Britney’s epic comeback. Speidi’s nuptials. Jen Aniston talking shit. Brad’s promotional blitz. Exams took over my life and I missed out on so much damn good gossip. But, don’t worry kids. I’m back. And at the very best time of year.

Tis’ the season to be jolly.

The buzz, the anticipation, the shameless self-promotion.

Of course, I’m talking about award season and yes, my friends, it is upon us. Am I the only one who gets giddy for the Golden Globes and the Grammys anymore? Am I alone in my obsession with Oscar predictions? I hope not because if award shows die with the rest of the things that are dying with the economy, I may not recover.

The sheer hype leading up to the actual shows is enough to hold my attention. Right now, two movies are in the front running for that Oscar gold. “Milk” and the “Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. They’re also leading the Best Actor predictions.

Both are brimming with the stuff Oscars are made of. Sean Penn, Hollywood heavyweight and multiple Oscar winner, took on the role of Harvey Milk and the movie buffs are saying the performance is nothing short of incredible.

And Brad Pitt might FINALLY get his much needed respected from the Academy with his age-defying role in “Benjamin Button.”

They’ve got the critical acclaim. They’ve got the star power. So which one’s got the edge?

I’m going to go against the obvious choice- the controversial biopic- and bet on Bradley. Pitt is going to get his first bronze statue. Mark my words.

So this morning, the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s Critics’ Choice Awards were announced and, like every year, they set the standard for the awards that will follow in the winter. The aforementioned flicks led the nominations.

Also getting a nod was Heath Ledger for the “Dark Knight”. He’s winning it all. From the SAG award to the big one. Cue the sad music and the heartfelt “we accept this on Heath’s behalf” speech. It’ll be epic. It’ll be well-deserved. I’m getting chills just thinking about it.

Brad’s better half, Angelina Jolie, also got a nomination for “Changeling”. She’s also my pick for Best Actress but she’s up against Anne Hathaway (who’s had a breakout year with “Rachel Getting Married”), Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep. Tough competition but I think she’s got it.

Another thing I love about award season is the inevitable snub. Oh, I effin love the snub. Especially when it happens to actors who really, really care about awards.

Nicole Kidman. She cares. And she’s not only NOT being considered for “Australia” but she got torn apart by critics for her role in the film.

Leo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet were left off the list for their highly anticipated reunion in “Revolutionary Road”. Leo definitely cares. Did you see how he cried a few years back when he got a Golden Globe for “The Aviator”? Oh, he cares. And it’s not even an award show if Kate Winslet isn’t nominated. Half of her career consists of the humble-loser-clap. Sorry Kate, probably not this year.

“Dark Knight” BETTER win Best Picture. But alas, it probably won’t. It’ll most likely go to “Slumdog Millionaire,” the underdog favourite of the year.

Lastly, on the snub front, “High School Musical 3″ was completely left out of the Best Song category. What? There were, like, 10 songs to choose from! Seriously? A travesty!

So as the actors continue to campaign, as Nicole Kidman licks her wounds and tries to unfreeze her face, let’s cross our fingers for Batman and Brangelina.






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