2011 SAG Nominations for Outstanding Films

2011 SAG Nominations for Outstanding Films

The Screen Actors Guild just announced the men, women, shows and films that would be vying for the crown (or statue, rather) at their 2011 ceremony, airing January 29 at 8 p.m. on TNT.

And since they, like The Golden Globes, honor the best in film and television, I've decided to split things up accordingly. So, here are, with minor commentary, the 2011 SAG Nominations for Cinema's Most Outstanding.

MORE: The 2011 SAG Nominations For Outstanding TV

Outstanding Ensemble
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Descendants
The Help
Midnight in Paris


Thoughts: Well, this was quite the lifesaver for Woody Allen's Midnight, which was all-but-out-of-the-race. A nod for Best Musical or Comedy at tomorrow's Golden Globes should vault it back onto Oscar's map ... but me thinks a Best Screenplay nod is all it will net. This race is going to come down to The Help vs. The Artist. And I have a sneaking suspicion that The Help might actually win since this is all about ensemble acting.

MORE: Biggest SAG Snubs

Outstanding Lead Actor
Demian Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendents
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Jean Dijardin, The Artist
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Thoughts: Jean's performance in the silent, black and white throwback won me over from the first frame. Here's hoping that's enough to dim the combinaed star-wattage of Clooney, Pitt & DiCaprio.

Outstanding Lead Actress
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Meryl Streep, Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need To Talk About Kevin
Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

Thoughts: This is a hot race for 2011 with Michelle, Meryl, Tilda and Viola all emerging as serious contenders. I'm going to give the edge to Meryl, because one always gives her better odds, but I'll bet Michelle's transformative performance as Marilyn Monroe resonates more deeply with voters.

Outstanding Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn
Armie Hammer, J. Edgar
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Thoughts: I have a feeling when all is said and done, only one (maybe two) of these men will actually hear their name called on Oscar morning.

Outstanding Supporting Actor
Bernice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janey McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Thoughts: Love that out of all her 2011 performance (of which there were a lot), this is the one Jessica Chastain is being celebrated for -- it was my favorite! In terms of actually winning, however, this is Melissa McCarthy's since she won't split the vote with a TV nom for Mike & Molly.