This rant may not be as sane as my others as I am highly irate. Oh hell, it's more like foaming at the mouth, want-to-rip-off-some-one's-limbs, stark raving mad. Of course this is a bit biased as I love Sir Ian McKellen, and I loved Lord of the Rings. I also expected the fellowship of the rings to be shut out of the Oscars. I knew that A Beautiful Mind would win best picture and director. But I was sure that Mr. McKellen would win best supporting actor�and for the life of me I can't see why he didn't. Right now I'm caught between the urge to break something and to curl up into a ball and weep.

I realize that the Oscars are all about internal politics. The only time the competition is based on ability and worth is while the movie or actor/ress is in the race to be nominated. By being nominated they prove that they have something and that they showed a talent, or passion above the other movies out there. To be nominated is a true honor.

But from there out it's about what the inside wants. If a movie is too far from the norm it will not win. And if it has a great following in theaters and made a lot of money it won't win either. I knew Lord of the Rings would be outed on most of the categories. Why? Well first because no fantasy movie has ever won an Oscar. Second, because it was too big budget. Third because it is a trilogy. The judges can always hold out until the Return of the King before they feel pressured to give an award.

All this in mind, I was not surprised to see the awards go out to other films. Plus, they were very deserving as well.

But I was down right shocked when Ian McKellen did not win for best supporting actor. And I mean froze with my mouth agape staring at the TV blankly shocked. For compared to the other nominees he was most deserving of the award. Yes, the other actors are all great and talented individuals. And I admit that I am rather fond of Gandalf. But this goes beyond my petty and shallow little likings. This has to do with a great actor being robbed.

Sir Ian was an acting legend long before Lord of the Rings. He delivers a stunning performance that comes straight out of his heart. In my opinion, to make a fantasy character into a believable individual that the audience can empathize with, takes a great deal of talent. But to embody and express the legendary character of Gandalf so well is a whole knew plateau of greatness. Sir Ian not only had to make a fantasy wizard real, he had to make *the* fantasy wizard real. The shoes Tolkien made for Gandalf are difficult to reach let alone fill adequately. And I thought that Sir Ian did a stunning job of it. He made me believe that he was that sweet, cunning wizard in Tolkien's novels that had captured my imagination as a child. His performance was second to none. Which is why I feel hurt myself that he did not take home both his boyfriend and that chiseled gold skinned man with the impressive sword.

I'm sure that the actor who won from Iris is highly skilled. And I don't wish him any malice. But I am disappointed that the academy did not recognize Mr. McKellen as well as they should have. In my mind, and in the hearts of many others, he was the winner tonight. For his performance, along with all the others who when into making the Fellowship of the Ring, will be remembered and cherished for a very long time to come.

Congratulations Ian. You deserve it for capturing our minds and fueling our dreams by bringing Galdalf's persona into the flesh. *Hugs*

-Jules