The Oscar’s held very little surprise, and what has already been written so far across “the internets” covers the highlights – MoNique and Sandra’s speeches, The Hurt Locker’s win, The Kanye moment, and the hosts.  It really was a predictable affair if you were to read up ever so little beforehand.

Oscar is continuing to mean very little to me other than a voting party with friends and family.  The revelation that people campaign for their nomination and win sucked a lot of air out of the festivities.  This isn’t your high school’s ASB, we can already judge your performance.  You don’t need to tell us what you will do for us this year, you already did it.  If your performance deserved it, then good for you – here’s a vote.  I understand the double edged sword.  Out of the loads of films to be considered, not everyone can actually see them all.  But if people aren’t taking the time to watch the films, doesn’t that diminish the value of the statue?

Out of all the nominees, there is one nomination that was missing – Sam Rockwell as best actor for “Moon.”  “Moon” is a sci-fi gem directed by Duncan Jones (who happens to be the son of David Bowie).  In the film, an astronaut named Sam (played by Sam Rockwell) is mining the minerals on the moon to create a super energy for the earth.  His only companion is a robot named Gerty, voiced by Kevin Spacey.  Gerty has all the awareness of HAL, but we are left to wonder if the awareness is diabolical or trustworthy.  Since this is a film, things go from great to not so great after the stage is set. 

Sam Rockwell is left to deliver the story by himself.  His performance demands a split personality of line delivery and physical presence.  The whole film rests on him, and he delivers big.  He sustains the viewer’s attention throughout the film with his charm, wit, and believability.  This is the kind of film best discovered on its own, with little reading up beforehand.

If Sam’s role were played by a more high profile celebrity, “Moon” would have garnered a few nominations.  Perhaps to get noticed, Meryl Streep or Kate Winslet could have played the role of Sam in Sam Rockwell’s place.  Or, maybe the filmmakers and producers could have made a few more paint made posters and hung them around Hollywood High advertising Sam’s name on them to get noticed during award season. 

But then again, who cares.  There were some great films to see this year and as you are catching up on them, check out “Moon.”