Best actor and supporting actress nominees for "The Artist" - Jean  Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo 

                                                    Best Picture                

“Midnight in Paris”--Good, clean, literary fun. Woody's done better, but not in a while.

“Moneyball”-First of all L in the Southeast's up and coming super-star son, Stephen Bishop, shines in his role as major league slugger, David Justice. That's reason enough to check it out, but there is much more to enjoy about this fascinating process drama whether you're into baseball or not.

“The Descendants”-- What a refreshing treat, emotionally gripping without being melodramatic. When was the last time you saw a major film about the manners and customs of Hawaiians? Ever wonder where the President gets his easy, unassuming grace? I think it's in the water.

“The Tree of Life”--A mind-bending, metaphysical masterpiece; the likes of which you have never seen. At times it was like watching an episode of Nova spliced with a Shakespearian tragedy. What does it all mean, indeed?

“The Help”--A very satisfying film experience; one that leaves you with an empowering, feel-good vibe. Honestly though, I think the movie was over-recognized. The book is quite a bit better.

"War Horse” --Didn't see it myself, mostly because the reviews I read were awful. Words like saccharine and schmaltzy come to mind. Many who have seen the play say it worked better as a stage production. I will wait for the Netflix version.

“Hugo”--Magically delicious! I paid for the 3-D version out of reverence for Mr. Scorcese, but I suspect it would work just as well in the standard form. Alysa Salzberg wrote a terrific piece separating fact from fiction. What is the real Paris Montparnasse terminal like as opposed to the fictional set piece showcased in the film? Who else but our girl in Paris could set the record straight.

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”--This is the only other film I missed in the category. From what I've read, it's a mediocre effort at best with some good performances. Is there a prize for worst movie title ever?

       Best actress

 Rooney Mara, “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”--An affecting performance and decent page to screen adaptation. However, after reading the books and seeing all three Swedish films with the ravishing Noomi Rapace as Lizbeth Salander, Ms. Mara's take was not my favorite. 

Glen Close, “Albert Nobbs”--Is it just me or does Glenn Close look frightful in drag?

Viola Davis, “The Help”--I've not seen enough of the nominees to judge properly, but Davis is outstanding as always.

Meryl Streep “The Iron Lady”--I'll wait for this one to hit cable. As much as I adore Meryl, the bio pick genre is just played out for me. Something about the impression performance that seems somehow less impressive. By all accounts, Streep was masterful: The film itself, not so much.

Michelle Williams “My Week With Marilyn”--Another impression performance I skipped.

        Best actor

 George Clooney, “The Descendants”

This was a great part for Georgie, a career high even, but...

Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”

...the dashing Dujardin is simply irresistable.

Gary Oldman, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”

Demian Bichir, “A Better Life”

Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”--Perhaps his best work to date. He was also very good in "The Tree of Life."

Best supporting actress

 Octavia Spencer, “The Help”--A good solid performance, but nothing so special as to be nominated.

Bérénice Bejo “The Artist”--The rightful winner if anyone with half a brain is voting. Peerless!

Jessica Chastain, “The Help”

Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids”--Now this is a surprise. I loved the film and Ms. McCarthy's performance in particular. I even like the idea of the Academy recognizing a comedic performance. Still, I'm not sure she belongs here. The charming Shailene Woodley from "The Descendants" would have been my choice.

Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”

 Best supporting actor

 Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”--This one is on my must see list. Can't speak of his performance as yet, but given the field, I think Plummer is due for lifetime achievement.

Kenneth Branagh, “My Week With Marilyn”

Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”-Wow, this is the only performance I've seen in the category. I need to get busy. As for Jonah, I would compare this performance to that of Octavia Spencer. Good but not great.

Nick Nolte, “Warrior”

Max von Sydow, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

 Best director

 Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris"--I love my Woody, but we all know he won't be in attendance so...

Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”

Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”

Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”-

Terrence Malick, “Tree of Life”-- Artistically audacious; this film is not for everyone, but then neither was the work of Jackson Pollock or Pablo Picasso. Malick should win for courage alone.

Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”

Best original screenplay

 “Margin Call”--I am thrilled to see this film nominated for anything. Excellent morality play about the vagaries of Wall Street and the flawed men and women who live there.

“The Artist”

“Bridesmaids”

“Midnight in Paris”

“A Separation”

Best adapted screenplay

 “Moneyball”

“The Descendants-”

“Hugo”

“The Ides of March”

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy-” Sorry OS sponsors, didn't catch this one.

                                  Best documentary feature

“Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” --I first experienced this story when part one of the series aired on HBO in 1996. Since then I have often wondered about the fate of "The West Memphis Three." This is a cast of real-life characters you will not soon forget.

“Hell and Back Again”

“If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Libration Front”

“Pina”

“Undefeated”

Nominee list copied directly from The Washington Post. If you want a more comprehensive list, go there yourself.