it's interesting that the era of the american western has long since past, but two of these top oscar contenders are from the last 15 years.

though, obviously, the nominations haven't been even called yet, i have strong feelings about brokeback for best picture (objective ones, not my personal preferences). king kong and the producers have both fallen flat, and munich is doing well with critics, and pretty well with audiences, but it's just not picking up momentum during awards season. crash is doing well with some awards groups, and capote as well, but brokeback is a juggernaut of good p.r., and it doesn't look like the backlash is destined to hit until well after march.