Spectrum Awards

In light of the Oscars being this weekend, we thought there'd be no better time to give our own movie awards. For all we know, the Academy may be subject to both bribes and pressures from production companies that campaign for the best picture prize. Luckily, we at The Spectrum are above petty pay-offs and are impervious to coercion. Nor do they know we exist. Here are our winners that we consider this year's best.

Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain

Ignore the relevance of this movie. Ignore that it's about two gay men in conservative America. Ignore the fact that gay rights is currently one of our nation's most prominent hot-button issues. When the issues fade, "Brokeback Mountain" will still be remembered as one of the best films of the early 21st century. It will stand the test of time because everyone has gone through what Ennis or Jack has. We've all loved and lost, we've all at one time wanted to say to a lover, "I wish I knew how to quit you," and we've felt everything these characters feel regardless of time, place, or sexuality.

Best Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote"

Over the past 10 years, Hoffman has gained a reputation for being the best character-actor directors could hope to get their hands on. These days, he's finally being treated like a leading man. The role of eccentric author Truman Capote in "Capote" was the most demanding of the year, and Hoffman nailed it. He captured Capote's flamboyancy, the desperate need for recognition, and the anguish of identifying with a confessed murderer who is condemned to death.

Best Actress: Felicity Huffman, "TransAmerica"

Acting the part of a transsexual is a real challenge, but is one that Felicity Huffman accomplishes with integrity and realism. Every aspect of her character is convincing: from body language and speech, to the subtle nuances of her facial muscles. Though definitely not the most attractive actress nominated, Hoffman brings the goods to the table like no one else.

Best Director: George Clooney, "Good Night, and Good Luck"

George Clooney's directorial debut is not to be underestimated and "Good Night, and Good Luck" proves his expertise behind the camera. He uses black and white to its most chilling effect, evoking the style of the past and capturing the complexity of Edward R. Murrow beyond the news desk. Clooney effectively takes the viewer back to the McCarthy era of 1953, with a mix of archival footage and current film, exposing the heroism and the gravity of Murrow's accomplishments.

Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti, "Cinderella Man"

Nobody negotiates between states of ho-hum depression and hilarious tantrum like Giamatti. He made himself famous for it as Pig Vomit in "Private Parts." That's just the right mix for a Depression-era boxing manager.

Best Original Screenplay: "Crash"

Robert Moresco's script takes 10+ characters and links them all together with racism. It was a bold project, one that has critics calling "too coincidental," but director and co-writer Paul Haggis takes a difficult and complex script and turns it into an engaging and poignant film.

Best Foreign Film: "Paradise Now"

You don't get more relevant than this. The Palestinian film about soon-to-be suicide bombers dares to tackle issues while they're hot. There's surprisingly little violence for the subject matter, as the film succeeds with its in-depth analysis of the foreign assailants that is both open and honest.

Best Cinematography: "Brokeback Mountain"

That scene where Ennis kicks a biker in the face, with a cowboy boot I might add, while fireworks are going off in the background is the scene that made the difference between "Brokeback" being a good film that almost lived up to the hype, and one that met all expectations.

Best Documentary Film: "March of the Penguins"

Documentary is a competitive category this year, but the penguins stole the show for a reason. The film had a simple goal (unlike "Darwin's Nightmare") an effective plot (unlike "Murderball") and the most endearing subjects in all the land. Morgan Freeman never, ever hurts. Unless you're Black History Month.

Best Animated Feature: "Howl's Moving Castle"

Hayao Miyazaki serves up another masterpiece after his worldwide smash hit "Spirited Away." Featuring the same lush, detailed visuals as his previous ventures, he offers another fantasy adventure with the wizard Howl who helps a girl cursed by a witch.

Best Original Score: "Brokeback Mountain"

The sparse score created by Gustavo Santaolalla is a perfect fit to the subtle romance of "Brokeback Mountain." The style of the music is an ideal fit with a series of minimalist pieces that are used so sparingly that when they are placed in the film it is with maximum effect.

Best Visual Effects: "King Kong"

Peter Jackson's "King Kong" wins not only because of its impressive visuals with dinosaurs, planes, and a recreation of 1930's Times Square, but by allowing Kong to forge a convincing emotional connection with Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts).