Oscar Noms Wrap

A romantic fantasy about a man who ages backwards grabbed the spotlight at this morning’s Academy Award Nominations. 

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” led the way with 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brad Pitt.

The folks from “Slumdog Millionaire” celebrated halfway around the world in Mumbai, India as they learned their film earned 10 nominations including Best Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle.

“Slumdog”‘s Best Picture competition includes not only “Benjamin Button,“ but also the historical dramas “Frost/Nixon” and “Milk,“ as well as the post World War II drama “The Reader.“

Kate Winslet earned a Best Actress nomination for that film.

She’s up against Anne Hathaway for “Rachel Getting Married,“ Angelina Jolie for “Changeling,“ Melissa Leo for “Frozen River” and Meryl Streep for “Doubt.“

With a Golden Globe already in hand, Mickey Rourke has a chance to add an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “The Wrestler.“ 

He’ll have beat out not only Brad Pitt, but also Frank Langella for “Frost/Nixon,“ Sean Penn for “Milk,“ and Richard Jenkins for “The Visitor.“

Heath Ledger earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

His performance in “The Dark Knight” could make him only the second performer to be honored with an Oscar posthumously.

If Ledger doesn’t win it’ll be either Josh Brolin for “Milk,“ Robert Downey, Jr. for “Tropic Thunder,“ Phillip Seymour Hoffman for “Doubt” or Michael Shannon for “Revolutionary Road.“

Marisa Tomei has a shot at her second Oscar, Best Supporting Actress for “The Wrestler.“ 

She faces a pair of first time nominees, Taraji P. Henson from “Benjamin Button” and Viola Davis from “Doubt.“ 

Davis’ co-star, Amy Adams also earned a nomination, as did Penelope Cruz for “Vicki Cristina Barcelona.“