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The 73rd annual Academy Awards telecast is Sunday, March 25. Tuesday morning, Feb. 13 at 8:38 EST/5:38 PST, the major nominations will be announced by Robert Rehme, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and actor Kathy Bates, direct from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. It'll take all of about four and a half minutes.

Our own Rita Kempley will be online Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 12 Noon EST to take your questions and comments about the nominations--who made it and who didn't. Plus, it's the day before Valentine's Day, and Kempley will talk about romance in the movies and invites her viewers to send a Valentine to their favorite actors or anyone else in the business that is Hollywood.

Below is a transcript.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Valentine to Russell Crowe: Congratulations on your 2nd-in-a-row Oscar nomination, and here's hoping the second time's a charm.

Thank you from your fans for being such a terrific actor, for making every movie you're in better for your performance, for having the integrity and the courage to look unattractive or to appear un-leading-man-ish in the interest of the movie, for being true to every character you play, for continuing to be yourself despite all the attention and for not buying the Hollywood image cr-p.

Rita Kempley: Dear Valentine: Smoochs and hugs to all you mostly disgruntled movie mavens. I can't think of a better way to start the chat off than with a correspondence combining both aspects of our special day together (I am making myself sick).
P.S. But what about that bump between his eyes?

Dulles Dame: UGH! I can't believe Miramax strong-armed their way into another undeserved best pic nomination with Chocolat. How insulting! The Oscars just gross me out more each year. Queen Rita, please say something to pull me out of these doldrums!

Rita Kempley: Dear Dame: Yes, the Weinstein boys have done it yet again. Thank God, theis gooey mess hasn't a prayer of winning. I bet there are a lot of Academites stuffed on Godiva chocolates.

Upper NW: Well, it seems perfectly obvious now that Miramax can, in fact, buy nominations. Or is Chocolat's predominance just due to a need for feel-good flicks?

A few things to be happy about, though: Crouching Tiger's 10 noms; Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand for Almost Famous; and Wonder Boys' screenplay nom. And the double nom for Steven "I'm a Genius" Soderbergh.

Rita Kempley: Upper NW: We are all waiting to hear about your love life. Did Fiendship Heights ever get in touch? Come on kids, the first ever cyber-nups! What's holding you up?

Miss Edie the Egg Lady: Happy Valentines Day, my Queen!

What a delight to have you here on Tuesday. For the occasion, I have pasted candy Hearts all over my hair net, and am clad in a Jezabel Red mu-mu.

While I'm mostly comfortable with the Oscar nominations, I am OUTRAGED that Crouching Tiger was slighted in the "Visual Effects" category. The contenders are worthy, but those "effects" were mostly computer-generated, whereas those in CTHD were not. I don't get it.

Rita Kempley: Happy Valentines to you, Miss Edie: Sounds smashing. A mu-mu is always appropriate if you ask me. I think the actors did all the work themselves, so they don't get to be special effects. But good point.

Aaaauuuggggh, Va.: Damn Miramax! Damn the Weinstein boys! Damn them all...

Rita Kempley: As you can see, you are not along, Aaaauuugggh.

New York City: Hi Rita,
Who do you think was the best actor among the five nominees and who do you think the academy will pick and why?
I'm interested particularly in yorr views about Russell Crowe.

Rita Kempley: NYC: I think Javier Bardem's performance was the most subtle and sincere. I'm not as crazy about Russell Crowe as most folks, but I've got to admit he can hold a screen. I liked his work in L.A. Confidential much better. He looks pretty good in an iron mini-skirt.

Reston, 20190: Nice to see that Willem got a nom. Also, in your response to Upper NW: "Fiendship Heights", freudian slip?

Rita Kempley: Reston: I was delighted to see both Dafoe and Del Toro on the list. Nope, it's Fiendship all right.

Laurie: Rita ---

We need to plan an Oscar Gala....I see Miss Edie spearheading.....

Rita Kempley: Laurie: Agreed.

EraserheadGuy, DC: This year I’m not going to get my hopes up and I’m not going to talk about it. I’ve been crushed each of the last two years at Oscar-time, and I think it’s because I’ve put the hex on by talking about it. So, this year I’m not going to get my hopes up and I’m not going to talk about it.........All right, all right, I can’t contain myself. I AM getting my hopes up and I AM going to talk about it!!! Hollywood, it is long past time for you to give David Lynch that lifetime achiEvEmEnt award! I can almost forgive you for ignoring last year’s bEst movies,“Dancer in the Dark” and “High Fidelity” in the major categories, since you really don’t know any better, but I think you should have gotten the message by now about Lynch and that honorary Oscar. If you pass him over this year, I’ll...I’ll...I’ll.........well, I don’t know what I’ll do. Any suggestions, Rita?

Rita Kempley: EraserheadGuy: I'm with you on High Fidelity. Remember Hitchcock never got an Oscar and I don't recall one of those Thalberg deals. Besides whenever they hand those things out, it usually means the awardee has one foot in Forrest Lawn.

Upper NW: I, too, am waiting to find out about my love life with Fiendship. No contact yet.

I've already registered cyberdisgruntlement with the Oscar noms, so let's hit today's other topic: Hollywood love. One of the things I love so much about CTHD is its development of a beautiful, ache-worthy love story between two mature adult characters. Doesn't sell out to a happy ending, and doesn't give in to the Hollywood cliche of falling in love moments after the first meeting. Long-term, love-doesn't-conquer-all-but-it's-beautiful, earned love.

Trying to think of other recent filmed love stories I actually buy. Can't think of any. Except, of course, High Fidelity, but we have Nick Hornby the novelist to thank for that one.

Rita Kempley: Upper NW: Yes, I also liked the parallel love story between the two younger characters. I've got to confess that I still don't quite get the throwing yourself off the mountaint thing.

Herndon, Va.: My (and everybody's) Valentine Queen: My Valentine, besides a huge one for you, goes to Steve Martin, who I believe is somewhat under rated, because he started out in comedy - which never gets enough respect - using the lines of the also great Mr. Dangerfield. I have to send this out early today, so, ahead of the announcements, who were the biggest surprises to you, both as nominees and as non-nominees? steve

Rita Kempley: My Knight in Shining Armor--don't feel left out Sir Synergy--you've got the white horse--thanks for the valentine. I was surprised by Chocolate, sorry to see Michael Douglas aced out and wish Marc Ruffalo ("You Can Count on Me") was aced out. I am also a little bit sick of Judi Dench's annual nomination. Gillian Anderson was also lovely in "House of Mirth."

Miss Edie the Egg Lady: Re: Oscar Gala.
Dear Laurel, Aren't you sweet. I'd be Honored to host the gala at my mobile home on Capitol Hill. It's a small Airstream (one of those things that look like a toaster) but we'll make do. Looking forward to it. Can you make some Chex Mix?

OH..the brother from "You Can Count On Me" certainly deserved an Oscar nod. What a performance!

Rita Kempley: Miss Edie: I assume the play pen is addtion.

Indianapolis, Ind.: Big shout out for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It's a shame that it won't really win against the Gladiator juggernaut, but it's about time that Hollywood recognized that good films are not exclusively American.

A pox on Miramax. The nomination for Chocolat might actually be the single worst nomination since Godfather III.

Who did Mark Rufalo anger? Why is he not on the list?

My Queen, it was a mixed bad today.

Rita Kempley: Indianapolis: I'm hoping Gladiator will be thrown to the lions and that Traffic will prevail. "CTHD" definitely has a shot, but will no doubt wind up like "Life Is Beautiful," the best foreign film. Yep, it's about time. Unfortunately, I'd say that entertiamnet is the most globilized aof all the industries and other national cinemas are threatened because of it.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rita
How could John Travolta be overlooked for Battlefield Earth!!! I just can't believe....Its criminal!

Rita Kempley: Washington: You are so right. Clearly an oversight. He carried the movie. Could this be related to the Cruise-Kidman break-up?

k8 in ky: Under your good advice I saw Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon last weekend and loved it. IN fact, I'm going back on Valentine's Day since it is a love story after all.

Rita Kempley: k8: Hope you've got somebody to share the Twizzlers.

Sir Synergy: Reasons to cheer:

Crouching Tiger's 10 nominations. Surely this is the first Asian language film to get a best picture nod. Postive that it garnered the most nominations of any foreign film (Best Song though)

Ed Harris - finally giving us an artist bio with insight. I honestly could see him sneaking in if Hanks and Crowe split their votes.

Reasons to be Angry:

Chocolat? Anyone who thinks that Miramax didn't buy Shakepeare in Love Oscars two years back? Here's more proof that marketing is key.

Snubs for High Fidelity, Mark Ruffalo, Bruce Greenwood (what does HE need to do for an Oscar), Jamie Bell.

Rita Kempley: Happy Valentine's day to my Knight on the White Cydesdale. How do you guy's manage to mount with all that armor. Yes, I agree with you on Greenwood. I should have mentioned him earlier. I think Jamie was a longshot from the start. Harris seems to have rotten luck when it comes to winning awards. I loved him "The Truman Show."

Reston, 20190: RE: Oscar Gala: I can bring my pound cake...

Rita Kempley: Reston: I'll bring the Cheez Whiz and I'm guessing our prize-winning EGuy will breing pbjs without the bread.

Way down South: Long time lurker coming out of the closet to send a Queen Rita valentine to Alan Rickman. What a wonderful actor. Why can't Miramax use their substantial funds to buy this fellow an Oscar?

Rita Kempley: Way Down South: Welcome. Yes, got to love Rickman. Speaking of whom: A wonderful love story: "Truly, Madly, Deeply."

Nashville, Tenn.: Plans for tomorrow night were cancelled! Queen - help me pick out a viddy by starting a list of the most romantic films of all time.

Rita Kempley: Nashville: One of my favorite romantic comedies is the truly demented Aussie flick, "Love Serenade." Of course, you can't beat "The Big EAsy."

Somewhere, U.S.A.: "Dancer In The Dark" got screwed. Not even a best actress nom for Bjork? Boo.

I guess Soderbergh is the new golden boy. I found Traffic to be a bit simplistic and predictable...I'd like to see the guy that made "The Limey" and "Schizopolis" get back to surprising us. Hope all this Tinseltown success doesn't go to his head.

Is "The Contender" worth watching for nominees Allen and Bridges?

Rita Kempley: Somewhere, sweetie pea: After he made "Erin B," he said he had such a swell time he'd never make another idie film.

Ed Harris Non-nomination: I, too, have enjoyed his performances, starting with the first one I remember in The Right Stuff. But do you think he's hurt by a slight facial resemblance to former Vice President Dan Quayle?

Rita Kempley: And let's not forget "Apollo 13." I don't see the likeness. I'd never think of Quayle as sexy and I've always had a place in my, um, heart for Eddie.

Washington, D.C.: Happy Valentine's day, Rita.

And Happy Valentine's also to Laura Linney. I wish I could say that I am rooting for her only because she did a wonderful job with her role, and that no special effect or big budget could replace the story, dialogues, and interactions between the characters of the film ... but sometimes, real "subjectivity" takes over: she is so hot! Good luck to her.

Rita Kempley: Washington: I know a lot of folks would be delighted to see her ace out Julia Roberts and God forbid, Juliete Binoche.

Fairfax, Va.: Hi Rita,
I don’t think that ‘The Contender’ should have received any consideration at all, let alone some major acting categories. The film was a big disappointment. Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges didn’t do anything to raise the material above what it was – overbearing, simplistic pro-choice drivel (and I’m pro-choice). I was cringing in my seat near the end when Jeff Bridges delivers his big climatic patriotic speech with the music crescendo blaring in the background. It was almost as bad as a Billy Jack movie. Almost! If I were to substitute two nominations for Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges I would simply turn to a movie that was, in my view, inexplicably overlooked – ‘Nurse Betty’. Give me Renee Zellweger and Greg Kinnear as Best Actress and Supporting Actor instead. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Alan from Fairfax

Rita Kempley: Hi Allen: Yep, that speech was preposterous as was the heroine's stand. What a sham. I didn't get the food shtick or the shoe-smelling thing with Jeff Bridges. I can understand Allen's nod, but not Bridges. There are many worthier candidates--like Johnny Depp in Chocolate. HAHAHA

Windowless Box, Baltimore: As a guy who greatly enjoyed "Chocolat," I was pleased to see it receive so many nominations. The critics (including the estimable Mr. Howe) have been less kind to the film, but I found its central concept -- pagan woman comes to town and teaches uptight locals to be, well, better Christians -- really intriguing. Your thoughts?

That said, go "Crouching Tiger"!

Rita Kempley: Windowless Box: I like the pagan woman thing, but as you've probably guessed by now, I think of the movie as a bonbon. Tasty, but no box of chocolates.

ArtMovieLover, VA: EraserheadGuy should cheer up, Rita. After all, David L. may have been overlooked in the past, but this year's Irving G. Thalberg honorary award will go to Dino De Laurentis, producer of the Lynch epic ... "Dune."

Umm ... did that cheer you up, E-Guy? If not, I can understand. De Laurentis also gave us the classic, "King Kong Lives," or whatever the "sequel" to "King Kong" was called.

Rita Kempley: ArtMovieLover: What's the matter? Could it be that the Weinsteins have other plans for the evening.

Laurie: Juliette Binoche = Marisa Tomei.

Gee, while they were feeling so charitable, I am almost surprised that they didn't nominate Helen Hunt.

Rita Kempley: Laurie: Yes, good point. Helen was a busy little bunny last year.

Silver Spring, Md.: The postings today indicate I have stumbled onto the Cult of Rita, fawning over you like you are a goddess among film critics. Frankly I find your reviews rather pedestrian. I know there is editorial control over these online events, so you just go on posting your sychophants' messages that agree with you. Praise Gladiator, the derivative bloodfest.

Rita Kempley: Silver Spring: Yes, you have reached Cult headquarters. Off with your head.

Upper NW: Having trouble getting through. Too many angry posters today?

For the Dancer in the Dark fan, it might be a comfort to know that variety.com was claiming this morning that Bjork was nommed for Best Actress. Wonder how they misheard "Binoche" as "Bjork."

Rita Kempley: Upper NW: It was awfully early out there.

Sterling: Personally I don't see all the fuss about Gladiator. I finally saw Cast Away, and while I was impressed by Hanks' perfomance, I didn't find my self thrilled by the film. It seems that this year movies were nominated at random or based on some box-office buzz. Your thoughts?

Rita Kempley: Sterling: There wasn't much to choose from this year and most of the better films were too small to get the Academy's attention.

Dulles Dame part 2: One last question: Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator? Are these people on drugs? That was the worst hammy display I've ever seen. Better the wonderful Oliver Reed, eh?

Rita Kempley: Dame: You've got that right.

Alexandria, Va.: Too bad certain scenes can't be nominated for an Oscar. The airplane crash scene in Cast Away would win every category!

Rita Kempley: Alexandria: Yep, best airplane crash scene ever.

D.C. - Quick Question: Who did Frances McDormand play in 'Almost Famous?' Thank you!

Rita Kempley: The hero's mom.

Cyberspace: How could the Academy overlook Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat as best actor/actress? I understand they probably wouldn't win, but looking at the other actress/actor nominations, it's obvious that they deserve to be there.

CTHD is such a beautiful movie, but without the performances of those two, it would be just a simple documentary.

Rita Kempley: Cyberspace: Yes, they were shut out. Yeoh was far better than Allen, Binoche and Roberts.

MagnoliaGuy, Alex., Va.: As much as I had a mixed reaction to Dancer in the Dark, I really thought Bjork at least deserved an Oscar nomination -- her scenes are what make that film emotionally moving to me, though Emily Watson in Breaking the Waves was more affecting.

Fight scenes aside, Gladiator was overrated.

Rita Kempley: MagnoliaGuy: I doubt many members saw the film and she wasn't hyped like Ellen Burstyn in "Requiem for a Dream," which was even harder to watch.

Providence, R.I.: Gladiator and Braveheart were very similar movies. Please settle the argument between me and my roommante...Which is better?

Rita Kempley: I'd go with "Braveheart," although I'm not a fan of either film.

G'town: Am I the only one with Tom Hanks Fatigue Syndrome??

Talk about Dame Judi's annual nomination. What about this guy? Enough!! Can't we have one single year without a Tom Hanks film?

What this world needs is more John Cusack!

Rita Kempley: G'town: You are not alone.

Sir Synergy is no syncophant: Really, friend, can't we movie phens have a little bit of fun on line?

Rita Kempley: None of you are as far as I can tell. We are just having a little fun. What's the big deal?

Mt. Rainier: What's Silver Spring got against walking? Silly twit.

Rita Kempley: Mt. Rainer: Yeah.

Montgomery, Ala.: Rita
Please, please, please assure me that Tom Hanks will not walk off with his third Oscar. Aren't people a bit bored with his Mr. Nobility routine?

Rita Kempley: Montgomery: He wil not get the Oscar. Rest assured. It will probably go to Crowe though Bardem and Ed Harris are more deserving.

Bethesda, Md.: I think Joaquin should have gotten nominated for Quills rather than Gladiator, though I know you detest that film. I had problems with it, but I thought Joaquin was fantastic. Made me wish I were a chambermaid in the mental asylum!

Rita Kempley: Bethesda: Yes, I thought he was better in Quills. If only he weren't celibate and she weren't murdered and raped by a big fat lunatic.

Silver Spring Again: Never to return. My head will be put to better purposes.

Rita Kempley: What's the matter? Can't take the heat? What did you expect--hugs and kisses?

Route 66, Va.: Everyone has said what I might say about Chocolat, except that if that's up for Best Picture, where's Chicken Run? Hey, Chicken Run should be there anyway. How can you say no to clay-mated chickens talking in north country accents? There will never be full justice in the weird, weird world of film awards, but can't they acknowledge Nick Park rocks?

Rita Kempley: Route 66: Parks received several Oscars for the Grommit shorts. And a full-length Oscar and G is in progress. Maybe next year.

Falls Church Man : Oh, now the inevitable posts from the 7 people who actually are allowed to participate in this chat, insulted by what Silver Spring has posted. Well, I second your opinion Silver Spring about the cult members and Queen Rita's weekly ego trip. I do have to diagree with your opinion on Rita's reviews, though. In my opinion, they are first-rate.

Rita Kempley: Falls Church Man: Thanks for the kind words. If you want to join in you are welcome to do so. I answer the questions that are sent in to me. The Queen Rita thing is a joke. Good grief. I'm thankful it's not meter maid. You may refer to me as just plain Rita if you choose.

G'town Again: I have nothing against Mr. Hanks, but to echo Montgomery, I will be filled with despair if he wins. Again. Who's your fave for Best Picture, Queen Rita?

Rita Kempley: G'town: Crouching Tiger

Hippie: I felt Almost Famous was definitely one of the better films of the year. Although it would have probably been a long shot for winning Best Picture, I felt it at least deserved a nomination. Why the snub?

Rita Kempley: Hippie: A bummer for sure. It just didn't do well at the box office. I was surprised it wasn't nominated though, because the Director's Guild named Cameron Crowe one of the year's best. That usually translates into a nod.

To Providence...: I think the question should have been, The Patriot and Braveheart were very similar...let's just kill off more of Mel's family members to get him to fight!

Rita Kempley: I'll pass it along.

Also snubbed: Billy Crudup and Jennifer Connolly.

Rita Kempley: Their time will come.

Traffic/Crouching Tiger: The best thing to come out of these nominations will be Best Director. If Soderbergh wins, it will be a validation of a great body of work. If Soderbergh accidentally splits his own vote, then smart money goes on Ang Lee. A win/win situation if you ask me.

Rita Kempley: Ridley Scott has a shot. He did give more people work than any other director last year.

Peasant: For the humor-impaired among us....

Harmless Fun: "Queen Rita, what did you think of that drivel, Chocolat?"

Sycophancy: "Rita, your review of Chocolat was charming, eloquent, insightful, and damn funny. A rip-roaring thrill-ride of a movie review, brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed. How can I be more like you?"

See the difference?

Rita Kempley: Peasant: I'm sending you a flock of rubber chickens.

Miss Edie the Egg Lady: My Queen Rita-
I just wanted to see if you would post my third comment for today even though there are many other people who would like to participate in this chat. I suppose that the only way those other people will be able to join is if they post a silly pun. Thank you, my queen...

Rita Kempley: Watch this!

Miss Edie the Egg Lady: Don't let 'em get you down, darlin' !!!!!!

Rita Kempley: Four times: A chat record. Your mu-mu is in the mail.

Charm City, Md.: Re: Gladiator - Why do movies which are supposed to take place in ancient Rome always have the actors talking in English accents? Why do people associate Rome with England? If anything, shouldn't the character speak with Italian-type accents?

I can't believe Jaoquin Phoenix was nominated. He was just AWFUL. Keanu Reeves would have been more believable.

Rita Kempley: Charm City: I'm still upset that Keanu was snubbed for Little Buddha. I don't know the answer to that one either. My favorite mal-accented was "Chocolate." Depp, an Irish gypsy. It's not like they don't have French gypsies. Binoche French. Dench, English.

Fairfax, Va.: What about Gillian Anderson in "House of Mirth", that is a break out performance more deserving than Binoche's. Admittedly, last year did not offer much in selection.

Rita Kempley: Fairfax: I agree, but I'm guessing too few folks saw the film, which as one Suspect reported was already showing on British airlines before it was released in some U.S. cities.

How quickly they forget...: I remember a few years ago, when Juliette Binoche gave one of the best Oscar speeches in memory, saying point-blank "I thought Lauren Bacall was going to win." Truly classy. Now everyone seems to want her dead. She's a great actress, just because "Chocolat" isn't a great film is no reason to blame her.

Rita Kempley: I don't think anybody is down on the exquisite Binoche, whose speech was charming and gracious. It's the role, not the performance, that isn't up to par.

Philadelphia, Pa.: What happended to the Wonder Boys? Best actor, supporting actor, best picture??

Rita Kempley: Philadelphia: I didn't think it had a shot at best picture, but I don't know why Douglas, who gave one of his most marture performances was snubbed.

Severna Park Guy: Actually, Miss Edie the Egg Lady would have three for the day since that third post was my post and meant to be sarcastic. I should have made that clearer. Sorry about that...

Rita Kempley: Severna Park Guy: There's always next week.

Dave in DC: Wow! My Queen - just had to quit lurking and come to your defense. Who knew that there were so many in Ritaville without a sense of humor?! Keep on keeping on!

Rita Kempley: Dave: Thanks for your support and please speak out again sometimes.

Washington, D.C.: How would you rate Linney's chances against the likes of Roberts and Burstyn? Her performance in YCCOM was more believable and true to life than any I've seen.

Rita Kempley: I think she has as good a shot as Burstyn, but I agree with your assessment of her performance.

Dex, SF: I was glad to see Vin Diesel nominated for Best Shaved Head. Bruce Willis has won that
far too many times.

Rita Kempley: Dex: I thought Chow Yun Fat's half a head of hair was impressive, though I understand he wasn't under contention.

Herndon, Va.: My Queen: Able to dash back on line to ask why "Hey Dude, Where's My Car" didn't get any nominations. Did I get that title right? AND, to show I must be among the great unwashed - I didn't think "Crouching. . ." was THAT great. (Good, yes) Steve

P.S. Since Desson has soccer covered, why don't you do basketball?

Rita Kempley: Hi Steve: Lots of martial arts movie-lovers would agree with you on CTHD. I'm a little short for B-Ball. Besides I know more about football and golf.

Columbia, S.C.: Ms. Binoche actually was very gracious and funny this morning on one of the a.m. talk shows. She apparently was unaware of the other nominees for Best Actress, and when the person reading the list got to Julia Roberts' name, she said, laughing, "well, that's it. I'll keep my appointment to be at the ceremony, but I'm sure she'll win." And then she said some lovely things about Julia Roberts' career and performance in Erin Brockovich. So, no matter what you think of the nomination, she certainly was a gracious nominee.

Rita Kempley: Columbia: She may very well be right about Roberts, although it has been a while since "Erin" came out and you can't discount Linney or Burstyn. I think they and Roberts are the frontrunners.

Cleveland Park, D.C.: I have to agree with most everyone on this chat -- it's great to see Crouching Tiger with so many nominations. I can't say that I'm as pleased with Traffic. I thought it was OK at best.

But my real question -- did the Coen Brothers get stiffed again? O Brother, Where Art Thou only got one nomination, right? That was a great movie. And what about Shadow of the Vampire -- did it get any nods other than best supporting actor?

Rita Kempley: Cleveland: I loved both "Vampire" and "O Brother," but neither had a shot at best picture. George Clooney was great fun, but it was a comic role and comedies rarely win out against dramas. The exception, of course: Tom Hanks as Gump.

Arlington, Va.: I wouldn't suppress the thought of "CTHD" of being awarded "Best Picture". After watching this movie, I found it to be less of a "foreign film" and fit more within just a great "classic gem". By the end of the movie I didn't even remember reading the subtitles and thought that I could speak Mandarin Chinese!

As for disappointments...I really thought the young African-American lead in Finding Forester deserved a best actor nod. He was phenomenal in his ability to interract with Sean Connery.

Rita Kempley: Arlington: I also liked Denzel in the "titans." The movie wasn't a classic by any means, but it would have been unbearable without Washington. He made the most of that role.

Rita Kempley: Thanks for joining today's chat. Sharon Waxman will be in the Suspects' slot this Friday and I'm sure she will have more info on the Oscars. Even and egomaniac gets her fill after two hours so I'll say so long till a week from next Friday. Love to all.

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