Howdy!

Let’s jump right in with the Oscars — BROKEBACK. CLEANS. UP. Take THAT Munich fanboys! Here’s the list of noms:

• Best Picture
• Best Director (Ang Lee)
• Best Actor (Heath Ledger)
• Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal)
• Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams)
• Best Adapted Screenplay (Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana)
• Cinematography
• Original Score (Gustavo Santaolalla)

Expect to see the winners at the 78th Annual Academy Awards on March 5th at 8pm EST.

Moving on!

For those of you who didn’t see the boys and gals on Oprah, you can find a nice summation on the Oprah website. I TiVo’d and thought it was pretty tame. Anne Hathaway didn’t make much an impression, though. She seemed a bit ditsy, and I kept getting the impression they were all giving her sidelong glances every time she giggled. Interesting how she responded to Oprah’s question about what her character knew regarding Jack’s death: “Well, I think it’s pretty obvious…” Anne said. Oprah picked up on the jibe, fortunately. Shame-arity insued. No one calls Oprah stupid, you skinny white –!

Speaking of swell marketing, here’s a WSJ article by a cat named John Lippman that looks at why our favorite movie did so well over the past few weeks. It even has a nice table comparing revenues for Brokeback and Underworld

Another interview with Ang Lee looks at some of the motivations and outcomes of doing this movie. For using the words “happy trail” within the first two paragraphs, I salute this crafty writer.

Interesting tidbit from the Advocate: Brokeback Mountain too taboo for China? Apparently they don’t expect the movie to play in mainland China. I’m betting it’s going to do great in Japan, though, where all of our cowboy gear is probably made.

Here’s a great op-ed called Clock can’t be turned back on gay reality that analyzes how the film will affect gay bias.

Finally, here’s another op-ed titled Breaking Hearts: Society’s Cruel Mores Are Barriers To Happiness, that is a response to the movie, and the current state of social stigma regarding homosexuality.

Friends with Big Hats, that’s the roundup for today. Let’s keep spreading the word — the movie is still in theaters! See it again, and then see it once more with friends! Until next time, remember to keep your spurs shined and your ropes coiled!