A few weeks ago I announced the nominations for my favorite films of 2008. Without fanfare or a red carpet, here are the winners of the Awards with No Trophies or Importance. I hope you enjoy them.

Art Direction

Slumdog Millionaire: Mark Digby and Michelle Day provided an exceptional backdrop to this tale by bringing the ever-changing city of Mumbai to life.

Cinematography

The Dark Knight: Wally Pfister was the first Director of Photography ever tasked to shoot a feature film with IMAX cameras. The result was the kind of jaw-dropping movie-going experience that a home theater can never duplicate.

Costume Design

Be Kind Rewind: The costumes by Rahel Afiley and Kishu Chand were imaginative, zany and full of heart, just like this film's characters.

Film Editing

The Dark Knight: Lee Smith's pacing and sense of dramatic tension went a long way in making this the film that it was.

Makeup

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: The work done here, particularly on Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, was not only outstanding, it served as a canvas for their terrific performances.

Original Score

The Dark Knight: Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. The music specifically written for the Joker alone would have made this a deserving winner.

Original Song

Forgetting Sarah Marshall: "Dracula's Lament" by Jason Segel was not only the funniest song in a movie last year, it also managed to be the perfect window into Peter Bretter's (Segel) soul.

Sound

Wall-E: Ben Burtt not only voiced Wall-E, he also created the sounds of the little robot's whole world. In a film so sparse on dialogue, Burtt had a big task. He did amazing work here.

Visual Effects

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Visual effects that we don't think about while we're seeing them are rare these days, making the achievement here all the more impressive.

Animated Film

Wall-E: This should really just be called the Pixar Award.

Supporting Actor

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight: What more can be said about Ledger's phenomenal work as the Joker? It's anything but a sympathy vote. This was the best supporting performance by an actor since Kevin Kline in "A Fish Called Wanda."

Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, Doubt: Arguably the best of the current crop of young actresses, Adams's Sister James is the heart of John Patrick Shanley's excellent film.

Actor

Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler: With clearly a lot to draw from, Rourke simply is Randy "The Ram" Robinson.

Actress

Cate Blanchett, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: As Daisy, Blanchett is quietly effecting as the love of Benjamin's life.

Monty Python Award For Best Ensemble Cast

Doubt: Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis are an incredible ensemble. Every performance is exceptional, right down to the kids who only have a single line.

Adapted Screenplay

Doubt, John Patrick Shanley: The story, characters, and dialogue absorb us and keep us fully engaged for every single frame.

Original Screenplay

In Bruges, Martin McDonagh: Dark and funny, McDonagh's characters are all fully formed and his dialogue is as sharp as can be.

Director

Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight: Delivering the most staggering filmmaking achievement of the year, Nolan is an easy choice.

Best Picture

The Dark Knight: It's not often that the highest grossing film of the year--a sequel, no less--is also the best. But that's what we got in 2008. This was the most entertaining dark-hearted film since "The Empire Strikes Back."



And now, the fun stuff...

Funniest Movie: In Bruges

Funniest Performance (tie): Robert Downey, Jr., "Tropic Thunder"; James Franco, "Pineapple Express"

Most Entertaining Movie: The Dark Knight

Funniest Scene: Apartment Fight, "Pineapple Express"

Best Action Sequence: Semi-chase through Chicago, er, Gotham, "The Dark Knight"

Favorite Quote: "It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn...with, like, a bomb." "Pineapple Express"

"XXX" Award For Best Over the Top Action Movie: Rambo

"Withnail and I" Award For Best On-screen Friends (tie): Seth Rogen and James Franco, "Pineapple Express"; Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen, "Appaloosa"

Best Villain: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"

Best Family Film: Wall-E

Best Couple: Scoot McNairy and Sara Simmonds, "In Search of a Midnight Kiss"

Best Movie You Didn't See: "In Search of a Midnight Kiss," which has been colorized for DVD in an incredibly idiotic move. Who was this designed to appeal to? The people who will love this movie are the people who love that it was shot in black and white. Hopefully this will be corrected.

Best Looking Movie with No Heart: Australia

Best Foreign Language Film: Let the Right One In

Best Local Film: My Effortless Brilliance

Best Sequel: The Dark Knight

Performer of the Year: Robert Downey, Jr., "Iron Man," "Tropic Thunder"

Best Ending: Slumdog Millionaire

Want to sound off about your snubbed favorites? Have a question about a DVD release date, or need a recommendation for that perfect date movie? E-mail Bob at bob@northcountyoutlook.com.

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