OSCAR WATCH 2007: AND THE NOMINEES ARE. . . .

by debbie lynn elias

Still one of my favorite days of the year, there is nothing lackluster or nonchalant about Oscar Nomination morning. In the brisk darkness of very early morning, it is as exciting to me now as it was my first year covering the nominations, to roll out of bed, head on over to Beverly Hills and be part of a magic that stirs dreams, tells tales, shapes opinions and in these times of change and needed activism, brings world issues to the forefront in a manner that often inspires and encourages talk and reason. There is and always has been something about the movies, and particularly the Academy Awards, that sparks excitement and interest and unites the world in a non-violent and joyous fashion. And this year, is no different.

Running a bit behind schedule, Sid Ganis, President of AMPAS, together with Oscar nominated actress and producer, Salma Hayek, finally took to the podium at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre at 5:38 a.m. Well fed and watered, with the sleep long cleared from the eyes of the press, thanks to the world television feed and local and international journalists and photographers present at the Academy, the world listened in with bated breath as the names of the nominees vying for that little golden statute named Oscar were announced.

Probably one of the most diverse group of announcements, applause and even some gasps could be heard around the room as even the press was caught off guard with some of the names announced. Surprises? You betcha. With no clear cut front-runners dominating the field, DREAMGIRLS came out the big winner with 8 nominations, including 3 nominations for Best Original Song and Best Supporting nods to Golden Globe winners Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson. But the film was noticeably absent from the list of Best Picture nominees as well as a glaring omission of director Bill Condon. But joyously for me, Abigail Breslin was named as a Best Supporting Actress nominee for LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE! One of the youngest nominees in Academy history, I have touted Abigail as a nominee since seeing the film at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June. And while I believe most Academy members may cast their votes for Jennifer Hudson, one shouldn’t discount Abigail just yet and if not this year, then be on the lookout for her in years to come. Adorable and funny with a charming childish streak of sarcasm, she is one to watch!

But LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE didn’t just shine for Abigail this morning. No siree. This sleeper smash independent grabbed nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin who was first nominated for Oscar some 38 years ago) and Best Picture, once again shining light on the independent film industry. I met the film’s stars Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin and Abigail Breslin at LAFF and Kinnear asking me before the film was I going to give it a great review. I told him it would depend. I don’t prejudge. On the film’s end, I ran into him on the VA grounds and he asked me again. At that point, it was my pick along with THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA for the best films of the year (and both still are right up there). Obviously, the Academy agreed.

And speaking of LAFF and independent films, let’s not forget LAFF Best Documentary winner DELIVER US FROM EVIL. Directed by Santa Monica resident Amy Berg, this was one of my festival picks and is right up there with Al Gore’s AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH for Oscar in the Best Documentary Film category. And another festival independent, this one from November’s American Film Institute Festival in Hollywood, grabs a Best Foreign Language Film nomination - Denmark’s seventh nominated film, Susanne Bier’s AFTER THE WEDDING - another "must see festival film" pick of mine last year.

Coming as no surprise is Meryl Streep who gets another Best Actress nod for her performance in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. The opening night film at LAFF, Streep is the grand dame of the Academy. With 14 nominations to her credit and 11 in the Best Actress category alone, she is a testament to her craft. But, she has only 2 Oscars under belt - one for Best Actress in "Sophie’s Choice" and the other, Best Supporting Actress in "Kramer versus Kramer." Already picking up the Golden Globe, could Streep have Oscar on her home for the ride home this year? Her toughest competition should come from three time Oscar nominee and already a Golden Globe winner (among others) this year, Helen Mirren, who brought a humanity and grandmotherly touch to Queen Elizabeth II in THE QUEEN. Based on the behind the scenes events surrounding the death of Princess Diana, Mirren embodied her Royal Highness in this story of duty versus family. Kate Winslet also joins this stellar group. Already a five time nominee at age 31, with three nods in this category alone, her performance as Sarah Peirce in LITTLE CHILDREN is perhaps her most moving and pivotal. And of course, let’s not forget six time nominee and Oscar winner, Dame Judi Dench who grabs another nod for NOTES ON A SCANDAL. Interestingly, Dench is the only performer to be nominated last year as well. The only first time Best Actress nominee in the bunch is Penelope Cruz for her work in VOLVER.

And while the woman have a deep and storied relationship with the Academy, the men have an incredible group of first time nominees, among them, Eddie Murphy, Mark Wahlberg and Jackie Earle Haley in the Best Supporting Actor category, while Forest Whitaker and Ryan Gosling grace the Best Actor category for THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND and HALF NELSON, respectively. (A total of ten overall first time nominations grace this year’s list of categories.) A surprising nomination - Will Smith who picks up his second career nomination for his portrayal of the Chris Gardner in THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS. And as to be expected Leonardo DiCaprio picked up a nomination for his work in BLOOD DIAMOND. It’s been a guessing game as to whether he would be named for THE DEPARTED or BLOOD DIAMOND as his work is exemplary in both, but agree withe Academy’s selection for acknowledging his work in BLOOD DIAMOND as the more "Oscar worthy."

Another big surprise is Clint Eastwood and LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA. A foreign language film, this is only the seventh time since 1938 that a foreign language film has been nominated for Best Picture. And should it win, it would the first foreign language film to do so as Best Picture. And of course, bear in mind this is Eastwood’s tenth nomination and his fourth as a Best Director. But then toss in Steven Spielberg’s 12 nominations, including 6 for Best Picture and 6 for Best Direction, not to mention 3 Oscar wins, who here serves as Executive Producer, and the odds get a bit tighter. I think Eastwood’s stiffest competition in the Best Director category comes from Martin Scorsese and THE DEPARTED. Scorsese, who is one of the nicest guys on the planet, has never won Oscar despite his 8 overall nominations - 6 in directing and 2 for screenplays. Come on guys, the man is due, due, due! And THE DEPARTED is an electrifying intense work with the undoubtedly the most impressive cast of any nominated film this year. If this were my vote, I would go with Scorsese.

Technically, the nominations cover a vast expanse of talent. With everyone from cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond picking up a nod for THE BLACK DAHLIA (perhaps the only worthwhile aspect of the film but for the jewelry) to Guillermo Navarro’s work in PAN’S LABYRINTH (which should win for Best Cinematography) to 3 nominations for APOCALYPTO (2 in sound and 1 in make-up) to even 1 for best score for THE GOOD GERMAN, there is a little something for everyone. As to be expected, Disney scored big on the technical end with PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST, grabbing 4 nominations for various art and sound categories.

I am particularly thrilled for the nominees in the Best Costume category. This year we have a variety of period pieces nominated which always seem to bring out new levels of excellence and kaleidoscopic color and fantasy, among them my pick, MARIE ANTOINETTE, and CURSE OF THE BROKEN FLOWER.

And of course, much to the joy of many (but not me), Sacha Baron Cohen and company grabbed a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for the idiocracy known in its shortened form as BORAT. Up against CHILDREN OF MEN, THE DEPARTED, LITTLE CHILDREN and NOTES OF A SCANDAL, while Cohen and company will probably not win Oscar, Cohen will undoubtedly prove to provide some of the most outrageous red carpet and ceremony moments since Roberto Benigni climbing over seats and Steven Spielberg some years back as accepting an Oscar for "Life Is Beautiful."

Worthy to note in the Best Original Screenplay category, there are 5 first time nominees plus 5 time nominee/2 time winner Paul Haggis who teams up with Iris Yamashita for LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA. Possibly one of the toughest categories, and proving there is no shortage of original ideas (just studios willing to put up the money for them), in addition to IWO JIMA, the nominated original screenplays include BABEL, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, THE QUEEN and the fantastical luminescent PAN’S LABYRINTH. Noticeably absent, and although many may disagree with me, is Sylvester Stallone for "Rocky Balboa." As I have written and said in several television interviews, I maintain that there is no script out there from this past year with as much pure heart as "Rocky Balboa."

Again, in what seems like the "new tradition" of Oscar, the Best Picture and Best Director nominees do not coincide. Once identical with nominations, the past few years have brought some welcome, and surprisingly variances. This year finds LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE nominated for Best Film, but not Best Director. While the emotionally stirring UNITED 93 garnered a Best Oscar nod for its director, Paul Greengrass, without a Best Picture nomination.

Before closing this overview of nominees, I would be remiss to not mention one of my favorite categories - Best Animated Feature. Dare I say we are starting a trend in film (and tv commercials)? Following on the heels of Oscar winning documentary feature "March of the Penguins" we again have those cute little guys from way down under gracing the big screen - this time in the all-singing, all-dancing HAPPY FEET. And while HAPPY FEET is my pick for Best Animated Feature (thanks in large part to the superb motion capture technique and Saviogn Glover’s tappin’ toes), this outstanding field is complimented and completed with CARS and MONSTER HOUSE (another LAFF debut).

Over the next month I will once again be bringing you my annual Oscar updates and predictions in the six major categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress and Best Supporting Actor and Actress, so check by here each week where you’ll find my picks and pans and Oscar trivia.

And don’t forget, you can find out the Oscar winners for yourself on Sunday, February 25, 2007, when the 79^th Annual Academy Awards airs live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on ABC.

 

So, here it is, what you’ve all been waiting for - AND THE NOMINEES ARE:

BEST PICTURE

Babel

The Departed

Letters from Iwo Jima

Little Miss Sunshine

The Queen

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING

Babel -Alejandro González Iñárritu

The Departed - Martin Scorsese

Letters from Iwo Jima - Clint Eastwood

The Queen - Stephen Frears

United 93 - Paul Greengrass

BEST ACTOR

Leonardo DiCaprio - Blood Diamond

Ryan Gosling - Half Nelson

Peter O’Toole - Venus

Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness

Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Alan Arkin - Little Miss Sunshine

Jackie Earle Haley - Little Children

Djimon Hounsou - Blood Diamond

Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls

Mark Wahlberg - The Departed

BEST ACTRESS

Penélope Cruz - Volver

Judi Dench - Notes on a Scandal

Helen Mirren - The Queen

Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada

Kate Winslet - Little Children

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Adriana Barraza - Babel

Cate Blanchett - Notes on a Scandal

Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine

Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls

Rinko Kikuchi - Babel

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Cars

Happy Feet

Monster House

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION

Dreamgirls

The Good Shepherd
Pan’s Labyrinth

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

The Prestige

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

The Black Dahlia - Vilmos Zsigmond

Children of Men - Emmanuel Lubezki

The Illusionist - Dick Pope

Pan’s Labyrinth - Guillermo Navarro

The Prestige - Wally Pfister

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

Curse of the Golden Flower

The Devil Wears Prada

Dreamgirls

Marie Antoinette

The Queen

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Deliver Us from Evil

An Inconvenient Truth

Iraq in Fragments

Jesus Camp

My Country, My Country

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

The Blood of Yingzhou District

Recycled Life

Rehearsing a Dream

Two Hands

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

Babel - Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise

Blood Diamond - Steven Rosenblum

Children of Men - Alex Rodríguez and Alfonso Cuarón

The Departed - Thelma Schoonmaker

United 93 - Clare Douglas, Christopher Rouse and Richard Pearson

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

After the Wedding (Denmark)

Days of Glory (Algeria)

The Lives of Others (Germany)

Pan’s Labyrinth (Mexico)

Water (Canada)

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP

Apocalypto

Click

Pan’s Labyrinth

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Babel

The Good German

Notes on a Scandal

Pan’s Labyrinth

The Queen

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

I Need to Wake Up from "An Inconvenient Truth"

Music and Lyric by Melissa Etheridge

Listen from "Dreamgirls"

Music by Henry Krieger and Scott Cutler

Love You I Do from "Dreamgirls"
Music by Henry Krieger - Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Our Town from "Cars"

Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Patience from "Dreamgirls"

Music by Henry Krieger - Lyric by Willie Reale

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

The Danish Poet

Lifted

The Little Matchgirl

Maestro

No Time for Nuts

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea)

Éramos Pocos (One Too Many)

Helmer & Son

The Saviour

West Bank Story

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING

Apocalypto

Blood Diamond

Flags of Our Fathers

Letters from Iwo Jima

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING

Apocalypto

Blood Diamond

Dreamgirls

Flags of Our Fathers

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Poseidon

Superman Returns

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Borat

Children of Men

The Departed

Notes on a Scandal

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Babel

Letters from Iwo Jima

Little Miss Sunshine

Pan’s Labyrinth

The Queen