The current slate of Academy Award nominations places Hugo at the forefront, tallying the most nods this year. It is in the running for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Score, and eight additional categories. The film is directed by Martin Scorsese, with Howard Shore providing the original music, and the recognition spans technical and storytelling crafts that have captured the attention of audiences across North America.
Alongside Hugo, other contenders for Best Picture include The Help, War Horse, The Artist, The Tree of Life, and Moneyball, among others. The field for Best Animated Feature is equally competitive, featuring A Cat in Paris, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rango, and Chico & Rita as nominees. These selections underscore a diverse mix of live-action and animation, reflecting broad tastes across the industry and audiences from Canada to the United States.
The Help also earns multiple nominations in other major categories, with Viola Davis in contention for Best Actress. Berenice Bejo and Octavia Spencer are listed for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting strong performances across two widely discussed films. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is recognized for Visual Effects, Makeup, and Art Direction, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the franchise and its craftsmanship in the technical domains that support fantasy storytelling.
In the category of Original Song, the field narrows to two entries: Man or Muppet from The Muppets, with music by Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, and Real in Rio from Rio. Both songs stood out in the music category, even as the films themselves did not feature in other award lines this year. The emphasis on music underscores how a single track can become a defining moment during the awards season.
As the awards vote draws near, observers look ahead to the ceremony scheduled for February 26 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event remains a focal point for fans in Canada and the United States, drawing attention to who will win across categories and how the night will unfold on the live broadcast.