Reply #6: In spite of Hollywood's "liberal" reputation,

[Kajsa]

the majority of the Academy's members are playing it safe.
'Brokeback Mountain' was too "risky" to vote in as Best Picture.
Apparently, even though this was supposedly a "maverick"
year for films, Hollywood is not brave enough to award
Oscars for controversial films. I haven't seen 'Paradise Now',
but I've heard it is excellent. It didn't stand a chance in today's
political climate.However, these films do get nominated.
Ang Lee ( Brokeback Mountain), did get the Oscar for Best Director.
George Clooney did win for Best Supporting Actor in 'Syriana'.

I also saw 'Crash'. It is an outstanding film. Personally, I
felt any one of the actors and actresses in 'Crash' were
worthy of an Oscar. I also saw 'Walk the Line' and did not
feel Reese Witherspoon's performance out shined any of
the actresses in 'Crash'.

I've stopped trying to figure out the mentality of the Academy.
When 'Shakespeare in Love' beats 'Saving Private Ryan' and
'The Color Purple' wins no awards, I give up!! There is more to this
than awarding talent and excellence.

As Jon Stewart so accurately noted,
" For those of you keeping score;
Martin Scorsese-0 ( after umpteen nominations)
Three 6 Mafia-1" ( for Best Song)