With the 83rd Annual Academy Awards airing this Sunday, Feb. 27, we can anticipate the customary mix of glitz, glamour and stars. But while a lucky few will hear their names called in the Kodak Theatre when they announce the winner, some won’t even hear theirs listed with the nominees. Intermission is here to lend a consoling back rub to those sadly snubbed by Oscar with a coveted spot in our weekly Top 5.
Oscar Snubs
Actor: Ryan Gosling, “Blue Valentine”
It seems unfair to honor Michelle Williams but not Gosling when their performances relied so heavily each other. Williams rightfully deserves her nomination, but her exasperated Cindy wouldn’t be half as compelling without Gosling’s frustrating yet endearing Dean.
Director: Christopher Nolan, “Inception”
Nolan is overdue for a directing nod after his near-perfect track record of mind-bending hits. “Inception” was the most sophisticated blockbuster to come along in a while, and there aren’t many other people who could’ve helmed the film the way he did. But with two noms — for Best Picture and Original Screenplay — Nolan’s probably not shedding too many tears.
Supporting Actress: Barbara Hershey, “Black Swan”
In a year of strong matriarchal performances from Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom” to Melissa Leo’s gritty turn in “The Fighter,” Hershey’s sublimely creepy mother in “Black Swan” takes the cake. It’s perhaps a sad testament to Hollywood’s ageism that Hershey was pushed to the sidelines in favor of the fresher faces of fellow stars Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.
Supporting Actor: Andrew Garfield, “The Social Network”
Andrew Garfield was the heart and soul of “The Social Network.” Without his complex blend of cockiness and vulnerability to ground it, the film’s humanity would have been lost somewhere in between Sorkin’s fast-paced dialogue and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s dark ambient score.
Animated Feature: “Tangled”
“Tangled” was a surprisingly pleasant and thoroughly entertaining addition to the Disney canon. While it may have had a shot at a Best Animated Feature nom in a weaker year, it’ll just have to settle on a nom in the Best Original Song category (for “I See the Light”) instead.