.pepper.

I guess you could call it a tradition, so....here's my "annual" Oscar post. For last year's see here. My thoughts and such because I love the movies and I love the Oscars even though I know it's silly. It's my Super Bowl.

Generally, I didn't think this years films were as good as last years. A large group of them I haven't seen because I really didn't feel the need to shell out $12 for them. Also, last year brought us There Will Be Blood which blew me out of the water. It also had Persepolis, La Vie en Rose, and Ratatouille - all great. That's just a general warning, so here it goes (as I try to capture last year's awesome).

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BEST FILM:

First, I really, really, really don't feel like sitting through The Reader - it seems sappy, silly and the reason it's nominated is a testament to the power of Harvey Weinstein. Seriously, that man makes the Devil cry. Milk was a typical bio-pic which apparently equals Oscar gold nowadays but Sean Penn is obviously one hell of an actor. Frost/Nixon was actually one of my favorite films this year. It was based on the play that I was too poor to see when it was running on Broadway and I just thought it was the most sophisticated, adult films I've seen in a long time. It was subtle and just grabbed you but more on that later. But my pick is (duh) Slumdog Millionaire. This is a no-brainer. But I'm going to be honest and admit that I was slightly disappointed in it; I mean, I loved it but I didn't think it necessarily live up to it's hype. My love for Dev Patel (from the best television show ever, Skins) has only grown.

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BEST ACTOR:

Let's get this straight, Brad Pitt is fine actor but he will never win an Oscar. This I predict and this will be true. End of story. As I mentioned before, Sean Penn is fantastic in Milk and I have to disagree with the popular consensus and say that he didn't overshadow the other cast members; it was a great ensemble. I super love that Richard Jenkins was nominated because he is adorable and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the upset tomorrow night - it would be something but it would also be highly unlikely. I guess Mickey Rourke already has his speech typed up and ready to go with the right moments to cry about his dog and flip off Darren Aronofsky. I was not aware he was a well respected actor before his boxing career - I just assumed he was always nuts and nothing more. You learn something new everyday! I also can't wait to see his outfit.

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BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Hey everyone, I love Robert Downey Jr. too but that was not an Oscar worthy performance. It was funny and he was great and he's a great actor and he has a great "from the gutter" story but it just wasn't that good. I didn't even think Chaplin was good enough for a nod in 1993 (Stephen Rae was robbed!). Michael Sheen or Sam Rockwell from Frost/Nixon should be in that slot and we all know it. Anywho, we all know that Heath Ledger will get this award (we've all know since before the movie came out) and we'll all cry and it'll become a part of us. Even if he was still alive he would be getting the award mostly because it's the "sorry, you up against Philip Seymout Hoffman last time" in 2005. Oh man, I just remembered it was Heath Ledger, Hoffman and David Strathairn for Good Night and Good Luck - damn, they should have all gotten it - those are three great performances (and there you go, a fantastic RDJ role as well!). But I really would love it if they gave it to Josh Brolin. He was perfection in Milk; absolutely great and completely overlooked this award season. He was amazing in No Country for Old Men and I really hope he continues to churn out gems (no, I didn't see W. - no comment).

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BEST ACTRESS:

This bores me. Give it to Meryl Streep. I've been reading in every interview with Kate Winslet for last five months about how much she fucking wants an Oscar. Maybe just give it to her to shut her up (and I used to love her so much). And fuck Angelina Jolie - crying and throwing plates against walls does not count as acting.

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BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

This bores me too. Wow, the actresses sucked this year. I'm going for Penélope Cruz because we all want to see her accept the award from real life beau Javier Bardem - hot. She is a great actress (don't believe me? I'll lend you Volver and All About my Mother) and on a shallow note, I would consider selling my soul to look like her.

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BEST SCREENPLAY:

Oh man, I'm tired. I'll update this tomorrow. After Donut Planet.

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BEST FORGEIN FILM/DOCUMENTARY:

See above.