It’s not surprising that two Oscar-winning actresses the caliber of Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet were nominated. It’s more of a surprise that both were nominated for one film, “Carnage,” a claustrophobic, let-me-out-of-here tale of civilized adults descending into chaos. Conventional wisdom may have surmised that with such strong female performances out there in other films, voters may have believed that they should chose one or the other. But that was not the case (Guy Ferrandis / Associated Press)
Angelina Jolie is no stranger to being nominated, but as the first-time writer/director of foreign-languge nominee “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” her inclusion was a bit surprising. A co-financer of the film, and multiple nominee this year, producer Graham King couldn’t have been happier for her. “It’s so wonderful for Angie to get this recognition,” King said of Jolie, whose 2010 movie “The Tourist” was produced by King. “It’s the first time she’s directed anything.” The nomination should not have been such a surprise. The film has endured a very public protest over content and even a recent lawsuit, so it’s quite the survivor. (Danny Moloshok / Associated Press)