I was all set to write a post about how I was all TCOB yesterday – canceling my New York tax appointment and scheduling one here, getting my tax stuff together, calling the NY jury duty place to see if I actually had to fly out there (I don’t), posting to The Nervous Breakdown – but then I saw that the Oscar nominations are out.
I don’t know why, but I get completely insane about the Oscars. Some years I refrain from following them because I get so insane (I’m the same way about figure skating). Although the awards show is usually on a Sunday night, I’ll still stay up till two or three in the morning, watching the whole thing and getting completely and utterly wound up.
I think it all started with Stand By Me. I saw it when I was 14 and fell in love with everything about it. Gordie the writer (like me!), the boys’ friendship (nothing like gossipy friendships with girls), and of course River Phoenix.
Then I heard that the movie had been nominated for an Oscar, best adapted screenplay. My parents already asleep, I stayed up and watched the whole show. When Stand By Me’s category came up and the nominations were read, I got so excited, I started jumping up and down. An involuntary high-pitched squeal escaped from my lips.
It didn’t win, but it was an honor just to be nominated.
For the 1997 Oscars, another movie-loving friend and I made it our goal to watch every single film that had a nomination, even if just for costume or set design. I think we came very close. Glancing at the list now, looks like I missed Gattaca, Kundun, Air Force One, and all the documentaries and foreign films. Hmm, maybe I didn’t come close at all, but at least we covered all the big categories.
This year there are ten best picture nominations, up from the usual five. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I’m a traditionalist, at least where the Oscars are concerned, and plus, if I decide to follow the awards, that’s even more movies to catch up on!
“Avatar”
“The Blind Side”
“District 9”
“An Education”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”
“Up in the Air”
I’ve only seen two of these movies! Avatar and District 9. I don’t know if I have time, or the patience to see the others. We’ve been wanting to catch The Hurt Locker, and maybe I’ll go see Precious on my own. However, I’m not sure I can bring myself to see The Blind Side. On that note, The Blind Side??? Really???
Let the insanity begin.
hahaha, yes, let the insanity begin!
On the west coast, you don’t have to stay up as late! :)
oh yeah! plus i don’t have a job so what does it matter anyway, right? ;)
If you had not mentioned it, I wouldn’t have known that there are more pictures nominated this year. More movies to watch! I’ve only seen District 9 and I think I’m on my own if I want to watch Precious. We’re trying to watch Avatar in 3D and Imax and might not brave the lineups until March, or after the Oscars!
After watching the Golden Globes, I’m quite sold on watching Up in the Air, too.
wyn, i’ve heard that avatar is actually better *not* in 3D. the animation and scenery pops more, ironically. i found the 3D just okay.