The 81st Academy Awards: Oscar Fever!

Some of the current highlights include:

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)

Was anyone really surprised by this win? I mean, come on. The guy became a legend with his portrayal of the Joker. I do feel bad that Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” never really had a shot, but this is a perfect case where just being nominated is already an honor. :D

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
*Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)

I haven't seen VCB, but if Cruz gets naked with Scarlett Johansson, she's got *my* vote! :D

Best animated feature film of the year
* “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Again, no surprise there. Wall-E vs. Bolt and Kung-Fu Panda? I enjoyed both, sure, but Wall-E had something that both other movies lacked: depth.

Achievement in makeup
*“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom

Seriously? How can this possibly kick Hellboy 2's ass? Recount, damn it, RECOUNT!

Original screenplay
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black

Okay, so while I agree that Milk was indeed a triumph of writing, how can they possibly ignore "In Bruges"? That script had the word "fuck" in every other line! And had Collin Farrel saying "I'm sorry I karate-chopped you in the neck" to a fucking midget!!

...Recount? No? Boo.

Achievement in directing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle directed my favourite movie ever: Trainspotting. Thus, he clearly deserves to win every award he's ever nominated for. That's all.

Best Actor
* "Milk", Sean Penn

Is anyone even surprised? Just caught this film about gay activist Harvey Milk and I found Penn's performance to be subtle, empowering, and entirely true. Method acting at its best.

Best Actress
*Kate Winslet

Haven't seen the movie she won for, so no comment either way. I'm kind of glad that Anne Hathaway didn't win for "Rachel Getting Married", though, if only because I found the performance far too reminiscent of Ryder in "Girl, Interrupted". Oh well.

Best Picture
* "Slumdog Millionaire"

Still high off watching this film with my boy. I'm not quite sure to make of it, but I do know that I'm never, ever joining a game show in India. Electrocution when you win? Wtf. :P

And that rounds up this year's Oscar report! I only care about the categories listed above, but if you're interested in the documentaries, best camera grip, and best bit-part actor, go check out the main Oscar's site here.

Ciao!