Oscar Guide 2011: Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Posted by · 12:02 pm · February 2nd, 2012

Best Picture nominees “The Artist” and “Midnight in Paris” seem to be vying for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar, but the other other nominees make for a pleasingly diverse and international field. We examine the field, saying who deserves to win, and who probably will.

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My dream Oscar ballot: part one

Posted by · 1:00 pm · January 21st, 2012

With the Oscar nominations looming, I take a look at the films I’d most like to see recognized in crafts categories, ranging from “The Tree of Life” to “13 Assassins” to “Immortals.”

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'Albert Nobbs,' 'Beginners' and 'Weekend' feature in Gay & Lesbian critics nominations

Posted by · 7:03 pm · January 10th, 2012

The Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association has announced its list of nominees this year, and out front with two mentions apiece were “Albert Nobbs,” “Beginners” and “Weekend.”

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Interview: Writer/director Tom McCarthy on Wall Street, cinematic economy and ‘Win Win’

Posted by · 10:59 pm · January 9th, 2012

Tom McCarthy discusses the subtle links between “wall street” and “main street” in his skillfully rendered character study “Win Win.”

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WGA nominees include 'Bridesmaids,' '50/50,' 'Dragon Tattoo' and 'Young Adult'

Posted by · 9:33 am · January 5th, 2012

The WGA has announced screen nominees this year, and given the gutted field (due to ineligibilities), it wasn’t hard to figure out which way they’d go.

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Predicting the 2011 WGA nominees

Posted by · 9:48 am · January 4th, 2012

Tomorrow the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announces its narrative feature and documentary nominees. Something to remember is that a number of this year’s Oscar-contending screenplays are ineligible for the award due to membership or signatory issues, meaning this is just an opportunity for other films that wouldn’t normally have much room to get into the awards conversation.

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'Tree of Life' leads the way with Central Ohio critics nominations

Posted by · 9:11 am · January 2nd, 2012

The Central Ohio Film Critics Association should implement different nominating procedures so that ties, etc., don’t leave them with a ridiculous slate of 15 BEST PICTURE NOMINEES. Anyway, it looks like “The Tree of Life” has the most mentions.

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First-Half FYC: Best Supporting Actor and Actress

Posted by · 3:32 pm · December 27th, 2011

With the Oscar race so skewed towards late-year releases, worthy contenders from films released between January and June often slip through the cracks. We highlight some standout supporting performances from 2011’s first half, including Christopher Plummer and two stars of “Bridesmaids.”

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Utah critics award 'Drive,' '50/50'

Posted by · 10:02 am · December 21st, 2011

The Utah Film Critics Association has chosen “Drive” as the Best Picture of the year. The film also won Best Supporting Actor for Albert Brooks and Best Cinematography. The group handed two awards to Jonathan Levine’s “50/50,” Best Actor for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Best Original Screenplay.

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From 'Win Win' to 'Bridesmaids,' surprises in the precursor landscape

Posted by · 8:29 am · December 13th, 2011

Amidst the recent slew of regional critics awards lists there have been the predictable pre-Oscar nominations and wins peppered with a few unconventional and often well-deserved selections. One or two of the honors felt particularly surprising, though.

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Contest: Screenplay giveaway

Posted by · 4:54 pm · December 12th, 2011

Win copies of ‘The Descendants,’ ‘Win Win,’ ‘The Help’ and more.

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Indiana critics like 'The Artist,' Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth Olsen

Posted by · 8:07 am · December 12th, 2011

The Indiana Film Journalists Association has, like many before it, given its the Best Picture prize to “The Artist.” But there were a few notable singular choices throughout their list, particularly in the acting races.

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Bottled up: the best films of 2011

Posted by · 7:28 am · December 12th, 2011

With the year winding to a close, it’s time to showcase the 10 best films of 2011. If you heard Friday’s podcast, you know. If you didn’t, dig in.

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'The Artist' leads with 7 Houston film critics nods

Posted by · 4:58 pm · December 11th, 2011

“Win Win” and “Drive” are among the pleasant surprises in the Houston critics’ nominee list, more predictably led by “The Artist” — but is there something suspiciously tokenistic about unaccompanied Best Picture bids for end-of-year Oscar bait?

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Oscar Talk: Ep. 73 — Our top 10 films of 2011!

Posted by · 7:58 am · December 9th, 2011

In today’s podcast, Kris and Anne take a break from the usual order of things to count down, separately, their picks for the best films of the year.

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'The Artist' leads the way with 8 D.C. critics nods

Posted by · 5:09 pm · December 3rd, 2011

We’re in the midst of film awards madness as the second critics group of the year has designated its nominees for superlatives this season.

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'Artist,' 'Tinker,' 'Shame' and 'Marilyn' among contenders not eligible for WGA

Posted by · 3:52 pm · December 2nd, 2011

As happens every year, a list of potential Oscar nominees is ineligible for WGA consideration due to a number of issues (signatory concerns, paperwork avoidance, etc.). This year, though, the list seems particularly long.

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Film Independent spotlights the right stuff in Independent Spirit Award nominations

Posted by · 9:57 am · November 29th, 2011

The Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced this morning, and they showcased some of the absolute best in cinema this year.

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