Oscar Watch 13.0

Today, there will be two posts: this final review post and then my own picks for the Oscar ballot. So, with no time to waste, I must get to it!

Penelope Cruz is nominated as Best Supporting Actress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." This is Woody Allen's latest relationship comedy and it delivers. I have not traditionally placed Woody Allen on the same pedestal as other film geeks, but I generally enjoy his work. This film places Rebecca Hall (Vicky) and Scarlett Johansson (Cristina) in Barcelona with Javier Bardem (Juan Antonio) and gives them all sorts of sexy scenarios in which to play out fears and desires. Penelope Cruz joins in as Maria Elena, Javier Bardem's unstable ex-wife, who complicates the interludes with her antics.

The film overall is pleasant and provocative. I enjoyed it and could watch it again, as the dialogue and acting are sharp. Mostly, it looks fabulous. The Spanish landscapes are gorgeous and a testament to Spain's obvious beauty. (To quote Liz Lemon on 30 Rock, "I want to go to there.")

Penelope Cruz really brought this film to another level. At her first introduction, you think her inclusion could melt into jealous sterotypes and simply add tension to the semi-established relationships. But it is not the case. Credit goes to Woody Allen's writing, but also to Penelope Cruz's ability to make Maria Elena likeable, yet unbalanced in a somewhat understandable way. And her character's decisions seem to make sense - to both those onscreen and the audience.

This is Penelope's second nomination in recent years and she might win this time. The Best Supporting Actress category is absolutely the most difficult to pick, as all five women gave emotionally satisfying, memorable performances. The Academy likes Woody Allen (possibly less-so than before the Soon-Yi debacle) and could reward him through this nomination.

Regardless, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is enjoyable and Penelope Cruz does a good job in her role. Her fate on Oscar night? Well, at this point, it's less than twelve hours away, so we shall wait and see!