The Oscar nominations were announced this morning in California, and Gran Torino, the film starring Clint Eastwood and filmed in Michigan, while garnering stellar reviews, has been overlooked.
 
On the other hand, the film Milk, about the life of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., has received several major nominations. Sean Penn, who plays Milk, is up for Best Actor, Josh Brolin who plays Dan White, Milk’s assassin, is up for Best Supporting Actor. Gus Van Sant is up for best director, the script is up for best original screen play and the film is up for best film.

Heath Ledger also garnered a nod for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in the latest Batman series. Ledger died shortly after completing the film.