125 responses so far

• 1 12-03-2009 at 11:19 am
  
  The Other Ryan said...

  Very glad Star Trek and The Messengers made the cut.

• 2 12-03-2009 at 11:19 am
  
  David said...

  Wow… Precious really got… shut out.

• 3 12-03-2009 at 11:19 am
  
  aspect ratio said...

  Hurrah for Up in the Air!

  Clint for Best Director is all kinds of L-O-L though.

• 4 12-03-2009 at 11:20 am
  
  James D. said...

  Wow, no Precious or Nine. Great to see Star Trek and Where the Wild Things Are, as well as the recognition for Goodbye Solo and Moon.

• 5 12-03-2009 at 11:20 am
  
  Mr. Gittes said...

  The Cove!

  The Hurt Locker sucks!

• 6 12-03-2009 at 11:21 am
  
  The Other James D. said...

  WOW. “A Single Man” got shafted.

  I knew that Freeman was gonna win. I didn’t want to believe it, but of course “Invictus” got a big heap of love. Hopefully this is all it gets–fanboys and their fucking Eastwoodies.

  Great news for “(500) Days of Summer” and “Moon”. Really thrilled for Harrelson! So glad Renner won.

  I guess “Where the Wild Things Are” is their misfit movie this year.

• 7 12-03-2009 at 11:21 am
  
  tdr said...

  That’s that, then. Kendrick and Harrelson seem to pick-up steam in the supporting categories. And very good that they recognized (500) days of summer.

• 8 12-03-2009 at 11:22 am
  
  aspect ratio said...

  Cool to see films like (500) Days of Summer, Inglourious Basterds, Star Trek and Where the Wild Things are make their top ten cut too, they’re not exactly the kind of films one would expect to see get noticed by the NBR.

  Oh, and I just realized.. NO Nine! And this is the musical/period loving group historically, isn’t it?!

• 9 12-03-2009 at 11:22 am
  
  Patryk said...

  Go Woody! Happy for the indie love for “Julia,” “Moon,” and “Sugar.”

• 10 12-03-2009 at 11:23 am
  
  David said...

  I thought Kendrick was great in Up In the Air. Congrats to her.

  And ya… totally forgot about Nine. Ouch… And The Lovely Bones.

• 11 12-03-2009 at 11:23 am
  
  The Other James D. said...

  Holy crap, I just noticed the “Nine” and “Precious shafts. Dayum!

  Nice to have things shaken up a bit.

  “It’s Complicated” for Best Ensemble, eh…?

  Again, we’ll know how well “Invictus” will play out based on other groups. These folk just have a clear bias.

• 12 12-03-2009 at 11:23 am
  
  Mark G said...

  OMG…I can’t believe Precious was shut out of the top ten. On the flip side though, I’m glad to see love for Where the Wild Things Are and Woody Harrelson for The Messenger. Nice to know the Best Supporting Actor category isn’t as predictable as we all thought it would be.

• 13 12-03-2009 at 11:23 am
  
  Jake D said...

  SO happy that Where the Wild Things Are got in. I’m hoping it can sneak in for Best Pic still.

  Interesting that Anna Kendrick won for Supp. Actress. I wonder if she’ll be able to nab some more prizes from Mo’Nique.

• 14 12-03-2009 at 11:24 am
  
  De'Garryan said...

  WTF, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE?! Anna Kendrick over Monique?! This is by far the worst NBR list I’ve ever seen!! It’s ridiculous!

• 15 12-03-2009 at 11:27 am
  
  aspect ratio said...

  The Messenger is definitely gaining momentum! It seems it wasn’t that very many weeks ago people had barely even heard of it, and here it is grabbing three big notices.

  As for Precious, I’m not too surprised. It didn’t seem like a movie the NBR would go for, though I didn’t expect it to miss the top ten.

• 16 12-03-2009 at 11:28 am
  
  Mr. F said...

  Yay for Where the Wild Things Are, Up, and Star Trek!

• 17 12-03-2009 at 11:28 am
  
  Sean said...

  How the hell can they see “Julia” and NOT give best actress to swinton? Mulligan is so overrated. the performance was pleasant and un-histrionic…. but please. A dozen decent actresses could have achieved the level of success she did with the role. Happy about the supporting categories, I don’t want Mo’Nique to steamroll through awards season and win everything ala Hudson, Zellwegger or Connelly…. I need some surprises this season.

• 18 12-03-2009 at 11:30 am
  
  SHAAAARK said...

  Huzzah, this list is very great. Six of my top ten of the year are on the Top 10 list, and another 3 are on the Top Independent Film List, which is incidentally fucking amazing.

• 19 12-03-2009 at 11:32 am
  
  Brian said...

  You clearly haven’t seen many NBR lists, De-Garryan.

• 20 12-03-2009 at 11:32 am
  
  Mike_M said...

  SHAAAARK I am with you, very similar to my list from this year (so far)…

• 21 12-03-2009 at 11:34 am
  
  Hans said...

  A very interesting start to the season. That Top 10 list is pretty far from what most have been predicting will be on Oscar’s eventual Top 10. In fact, the only ones from that list that you could call “locks” for BP are “The Hurt Locker”, “Invictus”, and “Up”. And “Up in the Air” is now obviously locked in as well. Don’t forget, though, that this was one of like three groups total last year that didn’t award Heath for the Joker, so you never know which of these categories may take a sudden turn.

  Hopefully this starts a rumble of a buzz for Star Trek…….

• 22 12-03-2009 at 11:38 am
  
  JP said...

  I see no film beating Up in the Air at the Oscars. The only two that could – Nine and The Lovely Bones – got mixed reviews. It really looks like a ”Slumdog Millionare”.

• 23 12-03-2009 at 11:40 am
  
  Nel said...

  Bemused by the Mulligan win – I really did thing an Education was one of those movies that Male Critics fawn over.

  But do have suspicion that Mulligan could be this years Anne Hathaway.

  I am happy that Gabourey Sidibe
  won something given the Precious backlash.

  Gutted over Bridges, I have loved Jeff Bridges since Fearless.

• 24 12-03-2009 at 11:43 am
  
  Nel said...

  Forgot to say I am pleased for Harrelson – he is so under rated.

• 25 12-03-2009 at 11:45 am
  
  JAB said...

  is It’s Complicated winning best ensemble some sort of joke?

• 26 12-03-2009 at 11:47 am
  
  Pablo (Col) said...

  I really doubt Up In the Air is going to win best picture. Is one of the frontrunner, no doubt, but it doesnt have what is needed to win, not yet.

  Kendrick is locked as well as Renner, Freeman, Mulligan and Sidibe. Mo’Nique, no matter what the NBR says, is still the frontrunner in supporting actress.

  Very cool that Harrelson got noiced as well as Star Trek (which could be in instead of Avatar come Oscar time), 500 Days of summer (great ovie, maybe the comedy choice for Oscar?) and Basterds.

  So the season begins. What the awards schedule then ?

• 27 12-03-2009 at 11:48 am
  
  The Other James D. said...

  I am…kinda shocked Crazy Heart was snubbed from the indie list. Wtf?

• 28 12-03-2009 at 11:48 am
  
  red_wine said...

  What a snooze, could the winners be more obvious.

  But yeah Precious, Nine, The Lovely Bones, A Single Man & Avatar shut out is interesting. Can anyone confirm that they did not see Avatar.

  And what the fuck is up with 500 days. Its 1 of the 10 best films of the year??? Jesus.

• 29 12-03-2009 at 11:51 am
  
  The Other James D. said...

  I’ve been saying in my comments for a while now that I think (500) is being severly underestimated! It’s both a veritable contender for Fox Searchlight, always a player, and a nice comedic spice to a lineup mostly heavy in tone. I think it could be among the final 10.

  I wonder if both D9 and ST or just one can crack the Top 10. I guess I’ll lean towards ST. But D9 would be a second dream come true.

• 30 12-03-2009 at 11:53 am
  
  Kristopher Tapley said...

  Avatar most certainly wasn’t screened for them, wine.

  The Crazy Heart snub just occurred to me, though. Odd. Whatever. It’s the NBR.

• 31 12-03-2009 at 11:53 am
  
  aspect ratio said...

  Their top ten is actually the most interesting top ten they’ve offered in.. forever?

  Not that the NBR matters that much in the grand scheme of things, I highly doubt this means Precious is heading for trouble or anything of that sort, but it is nice to see them shake things up a bit. Their list certainly feels more like a vote of the heart than just listing the top contenders.

• 32 12-03-2009 at 11:59 am
  
  daveylow said...

  I don’t see why anyone would doubt that Up in the Air could win Best Picture. Out of all the alternatives, it’s the biggest crowd pleaser and would not be an embarrassing choice like A Beautiful Mind or Crash.

  But there are still a lot of awards to be handed out.

• 33 12-03-2009 at 12:00 pm
  
  ninja said...

  is Avatar shut out or just not seen yet?

• 34 12-03-2009 at 12:00 pm
  
  tintin said...

  Can anyone confirm that they did not see Nine or The lovely bones?

  This is a joke! Best Ensemble Cast: “It’s Complicated” jajaja, and Anna Kendrick, “Up In The Air” over Mo´nique!!!!!

• 35 12-03-2009 at 12:00 pm
  
  Nel said...

  Just wondering but what does this mean to Oscar campaigns of people like Streep/Sidibe and Bridges to win? Is it a huge blow.

  These would be my sentimental choices to win as I do think (bar Bridges – whose performance I have not seen) the best acting of this year imho – came outside the Oscar probables.

• 36 12-03-2009 at 12:03 pm
  
  daveylow said...

  I would assume that a lot of members didn’t get to Crazy Heart. I’m wondering about A Single Man as well.

• 37 12-03-2009 at 12:05 pm
  
  AmericanRequiem said...

  interesting, certainly more then one suprise. Waltz really deserved the best supporting actor nod. Where the Wild things are is nice to see. Inglourious Basterds in the top 10.. no precious, a single man, lovely bones, nine, im stumped

• 38 12-03-2009 at 12:10 pm
  
  Ross said...

  @ Nel,

  it means nothing to their campaigns simply because the NBR means nothing and critics’ awards mean very little. They could boost a contender, but losing is not considered that crucial. Think of how many actors or directors or writers got snubbed by the critics and still won Oscars. The Oscars are voted by the industry. That’s why losing the guild’s award could matter, but critics could only boost somebody’s chances.

• 39 12-03-2009 at 12:12 pm
  
  PJ said...

  Notice that the past decade 5 out of 9 best director pics were shut out at the academy nominations.
  see: tim burton, ed zwick, michael mann, todd field, phillip noyce.
  That doesn’t look good for clint…

  sure noms though for mulligan and harrelson (yesss!)

• 40 12-03-2009 at 12:12 pm
  
  Ryan said...

  “is It’s Complicated winning best ensemble some sort of joke?”

  Meryl Streep gets back-to-back Best Ensemble. Last year “Doubt” won.

  “And what the fuck is up with 500 days. Its 1 of the 10 best films of the year?”

  Yes?

• 41 12-03-2009 at 12:13 pm
  
  red_wine said...

  And Kris, the Avatar screenings, will they take place in Imax 3D or the regular 2D small screens?

  Because showing it on a small 2D screen would be showing off the movie to a huge disadvantage. I wouldn’t see the film that way.

• 42 12-03-2009 at 12:17 pm
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @PJ: Don’t tease me. But please, let your hunch be right =).

  I wonder what exactly will happen this year. From 2001-2006, the NBR winner lost BP to another film at the Oscars. Then, these past two years, NBR chose the consensus winner. I wonder which way it will go this season….

• 43 12-03-2009 at 12:18 pm
  
  tintin said...

  KRIS, Can you confirm that they did not see Nine or The lovely bones?

• 44 12-03-2009 at 12:18 pm
  
  tintin said...

  KRIS, Can you confirm that they did not see THE LOVELY BONES OR NINE?

• 45 12-03-2009 at 12:20 pm
  
  DHE said...

  Disappointing to see a retread like Star Trek included over something original like District 9, and Neill Blomkamp totally snubbed in best first feature. Wow, I guess NBR really is lame.

• 46 12-03-2009 at 12:21 pm
  
  JAB said...

  and ensemble win for Doubt is a no-brainer. But if they just felt like giving Meryl something, why not ensemble for Julie & Julia?

• 47 12-03-2009 at 12:21 pm
  
  a-mad said...

  Yes for “Up”! Is this the first Pixar film to be in NPR’s top ten? In the past, it seems like they’ve always been relegated to a win in the animated category… but no mention of the Top 10.

  Other than the more obvious snubs, I’m actually a little surprised at no love for “Julie & Julia” anywhere…

• 48 12-03-2009 at 12:22 pm
  
  Justin said...

  So wait…they have the Best Film of the Year but it’s not listed in their Top 10 of the Year…so is it really their Top 11 of the Year?

• 49 12-03-2009 at 12:23 pm
  
  Liz said...

  “And Kris, the Avatar screenings, will they take place in Imax 3D or the regular 2D small screens?

  Because showing it on a small 2D screen would be showing off the movie to a huge disadvantage. I wouldn’t see the film that way.”

  I am not OK with the idea that you MUST see “Avatar” in 3D for it to be good. Personally, I hate 3D because I wear glasses, but shouldn’t a movie be good in any format?

  The whole “Avatar-in-3D-only” thing comes perilously close to the movie caveat “You must be ______ (female, Catholic, American, etc.) to understand why this is a good movie,” which I can’t stand.

• 50 12-03-2009 at 12:27 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ Ross – Sad I know, but that is what I hoped!!

  I really want Bridges to win his first Oscar but looking at the NBR Awards have to give them props for giving Julianne Moore the best actress nod in 2002!!

• 51 12-03-2009 at 12:27 pm
  
  billybil said...

  I am perfectly fine with PRECIOUS being shut out of the top ten here. I saw it yesterday and I think it’s overblown to the extent that it mars the emtional impact. There are some very fine performances (Mo’Nique deserves all the fuss in my opinion and Sidibe is perfectly cast in the role) but everything was so “dramatized” that I think we missed some real human connection.

  However, from what I’ve heard and read I’m not entirely glad to see INVICTUS in this list. I’m afraid it’s going to be a little to pat for inclusion on a list like this and makes me believe the “hardon for Eastwood” comments.

  I am thrilled to see STAR TREK here – happy to see this organization embrace the supposed goal of AMPAS extending their Best Pic nominees to 10. I still have my doubts Oscar will come through.

  I’m conflicted about (500) DAYS OF SUMMER and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. (500) made me cry, which is a good thing, but it just didn’t expand my world as much as BRIGHT STAR. Maybe it’s because Deschanel is no Cornish for me. However, JGL can play Keats any time he wants – and do it well!

  I have no doubt that WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is one of the most artistically complete “mainstream” films of the year but I just wish it had moved me more – that’s the sort of picture that should have had me sobbing and it didn’t. Still on artistic courage alone, I’m glad it’s getting some love.

  Since I sincerely don’t want either Freeman or Clooney to get the BA Oscar this year, I’m not thrilled. Again, I haven’t seen either performance but I suspect the Mandela role in this film is going to seem too “easy” to me and, although I suspect I’ll fall in love with Clooney all over again, I just can’t get my head around him being a 2-time Oscar winner. Maybe he’ll change my mind. But, for now, and for reasons not based on performance quality (since I haven’t seen his yet either) I’m rooting for Bridges to finally get his recognition.

  Of course, I’m also rooting for Meryl so much I’m already hoarse (and I have 3 months to go!!) but I am perfectly fine with Mulligan winning here. It is a perfect place for her work to be acknowledged (just as it was for Hathaway last year). Having seen Sidibe, Streep and Mulligan, I certainly hope if Streep doesn’t get it, Mulligan will. (Again, Sidibe does a very fine job in PRECIOUS but it is not out of this world extraordinary and, in fact, provides her with a lot of clear, obvious moments to play in an environment that can’t help but showcase her choices).

  I agree with a lot of people here – I am thrilled for Harrelson again, purely for emotional reasons since I haven’t yet seen THE MESSENGER.

  I am not so thrilled about Kendrick. I have a hard time believing she out acts Mo’Nique but we’ll see.

  Actually, I think IT’S COMPLICATED getting Best Ensemble makes a lot of sense.

• 52 12-03-2009 at 12:28 pm
  
  JFK said...

  I’m glad to see Kendrick getting the credit she deserves. Nine needs a lot of work to be a good film and Lovely Bones doesn’t seem to have the wow factor everyone thought it would–though I have only seen the former.

  Not pleased about A Single Man being snubbed–Colin Firth was brilliant.

• 53 12-03-2009 at 12:31 pm
  
  Kristopher Tapley said...

  They definitely saw The Lovely Bones. And I’m pretty sure they saw Nine (since everyone saw that in New York weeks ago).

• 54 12-03-2009 at 12:34 pm
  
  John said...

  Surprised about NINE and LOVELY BONES snubs. Were they screened?

  (500) and STAR TREK in the Top 10?

  Hell, yeah!!

• 55 12-03-2009 at 12:35 pm
  
  Jim T said...

  I’m not sad that Mulligan won, since I really liked her performance but they noticed “Julia” but they didn’t think Swinton was better?

  I predicted “Nine” to win. I really suck at this. :p

• 56 12-03-2009 at 12:37 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ billybil – I agree with nearly everything you say but disagree verrmently about Precious and Mulligan.

  Maybe it is because I did not enjoy an Education but I do not get the hype about Mulligan’s performance, don’t get me wrong it is a good performance but Sidibe’s performance, left me overhwlemed. So I would substitute Sidibe for Mulligan.

  Precious as movie for me was also more of an experience movie and though it is contrived in places – its is still with me.

  But if Meryl gets shut out this year – then – *arrrgh!!!

  * Even though she should have won for Doubt last year!!!

• 57 12-03-2009 at 12:37 pm
  
  aspect ratio said...

  I was looking at NBR winners from past years and it’s almost sickening how much they love Clint Eastwood. It certainly makes his director win here make a little bit more sense (considering it doesn’t really at all in the grander scheme of things). Curiously, they were too soon out of the gate for Million Dollar Baby which came out so late.

  As for the panic about Nine, The Lovely Bones, Crazy Heart, etc. not showing up, it could be as simple as not enough of their voters having been able to see them in time for the vote. I don’t know much about the NBR, or who their voters are, but they probably don’t wield enough power to get NBR-specific screenings like there are for the Golden Globes voters, and with those films only just recently starting to screen it could be that simple.

  (I can however imagine that Eastwood & Co. set up an NBR screening for Invictus considering they always love him regardless.)

• 58 12-03-2009 at 12:38 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ billybil – I agree with nearly everything you say but disagree vehemently about Precious and Mulligan.

  Maybe it is because I did not enjoy an Education but I do not get the hype about Mulligan’s performance, don’t get me wrong it is a good performance but Sidibe’s performance, left me overwhelmed. So I would substitute Sidibe for Mulligan.

  Precious as movie for me was also more of an experience movie and though it is contrived in places – its is still with me.

  But if Meryl gets shut out this year – then – *arrrgh!!!

  * Even though she should have won for Doubt last year!!!

• 59 12-03-2009 at 12:38 pm
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @billybil: Holy [placated] diatribe! You’re kind of awesome though. I mean, except for the fact that I cry less =P, I essentially think we share a mind about close to everything you said.

• 60 12-03-2009 at 12:40 pm
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @Nel: No, she should not have. Melissa Leo should have won for Frozen River, end of story.

• 61 12-03-2009 at 12:40 pm
  
  aspect ratio said...

  As for the snubs, if for example Mo’Nique is heading for a sure-fire slam dunk at the Oscars, in a few weeks we’re going to be so tired of seeing the same name pop up everywhere.. So instead of being negative about Mo’Nique, Bridges and whoever else missing out here, let’s be glad the one-name parade hasn’t started yet!

  The more diverse the nominees and winners are running up to the Oscars, the more interesting it will be.

• 62 12-03-2009 at 12:41 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ Jim T – Oh man didn’t even see that in the NBRs list – Tilda’s performance was the performance of this year for me. This is very depressing!!

• 63 12-03-2009 at 12:43 pm
  
  Cde. said...

  “And Kris, the Avatar screenings, will they take place in Imax 3D or the regular 2D small screens?

  Because showing it on a small 2D screen would be showing off the movie to a huge disadvantage. I wouldn’t see the film that way.”

  Digital 3D, which is the way the film was shot.
  I’m not sure where this ‘IT HAS TO BE SEEN IN IMAX’ meme started, but it’s not really true.

• 64 12-03-2009 at 12:43 pm
  
  Joe said...

  500 Days! A Serious Man! Wild Things! I like this list; it’s fun. But I think next time they should make up some more awards (like “Special Craft Services Achievement” and “Spotlight Award for Key Grips”). Maybe they can even add another Top 10 list, like “Top 10 Movies that We Didn’t Mention, but Probably Like Anyway”.

• 65 12-03-2009 at 12:45 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ The Other James D.

  In my defence – I have been meaning to watch Frozen River but just haven’t got round to it. But C’mon it is Meryl and she was amazing in Doubt .

• 66 12-03-2009 at 12:49 pm
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @Nel: Well, make sure you see it ASAP! All I can say is it resonated with me so well–so nuanced, natural, yet subtly powerful. Mmmm.

  Streep was amazing, yes. But of all the recent nominations, I would’ve wanted her to win for Adaptation. instead. Then again, I wouldn’t take the Oscar away from Catherine Zeta-Jones ever.

  I say let’s not rush to get her the third one. I actually hope it’s not this year, as I’d rather see Sidibe or Mulligan win. (I have a non-winner preference, unless the performance is monumental–such as Penn’s worthy second win!…Though, I would take away his first and give it to Depp. Hehe.)

  If we had to have a repeat winner this year though, I’d prefer it be Streep or Cruz, if only for the latter to set a record as the first Supporting Actress to win twice consecutively.

• 67 12-03-2009 at 12:52 pm
  
  JJ said...

  Kris, or anyone knowledgable … any rumblings of NINE and/or THE LOVELY BONES doing well at screenings? I know reviews are mixed so far, but I’d think these would go over well with industry insiders/Aademy voters.

• 68 12-03-2009 at 12:55 pm
  
  red_wine said...

  @Cde. & Liz

  What I probably mean by not show off the movie to its best advantage is that they won’t be struck dumb by the visual spectacle to not care about the quality.

  On Avatar day I saw the footage twice, once in Imax and once in normal 3d and the difference was immense. The first time I was kinda awe-struck(by the visuals), the 2nd time I thought, the dialog is awful. My friend said I just wasted her 20 minutes the second time around. And even the trailer, when I first saw on my monitor, it looked cartoonish, I really did find that it much improved on a giant screen.

• 69 12-03-2009 at 1:00 pm
  
  Jim T said...

  @red_wine, (500) is overrated as hell! Not bad but I was like “It’s like Sex and the City but SatC came first!”

  PS: I love Sex and the City

• 70 12-03-2009 at 1:02 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ The Other James D.

  Just put Frozen River near the top of my rental list (they never give you your first choice (o;)

  Sidibe would be my first choice (of the predictable choices) but there was something about Meryl’s performance this year, that just had this old Hollywood feel and I loved it. Though again it probably wasn’t her best performance – I think she should be rewarded for her recent body of work as to be honest imho, no one, who is most likely to be nominated has put in the performance of the year for me. Only Sidibe comes close.

• 71 12-03-2009 at 1:13 pm
  
  Ed said...

  500 Days of Summer is proving to be more and more of a Best Picture threat…Fox Searchlight will probably push hard for the nod. To be honest, I always thought Oscar experts had downplayed how well it was going to do at the percursors

• 72 12-03-2009 at 1:14 pm
  
  Adam Smith said...

  To those worried about Bridges’ chances: even the obvious frontrunner gets snubbed by them sometimes, it just happens. In 2003, Return of the King didn’t even rank on NBR’s Top Ten, and it went on to a clean sweep at the Oscars. Now, Bridges isn’t the same pre-ordained frontrunner that Return of the King was, but to quote the poster for 2007′s NBR champion, you can’t stop what’s coming–not even the National Board of Review. Their word is the first, but it certainly is not the last.

• 73 12-03-2009 at 1:15 pm
  
  Chris138 said...

  How did Mo’Nique not get Best Supporting Actress?

  Besides, no Nine, Precious or Avatar in the 10 best films? Jeez.

• 74 12-03-2009 at 1:19 pm
  
  John said...

  Star Trek! Yes!!!

• 75 12-03-2009 at 1:20 pm
  
  Me. said...

  YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!

  These awards made my day. “Precious” was not EVEN in the top 10 (and I predicted it as the best film). This gives me hope for the rest of the season.

  I’m ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY HAPPY with the inclusion of “Where the Wild Things Are” as a top 10 film of the year. I loved that film.

  Also congratulations to “A Serious Man”, “The Hurt Locker”, “(500) Days of Summer” and “Inglourious Basterds”. They’re all in my top 10 of the year (which is topped by “Micmacs”, the most underrated film of all-time).

  I will more than likely see “Up in the Air” this weekend. Can’t wait.

  Other than that, I’m sad I missed “Star Trek” in theaters, it’s getting a lot of awards and I haven’t even seen it. I also have to see “The Messenger” (surprise contender) and “Invictus” which has yet to come out.

  GREAT PICKS.

• 76 12-03-2009 at 1:30 pm
  
  Kristopher Tapley said...

  RE: Avatar, I’ve RSVPed for both screenings that are coming up. One in a standard theater, the other in IMAX, and both in 3D, of course.

• 77 12-03-2009 at 1:33 pm
  
  red_wine said...

  @Jim T, 500 days isn’t a bad film its just a normal romantic comedy to me. An unhappy ending to a love story doesn’t make it profound.

  And since few love stories can come out to an advantage when compared to Annie Hall but since admirers of the film have already done it, it cannot muster even a shred of the staggering sadness and understanding that comes at the end of Annie Hall. Lewitt and Deschanel seem to have a teen love story compared to Keaton & Allen’s adult mature interaction.

  Even the screenplay is nice but not nomination worthy. A few jumps in an essentially linear screenplay doesn’t make it clever.

• 78 12-03-2009 at 1:35 pm
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @Nel: Actually, one performance has for me: Michael Stuhlbarg was a revelation! He needs some critics awards, Oscar nod or not. He deserves the recognition. Someone, award that fucker! (Hehe.)

  I’m eager to see A Serious Man again, too. Only not in this year, because I’ve discovered that it’s a jinx if I see a movie twice within a single year. Also, I cannot watch leaked screeners at home, unless I’ve already seen it in theaters. That’s also a jinx. Think I’m full of it? Take a gander at last year’s crop:

  At-home:
  Revolutionary Road
  The Wrestler
  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  Gran Torino (Mwahahah.)

  Once in theaters, once at home post-New Year’s:
  Milk
  Frozen River
  Slumdog Millionaire
  The Reader

  In TCCOBB’s case, it’s more of it losing almost everything. And in FR’s case, it’s getting that surprise Screenplay nom. But the Winslet train and the Penn vs. Rourke, as well as the awesome GT snub, made me wonder about how I view things.

  …Which is why I am eager for an Invictus screener to leak sometime next week ^_^.

• 79 12-03-2009 at 1:35 pm
  
  Lance said...

  Aspect Ratio – You are right and made me feel a lot better about this list.

• 80 12-03-2009 at 2:02 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ The Other James D. – I just realised that in my post I should made it clear that I was referring to female performances this year.

  I am actually going to see a Serious Man this weekend. I do agree that critics awards can boost someone deserved (hello Bridges) but I am afraid that I now hold you responsible for O’Rourke not getting the Oscar last year!!

• 81 12-03-2009 at 2:04 pm
  
  Danny King said...

  Last year’s NBR’s had very little correlation to the Oscars. I don’t think 2009 will be any exception. Don’t expect much of this to carry over.

• 82 12-03-2009 at 2:07 pm
  
  Zach Heltzel said...

  In response to Liz in post 49, the explanation that “a film should be good in any format” is bollocks. So fullscreen pan and scan shouldn’t make a movie’s cinematography any less good. Lawrence of Arabia isn’t any good because it isn’t that epic when you’re watching nit on your iPhone?

  Yeah, your argument holds no water.

• 83 12-03-2009 at 2:16 pm
  
  Ivan said...

  Hell YES for A Prophete!!

  The best movie of the year getting it’s dues!

  Awesome to see Up in the Top 10 along with A Serious Man and Inglorious Basterds.

  And thank god Hurt Locker didn’t win best screenplay!Hopefully it will stay that way during the season

• 84 12-03-2009 at 2:20 pm
  
  Puchika said...

  No Sin Nombre :-(

• 85 12-03-2009 at 2:28 pm
  
  Jim T said...

  @Ivan, I haven’t seen “A Prophet” but if you consider it the best movie of thej year then you should be annoyed that it’s not even in the top 10. Award givers’ way of thinking has made us take for granted the fact that a great non-English film will almost never be a contender in the main categories.

• 86 12-03-2009 at 2:43 pm
  
  m1 said...

  Vera Farmiga lost to her co-star. I don’t think she will pick up that many awards now. But I hope she gets a nom.

• 87 12-03-2009 at 2:46 pm
  
  John H. Foote said...

  Wow — the hate for Eastwood is alarming, guy’s a great director..not his fault if the awards folks fall over him for every film — sure they are all not great, but the man has made some brilliant movies.

• 88 12-03-2009 at 2:51 pm
  
  Ivan said...

  @Jim

  Well they have a Top 10 foreign movies but you’re probably right,it’s kinda ridiculous to limit foreign movies to such labels.

  A great movie is a great movie period

  BTW if you have the chance to check,do so,you won’t regret it.

• 89 12-03-2009 at 2:51 pm
  
  Manuel said...

  A Single Man is soooo shut out!

• 90 12-03-2009 at 3:10 pm
  
  Brian said...

  Love this list. I like precious but it is so overrated and im glad it didn’t make it. So so happy 500 days of summer made it, it is my favorite film of the year.

• 91 12-03-2009 at 3:20 pm
  
  Adam Smith said...

  @Jim T- I know you prefaced it with “almost” never, but hey, this decade has already seen two foreign language films nominated for Best Picture (granted, one is by an American director, but still–and the other had a very realistic shot of winning), multiple foreign language films nominated for their screenplays (with one–Almodovar’s Hable Con Ella–winning), and several foreign language films nominated for Best Director (if City of God’s surprise showing at the 2003 awards isn’t THE awards story of the decade, it’s a close second to the wins for Polanski or Crash). So while, yes, foreign language films more often than not don’t get a fair shake, they certainly aren’t being outright ignored.

• 92 12-03-2009 at 3:22 pm
  
  Adam Smith said...

  Oh, and if you count Slumdog Millionaire as a foreign language film (I don’t, but it makes some sense), then at least one film that features a large chunk in a foreign language has won Best Picture so far this decade.

• 93 12-03-2009 at 3:24 pm
  
  billybil said...

  Thanks Nel – I actually think Mulligan and Sidibe gave similar performances – both perfectly met the challenges they were given and both extremely well cast BUT I do not think either one of them transcended what we should expect from leading professional actors in major films. Don’t get me wrong- they still deserve recognition for their very fine performances but not adoration. Truth is, I give the edge to Mulligan because she didn’t have the benefit of extreme physical attributes that couldn’t help but make Sidibe’s performance stand out and be effective.

  Now Streep as JULIA – she contributed a fully lived in performance which beautifully captured the essence of a person who is familar to many of us – and did so while actualizing a range of emotions experienced by this “larger-than-life” character facing less obviously “dramatic” situations (how was that for a mouthful?). Think about the issues Meryl made her audience care about and compare them to the earth shattering issues Sidibe and Mulligan got to face. Once again, Streep was extraordinary in JULIE & JULIA. I was concerned last year when I heard that Julia Child was to be Meryl’s big ticket this year – I just couldn’t imagine an award-winning performance coming out of such a role but now…now I’m convinced Streep was even better in this than she was in DOUBT. (Actually, Other James D, another place we agree is with regards to Melissa Leo last year. If I wasn’t such a avid fan of Meryl I would have been rooting for Leo! She was so great in FROZEN RIVER!)

  So, Other James D. – anytime someone refers to me as awesome in any context I’m totally theirs! And I don’t cry all that often, really…really, I don’t! Sharing the same mind on much of what I wrote just proves how brilliant we both are! BUT – we don’t share the same mind about Cruz – although she’s scrumptious I am not the least interested in seeing her get any sort of record by winning the Sup Actress in consecutive years. And you’re f___in’ crazy about Meryl – by all means let’s rush to give her a third Oscar because she should have 4 ot 5 already!!! I’ll wrestle you to the floor about this one! (Gosh – not only do I seem to cry a lot but I use a lot of exclamation points too. So, I’m an emotional guy – so sue me!)

  Fanboys and their fucking Eastwoodies.
  made me LOL! And I love Renner too! And you’re absolutely right – it IS nice to have things shaken up a bit just as long as most people keep predicting Streep for the Oscar win!!

  D9 was a great movie, wasn’t it? I had such a good time and it actually surprised me (which is such a rare treat!)

  And you’re right! Michael Stuhlbarg was robbed! He was fantastic in SERIOUS MAN and this is just the sort of place he should have been recognized! Stuhlbarg was certainly more interesting than Freeman, I bet! Oh well, I’m gonna pretend Stuhlbarg was way high on their list.

  And I LOVE that you actually showed proof of why you’re a screener jinx! I love it! If I can locate one, I’ll make sure you get the INVICTUS screener you want. :-)

  OK, I’ve gone back and commented on all your comments Other James D. That will teach you to indicate I may be awesome!

• 94 12-03-2009 at 3:33 pm
  
  Round and round it goes... where it stops? said...

  Seems like AMPAS could go in any direction this year since the awards are all over the place. Gothams chose THE HURT LOCKER, NBR goes UP IN THE AIR, and Spirits go to PRECIOUS. Will AMPAS go the way of the slick studio film with the big movie star made by a Hollywood insider with a pedigree, or annoint the first ever woman or African-American film director who have both made difficult, edgy independent films without any major movie stars to fall back on? Stay tuned! It’s getting interesting.

• 95 12-03-2009 at 3:49 pm
  
  head_wizard said...

  One of the stronger lists in my opinion
  (500) Days of Summer
  Inglourious Basterds
  A Serious Man
  Up
  All some of the stronger films I have seen this year.

  Haven’t seen Up in the Air but my most anticipated this year. Weird with Morgan Freeman getting in (even if it is tied) Mulligahn was okay but I haven’t found a lead performance that I am that excited about right now anyways.
  Precious being left out is fine it was a good movie but I do not think it was this great personal film it was hard to get in with any of the characters. Still this is the NBR they have a mind of their own(how terrible!)

• 96 12-03-2009 at 3:58 pm
  
  Matthew said...

  @a-mad

  Wall-E was in the NBR top 10 last year also.

  I’m thrilled though that UP has followed suit.

• 97 12-03-2009 at 4:19 pm
  
  adelutza said...

  How is (500) Days Of Summer better than The Proposal? Really?

• 98 12-03-2009 at 4:52 pm
  
  Nel said...

  @ Billybil – Don’t get me wrong still think you are awesome but Mulligan was too cute for me. Sidibe repulsed me when she first came on screen but in the end – wow!

  I agree with you on Meryl in Julie and Julia, you describe it well and can only hope that the Academy decides to reward Meryl for 27 years of outstanding work.

• 99 12-03-2009 at 4:57 pm
  
  Al said...

  @who ever said the NBR didn’t look anything like the Oscars last year,

  Sure this is true for the awards part, but 4 of their top films (including their winner, Slumdog) were 4 or the 5 nominated. I’d say at least their top 10 list, along with BP, holds at least some consideration, of course that is if things play out like last year.

  My guess is when it comes to Oscar night, The Messenger, (500) Days of Summer, and Star Trek are moved out in favor or Precious, and Nine

• 100 12-03-2009 at 5:34 pm
  
  Guy Lodge said...

  Autopilot Eastwood fawning aside, I’m fine with this list — the high-profile snubs, combined with quirkier inclusions like “Where the Wild Things Are,” give it a bit of character and resolve, things the NBR sometimes lack.

  As for those complaining that Tilda Swinton got overlooked, I sympathize as a fellow admirer — but am sufficiently grateful for the miracle of “Julia” being recognized in the first place! Can’t be too greedy. And Mulligan is a terrific choice for Best Actress.

  By the way, am I the only one sensing that “A Prophet” is gathering more momentum at this early stage than “The White Ribbon?” I think Sony might have chosen the wrong film to open in 2009.

• 101 12-03-2009 at 6:35 pm
  
  Kate Winslet said...

  Meryl was not shut out here … they threw her a bone with the “best ensemble” for “It’s Complicated.”

  I have to agree that Carey Mulligan was extremely competent in “An Education,” but it was a role that has been done a million times before (school girl becomes a woman). I don’t know if the Academy will be so enamored of the role or her to give her an Oscar in 2010, particularly when Streep is so deserving for her portrayal of Julia Child.

• 102 12-03-2009 at 6:48 pm
  
  alex c said...

  has anyone seen its complicated yet? im curious as to what peoples thoughts are

• 103 12-03-2009 at 6:49 pm
  
  Marshall said...

  Check out my in-depth (at least in my opinion) analysis of the awards. Couldn’t be happier with their top 10 list!

  http://marshallandthemovies.com/2009/12/03/nbr2009/

• 104 12-03-2009 at 8:09 pm
  
  Sieben said...

  That’s a very nice Independant Film line-up. Goodbye Solo, Julia, Sugar? Impressive.

• 105 12-03-2009 at 8:13 pm
  
  Dustin said...

  THRILLED to see Up, Where the Wild Things Are, and Star Trek. Not at all put off by the Precious snub… been sensing a backlash for that film for a while and sadly MoNique shot herself in the foot early on with her money demands at movie events. Besides Gabby Sidibe was the best thing about the film. Im over Clint Eastwood and anything Invictus. Thrilled for Anna Kendrick and really hope she becomes a front-runner. Im still thinking that Meryl will go supporting for Julie/Julia… if that happens the race is over… hands down…. but Kendrick is an inspired choice! One of the best NBR lists I can remember!

• 106 12-03-2009 at 8:33 pm
  
  Alex said...

  They love Clint. He always gets an award that he doesn’t deserve.

  Practically every other director of a top 10 movie deserves his award more than him.

• 107 12-03-2009 at 9:00 pm
  
  RyanOAces said...

  It’s Complicated is funny! I think it is Nancy Meyer’s best film. The ensemble award is well deserved. Streep is better in this then Diane Keaton was in Something’s Gotta Give. She should win the Oscar just for the scene in the plastic surgeon’s office.

• 108 12-03-2009 at 9:13 pm
  
  billybil said...

  Forgive me my dwelling more on this issue but I’ve been thinking (I was at the theatre this evening but, I’m sorry to say, it didn’t entirely hold my attention). Anyway – I’m wondering if I’m making the same mistake about Melissa Leo last year that I believe some people are making about Mulligan and Sidibe this year. Leo was extremely effective but there was a grungy, physical component to her look and her environment that contributed to the impact of her work. And, thinking back, it would certainly be easy for me to justify Winslet’s win instead of Leo because I believe Winslet’s role in THE READER required a wider range of experience and it was inhabited by her with a special amount of verve, style, and courage.

  I don’t know – I am such a ridiculous fan of Meryl Streep and it was so obvious Winslet was her biggest threat last year, I may not have given her performance a fair shake. I must watch it again.

  So while I was having those thoughts I realized that Winslet’s work in TITANIC is a great example of where I think an actress took a rather “traditional” part and expanded it into something more. Winslet inhabited her TITANIC role in such a powerful and unique way that she hauled that huge ship of a movie into a far greater emotional experience for everyone. I mean, can you think of one other leading lady in a “disaster” epic who’s ever come even remotely close to the complexity, passion and truth that Winslet conveyed in that film? And, luckily for all of us, DiCaprio was willing and able to accompany her.

  I’m really not trying to knock Mulligan, for God’s sake there aren’t that many young actresses in the world who could have been as interesting and effective in AN EDUCATION as she was – she really is a wonderfully delightful new actress to look forward to seeing in more roles – but she did not transcend her part like Winslet did in TITANIC (and in many of her other parts) and as Streep does in pretty much everything.

  So never mind Other James D. – I’m back to being glad Winslet got it last year if Streep couldn’t.

• 109 12-03-2009 at 11:09 pm
  
  Bing147 said...

  Adam Smith, arguing that 2 films have gotten into picture this decade is hardly saying they’re getting even a smidgen of their due. At least half of the best films in ANY year are foreign. A top 10 that doesn’t feature even 1 is incredibly closed minded. Its to be expected, not enough people will see any one foreign film to make it get in voting wise, doesn’t mean its okay, just that its logical.

  But if I were to make a top 50 films of the decade, or a top 50 screenplays, or a top 50 performances, I’m sure at least half and probably more would be foreign. And I see a lot higher percentage of acclaimed American films than I do acclaimed foreign films just because its so much easier to get ahold of the English ones and I prefer to see movies in theaters and my town is lucky to get 1 foreign film in theaters a year.

• 110 12-04-2009 at 12:11 am
  
  RyanOAces said...

  oh, just noticed Bright Star not noted at all.

• 111 12-04-2009 at 1:52 am
  
  Andrew said...

  Great that 500 Days of Summer and Fantastic Mr Fox got awards, and that Best Ensemble for It’s Complicated is fantastic because it’s not the kind of film you would predict. Will It’s Complicated get a Best Picture nom?

  I don’t like Carey Mulligan’s performance in An Education, I think it’s overrated. Make the same film but set in Texas and it wouldn’t be an “Art film”. Stupid people that think that being British makes a film worthy. Plus, Mulligan has been playing the same character in most of her movies: A teenager. Where’s the “transformation”?

• 112 12-04-2009 at 2:01 am
  
  Ross said...

  I disagree with everyone who says let’s not give Meryl another Oscar. Not yet.
  Come on. Why not? Many, many actors won for nothing. Meryl was ROBBED so many times. Or you would say she didn’t deserve Oscars for SILKWOOD, OUT OF AFRICA, A CRY IN THE DARK, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTRY and ADAPTATION? She has only two Oscars and even though Julie & Julia may not be an Oscar-y movie, her perforance is. Because it’s touching and feels natural (despite of the accent and everthing).

  I’m tired of people saying she’ll be back and next she wins. And this never happens. SHE DESERVES TO WIN. IT’S HER YEAR. I KNOW IT.

• 113 12-04-2009 at 4:42 am
  
  Andrew said...

  I agree with Ross. Streep should win, I’m so sick of the bashers! Stupid teenagers with a computer!

• 114 12-04-2009 at 4:42 am
  
  Lina said...

  Plus, Mulligan has been playing the same character in most of her movies: A teenager. Where’s the “transformation”?
  ===================

  lol, this is really stupid, so Clooney has been playing adults roles for a even longer time.

  Her characther in An Education has nothing to do with the characther that she played in The Seagull, oR on Bleak House (a period piece) just because you only saw one film doesnt mean she plays the same everytime.

• 115 12-04-2009 at 4:49 am
  
  Andrew said...

  Lina, I am not talking about Clooney, I am talking about the so-called “transformation” that Carey Mulligan supposedly underwent to play Jenny in An Education, as most of her supporters claim. It doesn’t seem like a “transformation” like Charlize Theron’s Monster or Angelina Jolie’s Girl, Interrupted. On the contrary, she played the usual character she’s been playing in movies but this time as the leading girl.

  I think Streep did tranform herself to play Julia Child. That was a transformation indeed, instead of campaigning nonsense a la Mulligan.

• 116 12-04-2009 at 5:44 am
  
  Lina said...

  I loved Streep and will be happy if she gets the Oscar for Julia, but I dont think you need to “transforms” to deserve praise ans awards, you need to get a great performance.

  Carey did that, I can understand why some people would think that film is overrtaded, but I also get why peope thought she was fantastic. She gave a fine performance and made a good part looks great.

• 117 12-04-2009 at 6:45 am
  
  Liz said...

  @Zach

  “the explanation that “a film should be good in any format” is bollocks. So fullscreen pan and scan shouldn’t make a movie’s cinematography any less good. Lawrence of Arabia isn’t any good because it isn’t that epic when you’re watching nit on your iPhone?”

  Your examples are not applicable in this situation. If a movie was filmed only in widescreen, then chopping it up to appear in pan and scan is tantamount to artistic vandalism. Watching a 2D movie that is also available in 3D is not at all comparable. Now, if Cameron only released the movie in 3D theaters, I could support the idea that that is the only way to see it.

  As far as “Lawrence of Arabia” goes, yes, I still think “Lawrence of Arabia” can be good on an iPhone. Will you get the entire scope of the movie? No. But, the movie’s story, performances, and script are strong enough that they overcome the diminished impact of the visuals.

  Of course, this is an entirely personal thing. If all “Avatar” has going for it are its awesome special effects in 3D, then that’s not enough for me. For me, characters and story are what make a great movie, not special effects. Your mileage may vary, of course.

• 118 12-04-2009 at 7:44 am
  
  the other mike said...

  a lot of male critics gon vote for Carey Mulligan, and we know why and i cant complain, i also judge my favourite actresses on looks and sex appeal 1st, talent 2nd.

• 119 12-04-2009 at 7:50 am
  
  Solomon said...

  Up in the Air is a drama or a comedy?Could anyone tell me ?

• 120 12-04-2009 at 9:37 am
  
  Guy Lodge said...

  If you’re asking about Golden Globe classification, it’s a drama.

  If you’re asking about the film itself, it’s both.

• 121 12-04-2009 at 1:23 pm
  
  elemacd said...

  The usual suspects…Clooney, Clooney, yadda, yadda, yadda.
  Freeman, no beef there, but Colin Firth should have tied with him. Clooney isn’t that special and the press’ constant barrage of the media with his face has made him even less so.

• 122 12-05-2009 at 9:47 am
  
  Dustin said...

  MoNique will NOT win the Oscar people! Ive said it before and I will say it again…she is NO Jennifer Hudson. Does anyone remember Flavor of Love:Charm School??? Hudson was a powerhouse in Dreamgirls… and lets face it some people win Oscars the day they are cast in movies… she is a prime example of that. Gabby Sidibe was the best thing about Precious… and quite frankly MoNique made me laugh my ass off… I had no sympathy for her character…I appreciate the performance for what it was… a great breakthrough performance. The Academy will go with Kendrick or Moore and Im still convinced Streep will find her self Kate Winslet-ed and find herself in THIS category for the Julia Childs role… thus taking the Oscar with a bullet!

• 123 12-05-2009 at 9:58 am
  
  The Other James D. said...

  @Billybil: I *love* your lengthy, verbose reply. In fact, I don’t even feel I can appropriately respond to it here, without turning this into our own, even geekier forum. I don’t always do this, but you seem groovy enough to have outside conversations with. I hope you still have your subscriptions, so you should e-mail me so we can chat further:

  clinteastwoodlickmyballs@gmail.com

  ^Srsly…that’s one of my e-mails. I swear! As for the rest of you, don’t you bitches be adding me to your Nigerian trust fund scams. I’m Sicilian. Best watch yourself.

  So yeah, write me there, billy, and we can dork out sans limitations. Now, I’m off to Manhattan, on a date involving seeing Museum of Natural History, duck, sashimi, and “Up in the Air”. Later!

• 124 12-05-2009 at 10:44 am
  
  Simon Warrasch said...

  Where the f*** are the movies:

  - The Lovely Bones
  - Nine
  - Precious?????????????????????

• 125 1-20-2010 at 4:20 pm
  
  Al Thomas said...

  Did the voters even see “Hurt Locker”..? It was a piece of camel droppings!

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