Kris maintained in his Globes analysis yesterday that the somewhat surprising omission of Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper from the Best Director lineup wasn’t particularly significant, but it struck me as a slight setback for a film many pundits have pegged as a potentially monolithic frontrunner — particularly given a musical-friendly streak at the Globes that has brought nominations for Alan Parker (“Evita”) and Tim Burton (“Sweeney Todd”). (It may or may not be worth noting that “Dreamgirls” helmer Bill Condon missed this hurdle in 2006, presaging an unexpected Oscar shutout.) Hooper admits to being disappointed, but feels he may have been at a disadvantage given that the category’s all-drama lineup: “At least there’s some logic to it, and I’m certainly in good company with David O. Russell.” [Huffington Post]
The Guardian team names “The Master” the best film of 2012. Their runner-up? “Ted.” Good to mix it up, I guess. [The Guardian]
My favorite annual feature at IC friend Glenn Dunks’ blog: the 50 best film posters of the year. I’m all about #3 and #31. [Stale Popcorn]
After yesterday’s nominations, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey kept anticipation for the Golden Globes cooking with a new promo spot. [HitFix]
Variety’s director-themed Eye on the Oscars feature insights from 21 major names, including Paul Thomas Anderson, Christopher Nolan and Kathryn Bigelow, on the challenges they faced in their latest projects. [Variety]
They may have come up short in the Globe and BFCA nods — no surprise there — but count on GKIDS to show up in the Academy’s animation field. Steve Pond spotlights the little company that can. [The Wrap]
Best Actress frontrunner Jennifer Lawrence on how her “Silver Linings Playbook” role has kept revealing new things to her long after shooting finished. [The Carpetbagger]
John Hazelton takes a thorough look at the films shortlisted for the Best Visual Effects Oscar, and examines how they reflect the current state of the FX industry. [Screen]
Nathaniel Rogers takes SAG to task for an irritatingly perennial problem: their curious rulings about what ensemble players are eligible for a nomination. No Lee Pace for “Lincoln” or Julia Stiles for “Silver Linings Playbook?” Madness. [The Film Experience]
Why many of this year’s Oscar hopefuls — and not just “Flight” — are not suitable for in-flight entertainment. [Ultraculture]