LOS ANGELES (MCT) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences paid homage Tuesday morning to the early days of cinema by bestowing the lion’s share of Oscar nominations on two films that are valentines to the early days of cinema.
“Hugo,” Martin Scorsese’s heartfelt love letter to filmmaking, earned the most nominations with 11, including best picture, best director and best screenplay as well as several technical Oscars.
“The Artist,” the low-budget black-and-white silent movie that offers a glimpse of Hollywood during its transition to the “talkies” earned 10 nominations, including nods for best picture, best director, screenplay, actor and supporting actress.
George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt and Octavia Spencer were among the performers receiving nominations, while “The Descendants” and “Moneyball” also scored best picture nods as the field for the 84th Academy Awards was announced in Beverly Hills.
Rounding out the nine best picture nominees are “War Horse,” “The Tree of Life,” “Midnight in Paris,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” and “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.” Disappointing comedy fans was the no-show “Bridesmaids,” which some had suggested could win a best picture nod. However, the raunchy girl comedy wasn’t completely shut out. Melissa McCarthy picked up a best supporting actress nomination, and the film received a best original screenplay nomination for “Saturday Night Live” star Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.
