Film is art. Moving pictures have the power to transport us away from our daily lives. They can illuminate our spirit. Tickle our funny bone and even inspire us. And since "The Journey with Grace" is in part a blog about art–and isn't all of Life art? I think so–movies deemed worth your watching are reviewed here, which also means there's often a disAbility angle, too….So, I jus' have ta cluck and gloat a wee bit that at least three of my choices are up for Oscar grabs at Sunday night's Academy Awards hoo-la. (And, no, I won't be watching the stars preen.) But, Monday morning, I'll listen to NPR and read about it and maybe spread a few more feathers here.) Below are links to past posts, which correspond to the nominations. So! The nominees, covered on "The Journey with Grace," are (drum roll, please):

Best Picture:

Midnight in Paris, ("Midnight in Paris: a Movie for Artists, Writers, Travelers")

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, ("Two Current Movies Feature Asperger's")

The Help, ("Hurry to the Theater and Don't Forget Your Hankie!")

Best Actress:

Viola Davis, The Help, ("Hurry to the Theater and Don't Forget Your Hankie") Davis also had a very different, endearing role in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, ("Two Current Movies Feature Asperger's.") To the critics chastising Davis for her role in The Help ("'Role of Maids Dusts Up Trouble for The Help",) respectfully, I submit: it's acting. It's period. It's history. Leave the actress alone to perform her exquisite art. I understand–best I can–the pain. But there's some sad, humbling lessons to be learned and reminded of among the white viewership and we can learn that in part through her brilliant and apparently daring performance. Peace fingers!

Glenn Close, (my double, wink-wink…so I'm told,) Iron Lady. Okay, I didn't review it here, but I did see it and it was brilliant.

Best Directing:

Midnight in Paris, ("Midnight in Paris: a Movie for Artists, Writers, Travelers") Gotta love him, that whacky-whacked-out Woody Allen!

So, who do YOU predict will tote home the golden statue?