The first thing that sticks out is the unfortunate fact that "Running with Scissors" isn't catching on in, really, any quarters. Even enthusiastic SAG screening responses might not be enough to benefit Annette Bening's solid portrayal, and same for Jill Clayburgh. Each has given way to Cate Blanchett and Adriana Barazza (joining co-star Rinko Kikuchi) in their respective categories.

Speaking of the women of "Babel" and their film, I really hate to see this thing, at least in limited release, missing the rave traction I had hoped for. A mixture of opinion came, kind of expectedly, out of Cannes, but I don't know. It just doesn't feel right anymore as that lone director slot, and certainly Best Picture is floundering. In the meantime, Universal and The Angellotti Company are stepping up their game for "United 93," so maybe Paul Greengrass can slide into contention at the end of the day. Just thinking out loud.

Also, with "The Curse of the Golden Flower" coming out headstrong from Sony Pictures Classics via numerous FYC ads and the definite intention of campaign muscle, I thought I might start lending credence to the film in the technical categories. Best Art Direction and Best Cienmatography are definite threats, but I'm sticking with Best Costume Design alone for now.

Speaking of the cinematographers, "The Good Shepherd" remains extremely quiet from the studio. I've read the script and interviewed Eric Roth fairly extensively (for other purposes), so I'm as informed as one can be on the story without having seen the film. I still think that trailer was a smash, however, with some nice work from Bob Richardson, so I thought I'd throw the film a bone this week with a mention in the cinematography category. When screenings start gearing up in the coming weeks, maybe more notices will come back its way.

Finally, Fox Searchlight is stepping their game up on screeners. "Little Miss Sunshine" is really threatening that light-hearted, four nomination Best Picture spot that films like "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Field of Dreams" have secured in the past. And "Sideways" is still a valid comparison, given the money involved. But with "The Last King of Scotland" and "Thank You for Smoking," the team is entering that second wave of buzz for their product. Maybe Jason Reitman can grab an adapted screenplay nomination afterall.

Anyway, that's all for now. "Tech Support" tomorrow, maybe something on Friday if I am freed up to write about the stuff I've been seeing recently. Otherwise, enjoy the rest of the week.