Oscar Snubbery and Surprises

As I scan the Oscar nominations for 2008, I am disappointed and miffed in regards to some of the selections, but all is expected in this choppy business of the film industry. Below you will find just a few of the snubs and surprises that have caught my eye:

1) Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe ("American Gangster"): Regardless of the hoopla outside of the movie or whatever your personal opinions have formed about the 'real' players in the based-on-a-true-story film, "American Gangster" - you have to admit that the film had the power to tug at some piece of emotion - whether it sent you spiraling into anger, gasping in surprise, or you actually found yourself feeling sorry for some of the characters. I'm not saying it is the best overall film for the year because I personally wouldn't chose it to win, but I think Washington and Crowe deserved recognition of some kind.

2) Ruby Dee (Actress in a Supporting Role): Now, Ruby Dee is an exceptional actress and she is powerful in her own right, but I don't think she was seen enough in the movie to actually capture an Oscar nomination. However, I do believe she has performed in several different films that never caught the attention she deserved. This was a complete surprise and I think this came about, as people took a look at the movie "American Gangster" and said - "we have to nominate somebody..."

3) "Norbit" (Best Makeup): I would never in a million years think that a movie like "Norbit" would enjoy an Oscar nomination, but you have to admit - Eddie Murphy and the men behind the makeup have certainly been able to create a wide variety of characters that make you forget just who is really behind the rubbery.

4) "Bourne Ultimatum" (Film Editing): I will say that the nomination for sound editing and sound mixing for the third installment in the Matt Damon action flick series is correct, but as for the film editing, I would have to say I was rather disappointed in the overall presentation of this Jason Bourne yawn. Out of the three movies, I was left annoyed and alone, as my companions in the movie theater fell asleep about 2/3rds of the way through the screening.

5) "300" - Snubbed all around, how can we forget the beauty of rippling chests and ancient passionate embraces in this interesting and surreal film that didn't receive a nod for best picture or even film editing? The color and overall elements expressed in the movie were deep and bold. I'm surprised the movie was ignored all around the board. I guess the film is something you truly have to appreciate, as not everyone in the movie theater was as completely thrilled as I was. Since "Golden Compass" made the rounds, I figured someone would have an appreciation for the art direction of this entertaining film.