Oscar Nominations - aka The Dark Knight snub

So the Dark Knight got blanked. To quote another classic completely ignored by the academy, I am Jack's complete lack of surprise. The worst thing about it is, TDK actually got 8 nominations and excepting Heath Ledger's supporting actor nomination (Which he will almost certainly win) they were all in tech categories. Clearly a consolation prize, it almost takes the piss even more.

Best Picture:

Milk

Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Slumdog Millionaire

Frost/Nixon

The Reader

No beef with Milk, slumdog or Frost/Nixon but Benjamin Button is academy filler, a film thats so average in its attempts to please Oscar. The scam worked because it bagged 13 nominations. Forrest Gump mark two. Similarly, The Reader was good, but it has no right to be here in place of TDK. If it was getting snubbed for anything it should have been Wall E.

Best Actor:

Sean Penn, Milk

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon

Brad Pitt, CCOBB

Richard Jenkins, The Visitor

This is essentially between Penn and Rourke. All other noms are filler. As is traditional with the academy, Pitt has been recognized for his most average performance. But he's earned it through other films so, I can make my peace. Unexpectedly awesome to see Jenkins here.

Best actress:

Meryl streep, Doubt

Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married

Kate Winslet, The Reader

Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Angelina Jolie, Changeling

I just glad Streep didnt get nominated for Mamma Mia. Between Winslet and Hathaway really, Jolie's nomination is her victory.

Best Supporting Actor:

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Robert Downey Jr, Tropic Thunder

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt

Josh Brolin, Milk

Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

I reckon the academy justifies TDK's absence by the inevitablity of Ledger's win in this category. If he doesnt win Oscar will lose every bit of credibility it has left.

Best Supporting actress:

Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler

Amy Adams, Doubt

Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Taraji P Henson, Benjamin Button

Viola Davis, Doubt

Doubt brought the noise with four acting nominations, yet another actress is nominated for playing a stripper.

Best director:

Danny Boyle, Slumdog

David Fincher, Benjamin Button

Stephen Daldry, The Reader

Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon

Gus Vant Sant, Milk

I love David Fincher. Which is exactly why I hope he doesnt win for what is his corporate sellout piece. Its all about Danny Boyle here. A great long overdue for recognition.

So, Ill be rooting for Slumdog Millionaire. But the best film available for nomination isnt here, yet again. One day films will be judged on how good they ar rather then what theyre about right. No.