Each year as Oscar nominations are announced, worthy candidates are inevitably left off the nominations shortlist. Most of the time, these contenders are soon forgotten, but we decided to highlight our favorites that didn’t quite make the cut.
BEST PICTURE
Broken Embraces The latest from Spanish visionary Pedro Almodovar features a typically offbeat plot and another fantastic performance from his muse, Penelope Cruz. Why, then, did it fail to snag one of this race’s top spots, or even a Best Foreign Film nod?
Moon Moon, directed by Duncan Jones, David Bowie’s son, is truly the best sci-fi film of the year (sorry District 9). Featuring a harrowing performance from Sam Rockwell, this British masterpiece pairs an old-school, mind-bending plot with a gorgeously-rendered minimalist aesthetic. BEST ACTRESS
Charlotte Gainsbourg Even those who think Antichrist is misogynist and pornographic cannot deny Gainsbourg’s talent. Her disturbing turn as a woman slipping into a violent (and self-mutilating) insanity deserves recognition, if only for the actress’s bravery.
Emily Blunt This Brit has never been better as the fearless new queen in The Young Victoria. Completely commanding the screen with grace and bravery, Blunt was able to make a story about 19th century royals both current and enjoyable.
BEST ACTOR
Matt Damon Sure, Damon scored a mention for his supporting turn as a South African rugby captain in Invictus, but he was even better as an hysterically corrupt businessman in The Informant! If packing on a beer belly and adopting a Midwestern accent doesn’t show dedication, then what does?
Nicolas Cage Cage is known for pushing the envelope, but his performance in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans as a cocaine-snorting, rapist police officer reveals the actor at his most unrestrained. Luckily, director Werner Herzog was able to channel Cage’s energies into his most entertaining performance to date.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Alfred Molina Never-nominated vet Molina was totally robbed for his turn as Carey Mulligan’s domineering father in An Education. As a character that first comes off as one-note, Molina subtly reveals a more complex core and elicits the audience’s sympathy by the film’s end.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Diane Kruger All the attention placed upon Christopher Waltz has unfortunately resulted in Diane Kruger being overlooked in Inglourious Basterds. Her role as a German actress turned British spy was one of the most memorable in the film, recalling the glamorous days of classical Hollywood cinema.
BEST SCREENPLAY
(500) Days of Summer This film restored our faith in romantic comedy-dramas. Its nonlinear narrative, random dance number and hilarious dialogue turn a familiar story into a surprisingly fresh look at relationships.
The Hangover Okay, summer blockbusters usually don’t fare too well come awards season, but Todd Phillips’ Golden Globe champ buddy comedy was hardly your typical smash. Jon Lucas and Scott Moore’s fresh script had viewers howling and coming back for repeat visits.
