Quentin Tarantino won a screenplay Oscar for “Pulp Fiction” in 1995, but his eyes are on a bigger prize. “Inglourious Basterds” is his best shot yet at Best Picture. Is this Tarantino’s year, or is filmmaker too violent and too unusual to win over the Academy? Michaela Zanello reports.

This Sunday’s Golden Globes feature plenty of normal nominees. And there’s “The Hangover” which managed a Best Picture nomination for a musical or comedy. Is the inclusion of “The Hangover” a farce, or is it a legitimate candidate? Michaela Zanello takes a closer look.

Sandra Bullock’s career started with promise with films like “Speed” and “While You were Sleeping,” but had languished for years as she starred in several flops. That changed in 2009 as roles in box office hits “The Proposal” and “The Blind Side” netted her nominations for both Golden Globe Best Actress awards.

Matt Damon and George Clooney have become good friends in recent years, having starred in several films together. But on Oscar night they could be pitted against each other, writes Michaela Zanello, for their roles in “The Informant” and “Up in the Air,” respectively.

It’s been over 30 years since a true comedy in “Annie Hall” won Best Picture at the Oscars. The Academy should take a cue from the Golden Globes and separate dramas from comedies, Michaela Zanello says. Can a film like “Up in the Air” break through, or will it be overlooked like other comedies?