Introducing the Tomketeer of the Year!

A Very Important Message from Liz K.

Hello America,

This is Elizabeth K. You may remember me from such honors as Tomketeer of the Month September 2009. Yes, that's right I was one of the original TOMs. You may also remember me as the one and only gluten-free, dairy-free TOM. Well, I feel called upon by my special situation to spread a message of great importance.

As you know one of the most important decisions this great nation faces is upon us. The importance of Tomketeer of the Year cannot be underestimated. Tomketeer of the Year is a serious office and it is important that America raises its voices and votes. The USofA distinguishes itself from other countries because of our great democracy (and cheesestakes), so let's come together and continue the glorious tradition and VOTE.

It doesn't matter who you vote for, just get out there and exercise your constitutional right.

Love and Light in 2011

Endorsements

The race for Tomketeer of the Year is heating up. If you haven't yet voted, click here to make your voice heard.

Former Tomketeers of the Month from around the globe have been sending their endorsements across the wire.

From Kate (March 2009): "How can there be anyone better than Seth. I mean, other than me."

From Liz (April 2009): "I officially endorse Timberly!!"

From Tracy (May 2009): "I endorse Seth."

From Kathleen (June 2009): "I will endorse Timberly."

From Kim (August 2009): "I will go on the record for my support for Seth."

Endorsements for Seth have also come in from Liz K. (September 2009) and Ben (November 2009).

Stay tuned as we hear from other former TOMs.

Merry Christmas from James Franco's Grandmother

Christmas Greetings From the Franco's from James Franco

Merry Christmas from Billy Squier (and all of us)

December Oscar Predictions

Merry Christmas to The Social Network, I guess. It's pulling a Slumdog Millonaire and (boringly) winning award out there. I wonder if that will change come Golden Globe-SAG-Guild time. But for now the critics can't stop creaming their pants over it. From what I've seen this year (and I don't have much left, since there are only 5 good movies this year anyway), it would be my pick too. But if Toy Story 3 wins, I won't be complaining.

Basically in each category, there are a few locks, and then a few maybes, but here's what I think as of today. There are a couple I'm not confident on, and there a few that I'm not really happy with, but so it goes. If I had to pick the winners today, right now, I would say: The Social Network, Fincher, Firth, Benning, Adams, and Bale. (I just have this hunch about Amy Adams that won't go away.) Anyway here are my picks for the end of the year:

Best Picture:

127 Hours (BFCA nomination)

The Black Swan (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Fighter (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Inception (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Kids Are All Right (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination)

The King's Speech (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Social Network (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, LAFC win, BFCA nomination, NBR win)

The Town (BFCA nomination)

Toy Story 3 (BFCA nomination)

Winter's Bone (BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Another Year, Shutter Island, True Grit (BFCA nomination), The Way Back


Best Director:

The Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Fighter, David O. Russell (Golden Globe nomination)

Inception, Christopher Nolan (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The King's Speech, Tom Hooper (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination, NBR win)

The Social Network, David Fincher (Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, LAFC win, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: 127 Days, Danny Boyle (BFCA nomination), True Grit, Ethan and Joel Coen (BFCA nomination), The Way Back, Peter Weir


Best Actor:

Jeff Bridges, True Grit (SAG nomination, BFCA nomination)

Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network (SAG nomination, LAFC win, BFCA nomination, NBR win)

Colin Firth, The King's Speech (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, BFCA nomination)

James Franco, 127 Hours (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Javier Bardem, Bitiful, Robert Duvall, Get Low (SAG nomination, BFCA nomination), Mark Wahlberg, The Fighter (Golden Globe nomination)


Best Actress:

Annette Benning, The Kids Are All Right (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, BFCA nomination)

Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Natalie Portman, The Black Swan (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Halle Berry, Frankie and Alice (Golden Globe nomination), Lesley Manville, Another Year (NBR win), Julianne Moore, The Kids Are All Right (Golden Globe nomination), Noomi Rapace, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (BFCA nomination), Hilary Swank, Convicition (SAG nomination)


Best Supporting Actress:

Amy Adams, The Fighter (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Mila Kunis, The Black Swan (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Melissa Leo, The Fighter (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, BFCA nomination)

Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit (SAG nomination, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Barbara Hershey, The Black Swan, Miranda Richardson, Made in Dagenham, Jackie Weaver, Animal Kingdom (Golden Globe nomination, LAFC win, BFCA nomination, NBR win), Dianne Weist, Rabbit Hole


Best Supporting Actor:

Christian Bale, The Fighter (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination, NBR win)

Andrew Garfield, The Social Network (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Jeremy Renner, The Town (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right (SAG nomination, NYFCC win, BFCA nomination)

Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech (SAG nomination, Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Aaron Eckart, Rabbit Hole, Michael Douglas, Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps (Golden Globe nomination), John Hawkes, Winter's Bone (SAG nomination), Sam Rockwell, Conviction (BFCA nomination), Justin Timberlake, The Social Network


Best Original Screenplay

Another Year (BFCA nomination)

The Black Swan (BFCA nomination)

Inception (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Kids Are All Right (Golden Globe nomination, NYFCC win, BFCA nomination)

The King's Speech (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

Also possible: Blue Valentine, The Fighter (BFCA nomination)


Best Adapted Screenplay

127 Hours (Golden Globe nomination, BFCA nomination)

The Social Network (Golden Globe nomination, LAFC win, BFCA nomination, NBR win)

Toy Story 3 (BFCA nomination)

True Grit (BFCA nomination)

Winter's Bone (BFCA nomination)

Also possible: The Town (BFCA nomination)


Past Predictions:
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010

All good things must come to an end

A message from the outgoing Tomketeer of the Year:

Dear Tomketeers,

As you all have heard, my term as Tomketeer of the Year 2010 is coming to an end. It has been a "hell of a ride." In all my years of public service this has to be the zenith of my career. Working in the soup kitchens, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, donating blood at local blood centers, running marathons for charitable causes; I've never done any of these things, but have heard it's all worthwhile. But nothing compares to his year long honor.

I have taken my responsibilities as Tomketeer of the Year very seriously. All of the Tomketeers of the Month have all been worthy selections and keeping tabs on each and every one of you has not been easy. Whether it's been eyeballing the amount of white wine consumption in said "sippy cups" to offering supportive dialogue to a Tomketeer going through tobacco withdrawal...It's all in a day's work and immensely satisfying!

To all the nominees who are up for this prestigious award, I have some advice. Take this very seriously. You have no idea how this will shape your future. Never let your guard down while out in public, you never know who is watching. Always be available for interviews, public appearances, etc. It is to your advantage in that it could be a stepping stone to good fortune and possibly marriage proposals. In my case, as I am already married, your spouse will subordinate all major decisions happily with a mere, "Yes dear."


So it is with a heavy heart that I bid you adieu. I will not be like a past First Lady that had to dragged out of her position in the White House, kicking and screaming. (see photo above). I will hold my head high and relinquish my title to the person I am backing and throwing all my support for Tomketeer of the Year 2011. And to quote that person below...

As a wise man recently said: "I’ve learned a few things from last year’s Tomketeer of the Year, mostly because she raised me, so you really don’t have to worry about my experience…with foreign policy, the ability to legislate, or to negotiate in backroom deals. After all, what’s a little nepotism? We wouldn’t have the Kennedys, the Spellings, or Willow Smith without it."

So make it unanimous, make it a dynasty, vote for Seth as Tomketeer of the Year. He has the wisdom,
experience, good looks and how do you say? 'Je ne sais qoui'? You really don't know what it is but you know it when you see it???

Thank you all and a personal thanks to Tom, for without him this all would not be possible.

Sincerely,
Sandra

p.s. Don't forget to stop by SLeeK Beaded Jewelry.

Tomketeer of the Year: Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Jenny (December)

Lambs,

It was such an honor to be chosen as December’s Tomketeer of the Month, and I’ve made very good use of the title by wielding my power to get what I want. As TOM, I finally made it as a star of stage and screen, bested my rival, married a hot young stud and, in what can only be described as a happy miracle, became pregnant with at least one child. I deserve to be elected Tomketeer if the Year because there is no limit to what I want to achieve on status alone.

XO,
Jenny

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Jen (October)

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Katie W. (September)

Hello Tom-Spotters,

My name is Katie, and I have been bestowed the honor of Tomketeer of the Year nominee. How this happened, I have no idea. All I wanted to do was have a nice week-long vacation in glorious Dyer's Bay, but then these kids show up with their east coast-ness and long fingers and tell me I have an okay face and could make it in the big leagues--aka the Tom-Spot. So of course I went with it, because I love talking about myself, and I was told I could get a mug with my face on it. But enough about me... this is about you, America! This is about the Tom-Spotters! Don't be shady, vote for Katie!!! And I'll make all of your wildest dreams come true.

I really just want a mug...

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Meredith (July)

Meredith in her own words:

"I was surprised , I was honored, and I thought it’s about damn time!"

"I think before I leap, because I have so many people to think about now, I am a role model!"

"I am going to make the world a better and safer place for all the Tomketeers of the world."

"I love you, you’re perfect, never change."

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Genevieve (June)

My fellow Tomketeers:

You may remember me as the Tomketeer of the Month, June 2010. I'm in the running for Tomketeer of the Year and I'm asking for your vote. As you can see from my picture, Tom is literally a pillar of strength in my life. He lifts me up when I am down, supports me when I need it, and pretty much picked who I am going to marry--I don't think I could live without him. And, now. Now I would like to give back some of what I've got. As TOY, it will be my turn to support the Tom-Team and all of you Tomketeers, too. It will be a year devoted to fancy dinner parties, crafternoons, historic preservation, census taking, match making, and spreading the joy of Tom.

(Also, I'd like to point out that a family dynasty can be a snooze :)

Happy holidays to you and yours,
Genevieve

Vote Now!

Tomketeer of the Year: Vote Now

For Your Consideration: Seth (May)

Hey Tomketeers,

Look no further. I’m your guy.

I’ve really accomplished a lot this year, none of which, sadly, was for anyone but me. No volunteer work, charity or anything like that. I can say, however, that I’m on the road to a better me, what with my self-help tapes and constant reaffirmations. And that’s where you come in. If you’d like to see a better Seth in the new year—-a Seth that flosses, returns phone calls, and smiles at the homeless—-well, I’m going to need your vote. I know you can help me help myself. I’ve learned a few things from last year’s Tomketeer of the Year, mostly because she raised me, so you really don’t have to worry about my experience…with foreign policy, the ability to legislate, or to negotiate in backroom deals. After all, what’s a little nepotism? We wouldn’t have the Kennedys, the Spellings, or Willow Smith without it.

“So vote for me,” in the words of Tammy Metzler, “because I don’t even want to go to college. And as president, I won’t do anything. The only promise I will make is that if elected, I will immediately dismantle the student government so that none of us will ever have to sit through one of these stupid assemblies again. OR DON’T VOTE FOR ME! WHO CARES? DON’T VOTE AT ALL.”

Thank you,

Seth

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Timberly (April)

Timberly in her own words:

"I no longer feel like my whole life has been a waste. I feel like it has meaning now, that truly I have been a part of something special."

"What's a good song for having reached the pinnacle of your life and knowing it's all downhill from here?"

"Treasure every blessed moment. Really savor it. Chew it around and let the juices slowly trickle down your throat, because it's all over far too soon."

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Julie (March)

Why should you vote for me for Tomketeer of the Year?

One word: Achievement.

My Tomketeer of the Month title was bestowed upon me for winning the Tom-Spot Oscar contest. I didn't just wait for a handsome Tom-prince or Tom-knight in shining armor to choose me. I earned it through my superior knowledge and understanding of all things Oscar.

And how do I know so much about the Oscars?

Because Tom and I have been dissecting the Oscar race together for 15 years. Our freshman year of high school, Tom had internet access at his house and I didn't, so he arrived at school the morning of the nominations announcement with the names of the anointed scribbled on a sheet of notebook paper, and together we marveled at the selections: Babe edged out Apollo 13 for Best Director?!?! Every year since then, we have sought each other's opinions and analysis on everything from the National Board of Review awards to the Oscar ceremony itself. We gasped when Shakespeare in Love toppled Saving Private Ryan. We groaned for Gladiator. We gasped, groaned, vomited, wept, screamed, and committed random acts of violence when Crash stole victory from Brokeback Mountain. We rejoiced for Martin Scorsese. We learned to spell "Shohreh Aghdashloo." We struggled to pronounce the phrase "Academy Award-winner Sandra Bullock." And our adventures continue.

But rest assured that my awesomeness does not end with Tom and the Oscars. Check out my picture: I'm friggin' juggling cats!

--Julie

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Laura (February)

When thinking about my qualifications for Tomketeer of the Year, I came to some harsh realizations about myself. I could hardly find a picture of me without some sort of alcohol in my hand (and as you can see, where I could, there were empty wine glasses in front of me and the clear effects of that wine all over my face. Sadly, I was actually drinking beer that night. And later, tequila. But not wine.) I can't operate my own cell phone without breaking down into tears or yelling at it. I can't make myself a dinner that other people would be willing to eat. In short, what do I have to offer?

But I believe the children are our future.

And that's why I'm endorsing this kid right here for Tomketeer of the Year.



Let's give him the resources he needs to make a difference, like the platform of being TOY 2011. Let's teach him well and let him lead the way. Let's let his laughter remind us how we used to be. I'm even hoping that maybe as TOY 2011, he can teach me to cook eggplant and operate my phone. And if nothing else, babies are cute.

Vote Now!

For Your Consideration: Claire (January)

When I was honored as the first Tomketeer of the Month of 2010, it was a step up for the Tom-Team. A bigger, brighter, bolder future was coming to Tomketeers everywhere. I know you've felt it as the year progressed and it's all thanks to my tenure at the start of the year.

When I had my exit interview with Tom, he asked how my life was different since being named ToM. Nearly a year later, I can confidently state that the most noticeable change is that I'm more beautiful. If I am chosen as Tomketeer of the Year, I will make it my mission to make everyone who voted for me more beautiful as well. If you already are beautiful, there's always room for improvement. Maybe a smidgen more attention to that one nose hair is all it would take!

Vote Now!

Tomketeer of the Year: Vote Now!

America, the time has come again. Sandy has been the best Tomketeer of the Year anyone could have hoped for, but her reign of terror is about to come to an end, and it's time to crown anew.

You know the drill. There are ten candidates, and your votes determine who becomes the Tomketeer of the Year for 2011. The suspects are:

Claire
Laura
Julie
Timberly
Seth
Genevieve
Meredith
Katie W.
Jen (and Jack)
Jenny
Who will you vote for? The good news is that each candidate has given a statement to help in your vote, so scroll up. Vote early and vote often. All of the people who have been honored this year are winners, but only one can be the 2011 Tomketeer of the Year!

Voting begins right now and ends at midnight on December 30th. The winner will be announced live on New Year's Eve.





(Note: In the case of a tie, the tie-breaking vote will be cast by the current Tomketeer of the Year.)

This is pretty neat

Amy Adams Is the Most Amazing Person Ever? (T or F)

True.

SAG Nominees!!!

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Black Swan
The Fighter
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech
The Social Network

BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges, True Grit
Robert Duvall, Get Low
Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
James Franco, 127 Hours

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Hilary Swank, Conviction

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale, The Fighter
John Hawkes, Winter’s Bone
Jeremy Renner, The Town
Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter, The King’s Speech
Mila Kunis, Black Swan
Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit

Golden Globes!

It's been a big week, and finally here too are the Golden Globe nominees. The King's Speech leads with this group. SAG nominees tomorrow, and then I'll offer my analysis of the week. I'm having trouble getting jazzed about the the four good movies that have come out this year. I don't know what my story is.

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
BLACK SWAN
THE FIGHTER
INCEPTION
THE KING'S SPEECH
THE SOCIAL NETWORK

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
Halle Berry, FRANKIE AND ALICE
Nicole Kidman, RABBIT HOLE
Jennifer Lawrence, WINTER'S BONE
Natalie Portman, BLACK SWAN
Michelle Williams, BLUE VALENTINE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA
Jesse Eisenberg, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Colin Firth, THE KING'S SPEECH
James Franco, 127 HOURS
Ryan Gosling, BLUE VALENTINE
Mark Wahlberg, THE FIGHTER

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
BURLESQUE
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
RED
THE TOURIST

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Annette Bening, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Anne Hathaway, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
Angelina Jolie, THE TOURIST
Julianne Moore, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Emma Stone, EASY A

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE -MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Johnny Depp, ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Johnny Depp, THE TOURIST
Paul Giamatti, BARNEY'S VERSION
Jake Gyllenhaal, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS
Kevin Spacey, CASINO JACK

BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky, BLACK SWAN
David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Tom Hooper, THE KING'S SPEECH
Christopher Nolan, INCEPTION
David O. Russell, THE FIGHTER

BEST SCREENPLAY
Danny Boyle, 127 HOURS
Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Hart, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Christopher Nolan, INCEPTION
David Seidler, THE KING'S SPEECH
Aaron Sorkin, THE SOCIAL NETWORK

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Alexander Desplat, THE KING'S SPEECH
Danny Elfman, ALICE IN WONDERLAND
A.R. Robin, 127 HOURS
Trent Reznor, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Hans Zimmer, INCEPTION

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
BIUTIFUL
THE CONCERT
THE EDGE
I AM LOVE
IN A BETTER WORLD

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Amy Adams, THE FIGHTER
Helena Bonham Carter, THE KING'S SPEECH
Mila Kunis, BLACK SWAN
Melissa Leo, THE FIGHTER
Jacki Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Christian Bale, THE FIGHTER
Michael Douglas, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
Andrew Garfield, THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Jeremy Renner, THE TOWN
Geoffrey Rush, THE KING'S SPEECH

BEST ANIMATED FILM
DESPICABLE ME
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
THE ILLUSIONIST
TANGLED
TOY STORY

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE
"Bound to You" - BURLESQUE
"Coming Home" - COUNTRY STRONG
"I See the Light" - TANGLED
"There's a Place for Us" - THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE DAWN TREADER
"You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" - BURLESQUE

NYFCC Picks The Social Network too

Best Film:
Best Picture:
The Social Network

Best Director:
David Fincher, The Social Network

Best Screenplay:
The Kids Are All Right

Best Actress:
Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right

Best Actor:
Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

Best Supporting Actress:
Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Best Supporting Actor:
Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right

Best Cinematography:
Black Swan

Best Animated Film:
The Illusionist

Best Non-fiction Film:
Inside Job

Best Foreign Language Film:
Carlos

Best First Feature:
Animal Kingdom

Critics Choice Nominees!!

I'm playing catch up a little here. (Stupid grad school.) But the Critics' Choice nominees came out this week!! Black Swan leads the pack, oddly enough.

BEST PICTURE:
127 Hours
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The King’s Speech
The Social Network
The Town
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges – “True Grit”
Robert Duvall – “Get Low”
Jesse Eisenberg – “The Social Network”
Colin Firth – “The King’s Speech”
James Franco – “127 Hours”
Ryan Gosling – “Blue Valentine”

BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening – “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman – “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence – “Winter’s Bone”
Natalie Portman – “Black Swan”
Noomi Rapace – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”
Michelle Williams – “Blue Valentine”


BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale – “The Fighter”
Andrew Garfield – “The Social Network”
Jeremy Renner – “The Town”
Sam Rockwell – “Conviction”
Mark Ruffalo – “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush – “The King’s Speech”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams – “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter – “The King’s Speech”
Mila Kunis – “Black Swan”
Melissa Leo – “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld – “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver – “Animal Kingdom”

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Elle Fanning – “Somewhere”
Jennifer Lawrence – “Winter’s Bone”
Chloe Grace Moretz – “Let Me In”
Chloe Grace Moretz – “Kick-Ass”
Kodi Smit-McPhee – “Let Me In”
Hailee Steinfeld – “True Grit”

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
The Fighter
The Kids Are All Right
The King’s Speech
The Social Network
The Town

BEST DIRECTOR
Darren Aronofsky – “Black Swan”
Danny Boyle – “127 Hours”
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen – “True Grit”
David Fincher – “The Social Network”
Tom Hooper – “The King’s Speech”
Christopher Nolan – “Inception”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“Another Year” – Mike Leigh
“Black Swan” – Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin
“The Fighter” – Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson (Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson)
“Inception” – Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” – Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg
“The King’s Speech” – David Seidler

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“127 Hours” – Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle
“The Social Network” – Aaron Sorkin
“The Town” – Ben Affleck, Peter Craig and Sheldon Turner
“Toy Story 3” – Michael Arndt (Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich)
“True Grit” – Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter’s Bone” – Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“127 Hours” – Anthony Dod Mantle
“Black Swan” – Matthew Libatique
“Inception” – Wally Pfister
“The King’s Speech” – Danny Cohen
“True Grit” – Roger Deakins

BEST ART DIRECTION
“Alice in Wonderland” – Stefan Dechant
“Black Swan” – Therese DePrez and Tora Peterson
“Inception” – Guy Hendrix Dyas
“The King’s Speech” – Netty Chapman
“True Grit” – Jess Gonchor and Nancy Haigh

BEST EDITING
“127 Hours” – Jon Harris
“Black Swan” – Andrew Weisblum
“Inception” – Lee Smith
“The Social Network” – Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
“Alice in Wonderland” – Colleen Atwood
“Black Swan” – Amy Westcott
“The King’s Speech” – Jenny Beavan
“True Grit” – Mary Zophres

BEST MAKEUP
Alice in Wonderland
Black Swan
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
True Grit

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Alice in Wonderland
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Inception
Tron: Legacy

BEST SOUND
127 Hours
Black Swan
Inception
The Social Network
Toy Story 3

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Despicable Me
How to Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist
Tangled
Toy Story 3

BEST ACTION MOVIE
Inception
Kick-Ass
Red
The Town
Unstoppable

BEST COMEDY
Cyrus
Date Night
Easy A
Get Him to the Greek
I Love You Phillip Morris
The Other Guys

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
The Pacific
Temple Grandin
You Don’t Know Jack

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Biutiful
I Am Love
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Inside Job
Restrepo
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
The Tillman Story
Waiting for Superman

BEST SONG
“I See the Light” – performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi/written by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater – Tangled
“If I Rise” – performed by Dido and A.R. Rahman/music by A.R. Rahman/lyrics by Dido Armstrong and Rollo Armstrong – 127 Hours
“Shine” – performed and written by John Legend – Waiting for Superman
“We Belong Together” – performed and written by Randy Newman – Toy Story 3
“You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me Yet” – performed by Cher/written by Diane Warren – Burlesque

BEST SCORE
“Black Swan” – Clint Mansell
“Inception” – Hans Zimmer
“The King’s Speech” – Alexandre Desplat
“The Social Network” – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
“True Grit” – Carter Burwell

Every Superstar Begins with a Dream

I know I said I wouldn't watch without Simon, but I have to say I'm getting excited!

LA Film Critics like The Social Network

PICTURE: The Social Network
Runner-up: Carlos

DIRECTOR: Olivier Assayas, Carlos and David Fincher, The Social Network (tie)

ACTOR: Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Runner-up: Edgar Ramirez, Carlos

ACTRESS: Kim Hye-ja, Mother
Runner-up: Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone

SUPPORTING ACTOR: Niels Arestrup, A Prophet
Runner-up: Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom
Runner-up: Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer

SCREENPLAY: Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network
Runner-up: David Seidler, The King's Speech

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Carlos
Runner-up: Mother

ANIMATION: Toy Story 3
Runner-up: The Illusionist

DOCUMENTARY / NON-FICTION FILM: Last Train Home
Runner-up: Exit Through the Gift Shop

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Libatique, Black Swan
Runner-up: Roger Deakins, True Grit

MUSIC/SCORE: Alexandre Desplat, The Ghost Writer and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Social Network (tie)

PRODUCTION DESIGN: Guy Hendrix Dyas, Inception
Runner-up: Eve Stewart, The King's Speech

NEW GENERATION: Lena Dunham, Tiny Furniture

DOUGLAS E. EDWARDS INDEPENDENT/EXPERIMENTAL FILM/VIDEO: Film Socialism

LEGACY OF CINEMA AWARDS: Serge Bromberg, Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno and the F.W. Murnau Foundation and Fernando Pena for the restoration of Metropolis

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT: Paul Mazursky

Can you guess which of these couples just got engaged?

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

The Oscar season officially begins today with the announcement of the National Board of Review's annual winners. None of last year's winners went on to win Oscars, but this where the race begins for some reason and so now we have every reason to believe that Jesse Eisenberg, Lesley Manville, Christian Bale, and Jacki Weaver will probably be included when the nominations are announced. The rest of the critics' awards will start to roll in now followed by the Golden Globe nominations in a few weeks. The Social Network's sweep could go either way for actual Oscar wins, but it's pretty certain that the film, David Fincher, and Aaron Sorkin will all definitely be nominees as well.

Best Film: The Social Network

Top 10 Films:
Another Year
The Fighter
Hereafter
Inception
The King’s Speech
Shutter Island
The Town
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone

Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network

Best Actor: Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network

Best Actress: Lesley Manville, Another Year

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter

Best Supporting Actress: Jacki Weaver, Animal Kingdom

Best Foreign Film: Of Gods and Men

Top Five Foreign Films:
I Am Love
Incendies
Love, Above All
Soul Kitchen
White Material

Best Documentary: Waiting for “Superman

Top Five Documentaries:
A Film Unfinished
Inside Job
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Restrepo
The Tillman Story

Best Animated Feature: Toy Story 3

Best Ensemble Cast: The Town

Breakthrough Performance: Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone

Best Directorial Debut: Tim Hetherington & Sebastian Junger, Restrepo

Best Original Screenplay: Chris Sparling, Buried

Best Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network

Special Filmmaking Achievement Award: Sofia Coppola, Somewhere

Top 10 Independent Films:
Animal Kingdom
Buried
Fish Tank
The Ghost Writer
Greenberg
Let Me In
Monsters
Please Give
Somewhere
Youth in Revolt

Tomketeer of the Month: Jenny

Some people are born Tomketeers of the Month (like this guy), but some people work hard to get there. They're up in the gym, just working on their fitness.


They're texting in votes.


They're dancing with the stars.



And so that's why was ask, Jenny, WTF? Why the face?


Chin up. You've been named the Tomketeer of the Month for December 2010!





Happy Holidays!