Oscars, please

Rating: Null/10 (23 December 2003)

I have thought the Oscars were a sham since Saving private Ryan was passed over for Best Picture. Now, the Academy has a chance to redeem itself in my eyes next Spring. I held out little hope that either of the first two films or Peter Jackson would get "Bests" simply because the best (Return of the King) was yet two come and we weren't going to see consecutive years of awards. Now that the Trilogy has concluded, it would be a farce of epic proportions if Return of the King and Peter Jackson do not win Best Picture and Best Director. While Return of the King, standing alone, is Oscar-worthy (it is the best film I have seen in 40+ years of viewing), there is absolutely no reason why the films, as a body of work, and director Peter Jackson, for the body of work he crafted, should fail to garner Oscars. Nothing else that has come out in the last three years (or ever, IMHO) can top ROTK. It would also be a shame if Sean Astin does not get at least a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Is there any greater sidekick in film or literature than Samwise Gamgee? And Sean Astin absolutely nailed it. I have shed tears aplenty watching and rewatching these films, and t he most heartfelt ones were drawn by the steadfast loyalty and rousing encouragement of Sam. "I made a promise, Mr. Frodo..." Everyone should have such a friend.