That’s an academy award performance? If anyone gets a chance, watch this movie, then watch Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance in Sylvia. Then tell me which performance deserves an AA nomination. Nice to see the AA being awarded for performance quality rather than politics, yeah right.
What’s your surprise pick (or non-pick)?
Oh, I am surprised Jack Nicholson didn’t get nominated, he was in a movie this year wasn’t he?
I haven’t seen Something’s Gotta Give, but I haven’t read many good reviews of it and from what I’ve heard from friends who’ve seen it, Diane Keaton pretty much phones in her performance. That depresses me because I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time. I remember going to see Baby Boom (yeah, I know – Citizen Kane it’s not) when I was twelve and being enthralled by her and I loved her in Annie Hall and other Woody Allen films. So it’s sad to see her reduced to the likes of Hanging Up and Something’s Gotta Give (If my friends and most of the critics are right about it). I’ll probably rent it when it comes out on DVD. Maybe – hopefully – I’ll be pleasantly surprised. And how ironic to think I’ve said for years that I’d like to see her win another Oscar.
As for the awards themselves… I feel that they’re pretty much meaningless anymore. I’ve felt that way for a long time, but the final blow was in March of 2001 when I watched Julia Roberts win Best Actress for playing the same character she’s played in most of her movies. That alone wasn’t what bothered me, though. Although I know that taste in film and in individual performances is highly subjective, I fail to see how anyone could watch Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich and watch Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream and honestly believe that Roberts deserved the Oscar. Yes, there were three other nominees and if one of the others had won, I probably wouldn’t care too much beyond being mildly disappointed that Burstyn didn’t win, but… Julia Roberts!? Of course, it’s entirely possible that the majority of the voters hadn’t seen both performances. Apparently, they’re not required to have seen all of the nominated films and performances before voting. Which just goes to prove my point about the Oscars being meaningless.
However, I still like to see my favorite actors and actresses win because, although the award itself may not mean much, their winning it means a big career boost and even more great parts. Well, usually. This year, I’d like to see either Johnny Depp or Bill Murray win Best Actor, Charlize Theron should win Best Actress, and for Best Picture, I’m going to say either The Return of the King or Lost in Translation.
He was in Something’s Gotta Give, with Diane Keaton.
I’m surprised that Miramax failed to buy “Cold Mountain” a Best Picture nomination, or Nicole Kidman a Best Actress nomination.
As for surprising nominations, two words: Fernando Meirelles.
I would strongly suggest you watch “Something’s Gotta Give” for yourself, then decide whether it’s a good movie or not. No offense to your friends, and maybe you belong to an age group that wouldn’t really respond to it, although when I saw it probably half the audience was late teen to mid-twenties. I can’t imagine anyone in the know saying Diane Keeton phoned in her appearance. She and Nicholson both were wonderful…and wonderful together! You could tell by watching them that they adore each other and were having a ball, as each of them have readily admitted themselves. My opinion, and the opinions of the people I saw it with, is that it is an utterly delightful, charming and funny movie. We can’t wait till it comes out on DVD so we can watch it some more. The supporting cast and the production values were excellent also.
See it yourself. If you don’t like it you won’t have lost much. If you do like it, you’ll have a great time and you’ll carry around memories of it for days.
Well I did see it, and I’m not a youngster. What I saw was Nicholson and Keaton being Nicholson and Keaton, not really acting. Sure it was cute to see these two soon-to-be old timers flirting around and battling with a late-mid-life crisis. But it just wasn’t drama as far as I am concerned. It was Nicholson and Keaton having fun on camera that’s all.
I’m not going to be looking back at this movie 10 years from now and say, wasn’t Keaton’s performance in Something’s Gotta Give extraordinary? But I will be able to say that about Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance in Sylvia.
Sorry. I forgot to address my post to MidnightRadio.
Things like this are all in one’s perception, obviously. I would still suggest very strongly that MidnightRadio actually see the movie to find out for him/herself. As I said, if it isn’t liked, not much is lost; on the other hand it might be one of the most enjoyable films this person will see this year.
With regard to Diane Keeton’s having won an oscar, I have to admit I don’t really care much one way or the other. She was certainly a sentimental favorite, one with relatively few performances these days, and Gweneth Paltrow has been pissing a lot of people off with her mouth, both here and abroad, the last couple of years.
So see it for yourself, Midnight Radio. I think you’ll be happy you did.
And regarding the question pro or con as to reviews, I would refer you to Rotten Tomatoes’ site. You’ll find lots of great reviews by knowledgeable critics.)
Oops…left out the open paren. Should read: "("And regarding…etc. 
I’m glad you agree the Oscars are mostly political. I think the other awards are starting to be much more prestigious in the actors realm (Golden Globe, etc.), these awards say you are a good actor, the AA says you are a good politician.
HA!!! Well I see Keaton won a Golden Globe for 2004. OK, I know nothing, sorry.
(I still don’t get it, oh well …)
Has anyone really ever taken the Oscars seriously?
Yes. 98% of the nominees and 99% of the reicipients. 
And now that you mention it (too bad there’s not an embarrassed smiley-face), it was a Golden Globe she won. The Oscars haven’t happened yet.