Click- D

While working in Sarasota, FL, I made a group of friends watch this movie just a few days before the Oscars. Believe it or not, Click is an Oscar Nominated movie. What’s funny is that I thought that the movie was nominated for Best Special Effects. So, for the entire movie we critiqued the effects. Along comes Oscar Night, and we come to realize it’s actually nominated for Best Make-up. All it takes these days is making someone look fat in a movie and you’re nominated.
Anyway, the movie is a waste of time, even with the award winning make-up. When you look up this movie on the Internet Movie Database, one of the plot keywords is “fart scene”. How is that a plot keyword? What’s even funnier is that “death” and “redemption” are also included. There’s really not much more to say. D

Little Children- A

There is something about a great performance that really sticks with me. This is especially true when actors are required to play the person who could live next door to me, playing the regular guy/girl who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances. In the past few years there are only a few movies that have moved me in this way, one being “In the Bedroom” with Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek. Little Children falls into this same category, presenting a hand-full of characters who remind me of people I know. Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, it centers on individuals whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community. These intersections turn dangerous when a convicted child molester is released from prison and goes back to living with his mother. There are a lot of films that attempt to tackle adultery, but this is different. It’s the combination of the status anxiety of raising children in middle-class America and the deep fear that’s associated with protecting your children and community. But what’s truly amazing is that the movie avoids cruelty and judgment and focuses on the troubling reality of life.
Although the acting as a whole is nearly flawless, particularly in Kate Winslet, (which goes without saying) the standout performance comes from Jackie Earle Haley, who plays the sex offender. It’s indescribable what he does with this character. Don’t miss this one. A

Running with Scissors- B+

Running with Scissors was a big disappointment to a lot of people. I am not one of those people. According to many critics, the chracters are unlikeable (I disagree), the concept distasteful (I disagree), and the direction uninteresting (well...you know). I have to admit, I haven’t read the book of which the movie is based, but I was deeply invested in these characters from begining to end, particularly the two mothers, played by Annette Benning (who I think is overrated, but good), and Jill Clayburgh (who was nominated for 2 oscars back in the 70’s and nothing since, I think it’s time.) I think that in some way I could relate to this movie, and not just because I’m gay. I get such a trill about seeing how people view being raised, through their own eyes.

The rest of the cast includes Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Evan Rachel Wood, Alec Baldwin, Joseph Cross, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gabrielle Union, and Patrick Wilson. It’s directed by Ryan Murphy. (Creator of Nip/Tuck)
Official Site

The Fountain- Visually - A The Rest- D

Cinematically, this movie is a masterpiece. The production design was breathtaking. Don’t let the beauty of the attached picture deceive you.

Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman do a decent job convincing the audience that the movie actually has some profound meaning. Maybe they get it, or maybe they just act like they get it, who knows. The movie itself feels like a mess. It’s pretentious and confusing. It made me feel stupid. Other directors get slack for pulling the same stunts, (i.e. David Lynch) but with these directors you don’t feel like there’s some cosmic answer that’s hidden in the symbolism. The Fountain makes you think that, and in my opinion...there’s nothing there. We’ve all been to movies where everyone sits and watches the entire credits because they want time to process the movie. This movie made you feel like you should do that, but no one really cared.

The Black Dahlia- C

The main issue I have with this movie is that the style of direction and the script do not match up. The movie takes place in the 40’s, and filmed in a noir style. It’s based on the true story of a Hollywood style murder of a high-profile woman. Director, Brian De Palma has made a career out of these types of movies. (The Untouchables, Bonfire of the Vanities, Femme Fatale) De Palma must have seen something in the script that I certainly didn’t. The main problem is the ending, which is unclear and unbelievable. In addition, the pace of the movie is slower than needed and frustrating. It has a stellar cast including Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, and Hilary Swank. I feel that most of De Palma’s movies will stand the test of time, and possibly be recognized more as time goes on. Sadly The Black Dahlia will not be one of them.

Cheun gwong tsa sit (Happy Together) A+++

Last night I watched the movie "Cheun gwong tsa sit" (English title- Happy Together) by Kar Wai Wong (2046, In the Mood for Love, etc) There aren't many movies that I can watch over and over again...but I watched this movie 3 times last night and once this morning already. It's the most beautiful, profound, and moving experience I've ever had watching a movie.

I wish I could give you some sort of plot summary, but it would sound too trite. I couldn't do it justice. Basically, it's about a gay couple living in Argentina and their tumultuous realtionship. It's everything that "Brokeback Mountain" should have been. Along with a tango score that makes me cry just thinking about it, and some of the most beautiful cimematic images ever put on screen, this movie has now made it to the top of my favorite movies of all time.

A+++

Bobby- B+

The reason why this movie is rated so high is because of the effect it had on me. In my opinion, it’s a horribly made, badly directed, and poorly acted piece of work, but it left an impression on me. Emilio Estevez directs with his heart in the right place. He’s clearly passionate about this movie, and it shows. He just doesn’t have the vision to write a movie that is not just moving, but also artistic and beautiful. Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Lindsay Lohan, William H. Macy, Martin Sheen, Christian Slater, Joshua Jackson, and Ashton Kutcher all make up this large ensemble cast. The number of characters crammed in the movie makes it feel sloppy, as if Estevez didn’t have the writing chops to really go into depth about one specific person. So instead you learn a little about each person, not enough to care if they live or die. The final sequence of the movie is the best part, and the reason I find it so moving. In my opinion, this makes all the sloppiness worth sitting though.

Casino Royale- A

I’m not a Bond fan. I’ve never liked a Bond movie. I’ve never even liked a Bond song. Casino Royale is a whole different story. I planned to steer clear, but the reviews were too much. Plus, I love Daniel Craig. So I went. Big mistake. Now do I have to say that I’m a Bond fan? Am I required to rent all the previous Bond movies and reevaluate? I sat there thinking to myself "I like this! I really like this!". The big difference that I see here, compared to the other Bonds I’ve seen, is that Bond is human. He’s still super-human, but he’s also vulnerable, loving, and full of rage and fear. Making Craig Bond was the best decision the Bond series has ever made. The minimal use of gadgets is nice also, which eliminates all camp (which I am so thankful for). With stellar effects, and brilliant action sequences, I’m naming Casino Royale the best action movie of the year.

Sherrybaby- B+

Maggie Gyllenhaal was all over the place this year. (Stranger than Fiction, World Trade Center, Monster House) I never get sick of her. She’s honest and daring. If you don’t know who she is, please rent this movie. She won raves for her performance (and some awards) but the Academy still hasn’t awarded her, even with a nomination. Maggie plays Sherry, a tragically unfit mother who was sent to jail at age 19 because due to a heroine addiction. Now after three years, she’s released, and is set out to regain custody of her daughter, who barely knows her. There is nothing obvious or melodramatic about this movie. It’s raw and haunting. Also, keep and eye out for director Laurie Collyer, who has only directed two films, as of Sherrybaby, winning rave reviews and awards for both.

For Your Consideration- C+

This may be the biggest let down of the year for me. “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show” are tow of my all-time favorite movies. (Both made by Christopher Guest and Company) I was slightly let down after seeing “A Mighty Wind”. (also made by Guest) I think my expectations were too high. I went hoping that “For Your Consideration” would be on my top ten-list of all-time favorite movies. This is expecting a lot. But when you combine Christopher Guest, Parker Posey, Catherine O’Hara, etc. who make a mockumentary about The Oscars, how can I not be excited! The majority of the movie was just not funny. It has its moments (Catherine O’Hara particularly) but the amount of times I laughed out loud were minimal. As of yet, the creators haven’t announced their next project, I just hope it’s not downhill from here.

Friends With Money- C+

This dream cast made “Friends with Money” one of the more highly anticipated movies of 2006. With Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, and Catherine Keener, it’s difficult to go wrong. Unfortunately, Jennifer Aniston was cast in the lead role, and the other three in supporting. Aniston is not a horrible actress, but next to these three she’s boring and unconvincing. I shouldn’t complain, it could be much worse than Aniston. But I just can’t help thinking what the movie could’ve been with Winslet, Gyllenhaal, Balchett, or even Witherspoon as the lead actress. I just hope that Aniston wasn’t the first choice. Ok, I’m over it. The ensemble acting is fantastic, each woman is unique. I did leave the film confused as to why they chose not to reveal how these friends all knew each other.

Thank You for Smoking- A

With a witty script and a brilliant leading actor, Thank You for Smoking is one of the best dark comedies in years. Aaron Eckhart, who was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award for this role, is perfect as the phony quick-witted cigarette salesman. He’s funny, and surprisingly endearing in the role. Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, who balances life between being Big Tobacco’s chief spokesman. and a role model to his twelve-year-old son.

You, Me, and Dupree

You, Me, and Dupree- D+
Although I find Owen Wilson slightly irritating, I can understand his appeal. He has a talent for delivering good one-liners and being honest about making a fool of himself onscreen. It's annoying, but there's something slightly charming about it. The movie does have some good one-liners, and if you love seeing Owen Wilson make a fool out of himself onscreen, you'll be satisfied. The problem now lies in the fact that everything else in the movie is disposable. The remaining actors might be decent at some things, but comic acting is not one of them. The script has no shape at all, and the writing is inconsistent and sloppy. The main source of conflict in the movie lies between Matt Dillon and the other three characters, his wife, his father-in-law, and his best friend. He's frustrated with all three, but refuses to tell them why. The problem is, we as audience members don't know why either and we get frustrated seeing him in agony, when sitting down and just telling them would be sufficient. What's even more frustrating is that the movie ends without any real resolve where anyone admits they were wrong for tormenting this poor guy. Whatever.

The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada- C
In my eyes, Meryl Streep can do no wrong. She picks roles that are interesting and different. It appears that she can do just about anything. Her performance here is no exception. She single handedly saves the movie from complete disaster. Basically, it becomes really difficult to even stay awake during the long stretches that she is off screen. It lacks any sense of humanity and never really rises from being any more than a shallow comedy. If the film makers could take a lesson from Streep, I feel that all could have been repaired. Her character is undoubtedly shallow and seems to be void of any humanity whatsoever, but there are three or four moments of pure brilliance where you see the woman behind the facade. There's one that lasts for a few minutes that is hard to miss, unless you were asleep (which is understandable), but there are plenty of other moments which happen so quickly that you might have blinked and missed them. That's the subtlety and artistry I go to the movies to see. Thank you Meryl!

Lady in the Water

Lady in the Water- D
I think I may be more optimistic about this movie than most, but no one can argue that it's just poor movie-making. I'm optimistic because I feel that it's different than any movie I've seen, and because I've never seen the mixture of Sci-Fi and "real life" be presented in this way. A lot of it is raw, which is what I think director Shyamalan was going for. That said, I haven't met one person or read one review that actually says anything good about the movie. There are major holes in the story and characters. Characters come and go, are able to tell the future but not able to find their way home, die for no reason, change their hair color mid-scene, etc. I think what I find most irritating about the movie is the writer Shyamalan casting himself in a major role. It's not so much that he's in it, it's that he plays an author who is told he's writing will one day change the world. Please tell me he just didn't think it through.

Superman Returns

Superman Returns- B-
This movie will never be considered a classic the way that the original movies are, it might even be blasphemous to see it located next to the originals in the video store...but I have to admit, it got me very gitty the second I heard Superman's Theme return, thanks again to John Williams. Like most movies today, the special effects take the driver's seat while the acting rides in the trunk. The characters just aren't that interesting, and a classic cannot survive on effects only. Brandon Routh may look like the man of steel, but he's not at all interesting on screen. Kevin Spacey may have some great lines, but he's also dull. Worst of all is Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, who manages to make you think "why would Superman go for someone so boring". In attempting to recreate Lois, she manages to take out all the charm and appeal that Margot Kidder infused in the originals. Superman should have gone for Parker Posey, who plays Lex Luther's girlfriend and almost steals the movie. There's a scene near the beginning of the movie where Superman is watching all the horrible things going on in the world on TV. It's interesting that Superman's main goal is to save big city business people and almost kills himself to stop Lex from creating an island. Stop the war already.

Freedomland- D+

One of the few rules that I live my life by: See everything Julianne Moore does. Here Julianne Moore must have seen an interesting character somewhere amidst this mess of a thriller. Freedomland is the worst kind of bad movie, one that thinks it's profound. If you could extract the good performances by Moore, Edie Falco, and Samuel L. Jackson, you'd be left with a Lifetime movie, including the tender soundtrack. On top of it all, there are moment that are just plain bad film making. I think it's pretty common knowledge that you can't hear a conversation in an interrogation room from the hallway, or that bringing a half-crazed mother to search the building that's suspected your dead son is in. If you can look past the basic mistakes and the "overly important" story, there are some fantastic scenes between Jackson and Moore, and one between Falco and Moore that is the most thrilling part of the movie. Official Site

Top Actors of '00-'05

I already have a link to this site on the left-side column, but you really have to check out this guy's list of the top 100 actors of '00-'05. It's really an amzing list. Film Experience
Here's some of my thoughts-
1st - Edward Norton should be way higher on the list
2nd- Ed Harris and Tom Wilkinson didn't even break into the top 20- a tragedy!
3rd- The top 5 perfect, I wouldn't change a thing.
Tell me what you think.

Some Trailers

Here's some trailers from movies on my "highly anticipated" list
All the King's Men
Babel
Dreamgirls
Southland Tales
Zodiac

The Omen

The Omen- D-
It seemed that Hollywood was actually making some decent sequels and remakes then The Omen came along. I really couldn't think of any activity that might be as boring as this movie. Watching golf might me more entertaining. The Omen is movie making at its worst. It fails in every regard. Julia Stiles is really pathetic, and Mia Farrow is horribly miscast. Although there are a few jumpy moments, the movie fails miserably at being scary. If there was a climax, I missed it. Too top it all off, the movie tries desperately to be artistic in it's filming and lighting effects, which makes it impossible to even be considered as a cult favorite. So far, The Omen is winning as the "Worst Movie of the Year". Here come the Razzie Awards. If you don't know what the Razzies are, check this out. Razzie Awards

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta- B+
There are only a handful of movies that are able to successfully combine visually stunning action sequences, dramatic and convincing acting, and a message that actually provokes some thought. Without the non-stop action, this movie would be memorable and satisfying. Evey is rescued by a masked man known as V, who is in the midst of igniting a revolution against futuristic totalitarian Britain. The story may be considered overcomplicated to some, and there were times throughout the movie when I remember wishing that certain scenes would have been discarded. Regardless, the movie is powerful and memorable.

"must see" comedy clips

Here are two "must see" funny clips- hilarious stuff
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8610362188397291938
www.youtube.com/results?search=grape+lady+falls&search_type=search_videos&search=Search

Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2006

10- Zodiac- David Fincher (Fight Club) now tackles the subject of serial killer. Throw in Gyllenhaal (Jake), Downey Jr., Ruffalo, and Selvigny and you got a good movie...hopefully.
9- Prairie Home Companion- Who ever thought that Lindsay Lohan and Meryl Streep would make a movie together. Apparently Altman did.
8- Southland Tales- Listen to this cast- The Rock, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mandy Moore, Jeneane Garofalo, Sheri Oteri, and Sean William Scott. The cast sounds so strange that I have to be excited. Plus it's directed by Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko).
7- Volver- The newest film by Pedro Almodovar got great reviews at Cannes. I can't wait...although I hate Penelope Cruz. Maybe Pedro gave her some acting lessons.
6- Dreamgirls- I'm just hoping that Hollywood keeps making Musicals. After the last few flops, I'm praying the genre doesn't go away.
5- Babel- The creators of Amores perros and 21 Grams team up again. This time with Pitt, Cate Blanchett,and my personal favorite Gael Garcia Bernal.
4- All the King's Men- A remake of the original with Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Patricia Clarkson, Mark Ruffalo and Sean Penn.
3- Inland Empire- I adore David Lynch. Starring Dern, Theroux (from Mulholland Dr.) Julia Ormond, and Jeremy Irons. Lynch needs an Oscar!
2- Little Children- When the director of In the Bedroom makes another movie about the underbelly of suburbia starring Kate Winslet, you can help but be excited.
1- For Your Consideration- A Christopher Guest mockumentary about the Oscar Race...and all the favorites are back.

X-Men and Poseidon

X- Men 3: The Last Stand- B- - I'm a big fan of these movies. To me, they're more than action movies. They revolve around a fabulous central theme of the minorities fighting the majority for their rights, with the minorities divided in two, each thinking their approach is warrented. Generally, the action, story, acting, etc, are great. But, the third installment fell below my expectations, being the worst of the three...but hey, there has to be a "worst of the 3" to every trilogy. I did loved seeing Magneto and Xavier show mutual repect and admiraation for each other although they are enemies.
Poseidon (2006) C- - Another remake gone bad. I know I sound like a broken record, but here goes. Horrible acting, horrible story, repetitive, and cliche. The only reason I didn't give this movie an F is because of the only thing that movies seem to accel at these days...special effects. They're pretty incredible, and just might be reason enough to rent it. I miss Shelley Winters though.

Movies from South Africa

I recently spent some time in South Africa. Due to South Africa's devistating history (and recovery), the country has produced some remarkable films. Here are some
Yesterday (2004)- A women by the name of Yesterday discovers he is HIV+ while living in rural South Africa. Her one goal is to live long enough see her only daughter off on her first day of school. The movie is personal and profound as it confronts the denial and eventual hope caused by AIDS in Africa. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. It was South Africa's first nomination.
Tsosti (2005)- This was the second film to ever be nominated for an Academy Award from South Africa, and the first win. The movie follows 6 days of a young gang member in Johannesburg. Having spent a lot of time in the townships of South Africa, this movie is an accurate depiction of violence in the townships. The acting won't win many awards, but the overall feeling of the movie is powerful and the story is inspiring.
Cry the Beloved Country (1995)- This is an American made movie, but is about South Africa in the 1940s. It stars James Earl Jones and Richard Harris as two fathers, on black on white, bound by the same tragedy...the loss of their sons. This is a remake of the 1951 movie of the same title, staring Sidney Poitier, which I have not seen.
Mandela (1996) Long Night's Journey into Day (2000)- Two extremely powerful documentaries on Apartied.

Mission Impossible III and Last Holiday

Movies 2006
Since the 2005 Academy Awards I've taken a bit of a movie break. But not totally...
Mission Impossible 3- B-
It's exactly what you expect. It's an action thriller that attempts to have some emotion. It does have both action and emotion, but both are only half-hearted. You may walk out remembering some great action moments, but the characters are all fairly forgettable, except Philip Seymour Hoffman who plays a great bad guy. As far as Cruise action movies go, the trilogy has done a good job, and will most likely be remembered for years to come, but I'm hoping this will be the last time I have to sit through the ridiculous extended slow-motion scenes.
Last Holiday- D+
Last Holiday is a cliche about a single women stuck working retail and eating Lean Cuisine. She finds out she's going to die and decides that she will take the holiday she's always wanted and live life to the fullest. If you intend to do the same, don't waste your time or money on this movie. There's not much that's redeeming about Queen Latifah's (Oscar Nominee) performance, but I have to admit that there is something contagious about watching her. I'm hoping one day she might find a good script that isn't so cliche and a director that might try to say something slightly interesting.

If I picked the nominations...

Best Picture
-2046
-King Kong
-Nine Lives
-Junebug
-Brokeback Mountain

Best Actor
-Joaquin Phoenix- Walk the Line
-Heath Ledger- Brokeback Mountain
-Philip Seymour Hoffman- Capote
-Tony Leugn-Chiu-Wai- 2046
-Eric Bana- Munich

Best Actress
-Gwyneth Paltrow- Proof
-Connie Nielsen- Brothers
-Felicity Huffman- Transamerica
-Joan Allen- The Upside of Anger
-Laura Linney- The Squid an the Whale

Best Supporting Actor
-Donald Sutherland- Pride and Prejudice
-Jake Gyllenhaal- Brokeback Mountain
-Paul Giamatti- Cinderella Man
-Ulich Thomsen- Brothers
-Andy Serkis- King Kong

Best Supporting Actress
-Amy Adams- Junebug
-Michelle Williams- Brokeback Mountain
-Frances McDormand- North Country
-Elpidia Carrillo- Nine Lives
-Hope Davis- Proof

Oscar Nominations with Commentary

BEST PICTURE
- Brokeback Mountain
- Capote
- Crash
- Good Night, and Good Luck.
- Munich

Commentary-
I'm happy about Brokeback and Capote. Well deserved. Crash is OK. I think that Good Night and Munich have no place in the Best Picture of the year category! I wait for the time when the Oscars actually ignores "hype" and actually awards the best pictures. Where's 2046, Nine Lives, Junebug, etc? It seems like voters are just too swayed by hype and ads. Especially now that the lines between independent films and mainstream are becoming blurred they really need to get out more. What about foreign films (2046, Nobody Knows) and documentaries (Murderball)?

BEST DIRECTOR
- George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck.
- Paul Haggis, Crash
- Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
- Bennett Miller, Capote
- Steven Spielberg, Munich

Surprise! Surprise! I predict Ang Lee.

BEST ACTOR
- Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
- Terrence Howard, Hustle & Flow
- Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
- Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line
- David Strathairn, Good Night, and Good Luck.

This is the only catergory I think they got right. All the actors here are deserving, although Eric Bana in Munich would've been a nice addition.


BEST ACTRESS
- Judi Dench, Mrs. Henderson Presents
- Felicity Huffman, Transamerica
- Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
- Charlize Theron, North Country
- Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Did the Academy even see Mrs. Henderson or just award her on the fact that she's Judy Dench? Keira Knightly...what's happening??? The award will go to Reese...but I'd like to see Felicity walk home with it. I'm upset that Gwyneth Paltrow (Proof) didn't make the cut as well as Joan Allen (Upside of Anger). I know the whole world loves Maria Bello (History of Violence), but I find her acting forced and unconvincing.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
- George Clooney, Syriana
- Matt Dillon, Crash
- Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man
- Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain
- William Hurt, A History of Violence

The big news here is that Paul Giamatti finally was nominated after two years of being snubbed. I thought Jake Gyllenhaal would get the snub this time, but thankfully I was wrong! Looking back, I would have hoped that Donald Sutherland would've been nominated for Pride and Prejudice. I thought that it couldn't happen because the movie itself was not a strong contender...but then Keira Knightly gets a nomination.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
- Amy Adams, Junebug
- Catherine Keener, Capote
- Frances McDormand, North Country
- Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
- Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain

Academy, you done good, especially with Adams. I pray she wins. I just wish the category was big enough to include Hope Davis (Proof) and all the fantastic performances by women in Nine Lives. That said, Rachel Weisz's perfomance wasn't a favorite of mine this year, but she's done plenty of good work in the past.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
- Crash
- Good Night, and Good Luck
- Match Point
- The Squid and the Whale
- Syriana

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
- Brokeback Mountain
- Capote
- The Constant Gardener
- A History of Violence
- Munich

BEST ANIMATED FILM
- Howl's Moving Castle
- Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

BEST FOREIGN FILM
- Don't Tell
- Joyeux Noel
- Paradise Now
- Sophie Scholl
- Tsotsi

BEST DOCUMENTARY
- Darwin's Nightmare
- Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
- March of the Penguins
- Murderball
- Street Fight

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
- Batman Begins
- Brokeback Mountain
- Good Night, and Good Luck.
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- The New World

BEST ART DIRECTION
- Good Night, and Good Luck.
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- King Kong
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Pride & Prejudice

BEST FILM EDITING
- Cinderella Man
- The Constant Gardener
- Crash
- Munich
- Walk the Line

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Mrs. Henderson Presents
- Pride & Prejudice
- Walk the Line

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
- Brokeback Mountain
- The Constant Gardener
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Munich
- Pride & Prejudice

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
- Crash - "In the Deep"
- Hustle & Flow - "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp"
- Transamerica - "Travellin' Thru"

BEST SOUND MIXING
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- King Kong
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Walk the Line
- War of the Worlds

BEST SOUND EDITING
- King Kong
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- War of the Worlds

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- King Kong
- War of the Worlds

BEST MAKEUP
- Cinderella Man
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith