It already seems like award season has been going on forever, but alas, the Oscar nominations were finally announced. It doesn't matter if you are on team indie or team studio, these are the noms that everyone looks forward to see what is considered "best"!

While there are certainly some familiar faces on the list, it was quite nice to see so many indie films included on this list. Off the top of my head, I can't remember seeing such a strong stance for independent films in the Oscar since 1997!

Here are some highlights of this year's nominations:

Leading Ladies
Independent films dominated the Actress categories this year. For Best Supporting Actress, there's Amy Adams for Junebug, Catherine Keener for Capote, Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener, and Michelle Williams for Brokeback Mountain. In the Best Actress, the lovely Felicity Huffman for Transamerica, Keira Knightley for Pride & Prejudice, and Dame Judi Dench for Mrs. Henderson Presents, go up against Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line. Special note: although North Country is not an indie film, it was directed by director Niki Caro, director of Whale Rider.

Capote
I have to send out a special congratulations to Bennett Miller for his nomination for Best Director. I have been a fan of Bennett's ever since I saw The Cruise. If you haven't seen this film, check it out.

Good Night, and Good Luck.
George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck received four nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director. Mr. Clooney also made an Oscar first by becoming the first person to nominated for both Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for a different film. While Syriana is not an indie film, it's definitely a must-see.

The Squid and the Whale
Although they were shut of the acting nominations, Noah Baumbach still was recognized for his poignant script. Congratulations Noah!

Hustle & Flow
Terrence Howard was recognized for Best Press and Curl, but let's get to the real deal. I think the highlight of this year's show GUARANTEED will be when a "special celebrity" sings the hustler's theme song, It's Hard Out There for a Pimp. My money is on Jamie Foxx. Any takers?

Here's a list of the indie films that received nominations.
A History of Violence
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
The Constant Gardner
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Hustle & Flow
Junebug
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Murderball
Paradise Now
Pride & Prejudice
Transamerica
Tsotsi
The Squid and the Whale

For a full list of nominees, check out www.oscar.com.

Long live indie film,

Michelle