ShareThisThis year's Academy Awards have a little extra flavor, as two films in which food played a leading role are nominated.
Meryl Streep garnered a record 16th Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Julia Child in "Julie & Julia," and "Food Inc." is nominated for Best Documentary.
"Julie & Julia" was a high-profile Hollywood adaptation of Julie Powell's blog-turned-book of the same title.
Powell's yearlong adventure cooking each recipe from Child's culture-changing cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" is depicted in half the movie, while the other half concentrates on the time Child spent in France learning, living and loving to cook.
For the duration of her screen time, Streep is Julia Child. It verges on eerie. She is so convincing and captivating, I wished the whole film had been about Child. Streep has reeled in a Golden Globe for the portrayal, her seventh from a record 25 nominations for that award.
"Food Inc." is the polar opposite of "Julie & Julia."
It focuses on the food industry, raising questions about business practices, health concerns and treatment of animals we raise to eat. Regardless of where you stand on the issues raised, the film's acclaim is earned. "Food Inc." has created conversation about something that affects us all, suggesting we not lose touch with our agrarian roots.
"Julie & Julia" is must-see viewing for foodies and anyone who wants to see this country's greatest screen actor at the height of her game. "Food Inc." is must-see viewing for anyone who eats.
Here's hoping both take home golden statuettes.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
Must credit Oklahoma City Oklahoman
