Movie Article

Pretty good article on the Oscars.

The most intensely competitive category is Best Supporting Actor. I haven't seen Assassination, but everyone raves about Casey Affleck's performance. He's got the "young guy no one knew was THIS good" vibe about him. Plus, in the back of everyone's head is how he did in Gone Baby Gone. This matters.

Javier Bardem is the obvious choice. You knew it when you saw his haircut - this spelled Oscar.

But then there's Hal Holbrook's performance in INTO THE WILD. I swear if you don't almost cry during the scene in the car, you must be the Tin Man or something.

Oh...but then there is Philip Seymour Hoffman...the definition of "Best Supporting Actor." Seriously. The guy is not a leading man. But he's easily the Best Supporting Actor of his generation. And he's incredible in Charlie Wilson's War. Without Bardem or Hollbrook, his haircut would've won it for him.

The weakest of the bunch is Tom Wilkinson - and he's great in Michael Clayton. The scene when he's carrying the bread. Don't try acting like that at home. It goes from being the funniest part of the movie to an unbelievable moment when you realize "holy shit, this guy isn't crazy, he's the best damn litigator in the law firm." A fine scene - actors should study the performance, how he switches beats and gets from A to B. Really tremendous.

I wish all categories were this strong. I couldn't honestly be disappointed with any of the selections. It's the equivalent of Hillary-Barak-McCain.