Number crunchers such as Nate Silver can bring their analytical skills to the Oscars, but statistics go only so far. "Lincoln" led the field with 12 nominations. However, unlike most nomination leaders, it couldn't seal the deal and win best picture or director because, for whatever reason, it didn't win voters' hearts. Too many motion picture academy members carped to us that watching it felt like "homework" or a "duty."
"Argo," on the other hand, with its triumphant rescue story of American hostages, left voters feeling good, particularly because the film's liberation scheme wouldn't have worked without the involvement of ... wait for it ... Hollywood. Hooray, indeed! And that standing ovation for "Life of Pi" director Ang Lee told you all you needed to know about the depth of the academy's feelings toward the filmmaker and his creation.