2009 OSCARS: And The Nominees Are...

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 8:37am

Best motion picture of the year
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
“Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Best animated feature film of the year
“Bolt” (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
“Kung Fu Panda” (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Achievement in art direction
“Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
“Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

Achievement in cinematography
“Changeling” (Universal), Tom Stern
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

Achievement in costume design
“Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
“Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
“Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

Achievement in directing
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
“Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Best documentary feature
“The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
“Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
“The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
“Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
“Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

Best documentary short subject
“The Conscience of Nhem En” A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
“The Final Inch” A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
“Smile Pinki” A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
“The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306” A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

Achievement in film editing
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
“Milk” (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

Best foreign language film of the year
“The Baader Meinhof Complex” A Constantin Film Production, Germany
“The Class” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
“Departures” (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
“Revanche” (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
“Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

Achievement in makeup
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.),Alexandre Desplat
“Defiance” (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard “Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
“Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
“O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman andMaya Arulpragasam

Best animated short film
“La Maison en Petits Cubes” A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
“Lavatory - Lovestory” A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
“Oktapodi” (Talantis Films) A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
“Presto” (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
“This Way Up”, A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

Best live action short film
“Auf der Strecke (On the Line)” (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
“Manon on the Asphalt” (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
“New Boy” (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
“The Pig” An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
“Spielzeugland (Toyland)” A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank

Achievement in sound editing
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King
“Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
“Wanted” (Universal),Wylie Stateman

Achievement in sound mixing
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney),Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
“Wanted” (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

Achievement in visual effects
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
“Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

Adapted screenplay
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
“Doubt” (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

Original screenplay
“Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
“Happy-Go-Lucky” (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
“In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
“Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

Hugh Jackman, who won a Tony Award for his performance in The Boy From Oz, will host the annual Academy Awards. The Feb. 22 ceremony — which will be produced by Laurence Mark and executive produced by Bill Condon — will feature set designs by David Rockwell. ABC will broadcast the ceremony live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

For more information visit www.oscars.org.

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 08:37 AM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 8:56am

All nods are now live on the Academy website. I'm off to work.

Final reaction: why are only THREE songs nominated for Best Original Song? That is ODD. And TWO of them are from SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. This is exactly what the Academy was trying to prevent! One film dominating the category. I think we can all safely say that the two will split and "Down to Earth" from WALL-E is the sure winner.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 8:59am

and how many did Benjamin Button get? I mean, I don't think it was that brilliant.

edit: I just counted. 13 nominations. I'm glad it's an unlucky number.

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 08:59 AM

[caitiesus1522]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:02am

That was disappointing. Benjamin Button for cinematography? Really? The songs are disappointing too...Bruce Springsteen's song should have been nominated.

[Dre2387]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:08am

no Clint Eastwood.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:14am

No Springsteen for The Wrestler?!? Seriously...

[jasonf]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:16am

Disappointed Dark Knight didn't get a best picture nod - seems like there's a disconnect there between the public and the academy. Slumdog just wasn't THAT great. And where is Springsteen's nomination for The Wrestler - why only three songs?

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:26am

No Sally Hawkins for HAPPY-GO-LUCKY. Who are these idiots?

Oh, right, they're the ones who've given Clint Eastwood two of their little booby prizes for Best Director.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:31am

Roscoe, directors don't nominate actors (or vice-versa), so it's not like the same people who nominated Eastwood in the past (thus, giving him a chance at Oscar glory) snubbed Hawkins.

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 09:31 AM

[clever name]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:41am

I think Sean Penn gave the best performance. He should win. But I bet Mickey Rourke wins.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:44am

Lots of surprises for me. Some disappointing, some not.

The obvious shocker would be THE READER sneaking into the Best Picture line-up, in all likelihood knocking out THE DARK KNIGHT.

I am also surprised Eastwood didn't get in the Best Actor race, but I have to say I am glad because that made room for Richard Jenkins.

I was extremely surprised that Kate Winslet did end up getting just one nomination. For THE READER. In the Lead category. Have to say didn't see that coming. I thought she would either get nominated in Supporting or both.

I am also surprised and upset at the lack of Bruce Springsteen in the song category.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:48am

I'm hoping Sean Penn wins as well and am glad to see that Milk did so well, even in a couple of smaller categories.

Why do I have no desire to see "Benjamin Button" and only mild interest in "Slumdog?"

[Roscoe]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:51am

Yes, Stage, I am well aware of that. Doesn't change the point, though. Eastwood winning twice, or even once, or even being nominated, for Best Director? Kind of throws the silliness of the whole thing into relief, to me at least.

Updated On: 1/22/09 at 09:51 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 9:54am

"Benjamin Button for cinematography? Really?"

Wow, I thought the one outstanding feature of that film was how stunning it was to look at. I don't think the cinematography of any other film I saw can compare. I'd say it was a given to win. At least, I hope so!

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:00am

The inclusion of Kate Winslet's THE READER performance in the Lead category, and its exclusion in the Supporting category, really shakes up both of those races.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:06am

Dammit! The only Best Picture nominee that actually got me genuinely excited was Benjamin Button.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:11am

Now that Doubt isn't on the best picture list, I have to rethink my choice.

I think Kate Winslet may take best actress, now that she's only nominated once. Never thought I'd put anyone before Streep but Winslet gave her a run for the money.

[Madcap Maisie]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:14am

...its the only one I saw

We didnt even get Milk, Frost Nixon, or Slumdog Millionare in my town.

[Parks]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:17am

I think Slumdog deserves to be nominated for Best Picture--that movie was amazing.

[Weez]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:20am

The only nominated films I've seen are The Dark Knight and Iron Man. I feel slightly pathetic about that. XD I've seen Doubt and Frost/Nixon onstage though! I guess that means I'm in the clear to have opinions on the acting of Frost/Nixon...

I wonder if Watchmen will get any serious nominations next year, or just a stack of technicals?

[Mekroth]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:30am

...its the only one I saw

We didnt even get Milk, Frost Nixon, or Slumdog Millionare in my town.

Same with me, Masie.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:35am

So what does XD mean?

[Weez]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:37am

It's a smiley face. D is a big grinning mouth, X is eyes screwed shut in amusement. I suspect it's of Japanese - or at least westerners wishing they were Japanese - origin.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:39am

I kind of thought that the first time I saw it, but I rejected the thought. thanks!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/22/09 at 10:46am

Wow High School Musical is completely snubbed? How long can the academy survive when they nominate only boring art house films that haven't even played mid-America over wildly popular films beloved by Millions?