Nomination reactions

Abject apologies in the delay in getting this up. Would that the whole of our professional lives were wrapped up in the Oscars. We’ll do our very best to be timely in all commentary.

Without further delay, however, some off-the-cuff reactions to Tuesday’s announcement (kudos to Anne Hathaway on that finishing school voice she had one, by the way).

Leading Actor

HOLLY LEBER: From the trailer alone, I think Jeff Bridges is incredible in “Crazy Heart.” And it’s finally coming to Chattanooga. Looking very forward to seeing if he lives up to expectation.

CASEY PHILLIPS: Agreed about Bridges, and if the pattern of previous years holds up, expect to see “A Single Man” and other nominated films making their (belated) Chattanooga debut in the coming weeks.

Supporting Actor

HOLLY: Ohhhh...Christoph Waltz... And, dear Lord of Cinema Distribution, please send us “The Messenger,” so that we may see Woody Harrelson’s nominated performance. He’s come a long way since “Cheers.” Amen.

CASEY: I’ve said it before, but if Waltz doesn’t win the Oscar, I’m going to buy a hat and eat it. The only other role that came close — that we’ve seen, at least — is the incredibly eerie Stanley Tucci. (**Shudder**)

Leading Actress

HOLLY: Please, someone, give Gabourey Sidibe the recognition she deserves. That’s all for now.

CASEY: Sidibe absolutely warrants a nod, but look out for Carey Mulligan (“An Education”). She’s been swarmed by buzzing Oscar bees for months. Sandra Bullock really will blind side me if she doubles up after taking the Golden Globe.

Supporting Actress

HOLLY: Mo’nique is on a role and rightly so. But I’m happy to see Maggie Gyllenhaal on the list; I’ve been a fan of hers since “Secretary.”

CASEY: It’s interesting to see two nods to “Up in the Air” (Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga), considering neither performance blew me away.

Animated Feature

HOLLY: Yay! I loved “Coraline.” And “Up” as well, but I have a bone to pick: I don’t think a movie should get to be nominated for both Best Animated and Best Picture. It’s double dipping. Worthy of either nod, for sure, but come on, pick one.

CASEY: I was more freaked out than awed by “Coraline,” and there’s no way it’s going to beat “Up.” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is the (very worthy) dark horse here.

Adapted Screenplay

HOLLY: “In the Loop” may be the most foul-mouthed script ever to be nominated for an Oscar, and I loved every minute of its blue-tinged (not the “Avatar” kind) snark

CASEY: I don’t have much of an opinion here. I was just happy to see the Academy disengage its collective lips from King Cameron long enough to give credit to someone else in this category (as well as for original screenplay).

Original Screenplay

HOLLY: You know, I know Tarantino is known for his directing and shooting style, but you have to give the basterd props for his (in)glorious story craft here.

Visual Effects/Sound Mixing/Sound Editing/Film Editing

CASEY: Rule No. 1 for Oscars 2010: “Avatar” may be receiving more homage than some deities, but when it comes to technical categories, it’s well deserved. Cameron will sweep these categories, and painful though it will be to watch his ego swell even more, it’s not unwarranted.

Director

HOLLY: I hope James Cameron doesn’t win, simply because I think he seems like a schmuck.

CASEY: I hope he doesn’t win, but at the same time, if the award is for achievement of a director’s vision, it’d be hard to argue against. Personally, my vote is for Tarantino, who deserves a nod for his first Oscar worthy flick since “Pulp Fiction” in 1994.

Picture

HOLLY: “District 9?!?!” Really? Really?! (I can use the extra punctuation and exclamation points because this is a blog, not a proper article. Also, because I’m aghast).

CASEY: I’d love to see Quentin Tarantino take this one, but the academy will be split between “Hurt Locker” and “Avatar.” I’ll cheer for the former, but if THIS award is thrown at King Cameron’s feet, I’ll need a second hat.

Stay tuned to www.timesfreepress.com/oscars for updates, reviews and commentary. And, of course, video of any hat-eating by Mr. Phillips. Tune in March 7, 2010 for a live chat.