Descendants

"Sometimes acting gigs are about timing," he said, mentioning The Descendants was a perfect opportunity to take on the understated role of a perplexed father of two daughters dealing with a life-changing event.

Michael Bialas: Age of Reason: George Clooney Is Telluride's Silver (Medallion) Fox Michael Bialas 2011

For now, though, "The Descendants" is the best movie of the year, and Mr. Payne and Mr. Clooney are the best exemplars of their respective arts.

'Descendants' Has the Genes of a Classic Joe Morgenstern 2011

What is clear is that the Academy basically ignored R-rated movies, as The Descendants was the only R-rated Best Picture nominee this year.

Scott Mendelson: The Lesson for This Year's Oscar Nominees? Don't Be an R-rated Film! Scott Mendelson 2012

"Sometimes acting gigs are about timing," he said, mentioning The Descendants was a perfect opportunity to take on the understated role of a perplexed father of two daughters dealing with a life-changing event.

Michael Bialas: Age of Reason: George Clooney Is Telluride's Silver (Medallion) Fox Michael Bialas 2011

The Descendants is the latest George Clooney vehicle and it is produced and directed by Alexander Payne of Sideways and Election fame.

Jackie K. Cooper: The Descendants Is Another Over Praised Clooney Film Jackie K. Cooper 2011

What is clear is that the Academy basically ignored R-rated movies, as The Descendants was the only R-rated Best Picture nominee this year.

Scott Mendelson: The Lesson for This Year's Oscar Nominees? Don't Be an R-rated Film! Scott Mendelson 2012

What is clear is that the Academy basically ignored R-rated movies, as The Descendants was the only R-rated Best Picture nominee this year.

Scott Mendelson: The Lesson for This Year's Oscar Nominees? Don't Be an R-rated Film! Scott Mendelson 2012

What is clear is that the Academy basically ignored R-rated movies, as The Descendants was the only R-rated Best Picture nominee this year.

Scott Mendelson: The Lesson for This Year's Oscar Nominees? Don't Be an R-rated Film! Scott Mendelson 2012

The Descendants is my favorite film of the year for its ability to find the pain, dignity and humor in the story of a man watching his way of life die, even as he has to act as steward to its demise.

Marshall Fine: The 10 Best Films of 2011 Marshall Fine 2011

Silent-era film "The Artist" and family drama "The Descendants" were the top film picks at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday January 15, heating up the race for the best picture Oscar.

Reuters: Press Release 2012