Initial Reaction to the 2016 Oscar Nominations

I come home from work to see if the Academy has changed their ways in how they determine their nominations. Oh wait, no I didn't because of course they are destined and doomed to repeat their white-first ways and following the motto, "the blander, the better."


Even though I'm fine with the Best Picture selections to a degree (real talk: I have only see 2 out of the 8), I feel the field is too bland, even with Mad Max: Fury Road in there. Maybe if the Academy grew a heart and had Inside Out in there or at least had some acclaimed movies that didn't bomb at the box office, I would have been mildly pleasant.


Seriously, I still haven't seen The Big Short, nor do I have any urge right now, but how in the hell did Adam McKay get a Best Director nom? And over Ridley Scott?!


The Best Actor category was totes obvious. I still wish that Eddie Redmayne wasn't there.


Benicio del Toro not being up for Best Supporting Actor: Heresy. I have heard nothing but bad things about Mark Ruffalo in Spotlight, both from Boston film critics and people angry at his participation in white-washing, so he should be the one to be removed. But at least Tom Hardy deservedly is there!


Nothing really wrong with the Actress categories. All good choices. I sadly knew Charlize Theron wouldn't have a chance. Thankfully, Rachel McAdams is in there instead of easy choices like Helen Mirren.


Very surprised with Best Animated Feature. Minions, The Good Dinosaur, and The Peanuts Movie out and Boy and the World, When Marnie Was There, and Shaun the Sheep Movie in? Yes please! Thank god the animated department of the Academy know what to look at.


Please, oh please, let Roger Deakins win for Best Cinematography. Emmanuel Lubezki has enough Oscars and he shouldn't totally be awarded for his hit-or-miss job with the tiresome The Revenant.


Netflix keeps creeping in but solely through the Documentary awards. Seriously, where the hell is Idris Elba?


Going Clear isn't on the final ballot! Damn you, Tom Cruise!


Hell yeah, "Earned It" over "Love Me Like You Do"! The Weeknd and his goofy hair get to walk down the red carpet and perform live.


Already pulling for Don Hertzfeldt for Best Animated Short. World of Tomorrow was heralded by so many critics.


Other snubs to remember: Aaron Sorkin, Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Samuel L. Jackson (seeing a trend?), Quentin Tarantino, Todd Haynes, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, and Going Clear



That's all I can muster right now. But again, just wow at the many blown opportunities.