Oscar Season is here.

After leaving the theater last night I realized that Oscar season is here. I mean, I had just seen Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps a few days ago and the week before that, Ben Afleck’s The Town. But it wasn’t until I saw David Fincher’s The Social Network (aka the Facebook movie) that I realized who the contenders would be for Hollywood’s most prestigious award. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s only September, how are you so sure any one of these movies will be nominated. Well that’s a good question. But hear me out.

The academy changed its policy last year to increase the number of movies to be nominated for best picture from five to ten. So here’s my potential list of movies that may be considered for best picture:

The Social Network: The plot revolves around the founder of Facebook and former Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg played by Jesse Eisenberg recruits some of his classmates to develop the social networking website, Facebook. The endeavor, however, leads to a messy fallout with friend and co-founder, Eduardo Saverin played by Andrew Garfield. Personally I think they should just give this film the award and call it a day. It’s that good.

The Town: Ben Afleck directs this Boston drama about a career thief Doug MacRay played by Affleck who considers deepening his relationship with Claire played by Rebecca Hall, a bank teller who was traumatized by a recent heist -- and who has no idea that Doug was behind the crime. Meanwhile, an investigator played by Mad Men’s Jon Hamm, who is close to unmasking Doug's secret life.

The Kids are Alright: An alternative-family drama centered on lesbian parents Nic (Annette Benning) and Jules (Julianne Moore), who each conceived a child through artificial insemination. The family's dynamics are tested when their youngest child, 15-year-old Laser (Josh Hutcherson), convinces college-bound Joni (Mia Wasikowska), to look up their donor played by Marc Ruffalo.

Inception: I know I could be just dreaming but I think this movie has a shot at being nominated. If ya haven’t seen Inception by now it’s about a thief played by Leonardo DiCaprio who specializes in the art of extraction, the stealing of secrets from a target's subconscious. Though his profession cost him everything he has ever loved and has turned him into a fugitive, an offer for a final job -- one that requires him to plant an idea instead of pilfering it -- could be his chance at redemption.

Black Swan: While vying for the coveted lead roles in a production of Swan Lake, a veteran ballerina played by Natalie Portman enters into a twisted friendship with a promising new dancer played by Mila Kunis that threatens to consume her. Darren Aronofsky directs.

Hereafter: Clint Eastwood directs a supernatural thriller centered on three people-- a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy --- touched by death in different ways and the man who helps them communicate with the dead played by Matt Damon.

Welcome to the Riley’s: On a business trip to New Orleans, a married man played by James Gandolfini grieving the loss of his daughter and his estranged marriage begins a tentative friendship with a young runaway played by Twilight’s Kristen Stewart.

Never Let Me Go: Set in a dystopian Britain, boarding school friends Ruth (Kira Knightley), Kathy (Carey Mulligan), and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) face the sobering reality that awaits them all as they mature into adults.

The King’s Speech: The chronicle of King George VI's played by Colin Firth effort to overcome his nervous stammer with the assistance of speech therapist Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush.

127 Hours: Danny Boyle directs this true story about a mountain climber Aron Ralston played by James Franco becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

For Colored Girls: Tyler Perry directs this adaptation of Ntozake Shange's play (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf). The drama is centered on a group of black women whose lives and experiences intersect at a 12-step healing program. I’ve got a feeling that this film will be a success for Mr. Perry. People love to hate on him for obvious reasons but there is something sincere in his work even though some may see it as trite and pedestrian.

Here are some notable mentions that I think may sneak in there. Conviction, Secretariat, and The Company Men.

So there you have it. Is it me or am I the only one who thinks Lion’s Gate might buy a nomination for Tyler Perry? After all that money he brings into the studio I really think it's the least they can do for the man.

Loss, Faith and Hypocrisy

Loss

At the end of 2009 I lost an important family member in my life. In April of 2010 I lost two friends to a random act of violence. In May I lost another family member. In June a close friend of mine lost his mom. And last week I went to the funeral of a woman who is partially responsible for me meeting Professor Angry (aka the wife)

Death has been wining this year with me. I’m not afraid to admit that. And with all the death I’ve witnessed this year it has kinda shaken my faith in a higher power. I can live with the loss of those who have “returned home”, but I refuse to believe that there is some kind of pattern or plan. If there is a plan then the less I know about it the better. I don't see any fairness in this plan. I still believe there is a G-d, but right now I think the creator is on some random shit. There I said it. Normally I do my best to articulate my feelings in a way that shows that I was educated but there are times when all that fancy talk doesn’t cut the mustard. G-d is on some random shit people and the sooner we accept it the better humanity will be as a whole.

Faith

Faith is an important thing for people. People die, get molested, fight wars, build schools, feed the hungry, create beautiful works of art, and write beautiful poetry and many other things all in the name of faith. Like everything in life there’s a good side and a bad side to it. But what makes faith interesting to me is a person’s commitment to it. Even I’m not immune. As humans it’s essential for us to believe in something, even if you’re an atheist you believe that there is no G-d that in itself is a belief. It’s not a religion but it’s faith that there is nothing out there and this life is all that there is.

Hypocrisy

Here’s where I think we fuck up. As humans we let our fears dictate our behavior and it manifests itself through our belief system, so much so we do wrong when we think we are doing right out of fear. Here’s an example: If I’m "saved" then I’ve made my peace with death no matter what the outcome, I know I’ll be fine, but for the person that doesn’t accept Jesus into their life they may go to hell. I think that’s pretty crappy if ya ask me. This idea of G-d as an insurance policy to get you into the “afterlife” is narcissistic to me. I do think that G-d judges all men (and women). But that belief comes from my idea of what I deem as fair. I want to believe the “wicked” will be punished and “righteous” will be rewarded. With what I have no idea. I don’t think there is a physical place called heaven or hell and I am not gonna assume to know what G-d says or thinks of me or any of my brothers or sisters. That job is out of my pay grade.

Hypocrisy is best described as the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion. When I looked up the definition I saw a picture of the Pope. Strange huh? We all have had moments when we’ve been a hypocrite, consciously and unconsciously, we’re only human, so I hope the creator will forgive me for my doubts. I do the best I can to be aware of the times when I’m full of shit. Even while typing the words across this screen I stopped to ask myself, “Aren’t you being a little full of yourself?”

I know this post on the surface looks pretty deep and heavy, but I had to let that one off my chest. So with that said I promise that the next post will be a little light hearted.

Confession

Looking at a blank screen is a blogger’s worst nightmare. As I sit here and stare at this blank screen I am frozen by fear and loss. Has it gotten to the point where I’ve run out of things to say? No not at all.

I can make a lot of excuses for my absence but the fact of the matter is I’ve been listening to that negative voice inside my head that told me that I can’t write.

So I decided to listen to it for a time.

In this moment, I’m wondering to myself. Should I even tell y’all some of this shit? Self analysis is a good thing but too much can prevent you from moving forward.

So let’s go.