the 2011 LCT AWARDS: the film nominees

And we conclude with the film nominees (albeit a few days later than planned).  These are my own picks for the best of the year, and I must say I can't remember the last time I've differed this much from the Academy.  Which is not to say that the Oscars didn't have some admirable choices - many, in fact, I quite enjoyed.  Just not quite as much as this crop.  In film, it seems there were a couple noticeable trends - young actors really excelled during 2011, and comedies sort of ruled the roost.  But before I get too indulgent, I'll just show you the nominees themselves...

Higher Ground

Jane Eyre

Super 8

The Tree of Life

Young Adult

J.J. Abrams, Super 8

Vera Farmiga, Higher Ground

Cary Fukunaga, Jane Eyre

Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life

Jason Reitman, Young Adult

Olivia Colman, Tyrannosaur

Vera Farmiga, Higher Ground

Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin

Charlize Theron, Young Adult

Mia Wasikowska, Jane Eyre

Joel Courtney, Super 8

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50

Ryan Gosling, Drive

Hunter McCracken, The Tree of Life

Anton Yelchin, Like Crazy

Jessica Chastain, The Help

Anjelica Huston, 50/50

Anna Kendrick, 50/50

Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

Octavia Spencer, The Help

Laramie Eppler, The Tree of Life

John Hawkes, Higher Ground

Brad Pitt, The Tree of Life

Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Corey Stoll, Midnight in Paris

J.J. Abrams, Super 8

Diablo Cody, Young Adult

Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids

Will Reiser, 50/50

Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller, The Muppets

Pedro Almodovar, The Skin I Live In

Carolyn Briggs & Tim Metcalfe, Higher Ground

Moira Buffini, Jane Eyre

John Logan, Hugo

Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Chris Bacon, Source Code

Michael Giacchino, Super 8

Alberto Iglesias, The Skin I Live In

Dario Marianelli, Jane Eyre

John Williams, War Horse

"The Backson Song" from Winnie the Pooh

"Life's a Happy Song" from The Muppets

"The Living Proof" from The Help

"Pictures in My Head" from The Muppets

"Star Spangled Man" from Captain America

The Interrupters

Page One: Inside the New York Times

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory

Project Nim

Tabloid

**So there you have it!  That's all she wrote.  The winners will be popping in shortly.  The ceremony itself was held on Sunday night, so anticipate the results to come by the end of the week!**