The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its list of 2008 Golden Globe nominees this morning. Leading the pack in nominations: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon" with five nominations and "The Reader," "Revolutionary Road," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" and "Slumdog Millionaire" with four noms. TCFF goers will remember "Vicky," Woody Allen's latest, as the film that opened the festival this year, while "Slumdog" (which has been garnering unanimous critical acclaim) will begin its run at the State Christmas Day.

Other movies that played at the State Theatre this year that made the nominee list: "In Bruges" (one of my favorite films of 2008) - three nominations, "Happy-Go-Lucky" - two nominations, "Mamma Mia!' - two nominations, "Wall-E" - two nominations, and "The Dark Knight" - one nomination. There are also a few films on the list that have first-runs coming up at the State in the next month or so, including "Milk" and "The Wrestler." (Keep an eye on the State schedule for more details coming soon.)

This has been a strong year in cinema - there's hardly a choice in the HFPA's list I disagree with. My one disappointment is that "Dark Knight" didn't get a Best Picture nod, though I was glad to see Heath Ledger get recognized (Best Supporting Actor nom) for his turn as the Joker. I know "Knight" is a comic book movie, a genre anathema to HFPA and the Academy - however, not only is Chris Nolan's film one of the best comic book movies ever made, it stands on its own as a dark examination of morality, insanity, and the degrees of good and evil that coexist in every human being. It'll be interesting to see if "Watchmen" has any better luck during awards season next year, or if "Knight" will still get its proper dues from the Academy or the critic circles who haven't announced their picks yet for 2008.

The 2008 Golden Globe Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, January 11 at 8:00 p.m. on NBC. To view the complete list of nominees, click here.

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