Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:46:18 GMT

DArk Knight, definitely. Not a huge fan of Heath Ledger, but his portrayal of The Joker was "chilling" to say the least. But then again, if Nicholson's protrayal of Joker didn't get the nom, what makes us think Ledger will?

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Earl Forbes, Huntsville, AL — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:54:45 GMT

The Dark Knight proved to be the movie event of the decade, and was hands down the best picture of the year. Let's "put a smile on that face" and give it the recognition it deserves!

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

John Doe, Seattle Wash. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:57:59 GMT

"and even Silence of the Lambs"

This is stated as if SOTL was a popular choice, despite it being only one of a select few movies to sweep actor, actress, director, picture and screenplay. You're talking a classic, not Oscar surprise/mainstream pick. Titanic and LOTR deserved awards too, Iron Man?? Great movie, but nope IMO. Acting consideration/wins perhaps for Downey and Ledger.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

John, Washington DC — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:09 GMT

err, um... because ledger's was simply that much better, perhaps? (only half kidding on that one) plus hollywood and the adoring public seem to have a soft spot for that whole "taken from us far too young" mystique that surrounds ledger's DK performance.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Robert, Madison, MS — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:03:43 GMT

I too thought Nicholson did a great job of the Joker...until I rewatched the film after seeing Dark Knight this summer. Ledger's performance blows Nicholson's away. "Chilling" indeed.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Benst, Albany NY USA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:07:04 GMT

In February 2009; USA tv goes all-digtal. ABC is scared that this will mean even lower ratings for the Academy Awards and is trying to get them moved to March. In all probablity; the Academy Awards will only nominate Dark Knight and maybe Iron Man in the acting catagorys, and the Best Picture nominations will be limited release Art films that did not make much money. Wall-E will win Best Animated film.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Robert Knight austin texas — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:21:34 GMT

I really wish people would stop talking about how amazng Jack Nicholson was as the Joker. That Tim Burton movie was so BORING! If this offends anyone SORRY! But seriously I saw that movie as a kid and hated it then saw it again recently and thought it was so dated. I feel that Christopher Nolans take on the Batman is amazing.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Alexandra Geraets, Iowa City, IA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:25:23 GMT

I personally find "Dark Knight" overrated and didn't particularly enjoy it, but I foresee Ledger being nominated. As for "Iron Man", I agree with the "POTC" comparison, although I did love Robert Downey Jr's performance and would happily root for him to win. "WALL-E" is one of the best animated movies ever made and simply cements Pixar as THE best of the best in the field of animation, so I would hope it would be a shoo in for winner of the best animated feature category. Although, it does occur to me, with all the hype surrounding "Dark Knight" why not some love for Aaron Eckhart, whose Harvey Dent was sympathetic, intriguing and ultimately tragic. Why no love for his performance when he's the one character who truly evolves?

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Eric, Cleveland — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:25:23 GMT

Jack Nicholson's portrayal was over-the-top. The movie "Batman" was campy and his portrayal wasn't far removed from a half dozen other roles he has been in prior to playing the Joker. Other aspects were much better in the "Batman": lighting, director, score, even Michael Keaton as Bruce/Batman was great.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

EM, Indianapolis, Indiana — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:28:34 GMT

Wall-E was touching and thoughtful. I would love to see it in the race for the 'big prize' and not in the animated film category!

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Paul Masson — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:29:35 GMT

Loved DK, and agree that it is worthy of Best Picture honors. Just absolutely missed the appeal of Iron Man, which seemed more than ordinary and way-overpraised. WALL-E is one I haven't yet seen, but will. Still, DK is my pick for Best of the year.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Stacie — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:30:14 GMT

Ledger will probably get a nomination because of his untimely death. That's okay with me, though, because I thought he was amazing.

Also, I can't wait to see Fincher's reunion with Pitt.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Jane Doe, Tennessee — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:33:09 GMT

Heath Ledger's Joker has to be one of the best, if not the best, part/villan of all time. I seriously had nightmares after the film because of how he created the character. If he does not get the nod, or win for that matter, then there is something terribly wrong with the panal. Also, Jack Nicholson's Joker was...a joke. He was not scary, funny, nothing. Heath should get it. End of story.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Wiccad — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:33:52 GMT

Ledger's "Joker" was consuming. It was hard to find him beneath that character. After watching Dark Knight, I realized what an amazing actor we have lost in Heath.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

J French, Culver City, CA. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:39:05 GMT

Heath Ledger's performance amazing, Robert Downey's performance perfect, both deserve nods.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Turner, Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:08:03 GMT

Iron Man was a great movie, but Dark Knight asks you to question your own morality.

Even if you don't read into it that way, watching Ledger's Joker makes you nervous. There aren't many characters who can do that.

I also love Batman more than any other superhero, so I have a strong bias.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Sheri, Springfield MO — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:09:31 GMT

Heath definitely deserves the nomination but not because of his "untimely death"; he did an amazing job with that character. The look, voice, and quirkiness of Heath's joker would be impossible to recreate...even in Hollywood!

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Joe, Indianapolis IN — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:27:40 GMT

WALL-E was a horrible movie and does not deserve an award for anything. Out of all the movies pixar has done that is by far the worse one.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

j, ohio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:36:42 GMT

I didnt really care for DK when i saw it in theatres, but i'll be willing to see it agian when its out on dvd. Although i agree he deserves a nomination.

didnt see the other 2 movies,

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

T. Good Harrisburg, PA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:45:46 GMT

Heath Ledger not only stole the film (The Dark Knight) from Christian Bale, he had the best line of the year. One the Academy can take to heart "Why so serious?" Ledger not only deserves a nomination, he should win hands down. He took the character of Joker to a whole new level. And I'm sure Jack Nicholson would a agree. They may have played the same character, but they were absolutely played differently by two master actors. I didn't see the movie just for Ledger's performance, but I was mesmerized by it none the less.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Kathleen, Miami FL — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:58:36 GMT

Heath Ledger is my pick for Best Supporting Actor and Mickey Rourke for Best Actor. I'll be watching to see Mickey.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Andrea, Bonaire GA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:13:08 GMT

I definitely agree that DK should be nominated for Best Picture and Heath should win for supporting actor. He completely disappeared into the role - how can anyone think Jack Nicholson was a better Joker?! Wall-E will probably be in the Best Animation category.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Hans, Orlando, FL — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:27:21 GMT

I have not yet seen Ironman but it would absolutely make my year if my two favorite movies of the year, TDK and WALLE, were even nominated. Both are astounding cinematic experiences that sweep me completely into their respective universes.

The sad fact is that we wouldn't even be having this discussion about whether or not these films would be nominated if it wasn't for a certain pesky word the Academy keeps letting get in their way of judgment: genre. The combined total of comic book/superhero and animated films nominated for Best Picture is one, and I'm afraid the older skewed academy members will let history repeat itself.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Daniel, Toledo, OH — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:44:07 GMT

Heath Ledger copied the Saw movies. If we give him the Oscar we should give Jigsaw an Oscar also. lol

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Dave S — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:48:54 GMT

I think a major point is being ignored: Heath Ledger COMMANDED the screen in every scene he was in. Dark Knight was, I think, the best pic of the year, or at least one of the top three, but Ledger's performance should get him a nomination as the BEST actor. His role might have been "supporting" but his ACTING was electrifying. What a sad loss that he's gone.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Mark, R.I. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:50:58 GMT

I think the original Batman movie (with Keaton) was a totally different type than The DK. The original was more in line with the comics, whereas The DK is more in line with graphic novels. That could be one reason why the two Joker characters are so different; however, both Jack and Heath stole the movie from the main characters. Lastly, I agree that Ledger deserves the nod, not as a result of his death, but the style depth of the character he poured into the role. An unforgettable performance.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Colleen, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:17:49 GMT

Burton's Batman bowed to the comic book--way too colorful and campy for my taste. Keaton was the only one to take his role seriously, but was overshadowed by Nicholson's Joker. Nolan's Dark Knight bowed to no one and took no prisoners! Ledger was great as the Joker, but Christian Bale was his equal as Batman. I hope Bale gets a best actor nod as well.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Caitlin, Budd Lake, NJ — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:20:40 GMT

While I ADORED Iron Man, I'm not sure if I would qualify any of it as Oscar-worthy. It's a bit more suited for the VMAs.

As for The Dark Knight, that is an amazing movie. Anyone who thought it was overrated has questionable taste or is just perhaps too jaded to get enthusiastic over anything. There needs to be no more talk about how if Heath Ledger gets nominated it's because of his death. That is absurd. His performance was inspired and restored the art of acting to mainstream films. Of course, so did Aaron Eckhart. They both deserve recognition, but I doubt they will get it. Sure, they may get an Oscar "nod", but it would be a miracle for them to win. I stopped watching the Oscars years ago because it seemed that anything really enjoyable and inventive always got overlooked or safely put aside into one of the subjective categories (i.e., WALL-E into the Animated Film category).

Let's hope for change this year, in more areas than one.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Erik Santaquin Utah — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:29:21 GMT

The Dark Knight was amazing and Heath deserves to win for his performance, his death should not factor into it; he would not be the first person to be awarded an Oscar posthumously (Peter Finch won for Network, winning Best Actor even though he died shortly after the movie was finished). The reimaging of the Batman franchise by Christopher Nolan is way superiour to the campy crap that Tim Burton started and should be recognized. Wall-E was OK but it was by no means Pixars best; it would have made a great short (the first 20 minutes or so of the movie I thought were the best, after that it went on and on and on) - I have not seen Iron Man though I have heard nothing but good things about it and I love Robert Downey Jr and would love it if he won an Oscar finally.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Debbie, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:52:24 GMT

In the past, the Academy Awards have suffered from over-hype, and over self-importance. They've nominated movies that no one saw or cared about, other than the critics. DK & WALL-E *might* draw in viewers, but does anyone really care any more who actually wins this thing? Who can remember who won last year, or two years ago. I think Heath Ledger definitely deserves recognition. His portrayal went so far beyond what we've seen in the past, he's not even in the same category with Nicholson, who was just a step beyond Cesar Romero, and more a caricature than a portrayal of a deeply disturbed man, which is what Ledger did.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

jimi bernath, englewood co — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:53:06 GMT

Sure Ledger will get nominated for what was a fine performance but not really that different from Nicholson's take on the character. And if James Dean couldn't win for his two POSTHUMOUS nominations, getting beat out by Ernest Borgnine for "Marty" and Yul Brynner for "King and I" then I expect Ledger will get beat out by a Pitt or Penn or DiCaprio this year.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

R. Thornhill Greensboro NC — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:08:44 GMT

When Heath was on screen you couldn't get enough of him, when he was off you couldn't wait to see more. That is the essence of a good character portrayal.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Laura, Denver CO — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:16:25 GMT

DK should be nominated for Best Pic, Heath for Best Supporting Actor, and the script for Best Original Screen Play. The script was outstanding and laid the framework for the rest. No one has mentioned the script so far.

As for WallE, it was a fabulous film. Joe from IN must live alone playing computer games all day with no children or social life - very sad.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Laura, Denver CO — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:22:32 GMT

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Tom, Perinton NY — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:24:42 GMT

In my opinion, Ironman and Dark Knight are the best two films out there so far. I would give Ironman the nod over Dark Knight as I felt that Dark Knight was a little bit too long. I would also think that Downey should be considered for Tropic Thunder, which I feel was one of the funniest movies of the year. His work, as an Australian movie star who methd acts his way into playing an African-American soldier, was nothing short of sensational.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Oh Boy Smallville NY — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:59:52 GMT

The Dark Knight is a spectacular movie, no question. Deserves Best Picture, multiple nominations, no other movie comes close to its impact. Heath Ledger mesmerizes as the Joker, and Christian Bale takes Batman to places no "superhero" has gone or will go again. And can't even call him a comic book superhero - he's a detective solving cases.

Iron Man was a good movie too, but in a fun summer- popcorn-big budget-over the top-special effects kind of way. Entertaining, but not memorable. Robert Downey Jr. was good, not oscar worthy. Sorry, he was more or less playing himself. He is capable of much more, and I have no doubt will prove it.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Grego, Portland, OR — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:03:06 GMT

Ledger was incredible in The Dark Knight and will rightfully be nominated, however the movie as a whole wasn't good enough to warrant an Oscar for Best Picture. In fact, without Ledger, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. As for Wall-E, it was overall better than The Dark Knight, however the movie got slightly weaker as it carried on. It will be the runaway favorite for Best Animated. Ironman? Great movie but not even in the same league as serious Oscar contenders.

Let's not forget the Oscar-nominated movies that you have to use a litmus test. From the last 5 years - Atomement, There Will Be Blood, Michael Clayton (truly last years best), The Queen, Letters From Iwo Jima, Capote, Munich, Brokeback Mountain, Master and Commander, Lost In Translation. Is The Dark Knight better than any of these non-winners? Definitely not. And going into Oscar season we should see many movies that will probably put The Dark Knight to shame.

That said, I loved The Dark Knight. However, it would've been a better movie if it was about 30 minutes shorter.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

VT, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:15:05 GMT

If the Dark Knight is nominated I will be watching the awards show, definitely. It is the best film of the year. I can't wait to get it on DVD.

I also thought the new Indiana Jones film was great as well.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

donnieboy9, Central Texas — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:34:40 GMT

The only reason ledger is nominated is for his death. If I was that Messed up on drugs and played the joker then died of an overdose you would have said I was Oscar bound. Ledger is a second rate actor that died because he was stupid. I will lose faith in the Oscars if he wins.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Daluckz Allentown PA — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:23:47 GMT

I believe Ledger deserves to win the nomination if elected for the award. He played an amazing role and took the character of the joker to a whole new level. I agree with most on this point of view; Jack Nicholson's joker was ok for how the movie was made but Ledger took it to a new extreme. Give the best movie of the year to DK and best actor award to Ledger. He truely deserves it.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Julian, Forney, TX — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:52:07 GMT

Heath Ledger was chilling and convincing as the criminally deranged Joker. The fluctuation and characteristics of his characters voice and tendnecies were the stuff of film legend. Totally blew Jack away in his role as the Joker. No silly putz just a cold blooded sociopathic killer. Well deserved Oscar nod and should get the statue.

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Vanessa, Alberta Canada — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:09:36 GMT

WALL-E all the way! :) This film would be the perfect one to make history as the first animated film to win "Best Picture".

Is this Batman's year for Oscar?

Pranav D., Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:56:26 GMT

The Dark Knight seemed like just another action flick, though Ledger's performance is haunting; albeit a halo effect post his sad death made his starring role better. Wall-e is fabulous, intelligent, sensitive and scores on all counts!