2004 Academy Awards

[Miriel]

Keisha Castle-Hughes and Johnny Depp weren't surprises for me, both had huge buzz around them and Depp was even nominated for the Golden Globes. The only thing that was shocking was that Keisha was consistantly campaigned as a supporting actress and was nominated for the SAGs as a supporting actress. But I'm glad that the Academy recognized that she was the lead role. The only real surprises came from all the love City of God and In America recieved fromt the Academy. I cannot fathom how the Academy could nominate Djimon Hounsou for a performance that was typical and trite at best. Especially over much more deserving actors.

I was also slightly surprised that Scarlett Johansson was completely shut out, although it was always a possibility that her two steller performances could cancel each other out. Still, I would've liked to see her, Evan Rachel Wood, Uma Thurman and Sean Astin nominated.

Most of the other nominations were pretty predictable, even the Cold Mountain snub. It's silly how all those "hollywood reporters" are announcing this as a "stunning upset" when Cold Mountain never recieved a warm reception from Critics and audiences alike. I can't say I'm completely happy with the nominations, although the nod to Depp delighted me.

And with 11 nominations for RotK, that gives the Lord of the Rings Trilogy a record breaking 30 total nominations, 1 more nomination than the Godfather Trilogy and 9 more than Star Wars franchise.

The only best picture nominee I've yet to see is Master and Commander, but I doubt I'll ever get around to seeing it. Besides, it's a two man race anyway between RotK and Mystic River. Although after the Globes, the MR people can't really be expecting a victory over RotK. *hopes for RotK oscar sweep*