A Look at this Year's Surprising Academy Award Nominations

Scene from Boyhood

After months of prognostication and other awards shows, the Academy Awards have finally announced all of their contenders for this year's ceremony. For the first time ever, there were two installments in which all 24 categories were presented to the press. In traditional fashion, there were plenty of surprises that made my hopes seem greatly miscalculated. Without further ado, here's the nominees as well as personal thoughts on each major category.

Predictions for the Oscars' Potential Best Actress Category

Julianne Moore in Still Alice

With the Oscar nominations only one week away, now seems like a good time to take into account the various categories and share personal thoughts on what stands a chance and what will likely not make the cut. The following is a rundown of the performers who I feel will most likely make it to the final five in the Best Actress race and who may be considered a potential threat for the category. Let me state that this isn't a prediction of who will win, simply who will get the nomination.

A Look at the 83 Eligible Candidates for 2015's Best Foreign Film Oscar

Scene from Ida

The Academy recently announced their candidates for next year's Best Foreign Film category this week. Among the highlights is the fact that this year's selection has surpassed last year's record breaking 76 entries with this year's 83, including films from four first time countries (Kosovo, Malta, Mauritania, and Panama). It is always exciting to have the definitive lock on what each country has, even if you are not entirely familiar with their work. It gives audiences a peek into how the process works and possibly to even pick out their own personal favorites from the list. The following is all 83 eligible films as well as a few thoughts regarding the race.

The Trailer for "Two Days, One Night" Shows Cotillard in Top Form

Left to right: Fabrizio Rongione and Marion Cotillard

During this past Cannes Film Festival, one of the films that received a lot of acclaim, including a nomination for the Palme d'Or was director Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's Two Days, One Night. With critical acclaim, it quickly received recognition for its impressive commentary and a performance by Marion Cotillard as Sandra in a tight position that may cost her her job. With the first trailer released, it is time to consider if Cotillard has what it takes to make it back into the Oscar race and if the film stands any chance at going from Cannes to the Academy Awards in any logical way.