7. Beasts of the Southern Wild and Amour for Best Picture and Best Director
There always seems to be a separation between "Oscar films" and films that are edgier, more artistic, and ultimately end up with longer-lasting legacies, often foreign films or small indies. Though critically praised, these films rarely end up landing major Oscar nominations, and are usually regulated to the screenplay or acting categories. But this year, a first-time director and an acclaimed foreign film auteur both managed to land Best Director nominations in place of directors who could be labeled as more "Academy-friendly" choices. Indeed, these two nominations - coupled with matching Best Picture noms for both films - signal a potentially unprecedented shift in Oscar voting patterns. Neither of these films are what one would consider traditional Oscar fare, but their major nominations are hopefully a sign of good things to come: a shift away from the typically stuffy and forgettable fare that ends up garnering major nominations, and a recognition of edgier, more daring work that is the true definition of cinema today. Let's hope this trend continues.