Cheers and Jeers

Oscar nominations that I'm excited about: Ryan Gosling for "Half Nelson," Penelope Cruz for "Volver," and Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine." Oscar nods that make me groan: Martin Scorsese (just give him the damn thing, so he doesn't get nominated for any film he now helms), Rinko Kikuchi (does the fact that she spread her legs without underwear in "Babel" have anything to do with why so many male reviewers are screaming "Bravo!" for her performance?), and "The Queen" (I liked the film, but does it really deserve an Oscar for Best Picture?).