My favorite time of year has officially begun: Oscar Season! With the exception of last year, when I stupidly decided to go visit my ex-boyfriend in Dublin for spring break instead of staying home to watch the Oscars, I have seen every minute of every telecast of this ridiculous Hollywood popularity contest since I was 12. Seriously. The shortlist for the 79th Annual Academy Awards was announced today, I have to say that for once I was pretty pleased with the nominations. Here is a run-down of my thoughts on the competition: