LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The most notable example is the fact that Mark Wahlberg's co-stars in "The Fighter" are nominated, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams are both represented in the best supporting actress category and Christian Bale is nominated for best supporting actor - while Mark Wahlberg himself didn't make the best actor category.

In addition, Ryan Gosling was passed over for a best actor nomination while his "Blue Valentine" co-star Michelle Williams is up for a best actress Oscar. Paul Giamatti, fresh off his Golden Globe win for best actor in a comedy/musical for his "Barney's Version" role, was also left out.

"Black Swan" stars Mila Kunis and Barbara Hershey, essential to the film's success are curiously missing from the best supporting actress nominations. Julianne Moore may have competed with Annette Bening for the best actress in a comedy/musical Golden Globe with her "Kids Are All Right" role but she won't get the opportunity at this year's Academy Awards.

And while "Inception" is nominated for best picture of the year, Christopher Nolan didn't make the cut in the best direction category.

Less kind show biz columnists have pointed out that while "Social Network" may have 8 Oscar nods, there is little mystery as to why Andrew Garfield or Justin Timberlake, were not nominated for their acting.

Some have complained about the diversity of the nominees this year. On the heels of Kathryn Bigelow taking the best direction Oscar and becoming the first woman to do so, this year's direction category is all male.

While Hollywood has a lot riding on this year's Academy Awards, it's no guarantee of immortality. Many point out that arguably the greatest American film of all time, "Citizen Kane" was passed over the year of its release in 1940.