2008 Woodie Awards
And the Oscar Nominees Are...
Oscar Nominations for the upcoming show.
Chelsea Banks
Issue date: 2/23/05 Section: Valley Life
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It's that time of the year again. The 77th Annual Academy Awards - Hollywood's most important awards ceremony - is back with a vengeance. Many of the nominees this time around are deserving of the coveted statuettes, making this year's race that much fiercer.
While "Sideways" and "Finding Neverland" have had much hype and "The Aviator" received its academy nod based mostly on its big names (Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio), the real showdown is between "Ray" and "Million Dollar Baby."
"Ray" felt more like watching clips filmed during Ray Charles' life rather than an interpretation by an actor, making you experience each somber moment and leaving you with a joyous feeling.
"Million Dollar Baby" was excellent in a completely different way. Instead of sending you home dancing to a tune-filled happy ending, "Million Dollar Baby" sweeps you up on a wave of emotion.
Both are captivating films full of award-worthy performances, but because of their diversity, it's hard to decide which film will snatch the top prize.
Of course, award for best picture is not the only toss-up. Best director is also a tough call.
"The Aviator" is up for the directorial statue, along with 10 other nominations, and while this is Scorsese's seventh nomination, it would be his first time receiving an Oscar.
However, Clint Eastwood with his nomination as best director for "Million Dollar Baby" is a formidable contender. Eastwood, who won best director for "Unforgiven" in 1993, is also nominated for best actor for the film.
The double nominations do not guarantee Eastwood an award, though. Eastwood may get a run for his money against Jamie Foxx with his work this year in "Ray."
Foxx is another nominee with two chances to win, also nominated for his supporting role in "Collateral."
With the wide range of talent competing for the prestigious Oscar, the awards could actually be entertaining this year.
While "Sideways" and "Finding Neverland" have had much hype and "The Aviator" received its academy nod based mostly on its big names (Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio), the real showdown is between "Ray" and "Million Dollar Baby."
"Ray" felt more like watching clips filmed during Ray Charles' life rather than an interpretation by an actor, making you experience each somber moment and leaving you with a joyous feeling.
"Million Dollar Baby" was excellent in a completely different way. Instead of sending you home dancing to a tune-filled happy ending, "Million Dollar Baby" sweeps you up on a wave of emotion.
Both are captivating films full of award-worthy performances, but because of their diversity, it's hard to decide which film will snatch the top prize.
Of course, award for best picture is not the only toss-up. Best director is also a tough call.
"The Aviator" is up for the directorial statue, along with 10 other nominations, and while this is Scorsese's seventh nomination, it would be his first time receiving an Oscar.
However, Clint Eastwood with his nomination as best director for "Million Dollar Baby" is a formidable contender. Eastwood, who won best director for "Unforgiven" in 1993, is also nominated for best actor for the film.
The double nominations do not guarantee Eastwood an award, though. Eastwood may get a run for his money against Jamie Foxx with his work this year in "Ray."
Foxx is another nominee with two chances to win, also nominated for his supporting role in "Collateral."
With the wide range of talent competing for the prestigious Oscar, the awards could actually be entertaining this year.
