• Michael Cieply says “Welcome to the pop Oscars” regarding the big budget Oscar pushes this year. [New York Times]

• Tom O’Neil reports that the two biggest stars in “Doubt” won’t be at the AFI world premiere on Thursday. [Gold Derby]

• Patrick Goldstein wonders why Oscar consistently shies away from the funny bone. [The Big Picture]

• A chat with “Dear Zachary” director Kurt Kuenne. [indieWIRE]

• Nicholas Lezard comments on Gus Van Sant’s potential adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.” [The Guardian]

• Anthony Breznican profiles Elizabeth Banks and her star-making year. [USA Today]