Roll out the red carpet – awards season is here!  On the heels of the Golden Globes, Jennifer Lawrence announced the 84^th Academy Award Nominations bright and early Tuesday morning from Beverly Hills, California.

While many of the nominations were expected, there were a few surprises.   Some of the snub shockers include actors Ryan Gosling, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Fassbender, actress Tilda Swinton and director David Fincher, to name a few.  And Golden Globe winner for Best Animated Feature Film, “Adventures of TinTin” was not nominated for an Oscar either.

Here’s a sneak peak at the Academy Award nominations in a few categories.

Best Picture Nominations

“Hugo” received the most nods for Best Picture with 11 nominations while Golden Globe winner “The Artist” came in second with 10 nods.   Nine films were nominated for this year’s top award.

• The silent, black-and-white film, “The Artist,” won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.
• The sport’s saga, “Moneyball” stars Oscar-nominated Brad Pitt.
• “The Tree of Life” also stars Brad Pitt.
• Steven Spielberg’s beautiful film,  “War Horse.”
• “The Descendants” starring Oscar-nominated George Clooney, picked up the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Drama.
• “Extremely Loud & Incredible Close” which stars Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks.
• Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo”
•  The romantic comedy, “Midnight in Paris.”
• “The Help” received four nominations.

Best Director

This category includes a few former Oscar winners.

• Woody Allen for “Midnight in Paris.”
• One of America’s most celebrated directors, Martin Scorsese is nominated for “Hugo.”
• Terrence Malick for “The Tree of Life.”
• Alexander Payne for “The Descendants.”
• Michel Hazanavicius for “The Artist.”

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Meryl Streep, the most Academy Award-nominated actress ever, has a whopping 17 nominations to date.  This category is going to be another nail-biter!

• Glenn Close for her role in “Albert Nobbs.”
• Viola Davis for “The Help.”
• Golden Globe winner Meryl Streep for her brilliant performance as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”
• Rooney Mara for “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
• Michelle Williams’ portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn” earned her a Golden Globe award.

Best Supporting Actress

 Two actresses from “The Help” were nominated in this category.

• Berenice Bejo for her role in “The Artist.”
• Octavia Spencer, who won a Golden Globe for her supporting role for “The Help.”
• Jessica Chastain for her role in “The Help.”
• Melissa McCarthy for her role in the hilarious comedy “Bridesmaids.”
• Janet McTeer for “Albert Nobbs.”

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Best pals George Clooney and Brad Pitt are competing for the golden statue in this category that just may be too close to call.  While all deserve to win, this has got to be the best looking group of contenders around!

• Brad Pitt for his performance in “Moneyball.”
• George Clooney for his role in the drama, “The Descendants.”
• Jean DuJardin for “The Artist.”
• Gary Oldman in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”
• Demain Bichir for “A Better Life.”

Best Supporting Actor

• Jonah Hill scored a nod for his role alongside Mr. Pitt  in “Moneyball.”
• Kenneth Branagh in “My Week with Marilyn.”
• Max von Sydow for “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”
• Nick Nolte for “Warrior.”
• Christopher Plummer for “Beginners.”

Animated Feature Film

• “A Cat In Paris”
• “Chico & Rita”
• “Kung Fu Panda 2″
• “Puss in Boots”
• “Rango”

Writing – Original Screenplay

• “Midnight in Paris” written by Woody Allen.
• “The Artist” by Michel Hazanavicius.
• “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi.
• “Bridesmaids” by Annie Mumolo & Saturday Night Live’s Kristen Wiig.
• “Margin Call” by J.C. Chandor.

While being nominated is indeed an honor, winning has got to be better!  For a full listing of the nominees, please visit the Academy Awards website.    The 2012 Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on February 26^th, 2012.  Billy Crystal will once again host the event which will take place at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Image courtesy of Sailko