Shootout fans were reflecting this week on Peter Guber and Peter Bart's conversation about the Oscars, in which they wondered whether the awards were becoming too "artsy," with a bulk of nominations going to the likes of Atonement and Juno, rather than some of the year's bigger blockbusters like American Gangster.

The Bee agreed with the two Peters, stating, "I am amazed at the nominations this year. I am an avid moviegoer and have seen some of the 'artsy' films and also the popular ones. What happened to just being entertained?"

Bob Loblaw, not to be confused with Scott Baio's character on Arrested Development, argued differently: "People looking for a date-night activity or simple entertainment to pass the time will go see whatever is at the theater -- which is ultimately decided by the powerful studio distribution network. People looking for superior art will seek out There will Be Blood or Atonement in spite of the lack of studio support. The Academy has always sought to recognize artistic accomplishment with the Oscars. Want to recognize popular, lowest common denominator movies? The MTV Awards is right up your alley."

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