Surprise must be the mass of nominations for Gus Van Sants "MILK". Loads of nominations and loads of gays and lesbians in the academy should equal best picture surely. Believe the "Times of Harvey Milk" won best documentary some years back (Out now on dvd by the way)and the subject was also made into an opera which is worth tracking down. Dont think it was released over here tho but some copies made it into the import bargain bins.

Good to see a nomination for Melissa Leo in Best Actress category for Frozen River.

And I was pleased to see the teenager from Slumdog (and Skins) who really cannot act did not get an Oscar nomination.

What, you think Sean Penn’s nomination is undeserved and down to the gays in the academy?

Your theory didn’t work with ‘Brokeback’ and with respect is naïve and a little bit insulting.

I have to declare an interest here but doubt many would argue either with the nods to Gus, Dustin Lance Black for the screenplay, the brilliant Josh Brolin or the exceptional editing. The costumes are witty too, so what’s your problem?

The film got across the board raves in the USA and here a majority of four and five star reviews. Sure, some opinion is divided; Christopher Tookey in the 'Daily Mail' gave it two stars and a weird review - nice company you keep.

The astonishing thing is, for a film about events over 30 years ago how painfully relevant it is today, particularly in the USA with the Prop 8 vote but also it seems here with opinions like yours.

Yes it is very relevant movie for today especially as a minority group politician has just been made the most powerful man in the world. The documentary was made at a time when the right was in power and the Moral Majority was v influntial. It was always going to be a subject for a mainstream movie and it surprises me that it has taken so long. The story of Harvey Milk is an inspirational story for any minority group. Maybe it will inspire an out gay man to run for president next time.I do read the mail from time to time just to see what the opposition is up to but i am a Gruniard reader and Peter Bradshaw only gave it 3 stars calling it bland and middle of the road.I hope it will win best picture but cant see it winning a best actor for Penn. Think that will go to Mickey Rourke(itseems its his turn). It is after all a very fickle industry and at the end of the day it will go to the films that have the biggest promotion campaigns and the actors whose "turn" it is to get an oscar. Sad but true which means that it will be Brad Pitt and co. And the word on Benjamin Button is that its a bit of a donkey. Incidentally if there is anyone interested in the Harvey Milk Opera, samples and info can be found at stewartwallace.com and the original documentary debuts on DVD on Monday(26th)

I intend to see Milk and Frost/Nixon this week.

For me, so far, the best movie of the year was Mamma Mia but the Oscar should go to The Reader.

But the most significant movie of the year? Vile Pervert; The Musical, naturally.

www.VilePervert.com

I think you'll enjoy them both, JK. I loved Frost Nixon, brave of Howard to stick so faithfully to the brilliant play.

Sorry Giles, I misinterpreted your original post, I was in a bad mood after reading the Tookey nonsense in the Mail. Serves me right for buying it but I just can't resist Baz's column on a Friday.

He's waging such a strong campaign in Hollywood the shock will be if Rourke doesn't get it. I hope Sean provides the upset here.

Michael Sheen seems cruelly over-looked - along with Vile Pervert, of course.