While the majority of the nominations are pretty ho-hum (still miffed about Giamatti being left out and House of Flying Daggers not receiving a nomination for foreign language film, The Sea Inside will easily win, it's a magnificent film, but still), there are a few categories that I'm totally digging.
1. Best Actress -- Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace) and Immelda Staunton (Vera Drake) both receiving nominations makes me very happy. Maria Full of Grace and Vera Drake were outstanding films that have been brushed aside in favor of larger more well-known films. Kate Winslet was fantastic in Eternal Sunshine, but frankly, these two women gave better performances, I hope one of them wins.
2. Before Sunset getting a screenplay nomination shows that even in our modern day fascination with large epic films, a little romantic conversation piece still can get recognized. If there is any justice in this world, we will be seeing Linklater, Hawke and Delpy walk up to the podium to accept their award.
3. Documentary -- While a good number of people are familiar with Super Size Me, I am thrilled that Born into Brothels and Story of the Wheeping Camel were nominated. Born into Brothels should win this one hands down, but I love how documentaries are becoming more accepted in the mainstream.
4. Best Supporting Actress -- Wow, we've got a three way tie in my eyes. Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda), Laura Linney (Kinsey) and Virgina Madsen (Sideways) gave fantastic performances in their respective films. In the end, I hope it goes to Laura Linney.
(I love Eternal Sunshine, though, don't get me wrong. I just wish Kaufmann would do a straight movie just for once, to prove he can really write something involving without relying on fucked up narrative structures).