Melissa Leo

Given mainstream Hollywood's fondness for glamorous actors and happy endings, it is a wonder 2008's Frozen River's lead actress Melissa Leo got an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and first-time writer-director Courtney Hunt a nod for Best Original Screenplay. Surprising none of its fans, both women went home empty-handed.

Well, I watched the whole darn Oscar ceremony.  And I've blogged it...

After the jump, some of my thoughts on the winners, the oddities, and the guys and dolls of the Academy Awards.

It's hard not to feel ambivalent about the Oscars. The nominations and winners are decided by a set of disparate criteria (artistic achievement, industry clout, reputation, studio alignment, marketing dollars) and a voting body that is largely irrelevant to most moviegoers. Still, getting nominated - and winning! - contributes handily to the artistic credibility and financial success of those lucky enough to receive a nod. Oscars also play a big part in helping studios decide what and whom to finance. Which is why it's really no surprise that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button cleaned up in the nominations this year: it's just another Forrest Gump.

So what's there to cheer and jeer about in the Oscars this year? Some thoughts after the jump...

The run up to the Oscars is dominated by best-of lists, and - with few exceptions (including the Women Film Critics Circle Awards) - most of those lists end up looking just about the same: dominated by men, featuring only a small handful of female performers. Which is why it was so exciting this past weekend to see The New York Times list of the year's best. While not quite chock full of women, the list does draw attention to some fine filmmaking and performances by women that are not likely to draw attention at the major awards ceremonies this year. If you missed any of these in the theaters last year, you'll want to make sure to add them to your DVD queues this year.  Highlights after the jump...

The Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC) have announced their list of 2008 award winners. The WFCC awards recognize films by and about women that reflect the lives of women as well as positive images of women on screen. It's a far more diverse list than anything you're likely to see from other critics this year - and it even includes a bonus hall of shame! The full list of awards after the jump...

Every Friday, The Female Gaze will feature a round up of news and updates related to women in film.

This week: what do Cadillac Records and Punisher: War Zone have in common? And what is Hilary Swank up to? Find out after the jump...