It’s the 18th Annual “Critics Choice Movie Awards” but the FIRST for me as a voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association. So I was even more anxious than usual to see the nominations list, which was unveiled on Tuesday. The deadline to submit our ballot was Sunday night. I sent mine late Saturday night after having seen as many screeners as possible before voting.
This was the most fun I’ve ever had as a critic and even though not all of my picks (we got to make only three selections in all categories except for five with Best Picture) made the cut, I’m very proud with the final results of the 28 categories. Great job by all of my colleagues at the BFCA.
Some observations:
– 2012 is NOT the year that a blockbuster superhero film gets a Best Picture nomination as both “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Marvel’s The Avengers” fall short.
– Very strong Best Actor category. 6 big-time performances, but hard to see anyone beating DD-L.
– Happy for Naomi Watts, and she could emerge as the favorite for Best Actress as more people see “The Impossible”.
– Big “Skyfall” support in the Supporting categories, as both Judi Dench and Javier Bardem get noms. Didn’t see that coming.
– For the first time ever there are 6 nominees in the Best Animated Feature category. I’m getting credit for getting “Madagascar 3” into the finals.
– “Django Unchained” gets a Best Picture nomination, but no directing or acting nominations. Hmmm.
– Other snubs include: Hellen Mirran, Ewan McGregor and the Anderson directors (Wes and Paul Thomas).
– Comedy categories dominated by “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Ted”, “Bernie” and “This is 40”. No love for “The Campaign” or “The Guilt Trip”.
– Only acting double-nominees (for separate roles): Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook”, “The Hunger Games”) and Anne Hathaway (“Les Miserables” and “The Dark Knight Rises”).
The final vote will take place Jan. 7-8 and winners will be announce LIVE on Jan. 10 on The CW. Mark your calendars. I promise it will be a memorable night.