Arts & Entertainment

Let the red carpet roll for Oscar nominations

By Geronimo Rodriguez
The Daily Cougar

Women -- their fears, feats and fetishes -- will earmark this yearis Oscars. From the cynical dames of Chicago to the suppressed ladies of The Hours to Salma Hayekis unflinching effort in Frida, the 75th Academy Awards is prepped to make filmgoers swoon with a talented gang of women.

Photo courtesy of Miramax

As for movies, Chicago has reaped the benefits left behind by last yearis must-see musical (Moulin Rouge), raking in 13 Oscar nods, including best picture and director. But the film will likely pick up a little gold statue in either of the two actress categories -- Katy native Renee Zellweger, adding to her growing resume, grabbed a Best Actress nomination, and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah received Oscar nods for Best Supporting Actress.

Zellwegeris effort will be compared to a slew of other memorable efforts. Hayekis illustrious performance in the biopic Frida earned the spicy Latina her first nod; Nicole Kidmanis compelling effort in The Hours helped spruce up the competition; and Unfaithfulis Diane Lane made the list for her role as the cheating housewife who bends over backwards to get a glimpse of greener pastures.

Julianne Moore also earned a nomination for Best Actress for her role in Far From Heaven. The actress also grabbed a nod for Best Supporting Actress for her effort in The Hours.

Even though she deserves more than a nomination, Hayekis nod might be nothing more than a show of appreciation. Sadly, the same goes for Queen Latifah. Unless voting officials grow a heart and change the Oscar trend, itis safe to scratch these two from the list and place your bet on one of the other thespians.

Speaking of trends, Meryl Streep, who earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Adaptation, grabbed her 13th nomination on Tuesday. It seemed like luck at first, but after watching even her smallest gestures swarm the screen, itis obvious some time will pass before another actress rivals Streepis talent.

If shedding her clothes is all a woman has to do to get her hands on an Oscar, Kathy Bates (About Schmidt) has jumped ahead of the pack. But since weire talking about Bates, there are a couple of reason why she poses no threat to the rest of the leading ladies -- namely a stunning Lane and curvy Hayek.

As for the Best Actors category, Jack Nicholson is enough to dub this yearis leading men as an elite class, but Nicholas Cageis presence is enough to bring it down to mediocrity.

Even if he doesnit win, Nicholson, who earned a nod for his role as the sloppy-headed, retired insurance salesman in About Schmidt, will surely add color to TV sets come Oscar night. He isnit a pioneer of the screen, but when it comes to passion, Nicholsonis talent is unmatched.

But Cage, who grabbed a nod for Adaptation, reeks of what happens when good actors turn bad. Ever since he wooed audiences as the drunk loser in Mike Figgisi Leaving Las Vegas, Cageis promise has receded as fast as his hairline.

Fortunately, Michael Caine (The Quiet American) and Daniel Day-Lewis (Gangs of New York) will be there to take the honor if Nicholson isnit worthy enough.

Day-Lewis, who denied audiences his talents by taking a lengthy break from the screen, jumped on the role of Bill the Butcher; his startling effort even chopped down that of the highly talented Liam Neeson.

Adrien Brody (The Pianist), who fills the role of this yearis fresh face, rounds out the list of Best Actor nominees.

In the Best Supporting Actor category, Paul Newman (Road to Perdition), Christopher Walken (Catch Me if You Can) or Ed Harris (The Hours) will deservedly make their way to the podium. Chris Cooper (Adaptation) and John C. Reilly (Chicago) are also nominated for the award.

So no Tom Hanks, despite his spectacular effort as the gun-wielding hitman in Road to Perdition, and no Kevin Spacey (thank someone) and the awards are still ready to roll.

Without a doubt, when the award for Best Director is handed out, everyone will be hoping to hear Roman Polanskiis name. These pleas arenit meant to take anything away from the rest of the nominees, but itis amazing to think the director, who is considered a fugitive in the United States, can win an Oscar.

Along with Polanski (The Pianist), Rob Marshall (Chicago), Martin Scorsese (Gangs of New York), Stephen Daldry (The Hours) and Pedro Almodovar (Talk to Her) are also nominated for the Best Director award.

The statues will be passed out March 23 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

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