'Gran Torino': Last-minute Best Picture nominee?

J Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:29 AM EST

I don't understand why WB would push a mediocre movie at the risk of ousting a great one. Their clear chance at Oscar is TDK. Eastwood's great, but the movie doesn't hold up.

Ryan O'Brien Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:35 AM EST

Oh it better nab Best Actor!!! And I would LOVE to see it win Best Picture as well!!! But I'd settle for Eastwood winning for his most complex character. Who else could make you laugh at his role of a cranky old bigot? It was a superb film.

R Rothchild Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:40 AM EST

This is hands down the best picture of the year. It at least deserves to be nominated but I don't think it should oust The Dark Knight (which also definitely deserves to be nominated for best picture). Instead I'd like to see academy drop Milk but we know that won't happen.

hannah Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:45 AM EST

i watched the movie and its actually really good. i would love it if eastwood got a best actor nomination for it. but as for a best pic nom i would still go for the dark knight, for me it was the best 2008 has had to offer. both story and entertainment wise.

Laura Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:52 AM EST

I don't mind if this movie gets a Best Picture nomination, as long as it does so in place of the totally overrated, and totally fictional, Frost/Nixon. However, if this movie replaces The Dark Knight, I will be very upset.

Stephie Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM EST

It will only get Best Actor for Eastwood. It will be Penn, Rourke, Langella, Pitt and Eastwood. Although Pitt doesn't deserve to be there either.

Torrence5 Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 12:23 PM EST

Eastwood & Gran Torino all the way to the Oscar podium - ultimate choice by Hollywood. With the exception of Penn, Eastwood is the only actor with a performance that is Oscar worthy & while the Dark Knight is good entertainment, it isn't equal to Gran Torino in talent (& hoefully award) category. Know a lot of people love the Dark Knight - be happy for & with Ledger, the rest doesn't hold up.

Lorie Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 12:29 PM EST

ITA with Ryan O'Brien's comments. At the very least, Clint deserves an Oscar this year for Best Actor.

Gran Torino is a must-see movie. It's worth full price, and I don't say this very often.

graeme Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 12:43 PM EST

No Best Picture nom, but Eastwood is a BIG spoiler in Best Actor. I think he'll win. He's got all the buzz, Penn isn't liked (especially for a 2nd win so soon), and I think Rourke's nomination will be his reward.

R U NUTS Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 01:35 PM EST

Neither Dark Knight or Gran Torino are good enough to be considered. Honestly, these have to be the most flawed movies ever to be so blindly considered as quality.

R Rothchild Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:05 PM EST

"R U NUTS". What do you want to nominate? Just curious.

Ryan Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:12 PM EST

Clint Eastwood didn't get a DGA nod for Letters from Iwo Jima...

Gransire Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:16 PM EST

THE DARK KNIGHT should win as best picture. I get so sick of the "serious" films winning...as if seriousness makes it the best. TDK had everything (and was serious as well). It was amazing to watch, visually stunning, people couldn't keep their eyes off the screen - that's a GREAT GREAT movie. It was thrilling...much more so than any of the other movies being discussed for best picture (and I did love Benjamin Button).

daniel Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:18 PM EST

Eastwood will win best actor. He will stop Mickey Rourke.
But Gran Torino won't be nom for best picture.

check: http://countdownoscar.blogspot.com/2008/12/eastwood-can-win-best-actor.html

PJ Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:20 PM EST

I was entertained by The Dark Knight. But I was moved by Gran Torino. I've always believed the Best Picture nominees shouldn't just be films, but something that can be looked at as a work of art. The Dark Knight is a good movie, but it doesn't fall into this category at all.

Anthony Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:28 PM EST

You're an idiot if you don't think this movie holds up or is better than The Dark Knight, which aside from Ledger's performance is a weak movie.

Mary Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:33 PM EST

My opinion is based on not yet having seen Gran Torino (not that that's stopping me) but the previews for it look laughable. Like they just strung together a bunch of Clint Eastwood mannerisms and catch phrases from his Dirty Harry days. I'm sure the movie is better than that, but it's not coming off that way in the previews. Just my 2 cents. But TDK should so kick GT's behind to get in for Best Picture.

Anthony Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:36 PM EST

The best picture nominees should be as follows:
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
Gran Torino
Milk
Rachel Getting Married

crap like Doubt and Frost/Nixon are overrated as heck and need to be ignored big time

JC Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:41 PM EST

Well, if the trailer even remotely conveys what the film is, then Gran Torino is a glorified afterschool special with mediocre acting.

Of course, trailers can be misleading, but as I squirmed through the unintentionally funny 2 1/2 minute clip for the film prior to other films I've seen recently, I'll wait for the DVD.

jimmy Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:42 PM EST

I feel Gran Torino is WAY over rated. Clint Eastwood did a good job, but the rest of the actors were awful. The dialog was awful too. It pulled me way out of the movie. This movie does not deserve to be nominated.

Mike Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:43 PM EST

Seriously, why is it being positioned that only one Warner Bros. movie can be nominated for Best Pic? Can't Dark Knight and Gran Torino BOTH make the cut? Dude, have you noticed that Frost/Nixon's buzz and box office is dying right at the worst point in the awards season?

And the nominees are:

Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Gran Torino
Milk

Jared Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:46 PM EST

Gransire. You had my vote for "Dark Knight", until you said that you loved "Benjamin Button". Then you lost all credibility. I enjoyed "Forrest Gump" much more, the 1st time around.

KC Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:53 PM EST

Dark knight was a very good film but no way does it compare to Gran Torino. Dark Knight could have stood to do some editing, and I whole heartedly believe that without the untimely death of Heath Ledger the film would not have the prospect of Best Picture or any other award

Rahul Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:54 PM EST

It's a lock for a Best Actor nod. I'd be very surprised if it made to the big dance.

t.g. pierson Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:55 PM EST

Anthony...I have to agree with putting Revolutionary Road in the Best Picture Category. I disagree with your negative comments on Doubt and Frost/Nixon. I personally am very sick of Slumdog Millionaire getting all the attention. This is a great movie for exactly one hour then if falls in love story cliche that are completely disappointing. I would nominate as Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Revolutionary Road
Wall-E

R Rothchild Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 02:55 PM EST

Best Picture Noms should go to.

Gran Torino
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
In Bruges
The Wrestler

R U NUTS Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:00 PM EST

"R Rothchild"... Here are my favorite films (that I saw) of 2008.

Features
-----------------------
Hunger
Entre les murs (The Class)
Gomorra
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
The Wrestler
Rachel Getting Married
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
In Bruges
Revolutionary Road

Documentaries
-----------------------
Taxi to the Darkside
Man on a Wire
Waltz with Bashir

I've seen loads more, and theirs lots I haven't. Having said that, its embarrassing that this article debates which of these should be nominated, when in my opinion neither one is deserving. They're not awful films, but they're so flawed that to forgive them rather then simply choose more deserving pictures is ridiculous.

Ryan Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:03 PM EST

This has to be a joke...the acting in this movie (besides Eastwood) was horrific. When Thao was locked in the basement the audience started laughing at him "yelling for help." The script was terrible, the soldier drums in the background every time Eastwood pulls a gun was beyond corny and Eastwood singing at the end? Give me a break...

R U NUTS Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:12 PM EST

Dave Karger... how much is WB paying you? Please direct me to your review of the Dark Knight. No clue what you like about this.

J Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:28 PM EST

R U NUTS is clearly "that guy" (or girl, as it may be).

Phil Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:36 PM EST

Ok, I have yet to see GRAN TORINO, but my b/f saw it this weekend, and a few others I know have seen it and they all say the same thing, its a great movie, but all the actors beside Eastwood give horrible performances. Now, I'm not a hater, and I realize that Clint is pushing 80, and this could be his final film, but if he is also the director, shouldn't the other BAD performances in the film refelct on him, rather than trying to outshine them with his legendary prestige & Hollywood clout? I mean I'll decide for myself when I get to see the film, hopefully this week, but to garner an Best Actor nod, when you're surrounded in the film by a ton of bad acting, seems kind of trite, and then if he is nominated for Best Director when again, the performances other than his own are bad, you have to then realize your friends on the Academy board are simply nominating you out of pity that this could be your final acting gig. Is that an award Eastwood would even want to accept?

Derek Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:46 PM EST

The only "buzz" it has is mediocre reviews from critics and a 30mil weekend...this againest The Dark Knights many positive reviews, and a 500mil+ total box office.

bruno Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:53 PM EST

i think you're right on the money davey boy...

J Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:53 PM EST

@ Phil

You're sopt-on. It's amazing you could come to those conclusions with some second-hand viewing. What does that say about this movie?

Todd Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:56 PM EST

I can't believe so many people are weighing in on a movie they haven't seen. And the trailer doesn't count. I thought "Gran Torino" was excellent and most worthy of a best picutre nod.

Alex Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 03:59 PM EST

i feel like if this didn't have eastwood's name attached to it (I'm talking in the director's chair), it wouldn't be getting nearly the amount of praise it's getting now.

The plot is pretty made for tv movie ish. and the actors in the film not named clint eastwood are completely laughable. are they even actors? or just people who wandered onto the set when the cameras rolled?

Jennie Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:00 PM EST

Christian Bale's poor performance alone should keep TDK from a Best Pic nod. How did the director allow him to growl his dialogue. Everyone in the theatre laughed whenever she spoke. Heath Ledger deserves to win, but it's no best picture. Gran Torino has been virtually ignored and it was a great moving as well as entertaining film. Not to mention the Adacemy loves Clint. Slumdog has also been way over-rated.

estela Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:03 PM EST

I really love the movie (gran Torina ) i was very sad , but when i went to see the movie i was laught i think the movie should win , good luck mr Eastwwod god be with you

wendy Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:06 PM EST

I wish Slumdog would be shut out. It always seems some dumb movie comes in at the end and there is no stopping it. I wanna UPSET this year. Nominate something random like In Bruges. Slumdog is very predictable. Seen it before yada yada yada. blerg.

KOZ Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:24 PM EST

Best Picture Nominees:
The Dark Knight
Gran Torino
Slumdog Millionaire
Milk
The Wrestler

I don't think Gran Torino will win best picture but I think Clint Eastwood has a major chance at Best Actor

average joe the plumber Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:45 PM EST

both of these movies should be nominated. they were both great, and i think its time we get some more widely seen movies as nominees. thats why no one watches award shows, because they havent heard of the films

Luisa Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:45 PM EST

No no no. No way would Eastwood beat out TDK. That's ridiculous.

purewitz Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 04:59 PM EST

There is no competition, The Dark Knight is the best Picture, best director, best actor, best supporting actor, best effects, best make-up, best costumes, and best score of 2008. In other word its the best at everything for 2008, it did it and it did well.

terri Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:00 PM EST

we saw "Gran Torino" last Saturday and LOVED it, Clint Eastwood was great, and the story was wonderful. A great ending, too. GT should get nominated as Best Picture. I haven't seen Dark Knight, so I can't compare it. Good luck Clint !!!! He deserves it, he's been around a long time and has given so much to the film industry!!!

joni Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:04 PM EST

MILK was fantastic, Sean Penn is a wonderful actor! Gran Torino had a great message and it should get some awards! And of course, Clint Eastwood, he's the BEST !

jo-jo Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:07 PM EST

IF by chance, Micky Rourke would win an Oscar, I hope he cleans up his act and is respectable at the ceremony, he was crude and messy looking at the Golden Globes show. I hope Sean Penn or Clint EAstwood will win. They deserve it! Dark Knight was not that Great.

Colin Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:26 PM EST

If "Gran Torino" bumps out "The Dark Knight", I may have to personally harm Clint Eastwood. I was upset enough when "Million Dollar Baby" knocked off Martin Scorsese and "The Aviator" in 2004, and this would be too much for me to handle

gunzlingr Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:41 PM EST

This is a far superior film to the overrated, and underwhelming The Dark Knight.

jake Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:43 PM EST

why nominate a picture that has no chance of winning. Does Clint really need another nomination over the more deserving Leonardo Dicarprio in Revolutionary Road. does he really need another oscar? Oscar loves him we get it but it's about time to spread the wealth and not just nominate something just because Clint Eastwood is in it.

Rebecca Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 05:58 PM EST

Gran Torino was the best movie I saw in the past year. It was believable and it made me laugh at some times, other times shake my head in disbelief and in the end it brought me and my husband to tears. My coworkers and I rave about it. People can relate to certain moments portrayed in this movie and Clint did a fantastic job. I hope it gets nominations for Oscar for best actor, composer and best picture. Especially touching is the fact that Clint Eastwood stated this may be his last starring role.

Eric Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 06:09 PM EST

To the person who said that aside from Ledger, The Dark Knight doesn't hold up==

Are you serious? Everything other than Clint Eastwood was ABSOLUTELY DREADFUL in 'Gran Torino.' The other actors were horrific, the pacing was horribly off-kilter, and the characterization of everyone was ridiculously bad. Filling a movie with racial slurs and uttering them with a straight face does not make a good movie.

Now, Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler... that is a performance for the ages. The Academy needs to realize that Rourke is fantastic, not look at who has won more awards or who deserves what for their entire career. The Oscars should be based on THIS YEAR'S PERFORMANCES, and without a doubt Rourke's was the best by far.

Gran Torino is incredibly overrated and I can't wait for the backlash, because honestly, it's dreadful.

Spoonbill Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 06:16 PM EST

Yes, Karger is a bit off factually. As has been mentioned, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA received no major guild nominations (no PGA, no DGA, no WGA, no SAG) and it didn't exactly rack up the major precursor honors, aside from a best-film National Board of Review honor. It did get nominations from the Critics Choice awards and Eastwood got a Golden Globe nom for director (and a win for foreign-language film). It had been largely written off for a best pic nom in favor of DREAMGIRLS - but as we know LETTERS nabbed Oscar noms in picture, director and screenplay.

conqueror Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 06:20 PM EST

i'd rather see brad pitt gone from the running, benjamin button was too long and pretentious. the first half was great, but the last half tried to hard for us to feel for these characters. tilda swinton is amazing like normal, but i think cate blanchett phoned in her performance. brad pitt was good, but in no way is it an oscar worthy performance

TorontoTom Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 06:55 PM EST

The Reader and/or Revolutionary Road are the late charging entries in the race. Milk being invisible at the Globes hurt its chances (although I'd put it up against any of the contenders) I hope they go with the five that the PGA and DGA went with.

fancypants Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 07:02 PM EST

My pics for the best pic nominees (and this list is not impossible):

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
-Doubt
-Wall E
-The Dark Knight
-Slumdog Millionaire

This would be the best list, in my opinion, and would guarantee HUGE tv ratings. Deal with it, Cate Blanchett!!

Sandy Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 07:27 PM EST

Gran Torino is a great film. The acting from the supporting actors (neighbor girl and boy) wasn't great. You could tell they are new at their craft; however, there was something poignant about their style. Eastwood was amazing, so iconic and complex at the same time. The ending was perfect; it couldn't have ended any other way. My parents haven't seen a movie in the theaters since Kramer vs. Kramer, and they went to see this one, and that's Oscar worthy in my book :) Best Actor for Clinty; Nod for Best Picture

Ducky Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 08:28 PM EST

The best picture nominees should be:

The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight

I see no flaws in my arguement

dave Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 08:29 PM EST

Gran Torino was a good film. But it doesn't come close to The Dark Knight. It would be really upsetting if it replaces TDK. I don't really think Gran Torino is worthy of a Best Picture nod. I really did enjoy it, and I thought Clint Eastwood gave a good performance. But some of the other actors in the movie were not great, and there are better films this year.
As for Clint Eastwood in the Best Actor race, I'm not sure who I would want to see him replace. I really hope he doesn't take Richard Jenkins spot. It's nice when you see a great talent like Jenkins, although not exactly popular, finally get recognition. Whether Clint makes it into the final 5 or not, in no way should he win. Clint was good in the film, but Mickey Rourke deserves Best Actor more than anyone else.
I hope the film and Clint (for Directing) don't get nominated. If they do, I'm going to be inclined to think that it's because it's Clint Eastwood, and the Oscars love him, no matter what he puts forth.

Rob Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 08:30 PM EST

Lol at the TDK fanboys in this thread. They must really be worried.

Personally I hope Gran Torino gets in for Best Picture, Director, Actor & Score. It is in eevry way, shape & form infinitely superior to that incoherent piece of comic strip junk known as The Dark Knight.

Katie Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 09:12 PM EST

I haven't seen Gran Torino yet, although our movie guru at work said he loved it, but even though I absolutely loved Dark Knight, I don't think it will garner a Best Picture nomination, although I would love to see it get recognized. However if Milk & Revolutionary Road don't get nominated and/or Sean Penn &/or Kate Winslet for Best Actor/Actress, I will be very upset. Kate deserves to win for her performance, although I'm worried that people will think her wins at the Golden Globes will be enough. & for anyone who hasn't seen Milk yet, that is one for the ages.

xsv1nrg2 Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 09:18 PM EST

um....Supurb=no.Just like all his other movies r just ok.Like i mean its gonna be CCofBB,Slum,F/N,Milk,and sigh The DK.So i guess CCofBB wins sense its the best out there now.SLum was a dissapointment.Also i dont want your oppinion on here if u havent seen the movies please.

xsv1nrg2 Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 09:20 PM EST

Ducky,ur flaws r u r a gamer and do not understand the structure of a good movie,u just like Batman like 15 year old.Please no more DK arguments,its makes me sad movies exsist

Omar Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 09:28 PM EST

I have heard great things about Gran Torino, but honestly, it didnt do anything big in the precursors, and MIllion DOllar Baby was nominated for golden globe awards as well. I think The Dark Knight is safe for the oscars. Its buzz is getting stronger. Frost/Nixon could leave for Gran Torino, but The Dark Knight has alot of buzz right now. Its a safe bet it will get nominated.
Maybe Eastwood for actor?

adam Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 09:28 PM EST

My Best Picture picks:
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Milk
Best Actor picks:
Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
Sean Penn (Milk)
Richard Jenkins (The Visitor)
Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Revolutionary Road)
My Best Actress picks:
Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road)
Meryl Streep (Doubt)
Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
Melissa Leo (Frozen River)
Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)
Best Supporting Actor picks:
Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)
Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road)
Josh Brolin (Milk)
James Franco (Milk)
Best Supporting Actress picks:
Kate Winslet (The Reader)
Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)
Viola Davis (Doubt)
Taraji P.Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

***almost made my list: Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Rosemarie DeWitt

Omar Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 10:11 PM EST

OK I was just checking on some stuff as Letters from Iwo Jima and MIllion DOllar Baby won awards in the precursors, Gran Torino hasn't won anything yet if i'm correct...maybe very little. But those 2 films won more, and I'm sorry, I love Clint Eastwood, but it just doesn't have the buzz The Dark Knight has, and his 2 other movies had more buzz than this.
So for all the Dark Knight fans, need not worry. A $500 Million dollar movie that got critical acclaim everywhere, will not be ignored. It will be nominated for Best Picture (it's so weird saying that, esp. for a comic book movie)

anna Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 10:37 PM EST

My top 5 are:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Revolutionary Road
WALL-E
I doubt this will happen though.

Zach Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 10:47 PM EST

This topic is such a waste of time.

Omar Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:52 AM EST

I agree 100% Zach. WHy it was even brought up it totally beyond me. This will never happen. Sorry CLint! Maybe a best actor nomination? thats all i see.

ARE YOU COOKOO FOR COCOA PUFFS? Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 02:05 AM EST

I haven't seen Torino yet, but frankly, we know Eastwoods sphiel. It's Clint Eastwood 45 years after Clint Eastwood. That comment aside, I honestly don't know. But it just doesn't add up for Gran Torino to overpower Batman.
TDK wasn't superb, but it was highly entertaining and certainly enrapturing. Enough to rake in the top box office spots in 2008. The acting...meh. Even Ledger wasn't spot on. He was very solid in the later parts of the movie though.
What made the story good enough for the Best Pic top spot was the perfect balance. Plenty action, a little sparse on the romance, and a little spice on the drama. Plot twists and length really encased you inside Gotham. And with all due respects, Eastwood is done. Stick a fork in the old man.
On an exiting note, I did like Button. Oscar nomination without question. Pitt played it suave but had the Pitt aura that you could just feel watching the movie. The plot was too long though. But it had to be, it was a book turned movie.

winston Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 05:12 AM EST

Look Karger, it's already set, but here's my ballot. Give it a rest.

FRONTRUNNERS/LOCKS

Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
*Wall-e

Alt. Frost/Nixon

Jordan Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM EST

I am sticking with:
Milk
Frost/Nixon
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Revolutionary Road*

*This is my toss-up pic. I have put "The Dark Knight" and "Doubt" in its place previously, but I think with Kate's big win at the Golden Globes on Sun., its now got the edge.

cRAIG Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:12 PM EST

of course he could. Eastwood must have files filled with dirty secrets on Hollywood's elite power players: it's the only way to explain the constant, non-stop praise for a mediocre director/actor. Mystic River is one of the most overrated movies of the decade. as for Gran Torino, i just laughed the first few times i saw the ad..."Get off my lawn!" figured this would finally be the Eastwood film people wouldn't take seriously. and of course, i was mistaken...

Ryan Ann Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:29 PM EST

I am HOPING and PRAYING that "The Dark Knight" is nominated and wins Best Picture. This movie is CLEARLY the BEST picture of 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What this movie has done is unprecedented; it has taken a tired old genre (the action movie) and has made it interesting, smart, witty and have characters you can understand and love. I am sick and tired of people saying Heath Ledger only deserves the Oscar for this movie only because he died. He deserves to win because he gave an amazing performance. Give the man respect people!!! Seriously!!! And I am also sick of all the "Slumdog Millionare" love. If this movie wins Best Picture I am DONE watching the Oscars. Except for "The Departed" winning two years ago they don't know what a Best Movie should be. Look at last year's nominated films. Does anyone even REMEMBER them?? I could care less actually. And I would love to see Clint Eastwood win Best Actor. (The man gets more brilliant with each movie) and WALL-E nominated for Best Picture.

Alexandria Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:33 PM EST

why can't there be some diversity in the nominees? all of the major players for best picture were good movies, but as with every year, they feel kind of the same. it's always the same heavy duty, serious fare. Tropic Thunder was the most fun i had at the movies all year, possibly the most fun i've had at the movies ever. would it kill the academy to just once nominate something light-hearted that lets the audience suspend reality for awhile and just enjoy themselves? isn't that the whole point of the movies? or did TT's brilliant and supposedly over the top satire of hollywood itself hit to close to home? since i know this is a pipe dream that will never come to fruition, for the love of god, can they at least nominate WALL-E? i don't think it would kill anyone involved if they spiced up the genres recognized in the top categories.

JD Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 12:43 PM EST

Since the Academy hardly EVER recognizes an entertaining film like THE DARK KNIGHT as best picture, I would like to see an Oscar be given each year to the highest-grossing film of the year! That is the only way THE PUBLIC can have a say in what we feel is the best picture, and that opinion is not subject to a bunch of elitist snobs who'd rather vote for a period piece just to look intelligent, rather than admit that maybe a superhero movie really WAS the BEST picture of the year! Let the people speak!!

dave Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 02:38 PM EST

Sorry JD, I must disagree with you. Automatically nominate the top grossing film of the year? Well, The Dark Knight deserves to get a nod because it was brilliant. But look at last year. I may be mistaken but I think the top grossing film was Spiderman 3, and what a travesty if it had gotten a Best Picture nod. It sucked.
And Ryan Ann, I completely agree with your opinions on The Dark Knight and Heath Ledger, but not with your skewering of last year's Oscars. Did you actually see any of the 5 films nominated last year? I saw 4 out of the 5 (No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, Juno, Michael Clayton), and they were all brilliant, truly deserving films. The Oscars got it right last year (well almost right-I wish Sweeney Todd had gotten a Best Picture nod) and I think anyone who says the kind of stuff you're saying ("Does anyone even REMEMBER them?") must not have seen any of them. The Oscars are not for the most popular movies of the year. They're for the BEST movies of the year.

shirley Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 02:53 PM EST

the dark knight should get it. you have other not so good movies getting nominated this year and the dark knight is good.

Mrs Mollee Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 03:12 PM EST

I loved Gran Torino. It had a lot of heart and resonated for me, especially living in an area where immigrant populations are swelling and the need for tolerance and acceptance is at an all-time high.

toomuchtv Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 03:57 PM EST

Gran Torino is a great movie, much better than Dark Knight. Without Heath Ledger's wonderful performance I felt Dark Knight would have been unwatchable.

Element Lad Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 06:03 PM EST

I have to agree with KOZ that the best pics of this year are
The Dark Knight
Gran Torino
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler
As much as I loved TDK...having seen it 3 times, I have to agree that it's flawed. The Wrestler'sm release is too limited so far, Slumdog is a bit to much of art film, and Milk loses the straight vote....so that leaves Gran Torino. I think Clint will get the Best Actor win too!

Ducky Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 09:50 PM EST

xsv1nrg2:

If i was saying that a movie like Spider-Man should be nominated for Best Picture then that would make me a comic book fanboy. The Dark Knight is more then a comic book movie and it's kind of sad that you can't realize this, assuming you've even scene the movie because of the movies brialliant complexity. I just posted that earlier remark as a joke, not to start an arguement, but it brings me great pleasure to see a little post like that can piss off a loser like yourself so easily.

filmchick Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:44 PM EST

I haven't seen "Gran Torino," but Eastwood IMO is the most overrated actor/director working today. I will be LIVID if "Torino" knocks out "The Dark Knight" for Best Picture next week!

luis Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 05:58 AM EST

Gran Torino is the best film of the year.I think Gran torino will have 5 nominations:best film,best director, best actor,best original screenplay and best original song and I think clint Eastwood will win the oscar for best actor.

luis Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 06:53 AM EST

5 best films:
1.Gran Torino.
2.Slumdog millionaire.
3.Frost/Nixon.
4.The dark Knight.
5.The curious case of benjamin button.

john Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 07:35 AM EST

Gran Torino is the best film of the year.clint Eastwood will win the oscar for best actor this year.

ds Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 05:01 PM EST

well im sick you all you being sick of slumlord millionaire

the movie isin't about keeping you guessing or whatever you thought it was about..

i think the time for total morons having their way is over
this year something intelligent and innovative like Slumdog should have the spotlight though The dark knight comes a close second i only put it at second because whatever problems it came across.. it just threw money at. Only person that deserves some recognition from that movie is Heath Ledger

Max Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 07:01 PM EST

I still can't believe Dark Knight was not nominated for Golden Globes..but the Oscars should NOT make that mistake..you CANNOT deny is boxoffice power and superb reviews...everyone held their own on that one and it should def win best picture.
Mickey Rourke WILL win Best Actor.
The Wrestler should be nominated for Best Pic too.

christina Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 11:55 AM EST

I have no time to watch the News these days....just found a hot place, you should try it ----****blackwhitefriends . c om***. it is a site for hot women to date charming and rich men. some of famous business men and female celebrities are hanging out there.

Mj Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 02:05 PM EST

WB would be wise to go full throttle with Gran Torino. Torino is a movie built on substance, which is precisely what the Oscars should award. While The Dark Knight is an entertaining and exciting movie, full of great explosions and action, it's a comic; it's too fake. Gran Torino is a profound story of redemption, set in a gritty reality that could be any major American city; not in the dark, mythical, computer generated urban blight of Gotham. While both movies provide compelling reasons to be seen, it's a case of style versus substance. It should be interesting to see which one Oscar favors. Regardless of it's Best Picture chances, it would be a travesty if Clint Eastwood doesn't receive a nomination for Best Actor.

luis Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 07:50 AM EST

Gran Torino is the best film of the year.Clint Eastwood's performance in Gran Torino is the best performance of the year.

Jules Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 11:58 PM EST

Gran Torino was wonderful, and Clint Eastwood was superb in it! Best Picture and Best Actor nominations are deserved. I think The Dark Night is overrated. I don't think it is fair for Heath to win supporting Actor--was he really the best in that category? Or is it a need to give to him posthumously (sp?) But I do think he will win.

RB Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 01:23 AM EST

I just saw Grand Torino and it was the best film I've seen all year. Anyone that can say Benjamin Button was better than this movie is an idiot.

BetteB Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM EST

Clint Eastwood was fantastic in Gran Torino-one of the best movies I have seen in years.
Brad Pitt can't act-I find it helps to watch him with the sound muted

MARK Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 07:12 PM EST

LETS BE SERIOUS GRAN TURINO WAS A HOPELESS MOVIE WITH A LAME EXCUSE FOR A STORY,BAD DIALOGUE,BAD ACTING AND A POOR ENDING.AM I ON ANOTHER PLANET? WITH ALL THESE REVIEWS PRAISING GRAN TURINO.I DONT GET IT,THESE PEOPLE ARE EITHER PAID TO WRITE THESE REVIEWS OR HAVE NO CLUE.CLINT EASTWOOD SACRIFICING HIS LIFE AT THE END WAS A LAME WAY TO PULL AT HEART STRINGS SOME HAD NO IDEA THAT THE KID WAS GONNA GET THE CAR AT THE END.IT WAS THE MOST OBVIOUS THING IN THE WHOLE MOVIE!CLINT THROWS RACIST SLURS AT THE ASIANS THE WHOLE MOVIE BUT THEY STILL LOVE HIM-AS IF THAT WOULD HAPPEN.THE ASIAN 'GANGSTERS' WERE A JOKE. WHY DOES IT SEEM THEY ONLY HAD ONE CAR BETWEEN THEM?THEY MUST BE 15 YRS OLD. NOONE NEEDS DIRTY HARRY TO DEAL WITH THAT.WHY WOULD THEY WANT A HALF RETARD KID TO JOIN THEIR GANG AND THEN SHOOT UP HIS OWN AUNTIE'S HOUSE OVER IT?!BASH HIS COUSIN OVER IT?ITS NOT EVEN HALF AS INTELLIGENT AS SLUMDOG SO STOP COMPARING THEM.

MARK Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 07:21 PM EST

and by the way, comparing clints acting ability to brad pitt's is ridiculous as brad has more than proven himself. Benjamin button was long yes, but a unique story well produced with a strong cast and smart dialogue. gran Turino was none of that. those that praise gran Turino probably think pink panther 2 was comedic genius. i watch a lot of movies and can tell you gran Turino is a saturday afternoon tv movie at most.