Ten Best Picture nominees isn’t nearly enough for some years (1962, 1973, 1995 and 2009 particularly). Yet this year’s bloated collection of Oscar nods hasn’t been received well, or even been properly explained.

In the second part of our investigation into onscreen colonial encounters, we look at films that depict European colonialism as a narrative of progress from primitivism to 'civilisation'.

James Cameron's alien eco-adventure Avatar has been criticised for its colonialist overtones. We decided to examine how Hollywood really imagines the space of colonial first encounters.

For David Gulpilil, on the land he is home, but on the red carpet he is king.

Bewildered by the Melbourne International Film Festival program? Let The Enthusiast guide you through what we think might be worth shelling out the big bucks for at MIFF '09.

The finest example of Australian Gothic, Wake In Fright, is rereleased just in time to make urban Australians flinch again. Also, see the end of the review for Wake In Fright prize pack giveaways.

With Jack Black and Michael Cera's caveman movie, Year One, about to hit cinemas, we examine film's proud legacy of grunting, furry loincloths and retreating foreheads.

How an act of failure defined the legend of Philippe Petit, the Man On Wire.

Does getting a Golden Globe having any bearing over whether you'll get an Oscar? Our exhaustive mathematical analysis comes up with an answer.