Choosing the best of the best from thousands of films, performances, scripts, directors, etc., can be a dizzying task. But, when it’s your job one would think you’d be able to nail it down to at least the top three or four, right? Wrong. At least that’s the sad case of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They do occasionally make the right choice, but all too often, the best and brightest are denied the glory–however misguided–of winning an Academy Award. Here is our list for this year’s most criminal oversights:

Best Picture Snubs

“The Dark Knight”
A universally acclaimed crime saga that captivated audiences and critics alike with its crisp, intelligent, and politically charged storytelling. The rare combination of overwhelming critical and staggering commercial success somehow fails get an Oscar nod because the Academy has some deranged prejudice against expertly crafted pop-art. If Christian Bale wasn’t dressed as a bat, this film would be the year’s big winner.

“The Visitor” – Sophisticated, daring, moving, humanistic, and widely acclaimed. So why no Oscar nod? Answer: Money. This film flew almost entirely under the radar losing publicity to major studio juggernauts like “Milk,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” It was, however, a nice surprise to see Richard Jenkins receive a much deserved nomination.

“Doubt” – As good as any of the nominated films this clever and powerful character-driven picture simultaneously tackles deeply spiritual themes with technical clarity and moral ambiguity resulting in a beautiful, stirring, and contemplative work of art.

“The Wrestler” – The best reviewed picture of the year (yes, even more critically acclaimed than Wall-E) is a beautifully crafted tale of a battered, lonely man in search of redemption featuring astounding and hearth-wrenching fully formed characterization. One of the few films that left absolutely no room for improvement. As perfect as they come. One of the worst snubs in the history of the Academy Awards.

“Wall-E” – The second best reviewed feature film of the year. Why does the Academy refuse to even consider the best animated feature for best picture? Leaving this gem out of the running is criminal.

Other Notable Snubs

Darren Aronofsky (Director) – “The Wrestler”
Benicio del Toro (Lead Actor) – “Che”
Leonardo DiCaprio (Lead Actor) – “Revolutionary Road”
Sam Mendes (Director) – “Revolutionary Road”
Michael Sheen (Supporting Actor) – “Frost/Nixon”
Christopher Nolan (Director)- “The Dark Knight”
James Franco (Supporting Actor) – “Milk”
Sally Hawkins (Lead Actress) – “Happy-Go-Lucky”
Kate Winslet (Lead Actress) – “Revolutionary Road”
Debra Winger (Supporting Actress) – “Rachel Getting Married”
Dev Patel (Supporting Actor) – “Slumdog Millionaire”

Most Nominated Films

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” 13 nominations
“Slumdog Millionaire” 10 nominations
“The Dark Knight” 8 nominations
“Milk” 8 nominations
“Wall-E” 6 nominations
“Doubt” 5 nominations
“Frost/Nixon” 5 nominations
“The Reader” 5 nominations
“Changeling” 3 nominations
“Revolutionary Road” 3 nominations
“The Duchess” 2 nominations
“Frozen River” 2 nominations
“Iron Man” 2 nominations
“Wanted” 2 nominations
“The Wrestler” 2 nominations