Like many, I wanted to see this movie the moment I saw the trailer. Fortunately, I was able to snatch up tickets to its screening at the AFI Festival in November. It was introduced by Jason Reitman (I’m slightly bitter on that point because there were two screenings and the other one was introduced by Ellen Page, Michael Cera, and Jason Bateman), and it was fantastic. To see my full review from back in November, click here.

I’ve loved Ellen Page since I saw the Hard Candy trailer in April 2006. I thought she was creepy and fantastic. Then, she played my favorite X-Man (see the username ) in May and now, in her third film, she scores an Oscar nomination. I’d say she’s certainly someone to watch, but everyone else has already said it at this point. I, personally, had been watching her and was waiting far too long for Juno to come out already. If this movie did nothing else, at least now everyone else knows the awesomeness that is Ellen Page. But it did far more. It proved that Jason Reitman didn’t just get lucky with Thank You For Smoking, that an ex-stripper can write the hell out of a script, and that teen pregnancy can be funny when handled properly.

Nominations:

Best Picture
Of course it was nominated- there was no question that it wouldn’t be. However, it seems to have fallen into the “Little Miss Sunshine nomination,” where they give the endearing indie film the recognition of a job well done, but not the Oscar. I loved Little Miss Sunshine, but Juno runs circles around it. It’s such a shame that the Oscars are so hardcore about the dramas. I can see where No Country for Old Men is a better made film than this one (and I know that's arguable, it's like comparing apples and oranges), but Juno is by far more entertaining (and I seriously loved them both, so don’t get me wrong here), and isn’t being entertaining what films are all about? Well, it’s a loaded question, but the race this year is clearly between No Country and There Will Be Blood and films like Juno will have to settle for the nomination for now.

Best Director – Jason Reitman
I LOVE that Reitman got this nomination. It’s only his second film, and he’s really proving that he’s more than just his last name. When he got denied a DGA nom, I was worried he wouldn’t get recognized, so I was very pleased to see his name on the list this year. However, I’m afraid the win won’t happen for him yet. He really did a fantastic job with this film- brought together his amazing cast to make the most out of an original concept and unique script, and produced an awesome film. In another year, he’d be a very strong contender here, however, this race is between the Coen Brothers and PTA and even the “little indie (director) that could” can’t get in their way.

Best Actress – Ellen Page
Young ones like her really struggle here, but it has happened in the past. I love her for this win, but I don’t think that the Academy members will quite keep up with all of her “homeskillets.” I haven’t seen all the entries in this category yet, but I think this award will be mostly between Julie Christie and Marion Cotillard.

Best Original Screenplay
Here’s where Juno will get its golden statue. I haven’t seen all the entries yet, but I almost don’t have to- they will honor the film with an award for its script. This is the only category where a smart comedy really stands a chance, and though it’s up against some good contenders, there hasn’t been any film quite as original as Juno this year. The other scripts don’t stand a chance.

Snubbed?
This film really did get nominations in all the right places for me, with the exception of one small performance that I feel has been largely ignored. I truly felt that J.K. Simmons stole every scene he was in. He blew me away as the shocked, supportive father to little Juno, Mac MacGruff, who makes fun of her pregnancy at every chance he gets. Paired with Allison Janney, I was in hysteric tears whenever they teamed up in conversation, but alone, I felt Simmons really mastered the tender father moments right along with the funny ones. It would have been nice to see him get thrown into the Supporting Actor category, even if he would have lost it to Javier Bardem.