> the new york times had three of its movie critics weighing in with their > oscar predictions last week. each of them had to pick a 'will win', > 'should win', and 'should've been a contender' and two of three picked > 'talk to her' in that third category. certainly would have been the > best of the year if they'd asked me. and the movie really should have > been nominated
The omission of Pedro Almodovar's HABLE CON ELLA (TALK TO HER) in the Best Foreign Language derby of the Oscar was due to Spain's decision to send a different entry. Spain chose another film (something with a title about Mondays and Sun) as its entry, leaving the much heralded Almodovar film out of the running. But I am glad just the same that Almodovar was nominated for the Best Director even if his inclusion in the top five was probably the reason why Peter Jackson was edged out. And now, Spain's entry to the Oscar was not among those in the top five nominee. Sad story. > and in 'best director' (where almodsvar IS nominated) two of three > picked him for 'should'. but they all three picked scorsese to win. Personally I would want Roman Polanski to win, with or without the fanned controversy of his return to the US of A and his presence in the Oscar ceremony. THE PIANIST is a beautiful film that is at times, too painful to watch. And in Adrien Brody, a star is born. I am actually also impressed with what Stephen Daldry did in THE HOURS (and its my personal favorite among the Best Picture nominees, edging out THE PIANIST by a hairstrand), and if he wins, I will not grouch. But I think the Academy may feel that Martin Scorsese should get it. And while I agree that this great director be given the accolade due him, I think it would be more apt in films like GOODFELLAS and ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE rather than GANGS OF NEW YORK. But GANGS OF NEW YORK has the epic sweep to justify its win. Besides, with a Daniel Day-Lewis attached to the project, he certainly added class to the proceedings. The Oscar does not really always award the statuette to the best, but the careers of winners usually take a more robust form after their win (though not always true, look at Mira Sorvino). 'y tu mama tambien' should have had more chances to > win Mexico sent EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO as their entry this year and it was shortlisted as the top five nominees in the Oscar race. But I agree with Patrick that between the two films, I would root for Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN than EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO. Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN has a timelessness about it (despite minor contrivances in the film) and I am sure it will be talked about many many years after. Joseph in Manila np: Anonymous 4 "The Lily and the Lamb"
