My Reaction to the 2011 Oscar Nominations.

Ok.

So first thing's first - WHY CAN'T THE ACADEMY SEEM TO EVER NOMINATE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FOR BEST DIRECTOR?!! It's a real shame, actually, considering the sheer scale of this film. But who knows. After THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, maybe the BATMAN legacy will be viewed as complete and a Best Director nod will follow next year.

I'm also thinking that it is most definitely time for the Academy to change the Best Animated Feature to five nominees. Three really isn't enough considering TOY STORY 3 is also up for Best Picture, so films like TANGLED and DESPICABLE ME never stood a chance of muscling in against TOY STORY 3 and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Hopefully that's something they will look into next year.

As for the acting nods, I'm really glad Michelle Williams gets a nomination here, even if her BLUE VALENTINE co-star Ryan Gosling misses out. Surprised to see Andrew Garfield dropped for THE SOCIAL NETWORK after he was nominated for Best Supporting at practically every other award ceremony. But, at least it gives Mark Ruffalo his first nomination - he may have been more deserving for SHUTTER ISLAND, but no snub, no complaints! To end the acting nominations, the only other person people seem to be upset that wasn't included is Lesley Manville for Mike Leigh's ANOTHER YEAR, but Jacki Weaver's nomination for ANIMAL KINGDOM finally gives this veteran Australian actress a platform to the global stage.

I think maybe I was a little too hopeful for a Best Score nomination for Daft Punk's amazing contribution to TRON: LEGACY (but it's in there for Sound Editing) and also anything effects-wise, or maybe even editing, for SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD.

The BBC's THE GRUFFALO is up for Best Animated Short, though, which made me feel a little fuzzy inside. The fact it had Academy Award winners in it probably helped somewhat...!