Clooney's Oscar Surprise



(image via msnbc via warnerbros)

There are, unfotunately, precious few surprises among the nominations. One surpise, however, is the amount of nominations Good Night and Good Luck garnered. Yes, it was a fantastic film, and, yes, it does deserve the attention, but wow: 6 nods. (Note to the nascent Weinstein Company: Next go-round, case the festivals for all the cerebral, "ethics in journalism-ish" drama) It's really just George Clooney's world and we just live in it.

Also, according to Entertainment Weekly: "...It was a big morning for George Clooney, who earned multiple nominations for directing and cowriting Good Night and playing a supporting role in Syriana."

One major disappointment, however, was the exclusion of David Cronenberg. Imagine if he had been nominated for History of Violence. The ultra-creepy -- but always interesting -- Cronenberg has major issues with Paul Haggis over the use of the name "Crash." Imagine, though, the dramatic buildup that could have happened with both vying for the position? Jon Stewart just missed comedic gold (And ectomorphic Paul Haggis narrowly missed a "private history of violence seminar" with Cronenberg's thundering left hook at Graydon Carter's swishy Oscar party.)

(A considerable pause) It is also quite surprising how obvious many of the categories are as foregone conclusions. There will be little anticipation come Oscar time, we are afraid. For example, of course Philip Seymour Hoffman will win Best Actor; and, for that matter, of course Brokeback Mountain will win Best Picture. That goes without saying. This is because they were so clearly the best performance and best film of the year respectively, but it leaves, for the viewer, little buildup or climactic release.

Here are some other "predictions" of the somewhat obvious:

Best Actress
Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Best Supporting Actor
George Clooney, Syriana

Best Supporting Actress
Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener

Best Director
Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain

Best Adapted Screenplay
Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain

Best Original Screenplay
Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale

Animated Feature
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

Documentary Feature
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Now -- question: Does Marc Cuban get on stage if the Enron documentary wins? If he does it may be the only surprising moment of the evening.