pity - I thought the action fight scenes were shot pretty shoddy.

I dont know if it will be or not. Chris Rock brought in some ratings last year which I dont know if Jon Stewart will match. Remember, "black males don't watch the Academy awards." ;)

As for the movies this year. For big ratings, they need something that appeals to the teenie boppers like Titanic or Return of the King for big numbers. I can't seen any teens and college aged (that normally dont watch) watching it this year.

Also liked the lineup for Animated Feature. Every other year, they always selected the kiddie movies all the time. any other year, Chicken Little makes it. But they showed some backbone this time.

I think most of these nominations are spot on...glad to see Crash and Munich do so well...but the best surprise for me was Terrance Howard nominated for Hustle & Flow. I've let it be known around here that I was in LOVE with that flick and seeing him get nominated is incredible...didn't think it was going to happen. Also, I really hope "It's hard out here for a pimp" can gain some momentum... anyone who sees the scene where they put that song together and doesn't vote for it is CRAZY!!

That said, I'm sure Brokeback is going to continue it's awards domination in script/directing/picture categories. All of the best picture nominees are excellent films though, so it's going to be a tight race... a really great year for movies. Would have liked to see a little more appreciation of Cinderella Man, Walk the Line and A History of Violence but I guess all movies can't come to the party...

MATT

:up: Terrence Howard, Crash and Batman Begins.

I would have liked to see Batman Begins nominated for Original Score.

Surprised by the Munich love in the major categories.

All that said, 2005 was a VERY good year for movies. Lets hope 2006 is the same or better.

I havent seen it yet, but hear its good...but the love may be for Speilberg. I underestimated that.

Brokeback and Capote in the Screenplay competition will be very interesting.

Munich is a very well put together film. It deserved its awards. It didn't receive any acting nominations, but you could easily make a case for Eric Bana or any of the other supporting guys.

sans 'Street Fight' I've seen all the nominated Documentary films.

I haven't seen it yet either - everything that I have heard or read about it basically said that it was good, but not award-worthy by any means. That's why I was surprised.

Of course most of it is Spielberg love.

The only Oscar film I don't be able to see before the show is A History of Violence. :(

The biggest surprise has to be Frances McDormand getting in ahead of Maria Bello.

Dollar theater maybe?

I thought they both were good, but I would give Frances the nod before Maria. North Country was a decent movie, but her performance was great (better than Theron's).

Violence is already gone from our $1 theater.

The nom for the Hustle & Flow song is just more love for Terrence Howard. I mean, let's face it. That's a terrible song.

EDIT - Oh wait, I see it was moved to 3/14....sorry. :(

I thought it got pushed to 3/14.

Yep...just saw that! Make friends with someone at blockbuster ;)

Knew it - Bareback will win as I predicted before the film came out. I can save myself three hours of long-winded speeches.

My very early picks are on post #1. I don't think they'll change much, moreso in the tech categories.

CRASH!! :banana:

Doubt it'll pull it off, but congrats on the nom, and I'll be hoping for the upset.

heehee.

Just not sure if Im going to watch this year...I enjoyed alot of the movies, but dont know if they are films Im rooting for to win anything. Maybe Witherspoon for Walk the Line, but Im not sitting through 8 hours for that.

Yeah, I really dont think the ratings will be good this year. ESPECIALLY, if everyone is right and Brokeback is a shoe-in. Also, not too many are really excited about Jon Stewart.

Roger Ebert sinks to new ineptitude.

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/...SCARS/60131001

"Crash” found many viewers on DVD, and last week upset “Brokeback Mountain” to win the “best ensemble” award at the (admittedly meaningless) Golden Globes"

.....