Oh Oscar Part II

Before I get started on the Best Actress category, I'd like to take a moment to rail against the Academy (I've always wanted to use that word, rail) for once again snubbing Paul Giamatti. The film Sideways sucked but Giamatti portrayed the everyman schlub beautifully. And a couple of years ago he was also snubbed for playing illustrator Harvey Pekar in American Splendor. When will the Academy recognize this man? Other snubs: Javier Bardem for his role as Ramon Sampedro, the quadriplegic who fought for 30 years to die a dignified death and of course, Liam Neeson as uber sex researcher Alfred Kinsey. Of course, those snubs could be blessings in disguise because none of them would have beat Jamie Foxx.

Past winners in this category include: Luise Rainer, Bette Davis, Barbra Streisand, Marlee Matlin, and of course Katherine Hepburn. Believe it or not, I can't think of any snubs.

Annette Bening: As Julia, a woman who can't stop acting, Bening's performance is not better than her role in American Beauty, however, it is just as thrilling. She deserves to win this year. Should Win

Catalina Sandino Moreno: As Maria, in Maria Full of Grace, Moreno tackles the role of novice drug mule with total believability. Even though we may know she's not swallowing real drugs, it's a testament to her acting that we (ok I) cringe everytime she is jostled. Sadly, Sandino won't win.

Imelda Staunton: As Vera Drake, the housewife/abortionist, Staunton is hailed as a genuine find. Haven't seen the film but I'm a sad to say Imelda won't win.

Hilary Swank: As Maggie, a tough and determined prize fighter, Swank gives a good performance but it's enough that she already won and the role wasn't much of a stretch, outside of the fight scenes. I really don't want Swank to win but.......Will Win

Kate Winslet: As Clementine, one half of the love couple who erases their memories of each other, Winslet scores another home run. Wait, she's never won either. She should win. Only once has there ever been a tie for Best Actress, oooooh, what a time that would be. Winslet and Bening. Nah, Bening deserves it all on her own.

That's it for now...more later.