Gallery: Wired's Oscar Picks, Where Math Nerds, Hackers and 3-D Spectacles Win
01oscars-2012
The Oscars are great, but let's face it: It's a party for Hollywood's most pretty, popular kids. And at the end of the night, they — not the dweebs — take home most of the little gold men. Not that the Oscars aren't geek-friendly — surely more than a few members of the [Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences](http://www.oscars.org/) would qualify as film nerds. And while the winners tend to skew more arty and dramatic than anything, each year a few geeks sneak their way down the red carpet. (David Fincher, who are you wearing?!) But imagine if the Oscars took place in a parallel universe where the things that get geek juices flowing also garnered Academy votes. Where movies get judged more on subject matter (badass female hackers, for example) or filmmakers' nerdy ambitions (a swooping 3-D adaptation of *The Invention of Hugo Cabret*) than the traditional metrics. That's what we've done with this alternate-reality take on the Academy Awards 2012. So, without further ado, may we present the Wired Oscars. Our winners may not leave victorious from [whatever-it's-called-now theater](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-kodak-theatre-name-hollywood-highland-293812), but they will always be winners to us. *Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired*
02moneyball-2
Category: Best Picture ---------------------- __Nominees:__ *The Artist*, *The Descendants*, *Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close*, *The Help*, *Hugo*, *Midnight in Paris*, *Moneyball*, *Tree of Life*, *War Horse* __Bookie's choice:__ [*The Artist*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ *Moneyball* There's a good chance this win will go to *The Artist*, the silent black-and-white wonder from director Michel Hazanavicius. And it would be a well-deserved win based on the film's bravery alone. However, for our money, director Bennett Miller's adaptation of Michael Lewis' book *Moneyball* has the right stuff. It's not easy to make math about baseball into really compelling drama, and this tale of Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane knocked it out of the park. __If we ruled the Academy:__ *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* and *Drive* would've been nominated here, at the very least. And both would've been strong contenders for a win. —*Angela Watercutter* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1467063659001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1467063659001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1467063659001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Photo Credit: Jaap Buitendijk03hugo-2
Category: Best Director ------------------------ __Nominees:__ Woody Allen (*Midnight in Paris*), Michel Hazanavicius (*The Artist*), Terrence Malick (*Tree of Life*), Alexander Payne (*The Descendants*), Martin Scorsese (*Hugo*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Michel Hazanavicius](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) (*The Artist*) __Wired's winner:__ Martin Scorsese The meta-obsessed Academy loves nothing as much as cinematic masterpieces about masterful cinema. Scorsese not only came through on that count, but also reached ambitiously outside his gangster milieu with [Hugo's timeless 3-D fable](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/11/hugo-review). With two kids in the lead and zero real villains, Hugo is unlike anything Scorsese has ever made — and like very few films ever made by anyone, including Charlie Chaplin and Stanley Kubrick. In today's heavily derivative Hollywood moviescape, that's a magnificent achievement. __If we ruled the Academy:__ [Brad Bird](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/12/brad-bird-interview) would've been nominated. The animation auteur already has two statues for Ratatouille and The Incredibles, but deserves a special Oscar for not only hitting a home run on his live-action debut, but also resuscitating both Tom Cruise's sagging career and the moribund Mission: Impossible franchise. We also probably would've given a nod to David Fincher in this category for *The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo*. —*Scott Thill* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1065854056001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1065854056001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1065854056001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
04gary-oldman
Category: Best Actor in a Lead Role ------------------------------------ __Nominees:__ Demian Bichir (*A Better Life*), George Clooney (*The Descendants*), Jean Dujardin (*The Artist*), Gary Oldman (*Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*), Brad Pitt (*Moneyball*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Jean Dujardin](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) (*The Artist*) __Wired's winner:__ Gary Oldman (*Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*) Singin', dancin' Jean Dujardin is immensely likable as a handsome silent-movie star who hits the skids with the advent of talkies, but Gary Oldman achieves something even more unusual in his performance as iconic British spy George Smiley: He captivates by seemingly doing very little. A magnetic melancholia permeates Oldman's portrait, especially when he delivers a weary, eight-minute monologue midway through the movie. Contrast that stillness with his antic Sex Pistol impersonation in *Sid and Nancy*, and the range of this never-before-anointed British actor pretty much screams: Vote for me! __If we ruled the Academy:__ Andy Serkis' performance in *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* would've been a shoo-in nomination (and possible win) in this category. —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1288340005001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1288340005001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1288340005001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
05rooney-mara
Category: Best Actress ---------------------- __Nominees:__ Glenn Close (*Albert Nobbs*), Viola Davis (*The Help*), Rooney Mara (*The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo*), Meryl Streep (*The Iron Lady*), Michelle Williams (*My Week With Marilyn*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Viola Davis (*The Help*)](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ Rooney Mara (*The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo*) We totally get it, and we're not going to deny it: Viola Davis is a revelation. If she wins, she'll have earned it. But man, Rooney Mara really did kick our mental, metaphorical asses in David Fincher's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel about hyper-intelligent hacker Lisbeth Salander. "Fearless" gets needlessly thrown around a lot as an adjective to describe the performances of actors, and it's a bit trite. But if you ask us, Mara stared down an incredibly harrowing role and didn't blink once. That's fearless. __If we ruled the Academy:__ There would be an Oscar for Best Actress in a Role Involving Hacking and Getting Revenge Using Dildos. —*Angela Watercutter* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1266709355001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1266709355001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1266709355001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Melinda Sue Gordon06jonah-hill
Category: Actor in a Supporting Role ------------------------------------- __Nominees:__ Kenneth Branagh (*My Week With Marilyn*), Jonah Hill (*Moneyball*), Nick Nolte (*Warrior*), Christopher Plummer (*Beginners*), Max von Sydow (*Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Christopher Plummer](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) (*Beginners*) __Wired's winner:__ Jonah Hill (*Moneyball*) Candidates in this perpetually hypercompetitive category enjoy license to be eccentric, since they're not carrying the film. This year, old pros Christopher Plummer, Max von Sydow, Nick Nolte and Kenneth Branagh all operate at the top of their well-seasoned games, but wouldn't it be great to see Jonah Hill — who still lives at home with his parents — make his move from low-brow schlub to big-time thespian? Serving as audience proxy and pitch-perfect foil to Brad Pitt in *Moneyball*, Hill brought geeky soul to his number-crunching character and prevented the movie from becoming an overly insider soap opera that took itself too seriously. __If we ruled the Academy:__ Jared Harris would've gotten a nod for his work in *Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows*. He's Professor Moriarty, for God's sake! —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1170809747001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1170809747001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1170809747001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
07melissa-mccarthy
Category: Best Supporting Actress --------------------------------- __Nominees:__ Berenice Bejo (*The Artist*), Jessica Chastain (*The Help*), Melissa McCarthy (*Bridesmaids*), Janet McTeer (*Albert Nobbs*), Octavia Spencer (*The Help*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Octavia Spencer (*The Help*)](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ Melissa McCarthy (*Bridesmaids*) *Bridesmaids* may not have been the nuanced, well-played piece that *The Help* was, but Melissa McCarthy gave a genius performance. Precise comedic timing and gusto for her role matched that of anybody else she shared the screen with. It's not easy to gesture to a handsome man and say you'd "climb that like a tree," but McCarthy does it without hesitation. __If we ruled the Academy:__ Maya Rudolph probably would've been nominated for this Oscar right next to her co-star McCarthy. —*Angela Watercutter* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1467038488001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1467038488001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1467038488001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
08rango
Category: Best Animated Feature ------------------------------- __Nominees:__ A Cat in Paris, Chico and Rita, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rango __Bookie's choice:__ [*Rango*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ Rango The lizard, hands down. A psychedelic Western that bows equally to Sergio Leone and Hunter S. Thompson, *Rango* was better than almost every film nominated for an Oscar, animated or otherwise. Gore Verbinski and Industrial Light and Magic's unhinged animated feature exists sublimely in that nether zone between animation for kids and animation for adults, which is why the movie's 60-plus instances of onscreen smoking set prudes ablaze. But years from now, *Rango* will remain relevant while popcorn wastes like Kung Fu Panda 2, which has no business being nominated here, struggles for breathing room at the bottom of animation history's dustbin. __If we ruled the Academy:__ [All-Star Superman](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/02/all-star-superman-review) would've been in this mix. The first adaptation of writer Grant Morrison's visionary comics is not only the greatest Superman 'toon ever made, it's likely better than director [Zack Snyder's forthcoming live-action Superman reboot](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/01/superman-henry-cavill). (That might be hard to swallow, but watch Snyder's misguided Sucker Punch, then get back to us.) —*Scott Thill* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience292416456001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="292416456001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience292416456001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
09a-separation
Category: Best Foreign Language Film ------------------------------------- __Nominees:__ *Bullhead* (Belgium), *Monsieur Lazhar* (Canada), *A Separation* (Iran), *Footnote* (Israel), *In Darkness* (Poland) __Bookie's choice:__ [*A Separation*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ *A Separation* Director Asghar Farhadi deserves a badge of courage for braving a repressive regime to tell *A Separation*'s ingeniously constructed story of a prickly couple who accidentally disgrace a devoutly religious nurse and her hot-tempered husband. Though grounded in the specifics of urban Islamic life, the characters' dilemmas are uncomfortably universal: The truth can be a bitch. __If we ruled the Academy:__ We're actually on the same page as the real Academy on this one. —*Hugh Hart* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Sswx\_vrWk
10bridesmaids-2
Category: Best Original Screenplay ---------------------------------- __Nominees:__ *Midnight in Paris*, *Margin Call*, *A Separation*, *The Artist*, *Bridesmaids* __Bookie's choice:__ [*Midnight in Paris*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ *Bridesmaids* We admit, this is a choice at least slightly fueled by feminism, and not just because the writers of all of the films that aren't *Bridesmaids* are men. It's mostly because the over-the-top wedding-comedy genre is ruled by dudes and this year Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo pwned the category with this funny and smart script. Kudos, ladies. __If we ruled the Academy:__ *[Another Earth](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2011/07/another-earth-filmmakers/)* would've been nominated for this award, and Mike Cahill and Brit Marling would've gotten some much-due recognition for their aching drama about the metaverse. —*Angela Watercutter* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1467038481001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1467038481001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1467038481001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
Melinda Sue Gordon11moneyball-3
Category: Best Adapted Screenplay --------------------------------- __Nominees:__ *The Descendants*, *Hugo*, *The Ides of March*, *Moneyball*, *Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy* __Bookie's choice:__ [*The Descendants*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ *Moneyball* See our previous comments about *Moneyball*'s wonderful ability to make sports-math heart wrenching. It should be no surprise that Aaron Sorkin had something to do with this adaptation — that guy invented walking-and-talking-about-interesting-things scripts. __If we ruled the Academy:__ *The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo* would have made the short list. —*Angela Watercutter* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1467063659001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1467063659001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1467063659001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
12hugo-3
Category: Best Original Score ----------------------------- __Nominees:__ John Williams (*The Adventures of Tintin*), Ludovic Bource (*The Artist*), Howard Shore (*Hugo*), Alberto Iglesias (*Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*), John Williams (*War Horse*) __Bookie's choice:__ [Ludovic Bource](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) (*The Artist*) __Wired's winner:__ Howard Shore (*Hugo*) Ludovic Bource did a remarkable job of revoicing musical styles popularized in the late 1920s and early '30s for *The Artist*, though nitpickers trashed him for pilfering a snippet from composer Bernard Herman. But for *Hugo*, set in the same time period, Howard Shore crafted the more original body of work. Shore has produced his fair share of ponderous themes for the *Lord of the Rings* franchise, but in *Hugo* he exercises a delightfully light touch. His buoyant themes lifted the narrative without burying the characters in treacle. Unlike John Williams’ overbearing orchestrations for both *Tintin* and *War Horse*, Shore exercised a light melodic touch loaded with accordions and charm. __If we ruled the Academy:__ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross would've gotten a nod for their haunting, icy score for *The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo*. —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1065854056001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1065854056001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1065854056001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
13paradise-lost-3
Category: Best Documentary Feature ---------------------------------- __Nominees:__ *Hell and Back Again*, *If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front*, *Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory*, *Pina*, *Undefeated* __Bookie's choice:__ [*Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory*](http://moviecitynews.com/2012/02/gurus-o-gold-picking-the-winners-pt-2-of-2/) __Wired's winner:__ *Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory* *Pina* breaks new ground by showcasing 3-D dance performance, but *Paradise Lost 3* deserves recognition as an exemplar of activist filmmaking. Following up on the story of how director Joe Berliner and his team prompted the release of three Tennessee teenagers sentenced to life imprisonment for murders they didn't commit, the documentary proves that movies possess the power to change lives. __If we ruled the Academy:__ *Superheroes* probably would've been in this mix somewhere. —*Hugh Hart* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bi4I8epJ7k
RICHARD FOREMAN JR SMPSP14drive-2
Category: Best Original Song ----------------------------- __Nominees:__ "Man or Muppet" from *The Muppets*, "Real in Rio” from *Rio* __Bookie's choice:__ "[Man or Muppet](http://moviecitynews.com/2012/02/gurus-o-gold-picking-the-winners-pt-2-of-2/)" from *The Muppets* __Wired's winner:__ "Man or Muppet" from *The Muppets* Bret McKenzie. Full stop. But.... __If we ruled the Academy:__ Only two numbers out of 39 candidates were nominated this year, but the coolest song used in a 2011 movie has to be "A Real Hero" in *Drive*. Technically, College's song with Electronic Youth does not meet Oscar requirements because it was not created specifically for the movie. Whatever. The haunting vocal, eerie lyric and minimalist backing tracks perfectly underscore the lonely road taken by Ryan Gosling's driver with no name. —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1134523029001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1134523029001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1134523029001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
WETA15rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-2
Category: Visual Effects ------------------------ __Nominees:__ *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2*, *Hugo*, *Real Steel*, *Rise of the Planet of the Apes*, *Transformers: Dark of the Moon* __Bookie's choice:__ [*Rise of the Planet of the Apes*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* If bombast were the only criterion, *Transformers: Dark of the Moon* would win as loudest parade of in-your-face 3-D mayhem. But *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* approached CGI poetry with a stunning shot that showed dozens of primates swinging through the trees of a leafy San Francisco suburb. __If we ruled the Academy:__ There would probably be a special Oscar for best 3-D effects. And it probably would've gone to *Hugo*. —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1069616405001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1069616405001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1069616405001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
16flying-books
Category: Best Animated Short ----------------------------- __Nominees:__ Dimanche/Sunday, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, La Luna, A Morning Stroll, Wild Life __Bookie's choice:__ N/A __Wired's winner:__ The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. This was a brilliant year for animated shorts, which made for fierce competition when it came to the Oscar short list. But The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore's captivating fable of soaring literature and imagination squeaked past Pixar's poignant moon melodrama La Luna for the win. This is probably one of those few times Wired and the Academy will agree on a winner. __If we ruled the Academy:__ We'd make animated shorts like The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore and Pixar's La Luna go head to head with formulaic experiments in maudlin like The Descendants or Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close for Oscar primacy. Both shorts are easily more ambitious and stunning than those features and many others. Maybe we'll get that chance once Oscar voters are something other than [old white guys](http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-unmasking-oscar-academy-project-html,0,6763063.htmlstory). —*Scott Thill* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1469909228001"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param> <param name="width" value="660"></param> <param name="height" value="423"></param> <param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param> <param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param> <param name="isVid" value="true"></param> <param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param> <param name="@videoPlayer" value="1469909228001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1469909228001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
17girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo
Category: Best Cinematography ----------------------------- __Nominees:__ *The Artist*, *The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo*, *Hugo*, *The Tree of Life*, *War Horse* __Bookie's choice:__ [*The Tree of Life*](http://www.lasvegassportsbetting.com/Las-Vegas-2012-Oscars-Odds_P4163.html) __Wired's winner:__ Jeff Cronenweth, *The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo* Emmanuel Lubezki's fluid camerawork and Norman Rockwell-like compositions stunned in *The Tree of Life*, but *The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo* director of photography Jeff Cronenweth had a better story to work with. Using digital cameras set to a hyperdense "4K" resolution, he exploited Sweden’s subarctic soft light to capture snowflakes, Daniel Craig's scruffy beard and breathtaking country estates to spectacular effect. __If we ruled the Academy:__ *Drive* would've been nominated, and not just because Ryan Gosling is easy to look at. —*Hugh Hart* <script src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js" type="text/javascript"></script><object class="BrightcoveExperience" id="myExperience1266709355001"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"></param><param name="width" value="660"></param><param name="height" value="423"></param><param name="playerID" value="3698508001"></param><param name="publisherID" value="1564549380"></param><param name="isVid" value="true"></param><param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true"></param><param name="@videoPlayer" value="1266709355001"></param></object><script type="text/javascript"> runMobileCompatibilityScript('myExperience1266709355001', 'anId'); </script><script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>
