Oscar Nominations: An Objective Analysis

By Broadside Staff Writer Kyle Ridley.

With the rotation of every calendar hung comes the onslaught of “Best Of” and “Top 10” lists while looking back on the year’s greatest motion pictures. If you’re like me, much of the winter break was spent cramming to catch the flood of remarkable films released just in time for award consideration. 2008 was a riveting year for movies and with the nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards announced last Thursday, the Oscar race is officially on. Majestic epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button leads the pack with 13 nominations, followed by underdog favorite Slumdog Millionaire, with 10 nods. In preparing for Hollywood’s biggest night, here’s a look at a few of the major category predictions, deserving winners and snubs (Kate and Leo anyone?).

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Will Win: Dark-horse–turned-fan-favorite Slumdog Millionaire has nabbed the majority of statues so far. Look for it to claim victory here as well.

Should Win: Slumdog and Ben Button are neck-in-neck in my book. Both offer the ideal blend of enthralling cast, awe-inspiring cinematography, and gripping storyline . . . a recipe made for Oscar gold.

Snubbed!: Detailing the unraveling of a marriage that can’t escape the chains of predictability, Sam Mendes’ devastatingly powerful Revolutionary Road was shamefully overlooked by the Academy. Also, despite each of its four-player ensemble receiving acting nods, John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt is noticeably absent from this prestigious list.

BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins: The Visitor
Frank Langella: Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn: Milk
Brad Pitt: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke: The Wrestler

Will Win: Rourke’s startling portrayal of an aging wrestler struggling in the wake of his prime eerily mirrors that of his own acting career. Hollywood loves a comeback story, and with Rourke’s star reignited, how fitting to welcome his return.

Should Win: Despite Rourke’s knockout (literally) performance, Penn’s heartrending portrayal of openly gay political activist, Harvey Milk, is the year’s most mesmerizing.

Snubbed!: Although thrilled with Jenkins’ recognition, Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of his career with a wrenching portrayal of a husband and father drowning in the void of ordinariness in Revolutionary Road.

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway: Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie: Changeling
Melissa Leo: Frozen River
Meryl Streep: Doubt
Kate Winslet: The Reader

Will Win: It’s a close call for this dynamite bunch, all packing a powerhouse punch. Early enthusiasm had Hathaway as the one to beat, but Winslet (now on her sixth nomination with no wins) is gaining the edge with a flurry of support.

Should Win: Fresh off her double Golden Globe triumph, Winslet deserves to continue the streak by taking home Mr. Oscar for her haunting performance as an ex concentration camp guard in The Reader.

Snubbed!: Though it probably works in her favor that the Academy allows only one slot per category, Winslet is just as spellbinding, if not more, as a defeated ’50s housewife desperate for change in Revolutionary Road. Sally Hawkins’ lovable Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky also would have been a joy to see on the list.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin: Milk
Robert Downey Jr.: Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman: Doubt
Heath Ledger: The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon: Revolutionary Road

Will Win: Ledger, hands down.

Should Win: Ledger, and not because of his untimely passing. It’s always tricky to judge an award given posthumously, but his sinister portrayal of The Joker is one that will prove eternal in its brilliance.

Snubbed!: Thumbs up Oscar—you got it right.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams: Doubt
Penélope Cruz: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis: Doubt
Taraji P. Henson: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei: The Wrestler

Will Win: Tough call considering Kate Winslet, who has been sweeping this category for The Reader, is now up for Best Actress. Expect Davis’ unsettling head-to-head with Meryl Streep to capture the vote. Her role may be brief, but is nothing short of paramount.

Should Win: Henson as the mother of man aging backward in the magical Ben Button. Her character’s warmth and unconditional love brightens every scene in what is truly an enchanting performance.

Snubbed!: Though she probably has an award-filled career ahead of her, 14-year-old Dakota Fanning displays gifts of a veteran actor as the emotionally troubled Lily Owens in The Secret Life of Bees.