coming up: The Oscars

i'd been out of sorts lately due to some issues that have been bugging me for the longest time. they're far from resolved, although i've already settled a few of the more nagging ones. also, my schedule is so messed up i barely have enough time to sit down, take a really long breathe and think… 

it's feb. 23 and there are only 2 days left before the oscars. whoopeeeee! 

so many oscar predictions have been coming out of the woodwork, with varying claims of accuracy, it's a wonder how the nominees manage to go around looking and acting casual (the actors, i can understand — it's part of their trade after all).

well, it looks like the acting nods (best actor, actress, supporting actress) are practically a done deal, that is, except for the supporting actor category. these past 2 months eddie murphy has been on everyone's mind, but after Norbit (another of his trademark dumbed-down films) many people are casting doubts about his 'winnability.' if the cards are right, maybe mark wahlberg will win(?!) *performs cartwheels and somersaults*  — that sure would make my day

the best director category is almost just as settled (scorcese! if he goes home winless  again, i'll– now, don't get me started on this one or we'll never get anywhere.) for best foreign film category, i'm rooting for Pan's Labyrinth; for animated movie, Happy Feet (yeah!). for adapted screenplay, i'm hoping The Departed will nab it.

now, here's the funny part. up to now, the race for Best Picture remains an unsettled issue. depending on your sources, the buzz has flip-flopped between The Departed (*throws arms upwards in a supplicating gesture*), Babel, and Little Ms. Sunshine. even the expert oscar watchers are scartching their heads over this one…