Oscar Nominations - The 84th Academy Awards - February 26, 2012

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the Oscar nominations for The 84th Academy Awards to be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012.    The Academy votes are based on nostalgia, the story, script, acting, artistry and production.  They do not care for movies like Transformers.  And, instead select nominations for well crafted and developed films.  The voters are comprised of  the Hollywood elite including actors, actresses from young to old, producers and others connected with the film industry. Started in 1927 and is by invitation only - 5000 members. Let the final voting begin!!  And, as for evening black tie fashion - wait and see!

Snubs:  Tilda  Swinton, Shailene Woodley, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, Steven Spielberg, Albert Brooks, David Fincher
Surprises:  Demian Bichir
First Time Nomination:  Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor soldier Spy
Most Nominations:  Hugo - 11; The Artist - 10

Here are the nominees in the top categories:

Best Picture:
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

Best Actor:
Demian Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujarin, "The Artist"
Gary Oldman, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

Best Supporting Actor:
Kenneth Branagh,  "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Max von Sydow, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Best Actress:
Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week with Marilyn"

Best Supporting Actress:
Bérénice Bejo,  "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy,  "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer,   "The Help"