Today’s popcorn box: What happened to Oscar’s songs? And animation?

Astute readers may have noticed that Oscar has only two nominees in the best song category: Sergio Mendes’ “Real in Rio” from “Rio” and Bret McKenzie’s “Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets.” Somehow songs by Elton John, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson , Brad Paisley and other stars didn’t make the cut. Academy voters had 39 songs to sort through, says the L.A. Times , and ...

Alain Gagnol Talks A Cat in Paris

The co-director discusses the challenges of making his Oscar-contending indie.

Grey and gold are the hot colors in this year's Oscar nominations

By Steve Persall, Times Movie Critic Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Everything old is gold again after Tuesday's announcement of Academy Awards nominations, with two movies set in cinema's silent era making the most noise. Martin Scorsese's fanciful Hugo , with its third act focused upon film pioneer Georges Melies, led all films with 11 nominations including best picture and director. The Artist ...

Gray and gold are the hot colors in this year's Oscar nominations

By Steve Persall, Times Movie Critic Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Everything old is gold again after Tuesday's announcement of Academy Awards nominations, with two movies set in cinema's silent era making the most noise. Martin Scorsese's fanciful Hugo , with its third act focused upon film pioneer Georges Melies, led all films with 11 nominations including best picture and director. The Artist ...