I guess I should apologize to Peter Jackson. It seems my continuing criticism of The Two Towers cost him his Best Director nomination this morning. I guess I should not have focused so much on the negatives regarding this movie. Either that or the voters are all Tolkien purists. The movie did however get nominated for Best Picture as well as some technical awards. Andrew Lesnie and Howard Shore were overlooked as well, sadly, but thank you Academy for not nominating “Gollum’s Song”. (And what does Weta have to do to get some acknowledgment for their costuming?!)I really hope The Hours and Jack Nicholson do not win. Nicholson gave a touching performance in About Schmidt but I can’t help thinking the Academy nominated him just because he’s Jack. If they feel compelled to give him the award too then they damn well better give Martin Scorsese Best Director just for being Martin Scorsese. (And The Hours disappointed me in that it reminds me of a Fabergé egg: handsomely crafted but upon closer inspection hollow.)
The 75th Oscars should be even more fun for me since, for the first time, I’ve actually seen all five Best Picture nominees! All the films have merit, but as far as what I’m rooting for, it would probably have to be Chicago.
