Oscars 2012: Why 'Shame' Deserved A Best Picture Nod

Nine films are nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards this year, begging the question: who deserved a tenth spot on that list? Oscars 2012: 10 Spot answers that question, as the MTV Movies team highlights some of 2011's greatest films and argues why they deserved a nod as the tenth Best Picture nominee. Lets get this out of the way right now: Yes, Shame is indeed The One With The Penis Michael Fassbenders, to be precise. That said, it would be a shame (no pun intended) if thats all this extraordinary film is remembered for. For some insight into why Shame wasnt nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, we should discuss what this movie is not: Its not a family film (see above re: The One With The Penis). This movie is one hundred percent adult-oriented. There are no brave horses, charming pups or precocious kids in Shame. There are only grown-ups doing very grown-up things. Its not populated by likeable characters. The siblings played by Fassbender and Carey Mulligan are two seriously damaged, dysfunctional people who sometimes behave horribly to each other. No heroes or heroines, no hearts of gold just people in pain who are trying to get through the day. Its not a period piece. Shame takes place in the here (NY City) and now. The city is not romanticized or sanitized; its depicted as a real place where real people live in the 21st century, dealing with real issues. Its not an easy film to watch. Sure, theres a lot of flesh on display, but the sex scenes are not what youd call sexy. Fassbenders Brandon is a sex addict. Theres no love or affection given or taken in these scenes. And theres also some pretty gruesome, heartbreaking stuff courtesy of Mulligans Sissy. Fascinating and engaging, yes. Sweet and uplifting? Definitely not. In short, "Shame" is not Oscar bait. Steve McQueens drama is unconventional, raw, risky and current. In an ideal cinematic universe these qualities would be recognized and rewarded. Alas, Oscar doesnt live in that universe quite yet. Maybe one day theyll get it right. The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 25, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for our three-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners.