And the nominees are...

Another January rolls around and the red carpets roll out.

Award season is a much anticipated annual occasion for Hollywood stars, socialites, and fashionistas alike.

In case you haven't checked out this year's Academy Award nominees, I'll catch you up to speed.

Best Picture:

The Artist

Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse
The Decendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help

Actor in a Leading Role:
Demián Bichir
George Clooney
Jean Dujardin
Gary Oldman
Brad Pitt

Actress in a Leading Role:
Glenn Close
Viola Davis
Rooney Mara
Meryl Streep
MIchelle Williams

Well there are the head hanchos for you. Obviously, the nominations go on much farther than that -- with nominations for everything from costuming to Sound editing. See the full list of nominations here: http://oscar.go.com/

Now that I'm sure you are all beside yourselves in anticipation of who will win the coveted golden figurines, I must tell you to be patient. The award show will not take place until Sunday, Feburary 27 at 6 p.m. CST.



-by Hannah Kramer

Your Second Semester in the Arts

With a new semester just getting underway, many of the local venues are starting to promote their events for the semester. Whether that includes theater, music, or dance performances, these performing arts spaces have the community in mind while picking the most talked about events for the start of 2012. Here's a list of just a few of the events that you don't want to miss as the semester continues.

HANCHER:
•L.A. Theatre Works, "The Rivalry"
Thursday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Englert Theatre

•Lucky Plush Productions, "Punk Yankees"
Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Space Place Theater

•Dave Pietro
Thursday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Englert Theatre

•The Gizmo Guys
Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.
City High School, Opstad Auditorium

ENGLERT:
•Iowa Opera House Project Featuring Sam Knutson
Thursday, February 9 at 8 p.m.
Englert Theatre

•Hot Tuna (Acoustic Show)
Thursday, March 8 at 8 p.m.
Englert Theatre

•Mason Jennings
Friday, April 6 at 8 p.m.
Englert Theatre

•Romeo and Juliet
Thursday, April 26