Every year, as the Academy Award nominations are announced, the internet becomes aflutter with proclamations about how our favorite films were unjustly snubbed (or undeservedly praised): great performances were overlooked, mistakes were made, travesties committed. But not as much emphasis is placed on the good things - the pleasant surprises, the unexpected triumphs (or the sighs of relief), the realization that, yes, most of the films actually do deserve their nominations. Therefore, this article is dedicated to the triumphs of the 2013 Academy Award nominations - the little actors or films that got the recognition they deserved, as well as the glaring omissions that, in all honesty, probably didn't actually deserve that nomination so many people feel they do. Fact of the matter is, this is the first year in recent memory where there isn't a single bad film in the Best Picture category. That in and of itself is worthy of celebration. And so, here are 10 things the Academy got right this year...
10. Joaquin Phoenix for Best Actor
After his alienating comments railing against the Academy and the entire awards circus, coupled with the rapidly-deflating sails of The Master's Oscar campaign, it seemed like Joaquin Phoenix was unlikely to land a nomination during today's announcement. And when he failed to receive a SAG nomination, it seemed as though his fate was sealed. But Academy voters proved today that they didn't hold a grudge, and that they are capable of seeing past the politics and rewarding true works of greatness regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. For my money, Joaquin Phoenix delivered the best performance of the year, and though he has no chance of winning, I was ecstatic to see him land a well-deserved nomination.