2008 Oscar Nominations: Surprises, Snubs, and the No-Brainers

2008 Oscar nominations: surprises, snubs, and the no-brainers: Annually, the Oscar nominations stir quite a buzz and like every year - there are surprises and no-brainers decorating the list. There was no doubt that the much talked about indie film "Juno" was going to receive a nod or two. With a nomination for best motion picture of the year, original screenplay, and best director, it was only fair to give credit to Ellen Page for her performance as the lead role. Will her performance be enough to best the unforgettable Cate Blanchett who reprised her role as Queen Elizabeth in the "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"" If so, Blanchett always has a chance to bring home an Oscar for best performance by an actress in a supporting role (as Bob Dylan) for "I'm Not There."

For best motion picture award - the coming-of-age drama "Juno" will battle against "Atonement," "There Will Be Blood," "No Country for Old Men," and the George Clooney thriller/drama titled "Michael Clayton." This year, we also see an actress gain recognition for her writing, as Sarah Polley has earned a nomination for best adapted screenplay ("Away from Her").

A surprise in the list of nominations includes Tommy Lee Jones for best performance by an actor in his role for the Iraq-centered film "In the Valley of Elah." Up against George Clooney ("Michael Clayton"), Daniel Day Lewis ("There Will be Blood"), Johnny Depp ("Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street") and the Viggo Mortensen ("Eastern Promises"), some people are wondering how this Golden Globe snubbed actor made the cut. Interestingly, we see no Oscar nod for Denzel Washington, who starred in the controversial "American Gangster." However, Ruby Dee was able to snag a surprise nomination for her role as mother to Washington's character in "American Gangster."