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Show Wednesday, February 1, 2006 DAILY HERALD OSCAR NOMINATIONS Movies withagenda seize the day John Hom and Susan King LOSANGELES TIMES across America — none of the best picture nominees is a HOLLYWOOD — This time, count! gr is “Crash,” a series of interlocking stories about race, which has grossed a mere $53.4 million. George Clooney collected three separate nominations:one for directing the Sen. Joseph Mc- Carthy drama “Good Night, and Good Luck,” one for co-writii the black-and-white film andtl third for his role in the international thriller “Syriana® “The entire society is more political than it has been in a longtime,” Clooney said. “You can sit in a coffee shop in Cincinnati, and you hear talking on eitherside of the aisles about political films.” Other top categories were Sees haveput it more clearly. Even as the big studios ineee eliminate thoughtful dramas from their production slates, five overtly political message movies wereselected Tuesdayfor the best picture Academy Award, as “Brokeback Mountain,” which went in the favorite, picked up eight nominations to takethe lead. Without a mass-appeal blockbusterin the bunch, the 5,798 members of the Academyof MotionPicture Arts and Sciences singled out “Capote,” “Crash,” “Munich” and “Good Night, and Good Luck”in addition to “Brokeback” — movies that delve into everything from racial intoleranceto terrorism to homophobia. “My moviewas the only one that actually caughtfire and almost burned to the ground, but the other movies are really inflammatory too,” said “Munich” director Steven Spielberg. “They were made with guts and passion and in such fearless wayas if to say,‘This is who I am. This is whatI believe in.’” While technically a fivepicture race,the best picture contest will likely come down to two movies. “Brokeback Mountain,” whichstarts out in 1960s Wyoming,focuses on a polarizing contemporary issue: tolerance of gayrelationships. “Crash,” whichis set against the backdrop of modern-day Los Angeles, explores a centuriesold topic: racism in America. “I wasn't trying to get any messageacross atall,” said Paul Haggis, who madehis directorial debut with “Crash.” “I was talking about things that troubled mepersonally. Thatis what makesailof thesefilms so effective. They ask questions that are gnawingatus.” Almost every movie faced peppered with nominees from “Good Night, and Good Luck” other movies carrying progressive agendas. “North Country,”a tale of sexual harassment among miners, earned a best actress nomination for Charlize Theron and best supporting actress for Frances McDormand.In addition to Clooney’s selection for supporting actor,“Syriana,” acomplex accountof the personal andpolitical price ofoil, also was nominated fororiginal screenplay. “The Constant Gardener,” a romantic thriller about unscrupulous drugtrials in Kenya, received four nominations,including best supporting actress for Rachel Weisz. “These arefilms that are holding up a mirrorto contemporary culture,” Weisz said. The most notable exclusion from the best picture contenders was the Johnny Cash biography “Walk the Line,” a $100-million-grossing success that Oscar prognosticators had assumed would makethe cut. Thefilm was, however, not overlooked, with a best actor nomination for Joaquin Phoenix and best actress for Reese Witherspoon. Despite a pricey, end-of-theyear push, the boxing drama “Cinderella Man”alsofailed to and “Brokeback Mountain” werefunded either wholly or partially by nonstudio investors. But whatplayed with the academy, though, hasn't played tion. Thefilm's star, Russell Crowe,was blanked in the best actor race, but Paul Giamatti wasnamed in the best support- long odds andendless delays in finding financing;“Crash,” ing actor race for his role as ‘owe's manager. “Memoirs a Geisha” none in a major category. The year’s two Restgrog films, “Star Wars: Episode M1 Revengey the Sith” and ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” received but one minor nomination each. whichit was eligible: best director for Ang Lee, best actor for Heath Ledger, best supfor Michelle Williams,best actor MELINDA SUE GORDON/Wamer IndependentPictures David Strathain, seated right, and actor/director George Clooney,left, in a scene from “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The film was nominated for best picture; Strathairn was nominatedfor best actor. cinematography,original score and adapted screenplay. Joining Ledger and in the best actor competition were “Capote's” Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Hustle & Flow's” Terrence Howard and “Good Night, and Good Luck’s” for Jake Gyllenhaal andfor David Strathairn. « Nominated for best actress __in addition to Theron and With_erspoon were Judi Dench for ‘ “Mrs. HendersonPresents,” Felicity Huffman in “Transamerica” and Keira Knightley of “Pride & Prejudice.” NEW YEAR. 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