I seem to be in the vast minority, but Spirited Away would be one of my last picks from those nominated. I would go with Lilo & Stitch first because it was actually in my top 10 this year, followed by Spirit (which I didn't see until my daughter got it on DVD for Christmas and I ended up loving it). Then i would probably say Spirited Away with those craptacular, in my opinion, films Ice Age and Treasure Planet bringing up the rear.

Now, I know I am probably wrong, because I wanted Monsters Inc., to win last year and Shrek won, but who knows. Then again, Ice Age probably has this one locked up.

there is no track record for this category, really. it has happened only once before, last year, and it did not go to disney. so...

nope. adrien brody has no highlander credits to his name. you may be confusing him with Christopher Lambert or Adrian Paul - probably the latter.

i'm also going to hereby disqualify my own comments after my selection of Best Director on this thread. Roman Polanski not being really well known is bunk. i'll eat my words there.

and, i'll rephrase my bit about The Hours and Nicole Kidman - with just above 20 minutes of screen time in a two hour movie, she should've been nominated for Best Supporting. just my two cents. i haven't seen the movie, so i cannot argue for or against her movie - but that does not disqualify me from saying that the academy should not reward an oversight on their part (last year), by bestowing an award this year. i may very well feel that she should win after i see The Hours, but i might not. i just get the feeling, that, like with Denzel last year, they are rewarding history and not merit. (this is precisely why Scorsese will win this year, too..)

just my thoughts..
-di doctor-

Or maybe Scorsese stands to win because many people actually enjoyed the movie and thought he did a good job directing it? At least, i would fall into that camp.

Please, do not bet money on this.

I'm upset that Confessions of A Dangeous Mind was left out (although I knew it wouldn't get anything because it wasn't talked about late last year/early this year.

But I am happy for Julianne Moore, Jack Nicholson, Nicole Kidman, and all nods for Adaptation.

Oh and upset about About Schmidt not getting a Screenplay nod.

No way Ice Age is winning, how can it be considered a favorite even? Treasure Planet is just filler to get 5 nominees. I think it's between Lilo & Stitch and Spirited Away, and Spirited Away will take it. Though I enjoyed Lilo & Stitch more and want it to win, I won't mind Miyazaki's interesting film getting the honor. Ice Age was okay (read bland and inoffensive), but it had some of the worst animation I've seen in a major studio release and lacked originality altogether.

I think they did ok. Not perfect, but not terrible. Most of the movies I thought were worthy of mention at least got nominated for something (with the exception of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and I also would've liked to see more than just a screenplay nod for About a Boy).

Other random thoughts:
It's amazing they got Bowling for Columbine in there, it seems like usually they pass over the more mainstream documentaries.

Also, especially glad to see Nicholas Cage and Chris Cooper in there (thought they might be ignored due to being in a comedy), as well as Kathy Bates (even though I didn't much care for the movie, she was very good), John C. Reilly, Christopher Walken, and Pedro Almodovar. Oh, also Diane Lane--not my favorite movie, but still glad to see her get the nomination.

I'd most like to see the Kaufman "brothers" win; given that there's really only one, it'd be interesting to see how it's handled.

Yes sir, let's see... I think Gangs is one for the ages...

also, umm, don't people realize that it is the studios and the actors/actresses themselves who determine if they want to be considered for leading vs. supporting roles??????
placing them in one category or another has NOTHING to do with the Academy.

Unfortunately, the acadamy (or any organization for that matter) doesn't have the perspective at the time of the nominations and awards that the future affords. In 1977, there was little doubt that Star Wars was a blockbuster, but they were too close to see it long-term influence.

For comparison, here are how the major organizations voted that year for best picture:

National Board of Review - The Turning Point (Annie Hall was #2, Star Wars #4)

National Society of Film Critics - Annie Hall

Lost Angeles Film Critics - Star Wars

NY Film Critics - Annie Hall

Golden Globes - Drama - The Turning Point, Comety - The Goodbye Girl

Directors Guild - Annie Hall (Woody Allen)

Writers Guild - The Turning Point, Julia (Drama), Annie Hall, Oh, God! (Comedy)

Academy Awards - Annie Hall

Actually, I was pretty sure last year that Crowe would NOT get it. The Academy is absolutely not going to give it to him two years in a row (after winning for Gladiator). The Academy likes to spread things even.... and maybe even give people recognition for things they did in the past.... unfortunately often overlooking some other masterful performances in the process.


Anyway..... so did Julianne Moore get the nom for FFH, or The Hours?

both. here are the noms: http://www.oscars.org/75academyawards/nomswins.html

Best Actress for FFH
Best Supporting Actress for The Hours

Personally I would not mind if she won both, but then again I am biased because she is my favorite actress.

Denotes my vote. I leave it to me to make possible changes until after I have seen some of the films that I have not yet seen such as Chicago and Road to Perdition

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Adrien Brody
Nicolas Cage
Michael Caine
Daniel Day-Lewis
Jack Nicholson

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Chris Cooper
Ed Harris
Paul Newman
John C. Reilly
Christopher Walken

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Salma Hayek
Nicole Kidman
Diane Lane
Julianne Moore
Renée Zellweger

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kathy Bates
Julianne Moore
Queen Latifah
Meryl Streep
Catherine Zeta-Jones

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
ICE AGE
LILO & STITCH
SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON
SPIRITED AWAY
TREASURE PLANET

ART DIRECTION
CHICAGO
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
ROAD TO PERDITION

CINEMATOGRAPHY
CHICAGO
FAR FROM HEAVEN
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE PIANIST
ROAD TO PERDITION

COSTUME DESIGN
CHICAGO
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST

DIRECTING
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST
TALK TO HER

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE
DAUGHTER FROM DANANG
PRISONER OF PARADISE
SPELLBOUND
WINGED MIGRATION

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
THE COLLECTOR OF BEDFORD STREET
MIGHTY TIMES: THE LEGACY OF ROSA PARKS
TWIN TOWERS
WHY CAN'T WE BE A FAMILY AGAIN?

FILM EDITING
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
THE PIANIST

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO
HERO
THE MAN WITHOUT A PAST
NOWHERE IN AFRICA
ZUS & ZO

MAKEUP
FRIDA
THE TIME MACHINE

MUSIC (SCORE)
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
FAR FROM HEAVEN
FRIDA
THE HOURS
ROAD TO PERDITION

MUSIC (SONG)
CHICAGO
8 MILE
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE

BEST PICTURE
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
THE PIANIST

SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
THE CATHEDRAL
THE CHUBBCHUBBS!
DAS RAD
MIKE'S NEW CAR
MT. HEAD

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
FAIT D'HIVER
I'LL WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE… (J'ATTENDRAI LE SUIVANT…)
INJA (DOG)
JOHNNY FLYNTON
THIS CHARMING MAN (DER ER EN YNDIG MAND)

SOUND
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
ROAD TO PERDITION
SPIDER-MAN

SOUND EDITING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
MINORITY REPORT
ROAD TO PERDITION

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
SPIDER-MAN
STAR WARS EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
ABOUT A BOY
ADAPTATION
CHICAGO
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
FAR FROM HEAVEN
GANGS OF NEW YORK
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING
TALK TO HER
Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN

oh, i would too, judging from the list of nominees and those films that i've seen within the category. i think scorsese did a marvelous job directing the film. i loved the film, to tell you the truth. but if he wins, it won't be for his directing this film. it will be for the Academy's oversight for the past quarter century.. (but yes, i will concede, some of the votes will definitely go to him by merit.. but the reason he will win is for history.. IOW, the history votes are what will push him above the other nominees and cause him to win him the trophy.)
-di doctor-

I don't know who said it would be nominated first, but in a thread about possible Oscar buzz for Eminem (for acting, that is), I mentioned that although I didn't think he would be nominated for his performance, he might get nominated for Song. In any case, I wouldn't have laughed at you.

At the announcements, the guy said the show would definitely finish before midnight (Pacific Time). I really hope that doesn't mean they'll sandwich the song performances together in one sequence and cut them short like they sometimes do. I'm looking forward to not only three of my favorite artists performing (U2 and Paul Simon along with Eminem), but also the new song from Chicago. Will Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones perform that one?

BTW, does anyone know if Christopher Walken is the first actor to get both an Oscar nomination and a Razzie nomination in the same year?

My vote for best picture/director/script/lead & supporting actors would all go to The 25th Hour - but it wasn't even nominated.

It was easily the most heartfelt and poignant film of the year, but the academy chose to ignore it. Was it because of Spike Lee? I don't know. But to not even have it nominated is criminal.

My picks: I won't do documentary, short subject, etc because I haven't seen those. I am only doing the major films, which I have seen all of.

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Adrien Brody
Nicolas Cage
Michael Caine
Daniel Day-Lewis
Jack Nicholson

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Chris Cooper
Ed Harris
Paul Newman
John C. Reilly
Christopher Walken

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Salma Hayek
Nicole Kidman
Diane Lane
Julianne Moore
Renée Zellweger

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kathy Bates
Julianne Moore
Queen Latifah
Meryl Streep
Catherine Zeta-Jones

ART DIRECTION
CHICAGO
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
ROAD TO PERDITION

CINEMATOGRAPHY
CHICAGO
FAR FROM HEAVEN
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE PIANIST
ROAD TO PERDITION

COSTUME DESIGN
CHICAGO
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST

DIRECTING
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST
TALK TO HER

FILM EDITING
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
THE PIANIST


MAKEUP
FRIDA
THE TIME MACHINE

MUSIC (SCORE)
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
FAR FROM HEAVEN
FRIDA
THE HOURS
ROAD TO PERDITION

MUSIC (SONG)
CHICAGO
8 MILE
FRIDA
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE

BEST PICTURE
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE HOURS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
THE PIANIST

SOUND
CHICAGO
GANGS OF NEW YORK
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
ROAD TO PERDITION
SPIDER-MAN

SOUND EDITING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
MINORITY REPORT
ROAD TO PERDITION

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
SPIDER-MAN
STAR WARS EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
ABOUT A BOY
ADAPTATION
CHICAGO
THE HOURS
THE PIANIST

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
FAR FROM HEAVEN
GANGS OF NEW YORK
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING
TALK TO HER
Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN

I think the problem for Spike Lee is that he alienated a LOT of AMPAS members with his big ego, the controversial ending of Do The Right Thing, and the way that Malcolm X was marketed. Given all that happened during the early 1990's, most of the AMPAS members remember these events, and they will continue to snub Mr. Lee for some time to come.

Nobody's mentioned Michael Caine's performance in his Oscar-nominated role in "The Quiet American."

Has anyone seen this to be able to comment on it?

***

I, too, think John C. Reilly is a great actor, and figure they gave him a cumilative Oscar-nomination for his roles in "The Two Towers," "Chicago," "Gangs of New York," and "The Good Girl." Of course, they had to choose one, so they went with the odds-on favorite: "Chicago."

They've done this in the past - at least one time that I can think of off the top of my head: in 1993, they nominated Leonardo DiCaprio for "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," but he was also great in "This Boy's Life," released the same year.

I guess John C. Reilly was an orc in The Two Towers and that's why I didn't recognize that he was in that particular film.

Caine was pretty good, as usual - but not necessarily Oscar-worthy. I actually thought that Brendan Fraiser out-shined Caine in this film.

He said they would be over by midnight Eastern time. Midnight Pacific Time would make it a 7 hour show!!

I guess I missed him in that one because of the same reason!

Obviously he wasn't "the main point" of The Hours to get noticed for it.

Oh my God, he's in FOUR of the Best Picture nominees!

I'm SORRY! I mistook John C. Reilly in "The Two Towers" for a tree.