The surprise victory of The Lives of Others over Pan’s Labyrinth in the Academy’s Best Foreign Film category was disappointing (though I do want to see The Lives of Others, too–it sounds interesting). I read comments from an anonymous Oscar voter who turned Pan’s Labyrinth off “halfway through” because he didn’t care for “children’s fantasy movies.” Obviously he hadn’t even made it halfway through, if he thought that’s what it was. The worst part? This was in the “Best Original Screenplay” category, and the voter was a SCREENWRITER. Argh. I’ve just recently learned that, in order to vote in the Foreign Film category (as well as in Documentary), voters have to actually see all of the nominated films in the theater. Thus, there aren’t actually many voters in those categories, so it can be pretty unpredictable.

just wanted to say i agree that it should have received more Academy attention and was quite saddened that it did not even receive much foreign film attention…alas, the Academy tends to snuff the supernatural, i suppose.
Lady in the Water was another of my favorites from last year and it did not receive acclaim either. oh well.
i have yet to see Children of Men but will make a point to do so.
thanks for your review on Pan’s. it touched my soul in a way that only one other movie last year did. i thought it validated pain and suffering of the world and also produced a Truthful hope in the midst…a rare combination these days.