The Big Ten

No major surprises in the Oscar nominations. There are a few interesting battles, but a lot of clear leaders, especially in the acting categories. For the record, the early favorites are Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Christoph Waltz and Mo'Nique. Also, Up for animation, White Ribbon for Foreign Language Film and "The Weary Kind" for Original Song.

The new thing is ten nominees for Best Picture. This is a good commercial decision, since it allows popular films like The Blind Side to be noticed. Not that it will win, but it might bring in some viewers. On the other hand, it's a bigger slap in the face to those that didn't make it. I mean, The Blind Side, but not (500) Days Of Summer?

Avatar and The Hurt Locker tied for most nominations, but neither is far above the pack, and I wouldn't call either the clear leader for Best Picture. Avatar didn't get a screenplay nomination, which is a bad sign (and a good call). The Hurt Locker hardly made any money, also a bad sign. Looks like there's a good opportunity for a third choice, like Up In The Air, to sneak through. Of course, with ten nominees, it'll be harder than ever to figure out how the votes will split.

While I don't agree with a lot of the choices, I'm glad to see there are a fair amount of decent nominations. Up In The Air, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds and a few others will give me something to root for.