Two to Consider, Oscar

Re “Oscar Handicapping Gets Down to Business” (by Richard Natale, Nov. 18):

Natale’s article mentions some obvious Academy Award candidates, but I’d like to call attention to two gems that should be considered for best film, director, writing and acting nominations: “You Can Count on Me” and “What’s Cooking?”

These two very small, independently made films about believable people, their behavior and relationships put Hollywood to shame. And for the price of one “Charlie’s Angels,” 50 more films of this quality can be made.

BOB SHAYNE

Malibu

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Natale mentions “Gladiator’s” Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix as possible Oscar contenders, but he missed the best actor in the whole picture: Oliver Reed. Not all the critics loved the movie but they all loved Reed.

RICHARD C. ADAMS

Santa Barbara