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As some of you may remember, each year I review the Oscar contenders* for you in just 6 words each, as inspired by my friends over at SMITH Magazine.
This year, the 2010 nominees are:
Best Picture
“Avatar”
“Ferngully” meets live action, IMAX 3-D.
“The Blind Side”
Are you ready for some football?
“District 9”
Evidently *not* Peter Jackson’s Hobbit Apocalypse.
“An Education”
May-December romance goes sour in England.
“The Hurt Locker”
War is the most addictive drug.
“Inglourious Basterds”
Tarantino + Pitt + Nazi-killing Jews = Comic perfection.
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Totally different spin on ‘babydaddy’ story.
“A Serious Man”
Coen Brothers. Need I say more?
“Up”
Best four-minute relationship montage ever. Squirrel!
“Up in the Air”
In-between take-offs and landings, are journeys.
Best Direction
“Avatar” — James Cameron
Billions at box office buys ANYTHING.
“The Hurt Locker” — Kathryn Bigelow
Proof that women belong behind cameras.
“Inglourious Basterds” — Quentin Tarantino
Says “Fuck You!!” to deafening applause.
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” — Lee Daniels
His product consistently outshines his process.
“Up in the Air” — Jason Reitman
Irrefutable evidence that he salvaged ‘Juno’.
Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart”
It’s about time that Oscar abides.
George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
First ‘Best Actor’ nod for Cloonster.
Colin Firth in “A Single Man”
Playing gay no longer shoo-in, except…
Morgan Freeman in “Invictus”
What would Oscar be without biopics?
Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker”
The only possible Bridges upset, IMHO.
Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side”
Golden Globe winner is rumored front-runner.
Helen Mirren in “The Last Station”
The Dame can do no wrong.
Carey Mulligan in “An Education”
Darling debut from beautiful British bird.
Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Smashing start. Keep casting Sidibe, please.
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia”
15 nominations now. Lifetime achievement, perhaps?
Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon in “Invictus”
Dude! He’s my step-cousin. No, seriously…
Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger”
You’ve come a long way, Flynt.
Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station”
His ‘Dragnet’ role was my favorite…
Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones”
He almost turned this part down.
Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”
His swastika was the most satisfying.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Penélope Cruz in “Nine”
Is there anything she *can’t* do?
Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”
Long-deserved Vera, but not this year.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
I seriously don’t understand everyone’s fascination…
Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”
Called Clooney “old”. That was funny.
Mo’Nique in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Hands-down winner. Her own terms, too.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“District 9” — Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
Aren’t we over Armageddon movies yet?
“An Education” — Screenplay by Nick Hornby
Liked it. Despite the predictable twist.
“In the Loop” — Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
Read much better than it played.
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” — Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
Triumph over Adversity: Undeniable cinematic gold.
“Up in the Air” — Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Wish Reitman would have polished ‘Juno’.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
“The Hurt Locker” — Written by Mark Boal
This script actually stirred my patriotism.
“Inglourious Basterds” — Written by Quentin Tarantino
Had me with the misspelled title.
“The Messenger” — Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
‘(500) Days of Summer’ Oscar upset!!
“A Serious Man” — Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Best original script since… their last.
“Up” — Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
O! To write a Pixar-worthy screenplay.
Animated Feature Film
“Coraline”
Neil Gaiman strikes again. In 3-D!
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
Wes Anderson + Roald Dahl. Cussin’ genius!
“The Princess and the Frog”
Disney’s best decision: To acquire Pixar.
“The Secret of Kells”
Um. Has anybody seen this film?
“Up”
Seriously. Pixar folks are brilliant. Squirrel!
* * * * *
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…
*All apologies to the short filmmakers, documentarians, make-up artists, costume, production and sound designers and editors and all the rest of my fellow BTL homies.Seriously and from the bottom of my heart, I promise, I DO stay for every single last credit and I KNOW how major the role is that you play in the process.xo ~k
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Kimberly.
Thanks, Greg! Still my favorite cyber-playground!
Oh yeah! Happy birthday!
Happy BDay (tomorrow) K-Dub!
Yours was the first of all lists I read today to learn who was nominated.
And now, I expect to learn all that I need to know about everything from now on
from you – ya hear?
xxooo!
Everything??? The pressure’d be too much!!!
ok – just oscars.
Whew! I was getting worried, Steph!
I’m drinking my morning cup of coffee outside on the deck, listening to the lovely Australian bird calls. What a perfect piece to read and a perfect start to my day…
You are a peach, dear Zara!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday darling Kimberly!
What a sweetheart, are you.
Ditto back at’cha and then some!
That’s it. From here on out, I’m turning to you for all my Oscar coverage. Best write-up on the nominees I’ve yet seen.
While I’m happy about the attention Up and The Hurt Locker are getting, I fully intend to be continuously pissy about Moon being shut out for at least the next sixth months. Sam Rockwell and “Duncan Jones”/Zowie Bowie are gettin’ robbed!
Also, am I the only person who saw “Precious” as a campy satire? I just could not watch that movie with a straight face. And as I understand it, Lee Daniels is a big fan of John Waters…
**wink**
Also:
‘Moon’ should’ve been a contender. Truth.
You’re magically wonderful, Wetherell!
But Colin Firth wasn’t in A Serious Man. He was in A Single Man.
But fun list!
Colin solidarity! (and thanks for catch…)
You know what I don’t get? Sandra Bullock. Maybe I need to give her a fair chance. Maybe I need to see The Blind Side – but I suffered through that abomination, Crash, which totally stole the Oscar from Brokeback Mountain, and I’ve not forgiven her (or the Oscars) since then. Hmph.
I love that a Pixar movie is up for best film. Rock on!
Something else I don’t understand: How did Mayazaki’s Ponyo On A Cliff By The Sea not get nominated for best animated feature? That man is a genius – above Pixar and every other damn animation company.
I loved your six-word list. Hilarious and brilliant.
Truth? I haven’t seen ‘Blind’ either… 😉
Well, you’re almost right: Crash stole the Oscar from Good Night, And Good Luck.
I’m the minority. Totally loved Crash.
I liked it the first time I saw it. I had the exact opposite reaction the second time. Haggis did a much better job with In the Valley of Elah.
Don’t bother seeing The Blind Side. My wife dragged me to it. Upper crusty Republicans adopt a poor black kid and make him a star football player. Seems like total science-fiction until you realize it’s a TRUE STORY. This undeniable realization made me break out in hives.
Pluses: Bullock in a series of skintight dresses, Tim McGraw’s Nicholas Cage-esque hairpiece.
I’m rooting for The Hurt Locker!
I liked “Crash,” too. Two scenes in that flick had me on the proverbial and literal edge of my seat. The tension. Wow.
GNGL was too shallow, too short, too full of itself.
“Brokeback” was more notable for the score and Heath Ledger than the film itself.
I don’t think any of those three will age well, though.
2005’s best film was “Waiting…”
Funny funny funny.
‘Brokeback’s last scene was absolutely everything.
I liked how each blurb was on point to the category. I mean, of course, but boy you carried it off well.
I was so sad about some of the ignores. I mean, I can understand Taken is too fun, too well-structured, and too action-packed for most people who would use the word to call it cinema, but I the best doc category left me startled for its lack of both This Is It and The September Issue, both of which were terrific.
Most of the choices are pretty routine, including the somehow-obligatory Coen bros. nod.
I liked The Blind Side. I think Oscar night is going to be a Bigelow/Cameron War of the Roses, though; The Hurt Locker and Avatar feel like the two movies to beat. I haven’t seen the latter yet, and I only managed through, like, a half hour or so of the former before meh set in too strongly, but they feel like they’re the front-runners by most measures.
Is “well-structured” a euphamism for “predictable” and “fun” a euphamism for “brainless”? Because if so, we’re in agreement on Taken.
No and no.
Adore, but seriously question you, Will.
Happy birthday, gorgeous! You’ve just reminded me how my lame my life is because I go to the movies about once a year! But now I want to see lots of movies!
My “Life”: Spent in darkened rooms.
Happy Birthday, Kimberly my sweet!
This post was a LOT of work!
(But you’re probably OCD anyway.)
OCD: only tip of the iceberg.
I was thinking the same thing. The whole thing looked effortless, but to come up with exactly six words for all of these movies – AND the exact right five words. Brilliant.
Love it, even though I haven’t seen a single film on the list, except Julie & Julia. Because I do not miss anything Streep (except Mama Mia–missed that one on general principle.)
Ravnostic: Thanks so much for commenting!!
happy b-day, kimberly. after seeing this list i realized that i don’t watch movies. maybe, i’ll find a date fo V-Day and buy a couple of tix and maybe get a smooch in the process. now, wouldn’t that be grand? cheers.
Dark theatres: Great hand-holding, make-out venues.
Where is the nomination for the Totally Killer book trailer??
These awards are all politics.
Your nomination for “Best Comment”? WINS!
The Academy accepts this award in your honor.
Nor was I nominated for screenplay.
(You should have seen the screenplay. That trailer was ALL K-Dub).
**Blushing.** Filmmaking is 100% collaboration, yo.
Love it. Tarantino’s my fav. And I must confess, I’m rooting for him. I don’t think he’ll win, but I’m crossing my fingers.
And happy birthday to you! xoxoxoxxoxxoxoxoxxooxoy
And to defend you from Irene – it would only have been OCD if you had included all categories.
Yes. All of us, everywhere, are rooting for Tarantino.
Christoph Waltz should take supporting actor. That opening interrogation scene alone is worth the Oscar. And his swastika was the most satisfying indeed.
Absolutely. The interrogation scene was brilliant. What a masterful performance.
He was acting brilliantly in four languages. Tarantino shorn of his reliance on pop cultural detritus is something to behold. Man, that guy can write.
Rooting, Simon? I’m sure QT appreciates the thought…
Waltz will get it. I’ll bet a dozen donuts.
In six words:
That milk scene said it all.
Son of a… did everyone else know that Bigelow and Cameron used to be married? My God, the stoush this year is shaping up to be!
Dude, where have you been? That’s old news. Cameron is listed as a producer on several of her films, and co-wrote Strange Days.
The Stoush? Is that like an Australian version of The Soup?
Matt: I’ve been in Australia. They don’t tell us nothin’.
Phat B: a ‘stoush’ is a word we like to use when we don’t want to say ‘fracas’.
Here’s my Oscar list.
The Hurt Locker
That’s it. All the others were unworthy
Yep, Tom. Exactly. The Hurt Locker.
pretty sure up was the only good movie released in the last twenty years.
“Up” was divinity animated to perfection.
You haven’t seen District 9 have you?
No. Why? I s’pose I should’ve. 🙂
Ferngully meets live action?!!!???!! Ohmygod–ohmygod–ohmygod! Perfect! I must say I am not a fan of the self proclaimed King of the World — pretty sure he’s taking a lot of credit for all the people who actually spent years on this film ( and years listening to him)! I so hope The Hurt Locker takes it away…. go girl, go.
What will we do when you make this list? Who will write the six word Oscar noms then??? You know that day is coming….
Happy, Happy on your day, Kim…. I’m wishing you here instead of following my FB suggestion… the man behind the FB curtain is really beginning to annoy me and he surely isn’t the wise and wonderful OZ!!! xx ~r
Were *I* on this list??? Golly…
My entire life has been lived by the principle of “you never know”….
Sorry, that sounded rude. But it’s not an aliens-destroy-Earth thing at all; I saw it at an IMAX and I haven’t had so much fun watching a film since I was a kid. The premise is terrific, the execution superb, and the swearing is off the scale.
I reckon you’ve nailed Avatar, though. Mind you, I haven’t seen it, it looks unspeakable.
Anyway, apparently it’s your birthday, so happy birthday!
Caught! Didn’t seem worth $12.50. Mistaken?
JMB’s Six Words on Great Films for February 2nd 2010:
Midnight
Cocoa Pebbles
Urban Cowboy DVD
Never ate Cocoa Pebbles. Missing paradise?
Nectar of the gods, Kimberly. Today is your birthday. Indulge!
P.S. The best way to eat CP, in my opinion, is to make half a bowl, so the cereal doesn’t become soggy. Then pour more CP into the chocolate-y milk you have left, so you end up with even sweeter milk at the end.
P.P.S. If you really want to get high, sprinkle some Nestle’s Quik on the Cocoa Pebbles. I bet you that’s how Calvin made Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs.
Sounds delicious! And also: highly addictive!!!!!!!!!
“In-between take-offs and landings, are journeys.”
They should have made this the tag-line for the movie!
I liked “In the Loop,” though.
Funny! Normally, writing taglines stumps me.
Brilliant.
Why no Oscars for lighting designers??!
They do! In film, the “lighting design” falls under the Cinematographer’s realm.
There’s no Lighting Designer, per se, like there is in theatre. In film, there’s a Gaffer, who manipulates the light (under the DP’s direction) and then with the introduction of Digital Intermediate, “lighting” is now also the job of the Colorist and Post-production editing team (also by instruction of the DP and Director). Certainly not as straight-up easily defined as in theatre.
Shoot! I was answering in six!!! 🙁
Wow, I’m so glad I asked. That’s the clearest, most interesting answer. I don’t know why, but the lighting in plays in movies is usually the first thing I notice.
Happy birthday, and see you Sunday! xo
dude not enough props to D9. that movie rocked my world.
and invictus was garbage. most boring movie i’ve seen in years.
Eastwood will be nominated until death.
Inglourious Basterds was a good film, but I wanted to see more of Stiglitz and the Bear-Jew. They were such hyped up characters and they did nothing. Brad Pitt was great, but should have had less screen time, I think.
And District 9 was cool but I fell asleep before the end. It was the first time I’d ever fallen asleep in a movie, but I blame it on the booze. I really did enjoy what I saw.
Clearly, I now must rent D9.
Two things to say:
Wonderful post, Kimberly!
And GO JEFF BRIDGES!!! LET THE OSCAR ABIDE!!!
The Oscar quite simply MUST abide.
[…] friend Kimberly Wetherell returns with her second annual Six-Word Oscar Review roundup on The Nervous Breakdown blog. Wetherell, a fillmmaker herself, doesn’t just flip off six for the Best Picture […]
This really makes me wish I could make it to the Academy Awards party I was invited to tomorrow (technically today)…. Awesome guide!
I DVR the Oscars. No Commercials!
Brava, Kim! I hoist my popcorn to you!
I’ll take your popcorn. M&M’s too!
[…] year (2009, 2010) I review the Oscar contenders* for you in 6 words each, as inspired by my friends over at SMITH […]