Thoughts on 2000s Best Pictures

2000
Who won: "Gladiator" / Dir: Ridley Scott
Who should have won: "Requiem for a Dream" / Dir: Darren Aronofsky (Not nominated)

"Gladiator" was great. I swear. The ending was perfect and Joaquin Phoenix was splendid in his haunting role as a the Emperor. So was Russell Crowe. The tech side was fantastic and the visuals couldn't be beaten that year. But was it really the Best of the Best? No! It wasn't even the best out of the nominees ("Erin Brockovich" was). The nominees that year were some of the most messed up I've ever seen. It was probably the worst Oscar year of the decade for me. The best film that year was most definitely Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream". The story of 4 affected drug addicts really blows the Gladiator out of the podium...the Oscar podium that is.

2001
Who won: "A Beautiful Mind" / Dir: Ron Howard
Who should have won: "Moulin Rouge!" / Dir: Baz Luhrmann (Nominated)

As much as I really, really, really loved this movie and the fantastic story that has something to do with my dad's work (not to mention the lead stars' dynamic performances), the movie didn't hit the perfect strings to be the best. Everyone knew that "Moulin Rouge!" was truly the greatest film that year. Some people feel that its the best this decade (I'm partly with those people). "Moulin Rouge!" was of grandeur and extravagance, but "A Beautiful Mind" seemed to make the Academy out of "love". It didn't take me out of love. "Moulin Rouge!" forever! COME WHAT MAY...

2002
Who won: "Chicago" / Dir: Rob Marshall
Who should have won: "The Pianist" / Dir: Roman Polanski (Nominated)

First, I have to say this was a hella strong year. Possibly the most painful year to decide on. In one side we the spectacle murder story known as "Chicago", with jazzy tunes and great performances. But then we also have the Brody powerhouse "The Pianist". Then we have the Leo-Adams-Hanks-Walken wonder "Catch Me if You Can". Then the Scorsese masterwork "Gangs of New York". The list goes on and on. I gotta say that I'm fine with "Chicago's" win. I'm not as bitter as my "Moulin Rouge!" love. But after "The Pianist" grabbed Director (Polanski) and Actor (Brody), Picture belonged to it. It was absolutely marvelous in all aspects. But hey, all that jazz was loved more...

2003
Who won: "The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King" / Dir: Peter Jackson
Who should have won: "Cold Mountain" / Dir: Anthony Minghella (Not nominated)

It's the best in the trilogy. It really was. But it wasn't what I like to say "Best Picture" worthy. I mean, it was just another one of those "Rings" movie. It was all the same: Frodo, fighting blah-blah-blah! I'm not bashing it okay? But OSCAR for Best Picture? C'mon. We could do so much better then that. The best of the nominees was clearly "Mystic River". But two more films were grater then that too. The crazy world of the "Thirteen" girls and the Civil War love epic "Cold Mountain". "Cold Mountain" was touching, grand and fully magic. I loved it and all the characters and emotion that went with it. How the Academy walked right by this (it got all the other 7 nominations it deserved) for even a Best Picture nod is beyond me...

2004
Who won: "Million Dollar Baby" / Dir: Clint Eastwood
Who should have won: "The Aviator" / Dir: Martin Scorsese (Nominated)

"Million Dollar Baby" is a deserving film. I liked it a lot. Clearly not enough though. A majority of people do think that "The Aviator" should have won. Don't worry, I'm not going with the crowds to say it did. "Aviator" was a clear front runner and it was a front runner for a reason: because it was brilliant. The 5 wins that night gave us hope, but at the end "Baby" took the win. Life wasn't fair for "Aviator" director Martin Scorsese, but the result of the next two years is brilliant for him. I guess he was more motivated after the defeat.

2005
Who won: "Crash" / Dir: Paul Haggis
Who should have won: "Pride and Prejudice" / Dir: Joe Wright (Not nominated)

It's not as bad as people say it was. I mean they exaggerate when people call it "Trash" or "Crap" as its alternative name. It wasn't bad at all actually. Fine, Bullock and Frasier were crap, but everyone else (especially Dillon) was quite good. But just the same, it took up a spot in a year full of brilliantly made movies. It was the worst out of the nominees, but still manages to win. Is it because of that "racial" theme it had. Maybe...Anyways Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", directed by the underrated Joe Wright was far superior and far underrated in its own right. "Pride" is nearly a masterpiece. I hate it when people go all dramatic since "Brokeback Mountain" didn't win--they should be dramatic for Elizabeth and Darcy. :(

2006
Who won: "The Departed" / Dir: Martin Scorsese
Who should have won: "The Departed" / Dir: Martin Scorsese (Nominated)

The only year this decade I agree on. This film was by far amazing. Thrilling, intelligent, confident, smart, witty--can't think of enough words to say how good it was. Confusing? Naahh. Just really, really well made. Marty was a genius. He won for the perfect film. DiCaprio was marvelous and so was Damon, Nicholson, Wahlberg and Farmiga. Everyone was in place. All it's Oscar wins match my Chino Choice Awards. Love it.

2007
Who won: "No Country for Old Men"
Who should have won: "Across the Universe" (Not nominated)

Before I saw it I was excited. After I saw it I was very disappointed. It was over hyped and not a very good movie. Well, not as good as everyone says it is. "Across" is a unique choice and I'm a Beatles fan. But believe me, I'm not being bias. It was WORST out of the nominees ("Juno" was the best!) and WORST movie to win Best Picture this decade. It was very, very over hyped. It was utterly mad and people are hypocrites when they call this movie a masterpiece and "Across" crap. It's not true. This was an okay film all together, but to be considered to be TOP HONORS is just waaay tooooo much. A Sound nomination (or win) and a nom for Javier Bardem is enough. "Across the Universe" kicks this ones ass better then Chugah's American accent.



RANKING OF THE MOVIES
01. The Departed (2006)
02. Chicago (2002)
03. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
04. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
05. Gladiator (2000)
06. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
07. Crash (2005)
08. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Downey to play Heff?

The "rumor" is out that every one's Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. impressed Playboy mogul Hugh Heffner so much that he asked him to play him in a reported biopic. I'm a Downey Jr. fan so this is good news and I think that the role would match him well. Let's just hope he doesn't re-create his "Iron Man" (2008) performance and give is something that we'll really love. We trust you dude!

So does this mean that the old reported rumors of Leo DiCaprio playing Heff is gone? I hope not. Either one of them would be very cool...

2000-2007: Favorite Movies of the Year

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2000, Darren Aronofsky)
[Picture: Marlon Wayans and Jared Leto go to a drug distrubution that goes rampant.]

MOULIN ROUGE! (2001, Baz Luhrmann)
[Picture: Nicole Kidman sings the seductive "Diamons Are a Girl Best Friend" to sing to the "one-and-only" Duke.]

THE PIANIST (2002, Roman Polanski)
[Picture: Adrian Brody walks from place to place, past the worrying and terrified Jews in Poland, World War II.]

COLD MOUNTAIN (2003, Anthony Minghella)
[Picture: Renee Zelwegger and Nicole Kidman share a nice, warm Christmas together; looking after each other during the Civil War.]

THE AVIATOR (2004, Martin Scorsese)
[Picture: Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwen Stefani (in a cameo as Jean Harlow) enter the movie premier of "Hello's Angels" in 1920's Hollywood.]

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005, Joe Wright)
[Picture: Keira Knightly looks and observes Mr. Darcy's mansion as she hears piano music from the other room.]

THE DEPARTED (2006, Martin Scorsese)
[Picture: Leonardo DiCaprio reflects his troubled and "living-in-fear" mobster life.]

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (2007, Julie Taymor)
[Picture: Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood and ensemble of the movie sings the haunting "Because" ballad.]

2008 Oscar Predictions

Best Picture of the Year
01. "Doubt"
- It has Meryl Streep in it a it does look absolutely promising and Oscary.
02. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- Could it be director David Fincher's big break? Brad Pitt too. Lets not forget that the Academy absolutely loves Cate Blanchett.
03. "Milk"
- Gay theme with a strong stellar cast. Sean Penn, as everyone knows it brilliant. Brokeback Mountain 2 anyone? Could be...
04. "Revolutionary Road"
- Re-team up of "Titanic" (1997) powerhouse Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Daymm...Mendez is directing, the Academy did love "American Beauty" (1999).
05. "Australia"
- Director Luhrmann and Kidman were really snubbed for "Rouge"! (2001). Could this be there payback? And the visuals are stunning. We always need a strong visiaul film in the lineup anyways.

Best Actor in a Leading Role
01. LEONARDO DICAPRIO - "Revolutionary Road"
- With 3 brilliant Oscar nominated performances under his belt, DiCaprio is long overdue and will eventually win one anyways.
02. SEAN PENN - "Milk"
- Could this be Penn's 2nd Oscar? He's playing a gay politician in a biopic, what more can the Academy want and love...nothing else!
03. BENICIO DEL TORRO - "Che"
- He just won the Canne and he's getting rave reviews despite the film's bad ones. Could he be this years Cate Blanchett nomination?
04. FRANK LANGHELLA - "Frost / Nixon"
- Playing a public figure never hurt. But we still need to see solid reviews for the film to see if he's getting anywhere.
05. BRAD PITT - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- A highly buzzed film and overdue cast only means gold. Lets not mention how promising it looks. Watch the trailer now!

Best Actress in a Leading Role
01. KATE WINSLET - "Revolutionary Road"
- She's brilliant and everyone knows it. From "Sense and Sensebility" to "Titanic" to "Iris" to "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" to"Little Children"..What!? No Oscar win!!! With 2 highly buzzed movies, this might just be her year...
02. MERYL STREEP - "Doubt"
- She's Meryl. Streep. She can do anything. All is said.
03. JULIANNE MOORE - "Blindess"
- Who ever said not winning in the Cannes is a rule. Jullianne Moore is also very long overdue. It just depends if this performnce is absolutely strong enough.
04. KEIRA KNIGHTLY - "The Duchess"
- No win for "Pride and Prejudice" and a brilliant perfmormance in "Atonement". She's young and has it going strong. It's a big possibility for a nomination...ONLY.
05. NICOLE KIDMAN - "Australia"
- Already an Oscar winner. But Luhrmann brings out the best in her (Hello, "Moulin Rouge!"). I can see her up here.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
01. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. - "The Soloist"
- Right now he's gold -- I mean IRON. This could be Downey's comeback year. But sometimes, "comebacks" don't work. Lets wait for the reviews.
02. JOHN MALKOVICH - "The Changeling"
- The films is being reviewed very well. But will Angelina over-shine him?
03. PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN - "Doubt"
- Is his new "thing" supporting roles. With last years nomination for "Charlie Wilson's War", Hoffman could be in a roll. But its another case of = will-the-main-star-overshine-me.
04. DAMIAN BICHI - "Che"
- C'mon. He's playing Fidel Castro.
05. JOSH BROLIN - "Milk"
- He kills the Sean Penn's gay character right? The Oscars love the controversy of this. And man, he was good in last years "No Country for Old Men".

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
01. AMY ADAMS - "Doubt"
- She was snubbed for "Enchanted" (2007), "Junebug" (2005) and "Catch Me if You Can" (2003). Her talent is magnificent. She's young and amazing. Need is say more but this: SHE'S OVERDUE ALREADY!
02. AMY RYAN - "The Changeling"
- She was really great in "Gone Baby Gone" (2007). Could this be one of those: best-out-of-the-nominees-the-previous-year-and-didn't-win-and-will-win-the-following-year-thing ala Renee Zelwegger and Nicole Kidman? Maybe...
03. KATHY BATES - "Revolutionary Road"
- Bates always nails her performances. Higly buzzed movies might get her another nod.
04. MICHELLE WILLIAMS - "Synecdoche, New York"
- Did a brillaint job in "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) but that was a year too strong. This year might be the same.
05. CATE BLANCHETT - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- I can't think of a Oscar year this century without at least buzz on Cate Blanchett. Knowing her and how much the Academy loves what she does (even if the movie sucks)...she'll got nominated one way or the other.

Best Director
01. JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY - "Doubt"
- I've never heard of him till now. But since I'm predicting "Doubt" as next years Best Picture, might as well give him the win too right?
02. BAZ LUHRMANN - "Australia"
- The "Moulin Rouge!" (2001) snub back in 2001 was the biggest directorial snub in the history of Oscars! Teaming with muse once more Nicole Kidman might finally give this talented director the nom he deserves.
03. DAVID FICHER - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
- Wierd movie but looks too brilliant to be true. His nom will come with the movie's Picture nom. And did I mention, he's way overdue!
04. SAM MENDEZ - "Revolutionary Road"
- Won for "American Beauty" (1999). He'll get nominated for this highly buzed movie...
05. GUS VAN SANT - "Milk"
- Will he finally get a nomination for his gay-themed biopic? I think so...it's a daring project and the Academy won't miss out on it.

C'mon, you got to admit. It's a good show.

Oscar Season is coming up soon!

It seems like yesterday when I was so happy that Marion Cotillard was on the Oscar Podium recieving her Best Actress Oscar. With Cannes finishing up...it won't be long, yeah!

RIP Sydney Pollack (1934 - 2008)

Another talent grately lost.
RIP to the brilliant Sydney Pollack who wasn't only a actor, producer, wirter and public figure but brought out the best in himself when he directed movies. Pollack died from his struggle againts cancer on Monday morning, all will always be remembered. Pollack's talent varried in all genres. From romance to drama to comedy to movies with music and no-music, Pollack's effort has definately made a mark in Hollywood. I'm sad to say he was one of my favorite directors...

3 memorable films:

THE WAY WE WERE (1973) - Sydney shows off his talents with drama "The Way We Were" with superstar Barbra Stresiand and life-long friend Robert Redford (who he made 7 movies with). "The Way We Were" features brilliant direction that fits timeless music together and shows us that years can seem fast and interesting when in the hands of someone that can shift scenes so well.

TOOTSIE (1982) - Pollack not only directs my favorite film of his, but he also acts in it opposite the brilliance of such Oscar-nominated performances of Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and Teri Garr! Pollack gives us something to remember with the gender-bending comedy "Tootsie" in which he recieved an Oscar nomination.

OUT OF AFRICA (1985) - Probably knows as Pollack's greatest cinematic achievement, Pollack puts together a mix of fine acting, breathtaking cinematography, a wonderful story and a uplifting score. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning 7 (2 for himself in the Best Picture and Best Director catagories) Pollack scores and truly makes a mark in history.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM STRUGESS!!!

I've only seen one of his movies, but already 27-year-old Jim Sturgess is already one of my favorite on-screen personalities. Unfortunately, he just misses my 2007 Best Actor lineup as #6. Darn shame. But with his talent, especially the one he showcased in 2007's movie musical extravaganza "Across the Universe", there will be plenty more of him. He's a brilliant young actor, and with such a voice too! He'll go places. I haven't seen his other 2 new movies "21" and "The Other Boleyn Girl" but I'm planning to very soon. Maybe "Boleyn" tomorrow and "21" when its released here on May 28 (long way...). But for tonight, I must celebrate with "Across the Universe"; his triumph (its kinda early to say but I mean it)!!! Brilliant job, can't wait to see more of his films. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!!!

...Hope OSCAR comes soon... :)

Photo: Jim Sturgess mesmerizing the silver screen with his rendition of "Girl", the first musical number in "Across the Universe".

Best Motion Picture of the Year

"ACROSS THE UNIVERSE"
Director: Julie Taymor
Cast: Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther McCoy, T.V. Carpio, Bono, Selma Hayek, Spencer Liff
Screenplay: Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais

TOTAL CHINO CHOICE AWARDS (5): Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Joe Anderson), Best Director (Julie Taymor), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

Set in the groovy 60s and set to the music of the Beatles, we are taken into a musical power serge full of color, sex, drugs and love. Starting out with Jude (Jim Sturgess) in England who falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) when he reaches the shores of America to find his long lost father. Behind there love story is the wacky Max (Joe Anderson), Lucy's brother. And their gang of friends who live with them in the same apartment: rocker Sadie (Dana Fuchs), African-American Jojo (Martin Luther McCoy) and the lesbian Prudence (T.V. Carpio). As the war in Vietnam goes on and Max gets drafted, we enter the world of Jude and Lucy's problems. Jude is an artist who just wants to work, while Lucy becomes a radical rebellion who wants nothing but to be noticed. As their problems (and a crazy rally) tear them apart, Jude gets deported to England but is persuaded by Max to come back and realize that all he needs i love.

"Across the Universe" is the full package for a movie for me this year. Though it doesn't really contrast with my winners of the past years ("The Departed", "Pride and Prejudice", "The Aviator", "Cold Mountain" etc.), when I saw this movie I fell in love with the art and the music. I'm a pure Beatles fan and now a pure "Across the Universe" fan. I'm not ashamed to say t his is my favorite movie of the year, just because its bashed SOOOOO much. I'm proud to say it is. It shows that I have unique taste and a wonderful eye for entertainment. The art, the direction, Joe and Jim's performance, the music, the druggies FX makes "Across the Universe" truly the Best Movie of 2007. I'm in love with it.

Lat years winner: "The Departed"

Best Actor in a Leading Role

"Into the Wild" - EMILE HIRSCH
Portraying Christopher McCandless (aka Alexander Supertramp) we are blessed with a wonderful performance in "Into the Wild" by Emile Hirsch. Believe me Hirsch has been under the radar of brilliance for a long time. His performance in "The Girl Next Door" is underrated, but finally he gets absolutely TRUE recognition for his work here. Escaping his life in the big city, McCandless decides to travel to Alaska with no money and no resources. After meeting dozens of people and rediscovering himself, he arrives at Alaska and starts living there. But as the days go by and he becomes more lonely. He realizes that happiness is only good when shared. Hirsch goes beyond "dialogue" acting, his emotions of loneliness and even his doings when he's eating something, killing something, catching something, taking a bath, thinking = its all remarkable. He makes the movie.

Last years winners: "The Last King of Scotland" - FOREST WHITAKER

Best Actress in a Leading Role

"La Vie en Rose" - MARION COTILLARD
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" goes beyond the makeup. And she is by fat the BEST (as in BEST) performance of the entire year. Her portrayal of Edith Piaf is sensation, uncanny and over-the-top (just like Piaf actually is). Playing her from her early years from the 20s to her death at her late 40s, Cotillard portrays us her life as a street singer, her scandalous life in France, her Night Club days, her Broadway performances, the death of her love ones both named Marcel and her sickness. Without a doubt, Marion Cotillard is excellent. Her performance even excels pass the greatness of the movie itself. Who can forget that "Marcel scene" where Edith goes hysterical to the death of her boyfriend? Or the scene where she faints on stage but still wants to go out again to please her fans? Or the ending, oh the ending!-- That ending where she sings "No Regrets" is mighty amazing. Mighty true to Piaf. Mighty brilliant performance.

Last years winner: "The Queen" - HELEN MIRREN

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

"Across the Universe" - JOE ANDERSON
As a newcomer, British born actor Joe Anderson has made his mark as the carefree, happy Max in Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe". With not much acting experience (he was in a terrible film called "Becoming Jane" last year) Joe Anderson surely gives us a performance to remember. His good looks, damn good voice and phenomenal acting was perfect for Max's character. Playing a rebellious rich boy who moves to New York City to live a free life with his buddy Jude, Max gets the bitter taste when his dropping out of college leads to his drafting to the war in Vietnam. With much agony, when he arrives home, he is war-torn and shell-shoked. Singing unforgettable tunes to match his acting like "Hey Jude", "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Happiness is a Warm Gun", Joe Anderson is a young talent on the rise. With few movies, he'll just get better and better. WOW...one was was so brilliant already!!!

Last years winner: "Dreamgirls" - EDDIE MURPHY

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

"Gone Baby Gone" - AMY RYAN
Amy Ryan's performance in "Gone Baby Gone" is just what it wants itself to be: annoying, self-righteous and arrogant. But that's what brings out the beauty of a new comer now turned gold. Even though Ryan's part wasn't so big, her performance as suffering mother Helene McCready blew off the roof and surpassed most of her co-stars. Portraying selfish and prima donna notions in lower-class Boston, Ryan's Helene is a complex character who only used her daughter's disappearance as a publicity stunt. At the end, when her daughter is retrieved, she goes back to her previous life of drugs and sex, without a care. Ryan gives us a woman to hate, despise and without a doubt the best female supporting performance of the year.

Last years winner: "Notes on a Scandal" - CATE BLANCHETT

Best Director

"Across the Universe" - JULIE TAYMOR
Best female direction I have ever seen is Julie Taymor's in "Across the Universe". Her angles and presentation of things are just absolutely brilliant. She took me into a world of pure madness but I enjoyed it because of the way it was made. Taymor IS "Across the Universe", without her the movie wouldn't have worked. She did a great, spectacular job. She goes beyond "amatuer" and beats many male directors out of the water. I really can't wait to see more of her work in the near future.

Last years winner: "The Departed" - MARTIN SCORSESE

Best Ensemble Cast

"Hairspray"
Just mentioning the names of the amazingly musically inclined cast makes you know what kind of talent pot you have to expect: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta ("Grease", "Saturday Night Fever"), Michelle Pfeiffer ("Dangerous Liaisons", "The Fabulous Baker Boys"), Christopher Walken ("The Deer Hunter", "Pennies from Heaven"), Amanda Bynes ("She's the Man"), James Marsden ("Enchanted"), Queen Latifah ("Chicago"), Brittany Snow ("John Tucker must Die"), Zac Efron ("High School Musical" 1 & 2), Elijah Kelley ("Take the Lead") and Allison Janney ("Juno", "American Beauty")...Damn. Lets not forget the talented chorus dancers that make "Hairspray" a spectacle. Best Cast of the Year!

Last years winner: "The Departed"

Best Original Screenplay

"Juno" (by Diablo Cody)
Ex-exotic dancer Diablo Cody has written a comical masterpiece for all ages. What could be more original and funny than this? "Juno" tells us the story of a young high school student named Juno who gets pregnant and puts up her baby to adoption. During the 9 months of her pregnancy, she is taken on a roller coaster ride with adoptive parents who are so problematic, confusion about her love life and family oh and..."looking like a planet". The screenplay is just brilliant and heartwarming. It's a masterwork.

Last years winner: "Little Miss Sunshine"

Best Adapted Screenplay

"Into the Wild" (by Sean Penn)
Adapted from the book by Jon Krakauer, "Into the Wild" tells the story of Christopher Mckanilis (adapting the name Alexander Supertramp) who had everything in life, only to end up abandoning it to live in the wild. This is his story to Alaska, as he meets people, discovers himself and understands others. "Into the Wild" reads brilliance onto the screen as it did on paper. Sean Penn's adaptation is perfect, with sweet dialogue and story that does not bore.

Last years winner: "The Departed"

Best Original Score

"Atonement"
This is just really, really lovely. Once again, the score in Joe Wright's film is absolutely a hit and is amazing and smart. Not only is it haunting, but the unique way of using a typewriter as an instrument is delectable and unforgettable. The music hits the right notes in the right time. Great to listen to. Probably, the best part of the film too.

Last years winner: "The Painted Veil"

Best Cinematography

"Across the Universe"
I just have to say that the cinematography in this movie is utterly, utterly overlooked and underrated. I mean "its gorgeous", in Sadie's words. The bright stage lights of "Oh Darling and Helter Skelter" to the dimness of "Hey, Jude", "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Happiness is a Warm Gun", "Across" is purely charming to look at and watch in the same time. Very lovely indeed. Spectacular!

Last years winner: "The Prestige"

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

"Across the Universe"
True - it does bring us back to the groovy 60s but its much more then that! From the dark Liverpool walls to the brick wallks of Princeton to the upbeat colorful New York City to The bombings of Viet Nam to a druggy's circus to stages and musical performances to subways stations and rallies to Suburban New Jersey to circulating hospitals to bleeding strawberries and underwater sex, the art direction of "Across the Universe" goes beyond normal...LITERALLY!!!

Last years winner: "Dreamgirls"

Best Costume Design

"Hairspray"
The amazing 60s is what is it: tight suits, poodle skirts, dancing muffins, beads and glitter, glamour and fur, sweaters and chucks...you name it, its all here. The costumes in "Hairspray" takes us back to a time which doesn't want to be anything but beautiful. The grand sowing and many colors are great and eye-candy. Who can forget such iconic clothes worn by John Travolta (The pink and red dresses), Nikki Blonsky (the cockroach dress and big hair!), Zac Efron (the tight blue, grey and black suits) and Queen Michelle Pfieffer (her wardrobe was phenomnal!)!!!

Last years winner: "Dreamgirls"

Best Makeup

"La Vie en Rose"
Transforming someone so, so, so, so BEAUTIFUL, into someone well, uh...not so beautiful is really hard. And that's what "La Vie en Rose" did for Marion Cotillard. It's not just the fact that they turned her completely like the french singer, but the fact that they transformed her face from her life in her early 20s till she dies from sickness at her late 40s is absolutely amazing. And absolutely believable too.

Last yers winner: "Pan's Labyrinth"

Best Sound Mixing

"Transformers"
Once more we are taken into the world of robots, explosions and transforming sounds. Here, the sounds are tricky...mixing together explosions, voices, bullets, fights, conversations and panicking people, "Transformers" introduces us into sound quality so fine, we feel that these events are actually happened right beside us.

Last years winner: "Letters from Iwo Jima"

Best Film Editing

"There Will Be Blood"
How can anyone forget such a masterwork when it comes to cinematography, music AND...FILM EDITING. The editing in "Blood" is spectacular. Enhancing the story little by little till we reach a phenomenal moment when oil springs from the ground and everyone is going crazy. The film editing is beyond perfect, making everything not only beautiful, but exciting too!

Last years winner: "The Departed"

Best Visual Effects

"Transformers"
Though it was a good year for visual effects, it wasn't hard to decide the winner when the action flick "Transformers" came along. The movie was funny, action-packed and the effects were the best anyone had seen. Mighty robots fighting each other, guns blasting off, car chases and off course: transforming and EXPLOSIONS! It was a feast for the eyes!

Last years winner: "Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest"

Best Original Song

"Enchanted" - "That's How You Know"
The Alan Menken /Stephen Swartz tune was hummed by everyone after leaving the theater. The choice of Amy Adams is perfect. The colors and sounds and people of New York City bring the song to life. "That's How You Know" isn't only one of the most sung movie songs of the year, it's the best one too.

Last years winner: "Dreamgirls" - "Listen"

Best Animated Feature

"Ratatouille"
Is is too obvious to be true? Well everyone can surely say that it was really, really the best animated feature of the year. Pixar has been doing a good job lately. The story of Remy the Rat, who goes to Paris to be chef is a little unconventional. But the movie is fun, hip, colorful and includes a brilliant monologue by Peter O'Toole at the end. Bravo! Let's not forget the fact that the animation is gorgeous...

Last years winner: "Cars"

4th Annual Chino Choice Awards nominees

This was quite a sad year for me since I missed out 3 major movies: "Away from Her", "Once" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly". And since its getting quite late, I guess I have to post my awarding now. How annoying I didn't get to watch those 3. But I will surely update when I do. For now, here are the nominees for the 4th Annual Chino Choice Awards, the winners will be announced tomorrow:

*****

Best Motion Picture of the Year
"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Hairspray"
"Into the Wild"
"Juno"

Best Actor in a Leading Role
"Across the Universe" - Jim Sturegess
"Gone Baby Gone" - Casey Affleck
"Into the Wild" - Emile Hirsch
"Lars and the Real Girl" - Ryan Gosling
"There Will Be Blood" - Daniel Day-Lewis

Best Actress in a Leading Role
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" - Cate Blanchett
"Enchanted" - Amy Adams
"Juno" - Ellen Page
"La Vie en Rose" - Marion Cotillard
"Sweeney Todd" - Helena Bonham Carter

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
"Across the Universe" - Joe Anderson
"The Assassination of Jesse James" - Casey Affleck
"Hairspray" - John Travolta
"Into the Wid" - Hal Holbrook
"No Country for Old Men" - Javier Bardem

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
"Atonement" - Saorise Ronan
"Gone Baby Gone" - Amy Ryan
"Hairspray" - Michelle Pfieffer
"Juno" - Jennifer Garner
"Michael Clayton" - Tilda Swinton

Best Director
"Across the Universe" - Julie Taymor
"Atonement" - Joe Wright
"Into the Wild" - Sean Penn
"Sweeney Todd" - Tim Burton
"There Will Be Blood" - Paul Thomas Anderson

Best Ensemble Cast
"Atonement"
"Before the Devil Knows You're Dead"
"Hairspray"
"Into the Wild"
"Juno"

Best Original Screenplay
"Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" - Kelly Masterson
"Eastern Promises" - Steven Knight
"Juno" - Diable Cody
"Lars and the Real Girl" - Nancy Oliver
"Superbad" - Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg

Best Adapted Screenplay
"Atonement" - Christopher Hampton
"The Assassination of Jesse James" - Andrew Dominik
"Gone Baby Gone" - Ben Affleck & Aaron Stockard
"Into the Wild" - Sean Penn
"There Will Be Blood" - Paul Thomas Anderson

Best Original Score
"Atonement"
"Enchanted"
"Into the Wild"
"Micheal Clayton"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Cinematography
"Across the Universe"
"The Assassination of Jesse James"
"Atonement"
"Into the Wild"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Hairspray"
"Sweeney Todd"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Costume Design
"Across the Universe"
"Atonement"
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
"Hairspray"
"La Vie en Rose"

Best Makeup
"Hairspray"
"La Vie en Rose"
"Norbit"
"300"
"Sweeney Todd"

Best Sound Editing
"Hairspray"
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
"No Country for Old Men"
"300"
"Transformers"

Best Sound Mixing
"Across the Universe"
"Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End"
"Stardust"
"300"
"Transformers"

Best Film Editing
"American Gangster"
"Eastern Promises"
"I'm Not There"
"Into the Wild"
"There Will Be Blood"

Best Visual Effects
"Across the Universe"
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
"Spider-man 3"
"300"
"Transformers"

Best Original Song
"Enchanted" - "That's How You Know"
"Enchanted" - "So Close"
"Hairspray" - "Come So Far (But We've Got So Far to Go)"
"Hairspray" - "Ladies Choice"
"Music and Lurics" - "Way Back Into Love"

Best Animated Feature
"Bee Movie"
"Ratatouille"
"The Simpsons Movie"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUDREY HEPBURN!!!

When you think of the name Audrey Hepburn you think of one of the most beautiful faces that ever graced the silver screen. Along with a face that matched angels, was a talent like no other. A talent that went beyond other actresses of the time. This was Audrey Hepburn, my 2nd favorite actress of all time! Happy Birthday Audrey Hepburn! Though she did pass away at 1993, Hepburn's films are immortal and she has created some of the best screen performances of all time. This is five of my favorites.

1. As Holly Gollightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) - Audrey Hepburn's most iconic performance is really her best. No doubt about it. Not winning the 1961 Oscar is beyond me. She deserved it! Hepburn plays a vivacious, social climbing, outgoing and interesting free-spirit in director Blake Edwards adaptation of Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Hepburn blew the screen away with scenes that broke the heart and a romance that will live forever. Her performance in the film went beyond the screen, after the movie, she became an fashion icon as well...

2. As Eliza Doolittle in "MY FAIR LADY" (1964) - When you put an Oscar winner into a role that's was really, really, really meant to be hers, beyond all the scandal of Hollywood...screen magic will surely be made at the end. Oh yeah...and a snub for an Oscar nomination and maybe even a win. Though I don't have a problem with Julie Andrews Oscar win for that year...she was not even in good comparison to Audrey Hepburn. Playing a poor English flower girl (who talks like white trash) transformed into a "duchess" with beautifully conducted vocabulary in George Cukor's musical co-staring Rex Harrison, Audrey Hepburn was "loverly".

3. As Princess Ann in "Roman Holiday" (1953) - Her Oscar win. Delectable, beautiful, subtle, lovely and charming, Hepburn's Princess Ann goes beyond other princesses. Showing human form and heart when she escapes her high life to join the poor and see how her country is in the eyes of the locals, Princess Ann discovers that she's meant to be in the seat of power and live loveless and a loner. With such performance with so much fun and heart, Hepburn gives a performance that is truly deserving.

4. As Sabrina Fairchild in "Sabrina" (1954) - "Sabrina!" the 1954 romantic comedy with a twist. Playing a poor girl who catches the eyes of two rich brothers, Sabrina is sweet and an amazing cinematic experience. Co-starring Humphrey Bogart and William Holden, and directed by the fantastic Billy Wilder, this crew brings out the best in Audrey Hepburn.

5. As Jo Stockton in "Funny Face" (1957) - Hepburn shows off her musical talents in "Funny Face" as librarian Jo turned model by Fred Astaire. As I watch this movie, I realized that this movie shows off what Audrey Hepburn can do best: dance, act and MODEL! Her dancing is soft and graceful, her acting in fun and zestful and her modeling...DAYM! She's too beautiful to be true!