It remains to be seen if there will be an Oscar ceremony at all this year, due to the ongoing writers strike, though director Gil Cates says he has a "Plan B." Translation: a version not many people will watch if no stars turn up.

Now, I have no quarrel with the deserving nominees, but did anyone at the academy see "The Kite Runner?" The five nominations for best foreign films haven't been screened here, though I am seeing "The Counterfeiters" soon. I’ve never heard of the others yet, but we'll get to them when they open.

Other notable snubs were Philip Bosco as the Alzheimer's stricken father in "The Savages, Amy Adams for "Enchanted, " Angelina Jolie for "A Mighty Heart” (one of the best performances I've ever seen), Christian Bale for "Rescue Dawn" or "3:10 To Yuma," Russell Crowe for "American Gangster," and Frank Langella as a lesser-known literary type in "Starting Out In The Evening."

Matthew Amalarc for "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" was also overlooked, as was Tom Hanks for "Charlie Wilson's War."

Those who made the following movies, however, weren't disappointed and probably didn't tune in: "Reno 911 Miami," “Daddy Day Camp," "The Bratz Movie," "Smokin' Aces" and any other dud you care to add.

So now the tension begins. Not so much about the awards, but if they will manage to solve the writers strike in time. If not, who will present the Oscars to an empty auditorium?

See a full list of 2008's Oscar nominees.