Let me begin by saying that not only did I dislike the Academy’s decision to raise the nominations to ten (adding one or two would have been a much better choice), I now don’t even understand the purpose. By adding five slots, you’re supposed to broaden your horizons rather than just choosing the same old cream of the crop. Sure, District 9 is certainly a pleasant surprise and it would have never stand a chance with just five nominees, but what about the one genre that was suppose to make a comeback? It’s called comedy, folks.

The acting, writing, and technical categories are all pretty standard, but it’s a few nominations in the best picture category that has me shaking my head in disappointment.

The nominees are:

Avatar

The Blind Side

District 9

An Education

The Hurt Locker

Inglourious Basterds

Precious

A Serious Man

Up

Up in the Air

Let’s get through the obvious first. It really doesn’t matter that there’s ten nominees anyways, because everyone knows the top five anyways: Avatar, Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Up in the Air, and Precious. The other five are just lucky to be there.

But just because you’re lucky, doesn’t mean you’re worthy. Let’s begin with the most ridiculous nomination of the year: The Blind Side. I gave the movie 3 stars because it is indeed a good movie, a simple uplifting rag-to-riches story through the generosity of a family. The fact that it is a true story is certainly phenomenal, but from a filmmaking standpoint, the movie is certainly not one of the best films of the year. I'll admit, Bullock did a great job and her nomination is worthy (although in a stronger acting year, I’m not sure if she’d make the cut), but I believe the film received its nomination solely based on its box-office intake. It's the highest grossing sports movie ever and the highest grossing movie ever headlining an actress in an original movie. There's nothing wrong with the box-office helping a film out to make their case as a serious contender (Ex: Avatar, District 9, Inglourious Basterds, and Up) but what if The Blind Side bombed? Would it still be looked at as one of the best films of the year? I don't think so. If the other four bombed, would they still be considered as some of the best movies of the year? I'd say yes.

I guess I’m only frustrated with this nomination because, like every year, there are so many other films worth honoring. Here’s what should be there:

Where the Wild Things Are: Not only is this film criminally underrated, but it’s also downright insulting that this film was completely shut out of any nominations. Spike Jonze has crafted an extraordinary film, one that is visually, technically, and narratively stronger than any film I’ve seen all year with the exception of Avatar (however, I would almost consider this a tie).

(500) Days of Summer, The Hangover, or any comedy that is worthy:

Wasn’t adding different genres the whole point of expanding the best picture category to ten nominees? Once again, it’s extremely great to see science fiction films like Avatar and District 9 get nominated, along with Up, the first animated film to be nominated since 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, but where's the comedy? Not only was 500 Days robbed of a Best Picture nomination, it failed to even pick up Best Original Screenplay, which in mind, is probably the biggest snub of the year. You won’t find a more original, funny, and moving comedy anywhere else this year. Even The Hangover could’ve been recognized. It’s the biggest R-rated comedy ever for a reason: because it’s hysterical. Sure, The Blind Side made almost the same amount, but when it comes to the better movie and an ignored genre, The Hangover takes the cake.

What do you think? Please share your thoughts, and let the debates begin!