I wrote this up for my mom to include in the high school newspaper, and figured it was applicable, and so I'd share it here.
The 83rd Academy Awards are this Sunday, and for the first time in recent memory, several more mainstream films are being considered for the big awards, instead of just the usual artsy/indie R-rated flicks that most of us never saw.
One of the biggest blockbusters of 2010 was Christopher Nolan's Inception, which is up for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Original Score, and several art and technical awards; the film's nominations total 8, tying with The Social Network behind True Grit with 11 and 12 for The King's Speech.
The 2011 Oscars mark the second year that 10 films have been short-listed for Best Picture instead of 5, opening up opportunities for more pictures to be recognized for outstanding production. Other nominees for Best Picture include Toy Story 3, True Grit, The Social Network, and The King's Speech. The Social Network took home the coveted Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture in the Drama category, and The King's Speech reigned at this year's BAFTAs, making both films tough contenders for the Best Picture Oscar.
Nominated for Best Director are Oscar veterans Joel and Ethan Coen (True Grit), along with Academy newcomers Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), David Fincher (The Social Network), Tom Hooper (The King's Speech), and David O. Russell (The Fighter). The Coens have a history in the competition, having taken home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay (Original and Adapted) in past years, but the others are also being recognized around the world this year for their current films.
