106 Responses for "Critics Choice Nominations – Milk and Button Lead"

1. Ross December 9th, 2008 at 8:07 am 1

   No REVOLUTIONARY ROAD! And they’ve seen it.
   KATE WINSLET misses out on two precursors already – she wasn’t a Satellite nominee either for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD! I think it’s CATE BLANCHETT vs. MERYL STREEP vs. LEO with WINSLET still having an outside shot.

   EARLY WINNER PREDICTIONS

   BEST PICTURE Slumdog Millionaire
   BEST DIRECTING David Fincher
   BEST ACTOR Mickey Roorke
   BEST ACTRESS Meryl Streep
   BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Heath Ledger
   BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Kate Winslet
   BEST WRITER Slumdog Millionaire
   BEST ENSEMBLE Doubt
   BEST SCORE The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
   BEST SONG WALL-E
   BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Gomorrah
   BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM WALL-E
   BEST DOCUMENTARY Man on Wire

2. Brandon W December 9th, 2008 at 8:07 am 2

   I knew The Dark Knight would do well!!!!

3. filmboymichael December 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am 3

   All in all a pretty solid list of nominees….I’m happy….

4. hanimal December 9th, 2008 at 8:09 am 4

   EARLY WINNER PREDICTIONS

   BEST PICTURE Slumdog Millionaire
   BEST DIRECTING Gus Van Sant
   BEST ACTOR Mickey Roorke
   BEST ACTRESS Meryl Streep
   BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Heath Ledger
   BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Viola Davis
   BEST WRITER Slumdog Millionaire
   BEST ENSEMBLE Doubt
   BEST SCORE The Dark Knight
   BEST SONG Slumdog Millionaire
   BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM I’ve Loved You So Long
   BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM WALL-E
   BEST DOCUMENTARY Man on Wire

5. Matty D. December 9th, 2008 at 8:10 am 5

   I’m APPALLED by this leaving out of Revolutionary Road! What an incredible film and how unappreciated it is. UGHHHH. Good for the other films though. Very respectable group of nominations.

6. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 8:12 am 6

   They should REALLY promote Winslet for leading role in “The Reader”- she won´t get a nominee for “Rev. Road” and she is clearly a lead performance in “The Reader”!
   The rest- no surprises…but WAIT: Where the HELL is Sally Hawkins???
   Evil people…;-(

7. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 8:12 am 7

   Wow — no Revolutionary Road at all, shut out. It’s starting to look more and more like ‘Road’ will not be a conteder come Oscar time outside of a possible Leo or Winslet nod…

   I would say the 5th spot behind Frost/Nixon, Button, Milk, and Slumdog consists of ‘The Dark Knight’, ‘Doubt’, and ‘The Wrestler’ at this point.

8. Hugh December 9th, 2008 at 8:17 am 8

   Sad for Sally Hawkins, the critics no longer recall their performance, which unjust.

9. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 8:17 am 9

   Chase, don´t forget “The Reader”!
   And “Frost/Nixon” is far from being a safe bet like “Milk”, “Benjamin Button” or “Slumdog”.

10. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 8:21 am 10

    Dominik — well, I think Frost/Nixon is looking pretty safe at this point given the great reviews and the P.T.A. this past weekend.

    I suppose I should have thrown “The Reader” in there, but I’ve also heard some less than encouraging things about it.

11. k December 9th, 2008 at 8:22 am 11

    Wow, no Revolutionary Road anywhere?

    Oh God, can you imagine Miley Cyrus being nominated for an Oscar?

12. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 8:23 am 12

    Replace ‘Mongol’ with ‘Tell No One’ and that’s the best ‘Foreign Film’ list I’ve seen so far –

13. murtada December 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am 13

    Revoluntionary Road shut out, does this mean it’s not Kate’s year to win best actress after all?

14. tdr December 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am 14

    Hell yeah!Melissa Leo!Richard Jenkins!And they didn’t forget Angelina.
    I like the list of nominees, but maybe just throw in Eddie Marsan in supp. actor.
    No Kristin Scot-Thomas? And no Winder or DeWitt in best supp. actress is a bit discouraging. But great nominees overall.

15. Joseph December 9th, 2008 at 8:34 am 15

    No Rosemarie DeWitt either : (

16. JHawkins December 9th, 2008 at 8:36 am 16

    Looks like I now have to sit through “Frozen River”. I was planning to see “Nothing but the Truth”. Kate Beckinsale? I guess the hype is true. I never thought she had it in her. Farmiga is one of the great ones. Eastwood and Jolie are jokes.

17. Marble_Plum December 9th, 2008 at 8:40 am 17

    This will probably be the only nod Kate Beckinsale gets, but I’m proud of her. Overall, I’m pleased with the nominees.

18. Jennybee December 9th, 2008 at 8:40 am 18

    I had a feeling Nothing but the Truth might be in the mix. My NGNG prediction paid off! (which it never, ever does)

    I haven’t seen it, but I was rooting for Revolutionary Road to get some love.

    Interesting the Changeling has more noms than Gran Torino.

    I’m particularly happy to see The Dark Knight in Best Ensemble, since the rest of the cast tends to get forgotten, and they were all strong.

    And it’s great to see Richard Jenkins in that leading men list. He is always so good.

19. Ross December 9th, 2008 at 8:41 am 19

    BEST PICTURE
    Usually all five Oscar nominees are on their short-list (!). One must go back to 2001 to find a film, which was snubbed by this group and got an Oscar nomination (GOSFORD PARK).

    Right now I think it’s:
    THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
    THE DARK KNIGHT
    MILK
    SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
    For the last slot: DOUBT, THE READER or THE WRESTLER (depends on buzz and momentum)

    BEST DIRECTING
    Tricky here. Could be a real mess (like last year!) or the best precursor around (like in 2006). These guys care a lot about momentum and buzz (only about that?) and that’s how they went for Taylor Hackford (in 2004) and Paul Haggis the next year, Paul Greengrass (in 2006)… I’d say they’ll be 4/5 this year. Ron Howard could get Golden Globe & DGA nods, but I don’t see an Oscarnod. I think the fifth slot is nearly always a surprise.

    BEST ACTOR
    They’re usually 5/5 (having six nominees) or 4/5. I think it’s great news for Jenkins. And I think it’s Jenkins, Penn, Roorke and Langella as safe bets, with the last slot going to Eastwood or a shocker like Michael Fassbinder

    BEST ACTRESS
    They’re so-so here. Great news for Cate Blanchett. Bad news for Kate Winslet. One have to go back to Halle Berry to find an actual Oscar winner ,which was snubbed by them BUT at the time they had three nominees only, so it’s telling. Now she must really campaign for supporting, because if she goes lead for The Reader, she takes the risk of confusing voters. I think it’s Streep’s to lose. Hathaway, Leo and Blanchett Oscar nominees as well, with Scott Thomas the fifth Oscar nominee. I doubt they’ll snub such a great performance.

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
    They’re so-so. I expect Ledger, Brolin, Hoffman and Franco to get into the Oscar line-up, with Shannon being the fifth over Robert Downey, Jr. Even if Downey, Jr. gets a Globe/SAG nod, the part isn’t Oscar-y and voters can be snobs.

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
    Davis, Cruz, Henson, Tomei and Winslet. I think it’s the Oscar line-up, even though HFPA could snub some of them (like Davis and Tomei).

20. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 8:44 am 20

    Ross — you are forgetting ‘Frost/Nixon’ in there, the over-50 vote.

21. KKR December 9th, 2008 at 8:47 am 21

    The inclusion of Jenkins makes me so happy.

    So I guess we’re really looking at a double supporting actor nod for Milk. Last year the BFCA was 5/5 to AMPAS’s supporting actor lineup. That’s great news for Downey!

22. red_wine December 9th, 2008 at 8:47 am 22

    Apparently, they HATED Rev. Road.

    They don’t seem to be the most high-minded people around. Everything is pretty conventional and leaning more on the populist side.

    If anything, the Action Movie nomination for Dark Knight will be more detrimental than beneficial.

23. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 8:51 am 23

    Chase, agree on “The Reader”. I checked it´s metacritic score, it´s about 50 or something…but only a couple of reviews until now.

    “Frost/Nixon” could score, for whatever reason the academy loves Ron Howard. I don´t get it, havent seen a single good movie directed by this guy.

    @ murtada: No, if Winslet is campaigned as Best Actress for “The Reader”, she could win this category! If…

24. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 8:54 am 24

    I hate Ron Howard, too — even his consesus top film, ‘Apollo 13′ does nothing for me. However, I have heard from Howard-haters like me that this may be his best film to date.

    Believe it or not, I actually saw a poll asking about the ‘Best Boxing Movie Ever Made’ and it consisted of ‘Raging Bull’, ‘Rocky’, and ‘Cinderella Man’??? Please….

    By the way, ‘Raging Bull’ is your hands down winner right there…

25. N8 December 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am 25

    Yay “WALL-E”! Nominated for Best Picture (although with TEN nominees, it shouldn’t be surprising).
    The Best Director lineup looks like a very reasonable Best Picture lineup for Oscar.
    I’m a bit worried about that song from “Bolt”. Miley Cyrus… Academy Award nominee? (shudder!)

26. Jennybee December 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am 26

    Besides Revolutionary Road, Defiance and Valkyrie must be bummed.

27. Helena December 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am 27

    Matty D

    Ditto your sentiments regarding “RR”

28. k December 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am 28

    I may not love his films, but Ron Howard will always been OK in my book for narrating and producing Arrested Development.

29. Pumpkin December 9th, 2008 at 9:00 am 29

    Hmm… I’m starting to suspect that my earlier thoughts are coming true about “Revolutionary Road.” I think there’s still that lingering backlash against “Titanic.” (And I’m no “Titanic” fan myself.) But I think there’s a push to not acknowledge the DiCaprio and Winslet reunion this year.

    I mean, you can hate the film, but DiCaprio, Winslet and Shannon are getting raves for their performances and not one of them gets in?

    Sadly, I also think “Revolutionary Road” can’t win for losing. If the movie followed the book, it’s too depressing. (The novel is a downer.) However, if the filmmakers changed the ending, they would be accused of tacking a Hollywood ending onto it.

    Oh well.

    I see The Clint love continues. Guess I’ve got to start drinking some Clint kool-aid so that I can understand this renaissance man myself.

30. Patrick December 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am 30

    “Another Way to Die” for Best Song? Did they actually hear it?!!

31. Alfredo December 9th, 2008 at 9:03 am 31

    WOW. No Kate Winslet? That’s extremely surprising! Maybe she will be this year’s Laura Linney – you know, no precursor love what-so-ever and then BAM! Oscar Nod.

    Anyway REALLY happy to see that Sally Hawkins was left out! I hated the film. Thought her performance was nothing special. Hands-down one of THE most annoying characters ever put on screen.

    Also REALLY REALLY happy to see The Dark Knight love!! Hopefully this leads to a SAG ensemble nomination!

32. Gregoire December 9th, 2008 at 9:05 am 32

    Ugh, why do they even HAVE an Action Film category? Isn’t millions of dollars in box office award enough? The nominees are simply the top box office draws of the year. Save this crap for the People’s Choice.

    Defiance was entirely snubbed as well.

    I’m glad to see they’ve combined the Young Actor/Young Actress categories. Yet, even doing so, Dakota gets her yearly nomination! And not for Hounddog either.

33. Ross December 9th, 2008 at 9:07 am 33

    If Kate Winslet goes LEAD for THE READER right now, she could very well be snubbed by the Academy. It’s too LATE for her to campaign lead. She’s submitted supporting with the SAG, she’s submitted (and accepted) supporting with the HFPA.

    If she goes lead for THE READER (in terms of campaign), she takes the risk to get votes in both lead and supporting – and don’t forget there will be biased voters, who’ll think like: “Oh, Revolutionary Road failed to impress that much and now she’s going lead for The Reader?!” So, it’s best for her to stay in supporting (where she’ll stay).

34. slayton December 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am 34

    Sad that Hawkins and Scott Thomas (as well as Marsan and Shannon and Winger and DeWitt) weren’t nominated. Overall, pretty bad nominees. They left out all the good performances.

    I think that the locks for Best Actor are:
    Langella
    Penn
    Rourke
    with either Eastwood, DiCaprio or Jenkins taking the last two spots.

    Best Actress is:
    Hathaway
    Scott Thomas
    Streep
    with either Leo, Hawkins or Winslet (for either film) taking the last two spots. I don’t buy Blanchett’s chances and Jolie was just drubbed too much by the critics.

    Best Supporting Actor is:
    Ledger
    Brolin
    Shannon
    with either Franco, Hoffman, Downey Jr., Walters or Marsan taking the last two spots.

    Best Supporting Actress is:
    Cruz
    Davis
    Tomei
    with either DeWitt, Winger or Henson taking the last two spots. Possibly others if LAFCA or NYFCC throws in a wildcard.

35. John December 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am 35

    Things getting clearer?

    CCBB, Slumdog, Dark Knight, Milk … and …..

    I think it’s either Frost/Nixon or The Reader (both have potential for 6, 7, 8 ish noms in total).

    Doubt? Don’t see it. Wrestler? ditto.

    As far as director goes, I could see Nolan getting snubbed for Howard, Demme, Baz, or Aronofsky.

36. Erik Beck December 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am 36

    Though stranger things have happened, this pretty much sinks Revolutionary Road and any remaining hopes for Australia. The only films that have been serious contenders since 2001 without a single nomination from the BFCA are Children of Men and Gosford Park.

37. Julianna December 9th, 2008 at 9:17 am 37

    Revolutionary Road, Australia, Hunger and In Bruges left out… that’s so sad.

    Let’s not act surprised over the Wall-E and Dark Knight nominations, okay? We all know they’re going to the Oscars.

38. daveylow December 9th, 2008 at 9:19 am 38

    Does anyone really believe Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep give better performances than Kate Winslet and Kristin Scott-Thomas? I hope the GG correct these omissions.

    Not looking good for RR.

39. Tivoli December 9th, 2008 at 9:27 am 39

    BEST PICTURE Slumdog Millionaire
    BEST DIRECTOR Danny Boyle
    BEST ACTOR Richard Jenkins
    BEST ACTRESS Meryl Streep
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Heath Ledger
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Viola Davis
    BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM WALL-E
    BEST SCORE A.R. Rahman – Slumdog Millionaire
    BEST SONG “Jaiho” (performed by Sukhwinder Singh, written by A.R. Rahman and Gulzar) – Slumdog Millionaire

40. NICOLASILIOP December 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am 40

    well the Revolutionary Road snub is pretty big, and even more so if you consider that in all the early top-ten critics lists it’s in. I’ve read maybe a dozen of them up to now and it’s mentioned in 11 of them. So the top critics are into it.. especially the performances but also the film as a whole. Don’t underestimate that horse people. P.S. and that Shannon snub?! that’s a total lock in the male supporting race.

41. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 9:32 am 41

    Chase: Yeah, “Raging Bull” is a league of it´s own, should not be mentioned in the same sentence as “Cinderella Man”…
    But I am intrested in “Frost/Nixon” as well, cause it´s subject is thrilling. If only Howard gets it done subtly…

42. Paul Outlaw December 9th, 2008 at 9:34 am 42

    Not at all surprised or disappointed about Revolutionary Road, but somewhat surprised about Defiance and less than thrilled about Walt Kowalski.

    Having seen The Reader last night, my heart goes out to Winslet, who has repeatedly claimed that she actually does care about winning. She turns in two truly outstanding performances playing “unsympathetic” characters and is basically cancelling herself out while throwing the more interesting of the two performances under the bus. What’s worse, she’s undercutting the real supporting actress performance in The Reader — Lena Olin, who manages to stand out in two scenes and make you wish she had been around more. A classic “real” supporting role.

    And Ralph Fiennes has been dissed and dismissed (for all three of his performances this year) yet again.

    I don’t actually think that we have heard the last of Revolutionary Road, which is not necessarily good news for The Reader and any momentum it may develop in the coming weeks.

43. Ryan Adams December 9th, 2008 at 9:35 am 43

    What other critics lists have you seen, NICOLASILIOP? I’m having trouble finding any other than the ones we’ve posted already.

44. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 9:36 am 44

    @ Ross: and don´t forget she gets problems with her husband if she drops her Revolutionary Road-campaign…
    But on the other hand: Many Academy members will feel kind of bemused that a leading performance like hers in “The Reader” is feed to them like “supporting”… by the way, remember Keisha Castle-Hughes? SAG- best supporting, Academy Awards- best leading!

45. amanda December 9th, 2008 at 9:38 am 45

    Suprised about Rev Road and Kate Winslet, but Im not worrying yet cause it seems that everyday things change.

    Sad for Amy Adams, she really holds her own and is great in Doubt, but it seems she will be over looked in everything.

46. the_movie_guy December 9th, 2008 at 9:38 am 46

    TARAJI P. HENSON!!!! Yay….I’m excited for her. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE WAS BRILLIANT!!! Saw it last night on a screener. The Dark Knight got best pic love. And ROBERT DOWNEY F&#&!! JR FOR TROPIC THUNDER!!!!!

    This is the best list of awards and noms I’ve seen so far. Shout out to the critics on this one.

47. Giorgio December 9th, 2008 at 9:47 am 47

    Marvelous nominations, beatiful Milk, even for composer and i’m happy of Gomorrah.

48. Ross December 9th, 2008 at 9:52 am 48

    @ Dominik

    I don’t think Sam Mendes will be mad at her because of her dropping the campaign, but STILL:

    Imagine an Oscar voter considering the best actress race. It’s a guy in his early 50’s – an Oscar nominee in the early 90’s for a critically acclaimed film that got him a win from a big critics’ group.

    He just puts MERYL STREEP on the first place, because he’s seen the film and was impressed with STREEP (by the way I am impressed by her choice to go the difficult way and avoid to make it a stagy performance). Then he puts KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS, with whose performance he caught up in the last minute and loved it. Then he considers WINSLET. OK. She had two performances – in REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, in which she gave a solid performance, but he disliked the film as a whole and in THE READER – a much better film (for him!) and a performance, which isn’t in the Kate Winslet league (slighty different from her other roles). He could say – come on, she was supporting (campaigned!) until the middle of December and then RR flopped in terms of awards and they went LEAD for THE READER right away! That’s kind of impudent. So they wanted us to believe that it’s supporting (at first) and now they go back to lead. Why bothering to vote for her? I’ll vote for the sexy charmer, who acted well (if not great!) in RACHEL GETTING MARRIED instead! Or I can catch up with Mellisa Leo and see what all the fuss is about!

    There could be another voter, a woman – in her 40’s. A typical voter. A winner in the 80’s. No career since then. She votes for Streep, Hathaway and considers Winslet. She kind of always liked her, but now she doesn’t know how to vote. She votes LEADING for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD (she kind of liekd it!) and then considers her SUPPORTING for THE RADER (wasn’t it pressumed to be that way?).

    And then, there is the voter – in his 60’s – who DISLIKED the idea of THE READER – come on, about a woman who sleeps with a boy and then disappears — there are ignortant types of course! And he doesn’t vote for that. He doesn’t like REVOLUTIONARY ROAD either. He prefers something like SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and was a big CRASH fan in 2005. He has not watched BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and votes based on buzz, mostly.

    And of course, there is the 30-something voter – not a winner still, but an actor from a few critically acclaimed films, considered a future Oscar winner. He votes for people he admires and performances that touched him. And he goes with SCOTT THOMAS or LEO or STREEP and then considers WINSLET. He may put her for each one of the performances or for both (in lead and supporting).

    And then, there is the voter who’s a Winslet fan and he could follow her campaign closely and he could vote for THE READER in leading, because he knows she campaigned that way, but there is the posisbility that he liked her other perf more. Or even that he wants her to have a real shot at winning – in supporting.

    And there will be the haters, always.

    Remember what happened to DI CAPRIO in 2006? He had some campaign troubles (for THE DEPARTED) and was snubbed. He was lead first, then supporting. The opposite way will be even more confusing.

    HURDLE ONE: Kate will be Globe & SAG nominee for supporting (!). If she suddenly goes lead for it, there could be a real split.

49. Phil December 9th, 2008 at 9:57 am 49

    You know, if you consider the other Oscars out there that this one doesn’t even cover (cinematography, make-up, costume design, art direction, editing, sound, etc. etc.), The Dark Knight may end up with the most noms of all.

50. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am 50

    Anyone who doesn’t think Clint will get in for his Batman impersonation in ‘Gran Torino’ is crazy — he’s a lock with Penn, Langella, and Rourke.

    Brad Pitt, DiCaprio, Jenkins are in the dogfight for the 5th –

51. RichardA December 9th, 2008 at 10:01 am 51

    Best Action Movie is not really a category.

    Happy about Richard Jenkins and Kate Bakinsale (Bacon Sale).

52. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 10:01 am 52

    Phil, that’s true, especially with the score now back in the mix — but it will lose ground in acting categories.

    ‘Button’ could have as many as three acting plus guaranteed Best Pic and Best Director nods. Screenplay, doubt ‘Dark Knight’ will get in there. Plus, ‘Button’ is bound to sweep most of the technical categories (atleast in nods), so I think that will be your clear leader with 10-12 nominations.

53. Chris Price December 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am 53

    So, OK, somebody finally got smart and gave The Dark Knight all the nominations. But no nomination for Best Writing? Go f*ck yourself CC. (just kidding : )

    I don’t know, it seems like we got our best pic nominees lined up. Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Button, TDK, Frost/Nixon

    That sounds right. Revolutionary Road is probably the ONLY movie with a chance of sneaking in, but I don’t see it taking any of those 5 out. The Reader is too under-hyped. It’s just kinda hanging there like a fancy light fixture. Except this light fixture doesn’t buzz, it emits a low hum. The Wrestler is too awesome to be recognized in the final 5 (aka the Children Of Men of 2008). Also, Doubt is dead. Anyone got a convincing argument otherwise? After those movies we’re left with a bunch of really small movies that are surely worthy (Rachel Getting Married, The Visitor etc.), one HUGE movie that IMO shouldn’t even be close to the race (Australia), and the little engine that could (WALL-E). What all those movies have in common is that none of them will get nominated.

    Oh, and I’d like to congratulate Brad Pitt for being taken (just a little) seriously for once!

54. Free December 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am 54

    After consecutive days of terrible critics’ lists, finally, a ballot that makes sense. The Critics Choice is becoming for me one of THE best indicators of film excellence.

55. James December 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am 55

    I’m pissed for Hawkins and I guess I have to give that up. Winslet will probably knock Beckinsale and Jolie out.

    As for DeWitt, I can’t deny that I’m worried for her, but they’ve had weird nominees before. Look at 2006! Supporting was nowhere close to a perfect match-up for either gender. Plus, they didn’t care for RGM, but other crix groups so far have been favorable, plus she’s being well-campaigned for and has the ISA nomination. I think she can bounce back with SAG………….MAYBE with the Globes, too, actually. I sure hope so. I think Farmiga is the unusual nominee for this category this year, and Davis/Henson/Tomei will battle DeWitt for the 3 slots in supporting actress, unless AMPAS doesn’t like The Reader as much as BFCA does, and they all get in over her. At least Cruz could still win .

56. Garrett December 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am 56

    That Best Director line-up is absolutely spot-on. Fits perfectly with my Oscar predictions

57. Chris Price December 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am 57

    One more thing, I refuse to believe that the two Eastwood movies have a shot at Best Pic at all until I see it happen. They do keep sweeping up precursor nods though…..

58. Elvis Guzman December 9th, 2008 at 10:07 am 58

    Does anybody know at what time LAFCA announces??….i’m dying here!!!

59. George December 9th, 2008 at 10:08 am 59

    Kate Winslet Will Win In Supporting!

60. Dominik December 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am 60

    @Ross: I confess, that sounds convincing!
    But I´m not sure if that many voters will put Meryl Streep in their first place. I heard rumours it´s all a bit over-acted.
    I might be wrong but it reminds me what happened to Jack Nicholson in “The Departed”. This time in 2006, everyone was sure he is a sure bet for a nomination – particularly cause he´s a legend like Streep with dozens of nomination.
    So imagine this guy in the early sixtees (average age of an academy member?), who thinks: Well, it´s Meryl, everybody at Awardsdaily predicts her to win or at least getting a nominee. But hey, she got about a couple of dozens of nominees already, hmm..and I feel she overacted a bit in “Doubt”. OH wait: I´ll take Winslet for “The Reader”!

61. Helena December 9th, 2008 at 10:12 am 61

    Ross

    Leo got double nods for BFCA, GG, and SAGs, as well as, lead actor nod for Oscar ,so where do you get the idea that his having two critically lauded performances resulted in him being snubbed during the 2006 award season as per your remark below ????

    “Remember what happened to DI CAPRIO in 2006? He had some campaign troubles (for THE DEPARTED) and was snubbed. He was lead first, then supporting. The opposite way will be even more confusing. “

62. chase kahn December 9th, 2008 at 10:13 am 62

    I agree, Chris — with every Revolutionary Road snub, The Dark Knight is cementing its place as the #5 Best Pic nominee.

    “Doubt” — falling like a rock
    “Revolutionary Road” — see “Doubt”
    “The Wrestler” — too small, too good for Best Picture (I loved it)
    “Defiance” — please…
    “Australia” — was never in it
    “Gran Torino” — can’t rule it out completely, but I think people will come to their sense and realize it’s ‘Death Wish III’ with one of their icons/heroes in the lead, which surprising to them, doesn’t make it a great movie.

63. Mr. Big December 9th, 2008 at 10:24 am 63

    Milk just won an award at the Producer’s Guild

    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/08/DDSR14K603.DTL

64. Zed & No Noughts December 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am 64

    >>>I see The Clint love continues. Guess I’ve got to start drinking some Clint kool-aid so that I can understand this renaissance man myself.

    Or better still just grow up a bit, Pumpkin.

65. Jake December 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am 65

    I am so stoked for The Dark Knight. It deserves the recognition.

66. 14th Annual Critics Choice Awards Nominations : Clooney Unlimited December 9th, 2008 at 10:43 am 66

    [...] garnered only 1 nom.  It’s up in the Best Comedy category.  You can catch the full list at Awards Daily .  In the recent past, the awards ceremony was taped for later viewing, but in 2009 viewers can [...]

67. Sasha Stone December 9th, 2008 at 10:46 am 67

    It’s a mistake to take any one precurser too seriously, including this one. Revolutionary Road is much more an industry-favored movie — the BFCA are not industry peers, as are the guilds and the Oscars. Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon and co. will very likely be represented at the SAGs for ensemble, etc. We’ll just have to see how it goes. It ain’t over yet. But it’s safe, for now, to assume Rev Road is out until we see something to the contrary. Remember, Into the Wild led the nominations last year and they were all but shut out at the Oscars.

    At any rate, I’ll write more a bit later.

68. Ross December 9th, 2008 at 10:47 am 68

    But this member could think what a famous screenwriter told at a recent Academy screening of DOUBT (and he’s old): MERYL STREEP IS THE GREATEST FILM ACTRESS!

69. Holden December 9th, 2008 at 10:49 am 69

    No Rev. Rd. Is this a dream come true or what?

70. Dorothy Porker December 9th, 2008 at 10:49 am 70

    I’m pretty sad that Kate W. was passed over in the lead category, but thrilled she was at least recognized for her work in “The Reader.” Still, I couldn’t care less about this group’s choices, to be honest.

    I think Rev Road will come through in the end, just like “Atonement” did last year. I’m not giving up on it just yet.

    Question: what is going on with Del Toro? I thought he’d be a shoo in for all kinds of nominations.

71. nezray December 9th, 2008 at 10:49 am 71

    I’m astounded that Danny Elfman’s THE LITTLE THINGS from Wanted was not nominated for best song…but Miley Cyrus is getting a nod. What color is the sky again?

72. Free December 9th, 2008 at 10:59 am 72

    No one can say for sure obviously, but I think people worried about Revolutionary Road’s chances really should be. It’s been a long time since a film wasn’t on the BFCA 10 Best Picture list and still managed to pull out an Oscar nod.

73. Joao Mattos December 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am 73

    Could a good soul out there explain to me the love from the american critics for the dreadful “Mongol”? Sergei Bodrov directed more decent movies.

74. josh December 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am 74

    omg, i almost put “i thought i lost you” in my NGNG predix last night! should have gone with my gut.

75. Stephen Holt December 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am 75

    Shocking about “Rev Road” but my fearless leader David Poland predicted a shut out a few weeks back…Just saying…

    This group, the Broadcast Film Critics…is a very large and multidinous group spanning an equally wide ranging assembly of media outlets. Including the internet…as well as radio, TV, etc. And its’ size kind of matches a popular vote…Even more than the large body of the SAG membership does….

    Conclusions to be drawn. “Rev Road” is in BIG trouble…Add to that, they are holding back the screenings for a lot of press(yours truly included) til the absolute last minute.I STILL haven’t seen it. Sometimes I think they hold these films so late simply because the are AFRAID of releasing them earlier.

    “Doubt” and that means you, Sister Streep. Meryl’s performance as that wack-job of a nun is going to get A LOT of criticism from Catholic groups, feeling that a Sister of Charity would NEVER act the way she does. Wheras there was nothing said like that about Cherry Jones’ Tony-Award-winning Sr. Aloysisus.

    REALLY glad for James Franco AND J. Broling in Supp. And YEA! For “Milk” cleaning up across the board!

    No Winger or DeWitt for Supp. Actress…Cancel each other out?

    Meanwhile, they, like the Golden Globes, have more than five slots…

    And people ARE confused about where to put poor, over-talented, over-represented Winslet!

    This begins to make clear the reason Scott Rudin fought with HW about “The Reader” and had his name taken off. It’s the release date. Guess HW KNEW that RR was going down…

    And yes, Lena Olin is the GREAT, truly Supporting Performace in “The Reader” that now has no chance of being recognized because, yes, the put Kate in Supporting….for “The Reader.”

76. Reeder December 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am 76

    I am very disappointed that Rosemarie DeWitt wasn’t mentioned in the nominations for Best Supporting Actress. That is a tragic oversight.

77. Ivich December 9th, 2008 at 11:26 am 77

    OMG!!!!! I am so ecstatic for AR Rahman. The man finally gets some awards loving. If Jai Ho makes the Oscar cutlist, I’m telling you it is going to be one of the highlights of the evening. Rahman’s shows are a spectacle in themselves. He is going to put his best act for the big occasion. Yippeee!!!!

78. k December 9th, 2008 at 11:30 am 78

    I’m thrilled for Rahman as well. I’m hoping “Jaiho” makes it to the Oscars!

    On another note… why isn’t James Franco in the Contender Tracker?

79. James December 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am 79

    I ♥ Chris Price even more.

    EXACTLY “k”! Franco deserves to be on the sidebar. Oy!

    I wonder myself, Stephen Holt (obligatory ArrDev joke: “*raises arms* Stephen Holt!”), if DeWitt and Winger canceled each other out. I think in the long run, DeWitt fares better, but since these people are a little more star-obsessed, perhaps the half that saw the beauty in DeWitt’s performance clashed with those that tried to push Winger into the season? Hmmm….

    I’m gonna pray for DeWitt now, haha. Sasha’s right, though. We’re all letting each day’s new set of awards drive our minds insane….

80. Gentle Benj December 9th, 2008 at 11:44 am 80

    Whoa. I think I got 100% in Acting Ensemble and Director. W00t!

81. daveylow December 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am 81

    “After consecutive days of terrible critics’ lists, finally, a ballot that makes sense. The Critics Choice is becoming for me one of THE best indicators of film excellence.”

    You’re joking, right?

82. Ivich December 9th, 2008 at 12:11 pm 82

    How long before LAFCA announces its winners?

83. K.K. December 9th, 2008 at 12:20 pm 83

    NO kristin Scott Thomas???????!!!!!!
    I’m glad there’s some love for Forgetting Sarah Marshall though.
    Also, no Hawkins and Leo and Kate????

84. Johan December 9th, 2008 at 1:08 pm 84

    No Thomas Newman for Best Composer? Strange…

85. niousha moini December 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm 85

    WHERE IS KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS !!!!

    ARE THEY CRAZY !!?!!!!

86. Revroad Fan December 9th, 2008 at 1:19 pm 86

    This is bogus. NO Revolutionary Road. NO Kristin Scott Thomas. NO Sally Hawkins. Changeling and Doubt being nominated after lukewarm critical response. WTH are they thinking?!?!?

    Mark my words: Kate Winslet WILL be nominated.
    Revolutionary Road WILL get nominated for BP.

    It is easily the boldest and most controversial film of the year.

87. James December 9th, 2008 at 1:25 pm 87

    You’re a fanboy. You’re not allowed to weigh in :*.

88. Robert Hamer December 9th, 2008 at 1:47 pm 88

    Boldest? Are you kidding? The novel was groundbreaking, sure, but Revolutionary Road looks like just another version of American Beauty and Little Children. If you want to see a great film about the hypocrisy of “50’s Family Values”, then watch Far From Heaven.

89. Gentle Benj December 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pm 89

    Excellent! We finally have a 10th contender for Best Actress!

    See, in my predictions I try to keep a list of the five likeliest nominees, plus a second tier of five lesser possibilities. And I’ve been all annoyed the last few days because I couldn’t come up with more than 9 for Best Actress, even if I really STREEETCHED the definition of “possibility.” Leo, Hathaway, Streep, Blanchett, Winslet, Hawkins, KST, Jolie, Knightley.

    So welcome, Kate Beckinsale! You complete me. I mean, my list.

90. James December 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm 90

    Knightley, as good as she was, is no contender. You still have 9 =P.

    Consider Williams though, and then you have 10.

91. Gentle Benj December 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pm 91

    On December 9th, 2005, we would have said Knightley was no contender, too, I think. She’s sneaky like that.

    I sort of forgot about Michelle Williams! Hooray for 11.

92. James December 9th, 2008 at 2:21 pm 92

    Maybe YOU would’ve. I called Ziyi Zhang as bullshit months in advance ^_^.

    But P&P (which I flove) is completely different than Duchess, which is largely forgotten. She’ll get a BAFTA nom, I think…If she’s lucky that is. That’s all she has going for her =o.

    I’d put her as #11. Then put Emma Thompson as #12. And then Keanu Kidman….Er, Nicole Reeves….as #13 to begin the LOL list.

    Yay for Williams indeed, because she was incredible. It’d be interesting if SAG/AMPAS feel immense sympathy and nominate her. All we’d need is Jake to make a BM reunion, so it’s too bad that Brothers isn’t released until next year.

93. personal.amy-wong.com - A Blog by Amy Wong. » Blog Archive » Awards Here and There and Everywhere… December 9th, 2008 at 2:28 pm 93

    [...] the Critics’ Choice Nominations were in – There’s a lot of love for Milk, and Benjamin Button… which will probably lead [...]

94. Paul Outlaw December 9th, 2008 at 2:31 pm 94

    Harvey Milk, Benjamin Button, Randy Robinson, Richard M. Nixon:

    They’re all great, but only one man can save us from Walt Kowalski and put him in his place, and his name is…

    Che Guevara…

    Come on, LAFCA! Come on, NYFCC! Come on, HFPA! Come on, now!

95. Frank J. Avella December 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm 95

    I feel Poland is wrong about REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and I don’t believe they’re HOLDING it from most critics (I saw it and loved it)…I think it’s a divisive film but, in the end, I think it will be recognized by AMPAS.

    Too many critics who HAVEN’T SEEN IT are pre-judging it. The performances are fantastic even if the film might leave some irritated.

96. Ryan Adams December 9th, 2008 at 2:54 pm 96

    Bravo, Paul.

    Have just seen Che (finally!) and couldn’t agree more. Overlooking Benicio Del Toro this year in favor of Dirty Harry Redux would be cinematic heresy.

    It’s my favorite male performance of the year. (though I haven’t seen everything yet). He’s as vital as Daniel Day-Lewis was last year.

97. Paul Outlaw December 9th, 2008 at 3:21 pm 97

    Ryan, anytime Del Toro steps up to the plate, it’s going to be at least interesting if not downright brilliant.

    Your favorite male performance? Really? Got Milk?

98. Free December 9th, 2008 at 3:41 pm 98

    “After consecutive days of terrible critics’ lists, finally, a ballot that makes sense. The Critics Choice is becoming for me one of THE best indicators of film excellence.”

    You’re joking, right?

    -Um, no. In terms of predicting what will happen with the Oscars, yeah, it’s a good indicator.

99. rodrigo jp December 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm 99

    Nice picks, and I predict the winners to be :

    BEST PICTURE

    The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    BEST ACTOR
    Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler

    BEST ACTRESS

    Melissa Leo – Frozen River

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
    heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
    Kate Winslet – The Reader

    BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
    Doubt

    BEST DIRECTOR
    David Fincher – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    BEST WRITER (Original or Adapted Screenplay)
    John Patrick Shanley – Doubt

    BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
    Wall-E

    BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS (Under 21)
    Dev Petal – Slumdog Millionaire

    BEST ACTION MOVIE
    The Dark Knight

    BEST COMEDY MOVIE
    Burn After Reading

    BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

    Recount

    BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
    Gomorrah

    BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
    Man On Wire

    BEST SONG
    “Down to Earth” (performed by Peter Gabriel, written by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman) – Wall-E

    BEST COMPOSER
    Alexandre Desp lat – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

100. A December 9th, 2008 at 5:53 pm 100

     Angelina Jolie is a bad actres

101. Pumpkin December 9th, 2008 at 6:33 pm 101

     Zed & No Noughts

     Because I think Eastwood is overrated and over-rewarded, I’m not being a “grown up”? I’m probably older and definately more mature than you are. And I have better taste. Plus, I don’t insult other posters who’s opinions differ than mine. I may question them, but I don’t call them immature.

102. Aaron December 9th, 2008 at 6:43 pm 102

     Overall, FANTASTIC list…I should’ve included Changeling in my best picture list—I knew it was coming—but I didn’t. But I actually liked it though…

     …very VERY surprised to not see Sally Hawkins and Kristin Scott-Thomas in the list…the critics orgasmed over their performances…I was sure Angie was going to get snubbed, and Kate Beckinsale came out of NOWHERE!! I’m happy for both of them though…

     …I’ve thought for awhile now that Revolutionary Road was going to disappoint…I don’t think it’s quite dead yet…I agree with someone that a best ensemble SAG nomination is not out of the question…but this is an uphill battle for it…I’ve had a feeling Kate Winslet was going to run into some hurdles with her two “technically” lead performances. She’s getting much more kudos for The Reader than Revolutionary Road. Which is curious…

     …and I am eternally grateful for an awards group FINALLY recognizing the undervalued Brad Pitt. He truly is SUCH a fine actor and I have heard wondeful things about him in Benjamin Button! Can’t wait to see it…very sad to see Rosemarie DeWitt left off…thought she had it in the bag for the critics choice…this makes her Golden Globe bid even more troublesom…

     …but the best picture race will ultimately come down to what everyone is saying…

     The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
     The Dark Knight
     Frost/Nixon (***it’s kind of risen from the dead since the London Film Festival premiere, hasn’t it?***)
     Milk
     Slumdog Millionaire

     …I think all five of them are becoming locks…the only thing that could possibly, POSSIBLY upset them…and I hope it doesnt…is Gran Torino…if the Clint love continues…but we can pray that it doesn’t, right???

103. . December 10th, 2008 at 7:50 am 103

     leo is a far better actor than pitt so I’m rooting for Leo D.

104. steve December 11th, 2008 at 7:07 am 104

     How come leo wins oscar where she wasn’t even nominated at the bfca?

105. National Gayographic » Kudos for ‘Milk’! December 15th, 2008 at 5:18 pm 105

     [...] ‘Milk’ earns eight nominations in Critics’ Choice Awards [...]

106. We Are Movie Geeks » Golden Globes Noms/Critics Awards/Latest Oscar Predix December 19th, 2008 at 7:56 am 106

     [...] Film Critics Assn. (Today!), and the National Society of Film Critics. The Critics Choice Awards nominations, which are bestowed by broadcast and Web critics, were only just [...]