Hugo and The Artist Lead the Charge at the Oscars

There's also good news for Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman

For once, there were surprises and shocks when the Oscar nominations were announced at lunchtime on Tuesday. There were many hoots and gasps, but there were also many nominations which came as expected, with The Artist doing well, and Meryl Streep collecting her 17 Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

The Artist, of course, is the big front-runner of the awards season, and it has collected a bevy of nominations. It has received 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Jean Dujardin, Best Supporting Actress for Berenice Bejo and Original Screenplay. This is triumphant for such an unconventional film, demonstrating a great deal of affection for Michel Hazanavicius’ black and white silent film. It remains the big favourite for Best Picture.

Review: The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is dead at the roots

Malick's latest is full of visions, and music, and signifies nothing

Director & Screenwriter: Terrence Malick

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain & Sean Penn

Plot: A man looks back on his life as he sits disillusioned in the modern day. He ponders the origins of the universe, the existence of God and his upbringing in 50s suburbia, particularly his complex relationship with his father and his close relationship with his mother.