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Kim Hollis: I'm going to agree with the rest of the crew to go with The Social Network as the stronger awards candidate. I think both films are in the running for Best Picture, as well as Best Director. You should see one of each in the two screenplay categories, as well. I will echo what Brett said in that The Social Network is a movie you *want* to see again. Inception is one that you feel you *must* see again to capture the layers. I think both films are absolutely terrific, though, and if you asked me to choose between them right now I'm not sure what I'd say. I will note that anyone who thinks Jesse Eisenberg is a one-note Michael Cera rip-off should have their minds changed with this performance. I've liked him ever since Roger Dodger, but he gives Zuckerberg some depth. Likewise, future Spider-Man Andrew Garfield is getting a marvelous introduction to the world.

Usually, I like Nolan significantly better than Fincher (and I admire Sorkin a great deal, with Sports Night being my favorite thing he has ever done). I'm not sure that's the case here, which is saying a lot. Of Fincher's previous films, Zodiac is the only one I found this solid, and I still like The Social Network substantially more than that one.

Reagen Sulewski: Sober second thought is starting to set in on Inception (which is primarily why just about every Oscar hopeful releases as close to December as possible now), but I don't know that it was ever a front-runner in the first place. Nomination material, sure, but any film that starts off with science-fiction as a descriptor is automatically running two steps behind in the race.

David Mumpower: First of all, I love that there are three mentions of Sports Night in this thread and I didn't make either one. That tells me we're bringing in the right people here at BOP. Answering the question as asked, I am not seeing the situation as set in stone like some of my counterparts. What I believe right now is that Inception has a better chance at getting nominated, but that if The Social Network does get the nod, it has a significantly better chance at winning. The latter film is of the moment and has heat that may dissipate quickly. The former film has already stood the test of time. I expect Nolan to get another nod as a showing of respect for what he has accomplished in earning $770 million on a Primer-flavored blockbuster. Conversely, I think that if we get to February and The Social Network is still in the conversation, it has a chance to duplicate The Hurt Locker's feat of garnering renewed interest due to its exemplary storytelling. At this moment, what I will say with some confidence is that neither of these films will wind up winning. Both will probably fall into that category of well regarded movies that didn't get as many Oscar victories as they should.

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