There’s no getting around it: 2008 was a really good year for American cinema. Yes, it brought us “Jumper” and “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” but it also brought us plenty of indie gems, great documentaries, charming animated movies and a larger-than-usual crop of really well-made Hollywood films. Need evidence? Just look at this year’s Oscar nominees, which feature some of the best films and performances in recent memory. While I do have a few bones to pick with the Academy — 13 nominations for “Benjamin Button”?! — the nominations are, all in all, a good showcase of the past year in film. Below you’ll find the nominees and my personal picks. You have a lot to live up to, 2009.
BEST PICTURE
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“Frost/Nixon”
“Milk”
“The Reader”
“Slumdog Millionaire”
Release Pick: “Frost/Nixon”
According to much of the Oscar-handicapping I’ve seen, along with general chatter, one of the safest bets at the Academy Awards this year is that “Slumdog Millionaire” will take home the Oscar for Best Picture. “Slumdog” is a great film and certainly deserves all the accolades it’s been receiving. But if I had my way, this one would go to “Frost/Nixon.” Despite its very well-known subject matter, “Frost/Nixon” is not so much a political drama as a very human drama of insecurity, ambition, desperation and redemption. Its stellar cast manages to make a series of sit-down interviews as riveting and suspenseful as the climax of any great sports movie, a feat that is all the more impressive considering that most viewers already know the outcome.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Richard Jenkins — “The Visitor”
Frank Langella — “Frost/Nixon”
Sean Penn — “Milk”
Brad Pitt — “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Mickey Rourke — “The Wrestler”
Release Pick: Mickey Rourke
As the titular character in “The Wrestler,” the movie hinged almost entirely on the quality of Rourke’s performance, and both are honest, powerful and heartbreaking.
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Anne Hathaway — “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie — “Changeling”
Melissa Leo — “Frozen River”
Meryl Streep — “Doubt”
Kate Winslet — “The Reader”
Release Pick: Meryl Streep
You’ve got to hand it to Meryl Streep: she’s earned her reputation as one of America’s most talented actresses. In “Doubt,” Streep doesn’t just play a strict, icy head nun of a Catholic school; for the duration of the movie, she really is that character. When an actress as famous as Streep can make it so easy to forget that you’re watching an actor rather than a character … well, isn’t that the definition of Oscar-worthy? Besides, anyone who can out-act Philip Seymour Hoffman deserves a gold statue in my book.
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Josh Brolin — “Milk”
Robert Downey Jr. — “Tropic Thunder”
Philip Seymour Hoffman — “Doubt”
Heath Ledger — “The Dark Knight”
Michael Shannon — “Revolutionary Road”
Release Pick: Heath Ledger
Anyone who argues that Ledger’s likely Oscar win is little more than some kind of posthumous tribute either hasn’t seen his performance or is a little bit stupid. Ledger’s performance was daring, insane, hilarious, terrifying, mesmerizing … I could go on with all the adjectives, but all that really needs to be said is this: Heath Ledger’s Joker is THE Joker.
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams — “Doubt”
Penelope Cruz — “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Viola Davis — “Doubt”
Taraji P. Henson — “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Marisa Tomei — “The Wrestler”
Release Pick: Viola Davis
Viola Davis is only in “Doubt” for about 10 (15?) minutes, but in that time she brings such emotional heft to the movie that her performance lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Also, she stole a scene from Meryl Streep. Give this woman an Oscar.
BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher — “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ron Howard — “Frost/Nixon”
Gus Van Sant — “Milk”
Stephen Daldry — “The Reader”
Danny Boyle — “Slumdog Millionaire”
Release Pick: Danny Boyle
“Slumdog Millionaire” is an emotionally powerful movie. It is sad and hopeful, disturbing but ultimately full of joy, and these disparate elements are brought together seamlessly in a visually stunning, well-acted and perfectly paced package. Much of the credit for this goes to the able and imaginative direction of Danny Boyle.