All in the ex-family; Bigelow, Cameron top noms
Kathryn Bigelow and ex-husband James Cameron will battle it out for a best director Oscar. (Courtesy: www.metro.co.uk)
Odd, isn't it, that after a slew of movie award ceremonies and TV telecasts the bona-fide film awards race kicked off before the sun came up out west this morning with the announcement of the Academy Awards nominations.
If you visited this space yesterday, you can breathe a sigh of relief that I won't be losing the house and the squirrel and bird feeders (had I been a betting guy).
For the first time in Oscar history, the best picture and best director race looks like a domestic squabble that -- if multi-million-dollar movies (or a billion in one case) weren't involved -- might be settled in family court.
And it gets better. "Avatar," directed by "Titanic" filmmaker (and Oscar winner) James Cameron, and "The Hurt Locker," helmed by Cameron's ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, tied with nine Academy Award nominations each to lead this year's race for the golden statuettes.
Too bad Bette Davis isn't still alive to say, "Fasten your seat-belts, it's going to be a bumpy night."
Except for the most exciting head-to-head battle the Academy's staged in many years, there weren't too many surprises in the Oscar noms.
I was very glad to see newcomer Gabourey Sidibe draw a best actress nomination for her fine work as the abused teen in "Precious." And I'm delighted that relative newcomer Carey Mulligan made the cut as the British teen itchy for adulthood in "An Education."
Both will have a tough time pulling out a victory against vets Helen Mirren ("The Last Station"), Meryl Streep ("Julie & Julia") and Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side").
And how 'bout that Bullock? The Austin-area resident draws the first Oscar nomination of her 23-year big screen acting career. Bullock's finally up to recognition "Speed."
To get the full rundown on today's Oscar noms from The Hollywood Reporter, click here.
A final word from this scribe, though. Anyone who loves puns and appreciates the art form that they are can rejoice. My favorite nomination in the best animated short film race:
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