This Year's Oscars: Good, Quiet, Predictable ... Joaquin?

I have always adored the Oscars, because I love celebrities and I love good movies.

I'm also vapid.

Love me, hate me.

So, as goes without even introducing anymore, here comes your Useless Critic utterly useless thoughts on the nominations, which were announced today.

I don't think any of the Best Picture nominations were surprises. And I'm pretty glad they've kept the category so large. It allows more room for interesting picks (read: abandon hope NOW.)

"Nebraska" has been getting a TON of buzz, arguably the most "dark horse" of all candidates. And let's face it: This race is going to come down to "American Hustle" vs. "Gravity."

Seriously: Where have I been?

I was a bit disappointed about several things though, none of them being Jennifer Lawrence's cleavage.

Ahem. Where was I?

1.) "Before Midnight" only getting ONE nomination.

There is so much to love about this movie. It's amazing in a way few films can ever succeed. Julie Delpy plays her part with such deftness. And Ethan Hawke, as much as he tries to plays the misanthrope, is equally amazing. These two feel like a couple who has been in love for quite a long time- and have the moments where they hate each other, but ultimately love wins.

ONE NOMINATION. Oh, well. Damn you, Oscars!!!

2.) Lana del Rey Being Shunned From "Best Music (Original Song)" Category.

She nailed it. Really. Why was this ignored?!?! I don't get it. What the actual fuck.

Also, why didn't "Her" get more nominations? ScarJo and Joaquin Phoenix deserved some, at least. Although we all know Joaquin doesn't care.

It's nice that "Dallas Buyers Club" is getting a lot of attention, though. It's nice Jared Leto is moving on from "My So-Called Life." Gee, I can't recall him doing anything else all these years.

These things aside, I think the Oscar list for this year is pretty legit, if not good and somewhat predictable. Are you going to watch this year? Do you have any picks? Any problems? Let me know; I can probably do something about it. I'm a very important person.

"Mon Soleil" - Ashley Park

If there's anything people take away from my piss-poor legacy, I hope it's what a huge, unabashed fan of "Emily in Paris" I am and will continue to be. People love "90 Day Fiancee," "The Bachelor," and other garbage - allow me "Emily," which is at least harmless, kind of goofy fluff (which does, unfortunately, lean into some stereotypes, as the country of Ukraine knows ). I have already watched Season 2 twice. And honestly my favorite part of this show (despite my crush on Camille Razart and Lily Collins channeling Audrey Hepburn hardcore ) is Ashley Park. This woman has superstar written all over her. She's a bona fide Broadway star, and "Emily in Paris" has served as her pivot into the zeitgeist. "Emily in Paris" is also showcasing her vocal prowess front and center this season, with her covering BTS, "All By Myself," "Sympathtique," and Marilyn Monroe. But the real standout performance is th

"Anchors" - AM Higgins

Here's a nice breezy, almost sensual song from AM Higgins (the solo project of musician Annie Toth) to start your Tuesday off right. Her debut album "Hymning" will be out November 5th on Victorialand Records. The album was mixed by Casey Foubert, a frequent collaborator of Sufjan Stevens. The album "captures the first years of moving from an American city to rural France." Sounds like "Hymning" will be a welcome escape from the world we live in right now, especially considering that Annie Toth counts poets Mary Oliver and Thomas Merton as influences.

Summer Playlist - 2022 Edition!

It's truly the little things in life that make a world of difference. And for me, that means my summer playlist! Behold, I have put together 2022's edition. It includes cuts from artists like: - Mitski - Uffie - Johnny Orlando - Kylie Minogue + Jessie Ware - Florence and the Machine (who put out a fantastic album this year after a long dry spell of kind of "meh" records. Her pairing with Jack Antonoff worked out quite well!) - Bilal - Harry Styles (he has some catchy music!) - KATE BUSH DUH - And of course, Lana. It's also available on Apple Music, but since I recognize a lot of folks use Spotify, here's that link. Enjoy!

The Useless Critic 2.0

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