Oscar Nominations

I decided not to catch the Oscar nominations as they were read this morning at some unreasonably early hour. I like to read the Oscar nominations in the papers, or on the web, preferring to be disappointed along with the rest of the world when we find that the bulk of nominations were awarded to bloated, expensive epics featuring uninspired direction, writing, and acting.

This year, for what feels like the first time (in a long time, if not ever), I was pleasantly surprised. My favorite category to watch is Best Supporting Actor -- Ryan Gosling for Half Nelson! Jackie Earle Haley for Little Children! Alan Arkin, whose last nomination was for 1968's for The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (!), for Little Miss Sunshine! I'm all exclamationed out.

"Dreamgirls" and "Babel" Lead Nominees (New York Times)