If Jeremy Picked the Winners!

What can I say about this years Oscar contenders? Most of the nominees come to no surprise, and also come to not much originality on the Academy's part as well. I suppose last year we were spoiled with some very good and challenging films. "No Country for Old Men" is a film I'm convinced will be discussed in years to come and can safely be called a modern classic. "There Will Be Blood" was a challenging film which demands repeated viewing, and I am curious to see my reaction to it when I view it again. "Juno" was the indie gem that introduced us to the talented Ellen Page and gave us some great comedic characters. "Michael Clayton" was an intelligent well written mainstream legal thriller starring George Clooney in one of his best performances. "Atonement" was an above average costume drama that took unexpected chances and was wonderfully lit and photographed.

This year it seemed the Academy played it safe for the most part, particularly in the Best Picture category. However instead of dwelling too much on the mediocrity of some of the films, I've decided just to list the picks I think are the ones that stick out the most.

Best Picture: Jeremy's Pick-Milk I've just come from seeing "Milk" and really it is the only film (save for "The Reader" perhaps) that really deserves recognition. The story of Harvey Milk is probably the most inspiring film of the year. It does what movies do best and lift us out of reality and make us think we can make a difference.

Best Director: Jeremy's Pick- Gus Van Sant Van Sant has made better films, but he does tell this story with a ferocious passion which separates it from the other films. Harvey Milk is depicted a bit as a Saint, but Van Sant focuses more on the importance of his accomplishments and that's really what this film is about.

Best Actor: Jeremy's Pick-Mickey Rourke I enjoyed Sean Penn's performance in "Milk" and it was great to see Richard Jenkins nominated, however I still feel Rourke owns this category with his believable and totally natural portrayal as a washed up pro-wrestler who must face a possible life of being alone. It's a brave performance and Rourke deserves all the accolades.

Best Actress: Jeremy's Pick-Melissa Leo/Anne Hathaway This was the hardest category for me and had the Academy made the right choice in nominating Sally Hawkins I would consider this a three way tie. Leo is a pillar of strength as a single mother fighting to stay afloat by smuggling immigrants across the US/Canadian border. Hathaway is equally memorable as a drug addict out of rehab and attending her sister's wedding. Let me just say this was a strong year for actresses and I can see why all of these nominees are on the list.

Best Supporting Actress: Jeremy's Pick- Marisa Tomei Penelope Cruz stole every scene she was in, Viola Davies's performance suffered from some bad directing choices, and Amy Adams was the best part of "Doubt", but I have to go with the compelling Tomei as a stripper who is facing middle age and wondering how she's going spend the rest of her life. Tomei brings wonderful dignity and reality to her role.

Best Supporting Actor: Jeremy's Pick-Heath Ledger I will have to go with the majority on this one. I was knocked out by Ledger's performance like most everyone else. It was just great seeing the many quirks and mannerisms Ledge makes up to make this perhaps the most entertaining performance of the year.