This year for the 81st annual Academy Awards is different than any other year. This is the year "The Dark Knight" is eligible, and it was a phenomanon. Nigh perfect reviews, adored and recognized by all the major critics and the DGA among others, and 94\% on Rotten Tomatoes is a near impossible achievement, (247-16) but great films usually make those marks. And one of the greatest has just been snubbed for any major award besides the obvious nomination for Heath Ledger. But as amazing as he was he was not the entire film. The Academy must not get it, it was a collaborative effort. Every single person who worked on that film will remember it for the rest of their lives. Almost everyone in North America loves this movie, there are few I know who don't. And not for any valid reason. Box Office Mojo: 531,037,665 dollars! That is a rare event. I'm sure many people will go see its re-release over the weekend into 200 theatres as well. Last year's ceremony was the lowest viewed ceremony in a number of years, mostly because the nominations, although good were all independant. some less than others, Atonement anyone? Major studios make good films too. Ironically they're usually over looked. It is pathetic when people who do not fully understand a films potential, receive a chance to vote. And this snub along with Wall-E will receive alot of backlash. The chances are very slim but if this sports enough of a reaction there will be a revote.

The only other wide release film this year to receive better reviews than TDK is Wall-E (96\%, 208-8). It is an amazing achievement for animated films. Along with comic-book adaptations this is the other category yet to be taken seriously. Just to be nominated for best picture would be an honour, otherwise you might as well give them best animated oscar for the tenth time. There won't be another Shrek to top Monster's Inc., or a Blue Sky Film in a year without Pixar anymore because of the growth of the company. The animation is great, but the film in general is flawless. Please academy give these two films another chance.