It's been three weeks since the 81st Academy Awards nominations were announced, and I'm reeling from the mostly unexpected-and ultimately boring-contenders (esp. Slumdog Millionaire - that's you!). Here are this year's highlights and low points:
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Trio of character actors and actress were justly rewarded (Richard Jenkins-pictured, right, Melissa Leo, Michael Shannon)
2. Deserved love (and 7 nods) for critical favorite (but box office underperformer) Milk (including Josh Brolin)
3. Departures, the only Asian film to be shortlisted in the Best Foreign Film category this year
4. Best Orig. Screenplay nominee Courtney Hunt, for her familiar story but nonetheless searing and well acted indie film Frozen River 5. Best Orig. Screenplay contender Martin McDonaugh, for his tragicomedy In Bruges
LOW POINTS
1. "Brangelina" fever (pictured, left) hits the red carpet (the couple enters the Oscar record for being nominated in the same year, though undeservedly so)
2. No Happy-Go-Lucky trip for Sally Hawkins to the podium... well, almost (Mike Leigh will surely not attend the ceremony despite receiving his fourth Best Orig. Screenplay nom)
3. Kate Winslet (for her heartfelt performance in Revolutionary Road)
4. No intriguing original song nominees, not even for past winner and this year's Golden Globe honoree Bruce Springsteen (The Wrestler)
5. Slumdog Millionaire (I just can't share the love for his overrated film...)
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