Have the Oscars got it right?

The Oscar nominations have been announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science.

The Oscars are considered the most prestigious in the film awards season calendar, and are keenly fought for.

The favourite to pick up the award for best film and best director is Peter Jackson for Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

Other films which have picked up nominations are Lost in Translation and Mystic River.

What do you think of the selection? Should Nicole Kidman have been nominated for Cold Mountain? How do you think the Brits will fare? Send us your comments.

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This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

It seems strange that "Return Of the King" is being nominated alone the trilogy itself is a masterpiece and surly should be honoured as a whole. The acting is superb, the visualisation is breathtaking and special effects left me and others awestruck throughout the three years of the release.
Chris McNally, Liverpool, England

Why the heck isn't the Matrix trilogy up for nomination? Has the world gone mad? This is probably the most ground-breaking and thought-provoking film of the last and present century drawing on Plato's to Descarte's philosophy, to Buddhist and Christianity. Furthermore, the CGI is phenomenal and mind blowing.
Chantelle, Manchester, UK

Best films of the year were City of God, Lost in Translation, and Touching the Void. I hope that the first two get all the awards they richly deserve, but surely the latter should have had a nomination for best documentary feature.
Chris Garner, Marlborough, England

Johhny Depp should win best actor hands down as he stole the show completely in Pirates of the Caribbean and made the film an absolute pleasure to watch.
David, West Sussex

Lord of the Rings definitely deserves all of the Oscars it got nominated for, and a few it didn't. Sean Astin deserves Best Supporting Actor yet didn't even get nominated. As much as I loved Johnny Depp, I think that some of the performances in Return of the King were much more deserving of that award. LORD OF THE RINGS ALL THE WAY!!!
Abigail (a Tolkien fan), Cincinnati, USA

I will be watching it for years to come, and loving every minute, purely because of his performance Nicky D, Kuala Lumpur

I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean purely on a word of mouth recommendation and thought Johnny Depp made an average film into a classic. I will be watching it for years to come, and loving every minute, purely because of his performance. I can't say the same for any of the other nominees. Surely that's what an Oscar should be about? It's too easy to take an angst ridden, unglamorous role, solely to try to get an Oscar these days, and the decision makers always fall for it. Have they really finally got it right?
Nicky D, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mystic River will win Best Picture at the Oscars. Members of the Academy especially the older ones prefer good old fashioned gritty acting and not special effects.
Kat, London, England

I think that the four nominations for City of God places Brazilian movie industry on its right place. Moreover, it is also the result of the talent and vision of Walter Salles, director of Central Station (two nominations in 1999 - best foreign movie and best actress) and also the producer of City of God. May the world watch more of our movies!
Eduardo Ribas, São Paulo, Brazil

The Oscars are not always about the best, but the best publicists Jan, UK

Viggo Mortenson's Aragorn was the most wonderful characterisation and rounded performance, perfect for the role and very believable. Not even a mention. The Oscars are not always about the best, but the best publicists. At least they have not ignored Peter Jackson, neither should they. Just because the Academy don't rate the Genre, they really shouldn't under-rate the performances. The Oscars are loosing their glow!
Jan, UK

Although the actors are the ones who attract attention to projects, we should judge the nominees on all aspects of the art of filmmaking and not just star attraction
Tracey, Bolton, Lancs

Rob, Canada:
You are wrong. The Academy has honoured a host of "genre" films from Unforgiven to Singin' in the Rain to Casablanca. They even gave Titanic the Best Picture award! The Academy, while not always right, is not stupid. There is no way they can overlook the LOTR or Peter Jackson this year.
Matt, New York City, USA

If the public were interested in the pathos in real people's lives, "Mystic River" would win hands down. But in the Bush-Blair age, we are obsessed with violence and war, both real and fantastic, as a way of life, so the winner will be "Lord of the Rings."
Jon Davis, USA

Does it matter? The Oscars is only about Hollywood politics and back-slapping, money and social position, not any real indicator of worth. Let them play their mutual self-appreciation games, and just watch what you want, and make up your own mind.
Steve, New Zealand

Last year they gave the best film award to Chicago, so who really gives a hoot what they do this year, the Oscars are a joke.
Ian, Brooklyn, USA

Bill Murray certainly deserves full recognition for his fantastic role in 'Lost in Translation'. The somewhat done to death notion of the American male's mid life crisis was dealt with simply and the result was poignant and never tacky. The icing on the cake of this spirited production was the fantastically subtle performance by Scarlett Johanssen. Full marks all round and not a tidy Hollywood ending in sight, not to mention an amazing soundtrack.
Ellen Doherty, Co Donegal, Ireland

City of God did not get a Foreign Language nomination because its country (Brazil) did not nominate it. Don't look to the Academy for this error. The country of origin has to nominate any foreign language film.
Sparky, Illinois

I think its very refreshing that a more entertaining and light-hearted character has been nominated Julie Davies, Woking

Johnny Depp being nominated for an Oscar? That's interesting. And about time too. I think its very refreshing that a more entertaining and light-hearted character has been nominated rather than all the doom and gloom of the other nominees. Just because he doesn't do emotional monologues or grandiose speeches does not mean he is less of an actor than the others. Actors will tell you that comedy is the hardest role and Johnny was glorious in Pirates. I doubt he will win, but hope he takes comfort that being nominated is an honour, and he would be the people's choice!
Julie Davies, Woking, Surrey

It's great to see such an international list of nominees, and also Johnny Depp being recognised for a fantastic performance but from a film genre which the Academy usually ignores. Real shame that Scarlett Johansson missed out though As for the British actors nominated I don't think they will win unfortunately - Bill Murray or Sean Penn and Charlize Theron are my bets for the prizes.
Jane, UK

I believe the nominations are fair. But I'm really surprised with "God's City" (Cidade de Deus) four nominations, considering it as a foreign language movie. If it gets at least one award, it will be a huge achievement for Brazilian cinema.
Rogerio Andrade, Sao Paulo, Brazil

No one here has yet mentioned Lost in Translation. The film is sublime and Bill Murray shouldn't be overlooked because of his comedic past.
Barry Kluczyk, Royal Oak, Mich., USA

Nominating Diane Keaton and ignoring truly amazing Scarlet Johanssen was one of the biggest blunders in Oscars' history!
Merlin, Denver,CO, USA

Hollywood has long loved the sentimental favourite Sherry Beth, USA

Hollywood has long loved the sentimental favourite. If Nicholson or Keaton do any work they are likely to be nominated at the expense of young talent who have given exceptional performances. Scarlet Johannsen deserved a nomination. Tom Cruise is long overdue and the Last Samurai is a fantastic film.
Sherry Beth, USA

It baffles me that people say the Oscars are a time for Americans to congratulate themselves. As always, the nominees are international. We have nominees from Japan, Iran, Australia, the UK, Brazil, Benin, France and so on. It's also odd how people who complain about the Hollywood machine seem to be rooting for the biggest budget Hollywood blockbusters ever - the Lord of the Rings films.
Shawn, Washington, DC, USA

Lord of the rings may be epic, but it certainly isn't a great film. Thanks to Tolkien the dialog is awful. I am waiting for an abridged version that cuts the whole lot down to 3 hours. City of God and Lost in Translation are much better films.
Oliver Richardson, UK/US

Although I agree that Peter Jackson did a brilliant job directing RoTK I would love to see City of God get the Oscar for best director. Severely overlooked last year, not even nominated in Best Foreign Film, deserves to be the shock winner of the evening.
Rini, Cheltenham

I am hardly ever surprised at the nominations anymore, but I admit that I was very surprised and happy to see Keisha Castle-Hughes' nomination for Whale Rider. What a bravura performance from a first timer!
Penny, Victoria, Canada

It seems that awards like the Oscars are more influenced by Hollywood politics Janis, Philippines

The Oscars have long lost their credibility and prestige in giving awards. The winners in the past few years were not entirely exceptional performances such as Nicole Kidman's in The Hours and Gwyneth Paltrow's in Shakespeare in Love. There were more deserving contenders during those times but why didn't they win? It seems that awards like the Oscars are more influenced by Hollywood politics rather than a genuine regard for talent.
Janis, Philippines

Thank goodness they left out 'Love Actually'. Any more of that rubbish from the UK film industry and I'm emigrating...
Dave, Edinburgh, UK

Not at all. Lord of the Rings... an adaptation that got most of the key elements wrong (apart from special 'evil' effects). Johnny Depp in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'? Please! At any rate, the Oscars have long ceased to indicate quality. In fact they have, sadly, become the hallmark of expensive, completely flat, mainstream insignificance.
David Kiltz, Muenster, Germany

Scarlett Johansson was ripped off of a nomination. She truly deserved it for her performances in both Lost in Translation and ...Pearl earring. I think the biggest joke is Diane Keaton's nomination for Something's Gotta Give.
Pendar, Toronto, Canada

It's about time the Johnny Depp got recognised for being the versatile character actor that he is. Because he is 'good looking' he has for too long been put in the category of Hollywood Pretty Boys regardless of the diversity of his chosen roles. He takes roles that he finds interesting rather than the ones with the biggest pay checks or where he can play the romantic lead or action hero so I am all for him getting the Oscar. Well Done to him for making Jack Sparrow the best film character in a long, long time.
Gayle Redhead, West Calder, West Lothian

Mark my words, The Return of the King will NOT win the Best Picture Oscar, no matter how deserving it may be Rob M, Calgary, Canada

Mark my words, The Return of the King will NOT win the Best Picture Oscar, no matter how deserving it may be. The Academy cannot bring itself to grant its most important awards to genre pictures. Be satisfied with special effects awards, Tolkien fans, that's all we can hope for.
Rob M, Calgary, Canada

Naomi Watts' performance in 28 grams was enormous. I truly hope she wins best actress. I'm bewildered by some people's reactions to Johnny Depp's nomination. Isn't a sign of a good actor, the ability to convincingly and creatively play the role of a character that is far from the norm? One of the best performances of the year! However, none of the actors in the Lord of the Rings deserved a nomination. Anybody can run around with elf ears holding a battle axe looking scared. There was no spontaneity nor versatility.
Stella, Canada

It's about time Lord of The Rings received this kind of recognition. After they almost completely ignored the last two films, they seem to have realised just how good these films are. I just hope that LOTR actually receives a lot of Oscars.
Chris S, Shrewsbury, UK

Yes, of course it is right . . . . Americas is all about the money. Lord of the Rings, rings cashier bells across the country . Oscars only god is cash.
Mick, UK

The only award that matters this year is best director, and no one deserves it more than Peter Jackson.
Peter Davidson, Horley, UK

Whilst Johnny Depp's role in Pirates of the Caribbean wasn't 'serious' it has to be said that Captain Jack Sparrow is the finest character created in a long while. Johnny has been nominated loads of times for Best Actor and never won, he deserves it as he is such a versatile and genuine actor.
Vicky Jones, London, England

Again, they didn't get it right. I can't believe Sean Astin didn't get a nomination! His performance is way better than Johnny Depp's. Another missing name is Andy Serkis. In please, how do they dare to put "Finding Nemo" and that piece of rubbish called "Brother Bear" next to each other?
Tim, Lima, Peru

I can't understand how The Last Samurai did not get a nod from the Academy Kevin, Toronto, Canada

I simply can't understand how The Last Samurai did not get a nod from the Academy. Tom Cruise has never won an Oscar and although some don't like him, he is an exceptional actor. He should have been nominated at an absolute minimum. Lord of the Rings will do deservedly well, but the depth of the cast I think made it truly difficult to pinpoint a single performance.
Kevin, Toronto, Canada

I am a 'Matrix' fan and this year has been the most exciting year ever. I love the trilogy and I do realise not a lot of other people do, but I still think either Matrix Reloaded or Revolutions should have got a nomination for best visual effects.
Chris Rowlands, Colchester, England

Tom Cruise was seriously robbed of his Best Actor nomination, as was "The Last Samurai" in Best Picture. As others said, if "Return of the King" isn't recognized this year then the Oscars are as good as dead.
Pablo, Montevideo, Uruguay

Why has City Of God not even got a best foreign language film nomination? It got a few nods but how has it been overlooked for best picture? So so scandalous.
Harold, Glasgow, UK

The Oscars are just an excuse for the rich and famous to get dressed up for the cameras and appear in the papers!
C, Somerset

I'm actually surprised LotR didn't get more nominations than it did. However since it's not an American made film it will be interesting to see how many Oscars it actually wins..
Mike, Richmond, Surrey

The four nominations for "City of God" are, by far, a matter of justice Ian, Sao Paulo, Brazil

The four nominations for "City of God" are, by far, a matter of justice. The film failed to be nominated last year for an award as a Foreign Language Movie. Apparently, the Academy has now proved how brilliant the film, and everyone involved, are.
Ian, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Another festival of self-serving back-slapping from the US film industry - big-budget blockbusters get half a dozen nominations whilst hundreds of great, independent films are completely ignored. Why is it that only Western, English language films seem to be eligible for the Oscars?
Liam, UK

How on earth can Johnny Depp pantomime performance get an Oscar nomination? Some of the performances from Lord of the Rings especially Sir Ian McClellan and Sean Astin were far better as well as Tom Cruise Last Samurai and Russell Crowe for Master and Commander. Also, even though it was not everyone's favourite movie, but surely the Matrix films should again be recognised for their excellent special effects. As in previous years the awards are proving to be worthless.
Mark, UK

I think that the surprise surrounding Depp's nomination was not to do with his acting but more to do with the fact that the Academy is recognizing someone from, essentially, a family blockbuster. More power to him, Depp is one of the finest actors of our time and he fully deserves it.
Matt, Aylesbury

Great to see the Academy nominate Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider. An excellent performance in a film that not a lot of people would have seen.
Melanie King, London

No, they don't have it right. With the exception of Ken Watanabe, the Last Samurai was completely overlooked. Lord of the Rings is a good movie but it isn't the be-all-and-end-all of movies. I usually have a party but I will protest the Oscars this year by not watching.
Megan, USA

Why is Johnny Depp's nomination considered a 'surprise'? I think it was one of the best performances of the year, but the general opinion is that it isn't worthy of nomination. The Oscars have been unfairly biased in favour of 'serious dramatic' acting, like, forever, and I think its great that they're acknowledging this performance as (at least) equal to Sean Penn's wailing and gurning. Depp definitely deserves to be recognized.
Emma McCann, Glasgow

Johnny Depp's nomination has made my day. Comedic performances are too often overlooked. Now all they have to do is give everything going to Return of the King!
Rebecca, Cambridge, England

I'd like to see Peter Jackson get some statuettes for 'The Return of the King' Matt R, Warrington, UK

Although 'The Two Towers' was a better film, I'd like to see Peter Jackson get some statuettes for 'The Return of the King'. I think a reward now would be a fitting finale to the three-year spell he has had the world under. Hollywood needs to acknowledge the advances his team has made.
Matt R, Warrington, UK

If Peter Jackson doesn't sweep the board then we'll know all we need to about the Oscars. I for one will cease to pay any attention to them whatsoever.
Jon Evans, Cardiff

Finally they have, especially the brilliant "Master and Commander" getting the nod with 10 nominations.
Peter C. Kohler, Washington DC USA

We won't know whether Oscar has it right until the night of the awards - if Peter Jackson and co walk away with an armful of little gold statues, then the Oscars will have chosen wisely.
Mark, London

Nothing for the Matrix 2 + 3? What a load of rubbish, if any movie has better effects both visual and sound I've not seen it, as for the rest, exactly what you would expect, if its an 'epic' load of boring rubbish it is bound to win. The same style of films win it every year, if its an action of sci-fi movie it doesn't even get a look in!
Ray, Swansea, Wales

It's a shame not to see Scarlett Johanssen nominated Anne McCrossan, London, UK

It's a shame not to see Scarlett Johanssen nominated. I have seen her in Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring and she was immensely watchable in both, with two very fine and subtle performances. Not since Meryl Streep have I seen such a versatile and accomplished actress. I hope at least she will pick up a BAFTA and the English will show some sense!
Anne McCrossan, London, UK

"Mystic River" is an excellent movie and definitely in the league of "The Usual Suspects" and "The Unforgiven". "The Lord of the Rings" is an epic, much better than "The Gladiator" and way better than "Chicago".
Ben, London

There have been so many better films out this year, it pains me to think that Lord of the Rings is the favourite. Oh, right - I don't care about the Oscars!
Jeremy, Cambridge, USA

Nicole Kidman, whilst good, does not warrant an Oscar for Cold Mountain. However, Renee Zellweger does for her supporting role.
Audrey Reading, Ruislip, UK

Very surprising that "Big Fish" was ignored. I thought Albert Finney was a clinch for a nomination, and I hoped that it would be up for Best Picture.
PC Anderson, Edina, USA

What?!!
No best supporting actor for Sean Astin?
Samwise Gamgee was one of the best portrayed and most endearing characters ever!
There is no justice in the world.
Ben, Colchester