'Food Inc.' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' Bag Oscar Nods

by Katherine Gustafson · 2010-02-04 10:00:00 UTC
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It's Oscar time again, and the buzz is already starting up. The foodie world is keeping its eye on the fortunes of this year's fabulous food-industry exposé, Food Inc., which has been tapped as a nominee in the “best documentary” category. I'd say its chances are decidedly good.

Another food-related film, the charming Fantastic Mr. Fox, has gotten nods in the "best animated feature film” and "best score" categories.

Mr. Fox offers an inventive, entertaining and eye-opening look at the politics of industrial farming — and especially chickens — from the perspective of a group of wild animals, but I can't say I agree with Grist's Tom Philpott, who is "bitter that it got stiffed on 'best picture,'" or The Nation's Stuart Klawans, who called it the "best American film of 2009." It's a wonderful film, but for all-around emotional power, clarity of story and exploration of character, in my humble opinion it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Up In the Air or Crazy Heart (speaking of stiffed).

I expect Fantastic Mr. Fox will blow the animated competition out of the water, however, and I recommend that all food-focused viewers take a peek at both Mr. Fox and Food Inc. as soon as they get the chance.

Photo: cliff1066™ via Flickr

Katherine Gustafson is a freelance writer and editor with a background in international nonprofit organizations.
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