Oscar nominations were announced today, and I sadly don’t have one film that I’m in love with. Sure, The Help and The Artist were excellent films, but I’m not absolutely crazy about them. Last year, I was in love with The King’s Speech andBlack Swan. This year I merely like a few films.

Why is this? Because none of the films that were truly enjoyable this year were nominated. Here are the best film nominees…

The Artist - understandable because it’s a great film that is nostalgic about Hollywood’s glory days
The Descendants - not really all that moving, see here
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - haven’t seen it yet but I’m sure I would cry
The Help - an outstanding film and worthy nominee
Hugo - haven’t seen it and pretty sure they just nominated it because Scorsese made it
Midnight in Paris - yet another case of nominating a film just because of an iconic director
Moneyball - in no way was this a best film of the year, as you can see here
The Tree of Life - I still need to see this one but I’m sure Malick did a great job
War Horse - This one really ticked me off. I love Spielberg, but this movie was terrible, see why

If I were to choose the nominees I’d choose…

The Artist
It’s different, fresh, appealing, thoughtful and completely lovable.
The Help
Without a doubt one of the best stories of the year and filled with incredible performances
Drive
Amazing cinematography and a gripping story make this present day Western unforgettable. See why
Horrible Bosses
Yep, I’d do away with the grudge the Academy has towards comedies and nominate this hilarious film.
Super 8
This sweet film leaves such a gripping sense of childhood nostalgia, you’ll be wishing to be a kid again.

And as far as Oscar predictions go…

Best Film: The Artist
The Academy loves different, and a silent film about a silent film star at the advent of talkies that is told in an elegant, beautiful way deserves the Oscar.

Best Actor: George Clooney, The Descendants 
Clooney is popular, and the Academy loves him. While his performance was moving, I wouldn’t pick him. I’d nominate Ryan Gosling in Drive, and he would be taking home the award.

Best Actress: Viola Davis, The Help