Is Oscar Becoming More Of A Family Man?

This week’s Oscar nominations caught me a little by surprise. After last year’s collection of films were deemed to be seen by the least number of people ever at the time of nomination, it appears this year’s awards are trying woo back Mr. and Mrs. America—and perhaps even their kids. In case you didn’t hear the announcement, the titles nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2009 are:


Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
Precious
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

One thing that has helped is the expansion of nominations for Best Picture from 5 to 10. That seems to have allowed room for movies like Up and The Blind Side . It’s that last title that caught be by surprise: When was the last time we have seen a movie that presents a positive perspective on faith and families nominated, not only for an Oscar, but for a Best Picture Oscar?

Frankly, I’m shocked. Don’t get me wrong—I liked The Blind Side, but it just doesn’t seem to be typical Oscar award material. It’s also notable that Sandra Bullock has been nominated for Best Actress in this film.

I’m interested in what you think. Are you just as surprised as I am at some of the nominations? Do you think the Academy is wanting families to rediscover Oscar?

More details about the movies mentioned in this post…