And the Oscar Goes To...

I almost never watch the Oscars any more. They take too long. I'm over watching all the stars sitting around trying to look happy as the greedy cameras show pore-defining close-ups of them losing.

But even though I don't watch, except for the occasional peek during commercials of whatever show is on opposite, I do always have my favorites to win. I'm a huge fan of oddball actors who get nominated for oddball roles. If Johnny Depp is on the ticket, I'm there.

This year, I'm incredibly excited about Robert Downey Jr.'s nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Tropic Thunder. If you have not seen this movie (and you have a fairly strong stomach) you should rent it, if only to watch Robert Downey's amazing performance. He is a phenomenal actor. And his famous line from the movie is one that will go down in film history with such other immortal lines as
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn,"
"Swim? Hell, the fall will probably kill you," and
"Go ahead, make my day."

Even if you haven't seen the movie, surely you've heard the line.

"I know what dude I am. I'm the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude!"

And that's just one. His performance is filled with gems like that. But be warned, as I said above, Tropic Thunder isn't a movie for the faint of heart--or stomach. But even watching Jack Black doing his thing (ugh) is worth it to get to see Robert Downey Jr.

I don't hold out much hope for him winning the Oscar. As his character says "'specially knowin' how the Academy is about that."

A comment on the www.imdb.com message board, sums up 'how the academy is about that' perfectly.

"(The academy) now feels guilty about denying Heath Ledger the Oscar he deserved for Brokeback Mountain, so it'll give him a posthumous Oscar this year, and give Sean Penn more votes for his excellent gay role than he'd get in a normal year. And then, next year, the Academy will feel guilty about not giving Downey the Oscar he deserved THIS year, and give him a gong for a performance that isn't as good. That's how the Academy works, they always give awards for the wrong performance."

I'll end by saying that the slate of nominations this year for Best Supporting Actor is phenomenal.

• Josh Brolin in Milk
• Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
• Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt
• Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder
• Michael Shannon in Revolutionary Road
  

So the Academy's job is going to be a tough one, but I still stand by my choice.

What about you guys? Are you interested in the Awards? Which one (or ones) keep you on the edge of your seat? And who are you rooting for this year?

Mallory Kane
If You're Looking for a Hero...