Awards

Yesterday saw the announcement of the ALA awards (the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Printz, etc., etc.), but as I hadn't heard of most of the books that won awards, I didn't get very excited about them. What I am excited about, is the shortlist of Oscar nominations, that was announced today - Dame Judi Dench (whose film and TV work I adore), is up for Best Actress, for Notes from a Scandal (which I've not seen - although it's only just opened here - nor have I read the book !). Mind you, she's up against stiff competition from Dame Helen Mirren (for The Queen), so that's going to be a tough call.

The one category that does get me excited though, is Best Animated Feature Film - and this year's nominations are: Cars, Happy Feet and Monster House. I've seen two of the three (Cars is the first Pixar film I've not immediately gone to see as soon as it opens for about 3 years). Personally, I'm torn: Monster House is a terrific film - quite dark (for an animated film for children) and fascinating. But I adore Happy Feet ! The dancing and singing penguins were just marvellous. To be honest, I'll be surprised if Happy Feet doesn't win it.