Oscar loves cowboy love

It’s clear that “Brokeback Mountain” is a gay force to be reckoned with. Having already won four Golden Globes, the film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal garnered eight nominations from the Academy, including best picture, best director, best actor and best supporting actor. The lingering question is: Will the Academy follow in the footsteps of the Hollywood Foreign Press and pony up all eight statues to the gay movie to end all gay movies?

George Clooney made Oscar history snagging three nominations – best supporting actor for his role as an undercover CIA agent in “Syriana” and best director and co-writer for “Good Night, and Good Luck.” This is the first time an Oscar contender was honored with acting and directing nominations for two different movies. “Good Night” was also nominated for best picture. George, you’ve come a long way since that recurring role as the carpenter on “Facts of Life,” baby.

The Academy favored “Capote,” dishing out five nominations for the true story of eccentric writer Truman Capote, including best picture. Philip Seymour Hoffman was nominated for best actor along with Catherine Keener for best supporting actress for her role as Harper Lee. The Academy also gave a nod to Bennett Miller for best director.

There are surely tears in the beers of Peter Jackson fans. Contrary to popular opinion, the Academy dubbed “King Kong” a giant flop, tossing it only token bananas for technical work. Those who felt the film was a waste of three hours and seven bucks are officially validated. The “Lord of the Rings” director will have to keep his hobbits busy re-polishing the awards he received last year for “Return of the King.”

Fans of the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk the Line” may also shed a tear or two. The Academy nominated Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon for their roles, but snubbed the film for best picture.

Best Picture
“Brokeback Mountain”
“Capote”
“Crash”
“Good Night, and Good Luck”
“Munich”

Best Actor
Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Capote”
Terrence Howard, “Hustle & Flow”
Heath Ledger, “Brokeback Mountain”
Joaquin Phoenix, “Walk the Line”
David Strathairn, “Good Night, and Good Luck”

Best Actress
Judi Dench, “Mrs. Henderson Presents”
Felicity Huffman, “Transamerica”
Keira Knightley, “Pride & Prejudice”
Charlize Theron, “North Country”
Reese Witherspoon, “Walk the Line”

Best Supporting Actor
George Clooney, “Syriana”
Matt Dillon, “Crash”
Paul Giamatti, “Cinderella Man”
Jake Gyllenhaal, “Brokeback Mountain”
William Hurt, “A History of Violence”

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams, “Junebug”
Catherine Keener, “Capote”
Frances McDormand “North Country”
Rachel Weisz, “The Constant Gardener”
Michelle Williams, “Brokeback Mountain”

Best Director
Ang Lee, “Brokeback Mountain”
Bennett Miller, “Capote”
Paul Haggis, “Crash”
George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck”
Steven Spielberg, “Munich”