This Sunday many of us will curl up on the couch to watch the 84th Annual Academy Awards.  Whether you are watching for the couture, the lewd jokes Billy Crystal might throw or to actually see who wins, we want to bring you further pleasure with a wine lineup for each Best Picture nominee.  We hope that if your favorites win or lose, you’ll be guaranteed an enjoyable evening with a glass of wine by your side.

• The Artist - Many believe this is a shoo-in for Best Picture this year.  It is up for 10 nominations including Best Director.  The Artist is a silent film directed by Michael Hazanavicious.  It takes place in old Hollywood where a silent film star is being pushed aside by the talkies.  This French, romantic comedy is a cinematic work of old-fashion art.  Wine Pairing:  A French Champagne
• The Descendants - Who doesn’t love George Clooney?  This film directed by Alexander Payne, of Sideways (for all you wine lovers),  is about a Hawaiian man who is trying to reconnect with his two daughters after learning his comatose wife cheated on him.  If you enjoyed Sideways, i’d suggest you give it a chance.  Wine Pairing:  A Pinot Noir … I bet you didn’t see that one coming!
• The Help -  Is a dramatic adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel about two black maids living in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights era.  Controversy stirs when a young, white woman decides to write a book from the view of the maids, or the ‘help’.   American audiences adore this film as it grossed $170 million at the box office.  Wine Pairing:  2010 Breaux Vineyard Viognier  ($32)
• Hugo - A 3D adventure directed by Martin Scorsese is about an 1930′s orphan boy, Hugo, who lives in the walls of a train station.  It’s a mystery as he unlocks secrets about his late father and automation.  This imaginative film receives universal critical acclaim as an ode to film preservation.  Wine Pairing:  With this family movie, we decided its best to go for a glass of milk.
• Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - A young boy, Oskar, is dealing with his father’s death, who died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.   Oskar believes his father left him a message so he starts searching New York City to find answers.  It’s out in theaters now so go give it your own review.  Wine Pairing:  A wine from Finger Lakes New York.
• Midnight in Paris -  Woody Allen earns his sixth Best Picture nomination with this film.  The main character Gil struggles to write a book while also struggling to deal with his failing relationship with his fiancee.  The magic he finds in Paris at midnight forces him to finally confront reality.  It’s a whimsical film that will leave you fantasizing about Paris in the 1920s.  Wine Pairing: Henri Bourgeois 2008 Domaine Gerar Fious Sauvignon Blanc ($22)
• Moneyball - Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is trying to field a successful baseball team with a limited budget.  He unconventionally uses statistical data to bring together a winning-team.  Based on a true story,  it should be seen by all sport lovers.  Wine Pairing:  Forget wine, this movie deserves an ice cold beer.
• The Tree of Life -  A surprise player in the race for Best Picture.  It is a impressionistic story about a family in the 1950′s that follows one of the three sons through his life’s journey.  As an adult he finds himself looking for the meaning of life.  Terrance Malick’s film takes us through life, death and birth of the universe.  Wine Pairing: 2009 Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon ($15)
• War Horse - A Steven Spielberg film set during World War I about a friendship between a young owner and horse, Joey.   The two are forced apart as Joey is sold to the calvary.  The film follows Joey through the war as he touches the lives of all the people he meets.  Wine Pairing: 2009 Iron Horse Chardonnay ($27)  or 2006 Wild Horse Merlot ($18)