Stinker nominee: None. (Though the weakest is Williams, and I would easily pull her from this list—even though I know my heart would never forgive me—for any of the four above mentioned performances.)

Chris Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:45 AM EST

Unfortunately, professor74, Ray did get nominated for Best Picture last year, although I'm hard-pressed to come up with a reason why.

Aaron Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:40 AM EST

I whole-heartedly agree about the Allen snub - I had my fingers crossed that she would make the list, but she sadly didnt...the other person I was rooting for was Thandie Newton for Crash...she was amazing in it, and I cant believe she was overlooked for Best Supporting Actress...

professor74 Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:39 AM EST

I don't remember Ray getting nominated for BP last year, and Walk the Line was pretty much the same thing. Actors and actresses are always going to get snubbed each year. Plus, people are going to be nominated not for the best work, but because the Academy is slow to pick up on their talent. Case in point - Reese W. has done much better work (Election, Legally Blonde) than Walk the Line, but the Academy is making up for lost time.

Juan Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:37 AM EST

I was very surprised by the lack of BP nom for Walk the Line. It didn't feel complete to me, but it was still fulfilling.

I may be in the minority, but I feel that Malick's work with The New World was really special and beautiful.

I also felt that Maria Bello was deserving. I didn't see William Hurt being as strong as Frank Langella, whom I LOVED in Good Night and Good Luck.

And I feel bad for Crowe, phone or no phone. He's probably more deserving than Macdormand and Theron if we're going to talk about A class actors who always seem to get nominated.

I know I don't have to defend Brokeback, but I get the sense that the "dislikers" were turned off by the pace and the spare quality of the storytelling. But with that go Ang Lee's amazing detail done with subtlety - he doesn't TELL you everything, but you KNOW it's there. That, I thought, was the magical thing about the movie. I kept thinking about things in that film for weeks afterward. And Heath Ledger was a total reflection of Ang's style creating so much with visuals, which is what film is about, in my opinion.

I see lots of protests about Match Point, but didn't it seem like Crimes and Misdemeanors set in London? Didn't it seem too improved and director-y to anyone? I felt like I kept getting hit over the head with the luck thing. And Scarlett is more talented than this film showed her to be. She seemed to be pushing like crazy at the end.

Crash is good IF you take it as a morality play. I don't think Haggis was trying to make you think it was totally realistic. It was effective, if a bit forced, but I really enjoyed it. I do think I would have put Walk the Line in place of Crash or Capote.

AR C Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:27 AM EST

i would like to see "kung fu-hustle" in the run, it's a very good movie and, when Scarlet Johanson gonna be recognized as the great actress she is.

Mike Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:26 AM EST

So, we've learned that the Academy only rewards films with budgets smaller than George Bush's IQ, but it would have been nice to hear Naomi Watt's name called; she's a consistent top-notch actress. Also, although a long shot, Joseph Gordon-Levitt had a hell of a performance in Mysterious Skin. Curse the indie pics and their endless brown-nosing campaigning!

Jasmine Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:25 AM EST

I'm really glad that a mediocre movie like Walk the Line was not nominated for best picture. I think this year's lineup is one of the strongest in years. I can't point to one movie and think "What the hell are they thinking?" (re Finding Neverland). I am a little disappointed that they opted for Munich as opposed to the Constant Gardener. The biggest upset has to be Maria Bello, poor thing only has the Golden Globes to blame for screwing this up for her.

Mary Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:23 AM EST

Bill Chott should have gotten a nod for best supporting actor for his work in THE RINGER.

John Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:20 AM EST

Strange there was no VFX nom for STAR WARS - a first. And a huge robbery for a forgotten film: KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - there should have been noms in the Cinematography, Costume Design and Art Direction categories. When everyone sees the Director's Cut, there's going to be a serious re-evaluation.

Brian Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:20 AM EST

My biggest snubs.

-As said above, Marie Bello is truly marvelous in A History of Violence and its a damn shame to see her missing out here.
-While I am not as huge on the film as most, Thandie Newton is the most memorable part of Crash for me and wad deeply powerful.

Minda Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:16 AM EST

I have to agree with those who are disappointed that Walk the Line wasn't up for BP. What happened? Why are people so put off by a traditionally great story? And no nomination for Brokeback's song? What the?

Graeme Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:15 AM EST

Too bad Bullock didn't get nominated as well as Bello (McDormand really needs ANOTHER nom when she has no chance of winning?).
GREAT to see Terrence Howard nominated.

I agree but Allen is Best Actress, and also Watts and Paltrow.

Larry Tue, Jan 31, 2006 at 11:15 AM EST

The song from Brokeback was ruled ineligible because it didn't really appear in the movie. There was a lot of controversy about that when the decision was handed down.

I'm very upset (although not surprised) about Joan Allen. Judi Dench plays the same roles time after time and she gets nominated. Paul Giamatti, in my opinion, was nominated (and may win) because he was snubbed the last two years. Where was Maria Bello? How did Ralph Fiennes not get any awards love? Why does the Academy keep snubbing Scarlett Johansson?

Why Catherine Keener? She's in the movie for like 10 minutes, and has virtually no performance. And I just don't get all of the "Capote" love. Good movie, not great. "A History of Violence," "The Constant Gardener" or "Walk the Line" should have been there instead.

I guess I'm most pleased that Terrence Howard didn't get double nominations. He was good in both movies but he's hardly the new second coming; I didn't agree when it happened with Jamie Foxx (please let HIM go away soon) last year either.

I'm still crossing my fingers that Matt Dillon will win the Oscar, although seeing him on the red carpet usually zoned out of his mind worries me a bit...