BY SUSANNE ROBBINS

My alarm went off at 4:00AM this morning and that would seem early except I had already been awake since 3:00AM in anticipation of this year's Oscar Nominations. So I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and drove to the Academy building in a bit of a haze. However I was not alone, I entered the room filled with sleepy Journalists, Cameramen, and the poor people that had to wake up at 3:00AM to feed us. Finally they opened the doors and allowed us to enter the room.

Sid Ganis the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President entered the room, followed shortly by an elegant Mira Sorvino. Mira obviously is a morning girl because she shined. It seemed as though we had been there for hours, and technically we had. The wait is finally over and they begin to make the announcements. Mind you all of this is preparation for a 10 minute moment.

The first nominations read were for the Best Supporting Actress in supporting role. There were a few surprises and as always the competition looks incredible. However for anyone who watches all of the award shows during this time, you will note that the Sag awards usually hit it dead on. If that is the case Rachel better start working on her speech. Of course who knew, when we were glued to our television a few years back, that Dawson's Creek cutie Michelle Williams would be nominated for an Oscar. Who's next Katie Holmes? Say it isn't so.

Amy Adams - Junebug
Catherine Keener - Capote
Frances McDormand - North Country
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardner
Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain

Next we were presented with the nominees for the Best Supporting Actor. A few surprises popped up but not many. We all knew that Matt, George and Paul were favorites. Jake was not a complete surprise but a welcome one at that. However the one that caught me off guard was William Hurt for "A History of Violence." I am not sure if you saw this movie (it was not one of my favorites), however Bill shows up for maybe 10:00 minutes. Wow is all I have to say.

George Clooney - Syriana
Matt Dillon - Crash
Paul Giamatti - Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt - A History of Violence

Of course still reeling from the mention of William Hurt I pulled myself together and waited for the Best Actress announcements. It was not a big surprise these ladies have been duking it out for the last few award shows. We all know that Judi Dench will be nominated even if she works craft services for a film. I am pulling for Felicity Huffman but don't tell Reese that.

Judi Dench - Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman - Transamerica
Keira Knightly - Pride & Prejudice
Charlize Theron - North Country
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line

Next we have the men of the evening. One surprise performer crept into the category and let me tell you I let out a little squeal for this one, my man Terrence Howard. As any of you know who read CountingDown I loved this movie, loved it. However once again if SAG history repeats itself, welcome Seymour Hoffman you have joined the elite group of Oscar Winners.

Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix - Walk the Line
David Strathairn - Good Night, and Good Luck

The next category announced was a new favorite of mine, the best animated feature film of the year. This year we will be given the choice of three very different films.

Howl's Moving Castle - Hayao Miyazaki
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride - Tim Burton and Mike Johnson
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit - Nick Park and Steve Box

We are lucky to see some new faces and some old pro's in this next category. Who knew an old ER Doctor would one day be nominated for an Academy award. Oh wait, that's right, he wasn't really a doctor. Ang Lee seems to be the front runner in this category. However look for Paul Haggis and Mr. Spielberg to nip at his heels.

Ang Lee - Brokeback Mountain
Bennett Miller - Capote
Paul Haggis - Crash
George Clooney - Good Night, and Good Luck
Steven Spielberg - Munich

The Feature Films actually reflect the Best Directors award. This should be, at least I hope it will be, a tight category. My favorite in this category would be Crash, however Brokeback Mountain and Capote seem to be front runners.

Brokeback Mountain - (Focus Features) Diana Ossana & James Schamus
Capote - (UA/Sony Pictures Classics) Caroline Baron, William Vince & Michael Ohoven
Crash - (Lions Gate Films) Paul Haggis & Cathy Schulman
Good Night, and Good Luck - (Warner Independent Pictures) Grant Heslov
Munich - (Universal & DreamWorks) Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg & Barry Mendel

Over all it looks to be a great Oscar year, I will be pulling for Crash, Matt Dillon and of course my man Terrence Howard.

I look forward to talking to you all again the night of the big show. Until then, Good Night, and Good Luck...I had to.