Looks like the debate over the depiction of torture in “Zero Dark Thirty” isn’t going to end any time soon. Three US senators, all in positions concerning national security, have taken it upon themselves to dismiss the film’s portrayal is “grossly inaccurate and misleading” in an open letter to Sony Pictures chairman Michael Lynton. “‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is factually inaccurate,” they write, “and we believe that you have an obligation to state that the role of torture in the hunt for Usama (sic) bin Laden is not based on facts, but rather part of the film’s fictional narrative,” They further accuse the film of having “the potential to shape American public opinion in a disturbing and misleading manner.” There is plenty to counter in such claims — both regarding the events on screen and their relative fictional status — so I expect this conversation to continue. [Variety]
“Compliance” star and Best Supporting Actress hopeful Ann Dowd is following Linda Cardellini this season in footing the bill for her own Oscar campaign. All the more reason to root for her. [THR]
The director and producer of Oscar-shortlisted doc “Bully” will receive the Stanley Kramer Award for social consciousness at the Producers’ Guild Awards next month. [Screen]
What do you think is the year’s most unfairly overlooked film? Katey Rich and Eric Eisenberg round up a dozewn to consider, from “Lawless” to “Cosmopolis.” (My candidate? “Mirror Mirror.”) [Cinema Blend]
Melena Ryzik talks to a number of hopefuls in a crowded Best Supporting Actor race that still seems far from settled. [The Carpetbagger]
Steve Pond does some mathematical simulation voodoo to come up with the projection that there will be eight Best Picture nominees in January. Still, that’s the number he arrived at last year. [The Wrap]
Clayton Davis looks at a number of “fifth spots” seemingly up for grabs in most categories in this year’s Oscar race. [Awards Circuit]
Michelle Paradis talks to Spanish costume designer Paco Delgado about his work on “Les Miserables.” (Incidentally, his designs for Spanish Oscar submission “Blancanieves” are pretty great.) [Below the Line]
Bret Easton Ellis has issued an apology to Kathryn Bigelow for his disparaging comments about her supposed gender advantage. I’m sure that means the world to her. [The Guardian]