To nobody’s surprise, “Brokeback Mountain” won more nominations than anything else. And those eight include the big ones like best picture, best director (Ang Lee), best actor (Heath Ledger), best supporting actress (Michelle Williams) and best supporting actor (Jake Gyllenhaal).

“Brokeback Mountain” is a fine, horribly sad film about two men who fall in love and have no idea how to handle their feelings. Ledger’s performance, all pushed in and inarticulate, is, by far, the finest of the year. And Michelle Williams, who plays his wife, gives an amazing performance, too.

My only objection? Why is Gyllenhaal a supporting actor? He’s the other lead actor in this film.

Philip Seymour Hoffman deserves his nomination for best actor for his uncanny portrayal of Truman Capote. He might just win. It’s a far showier role than Ledger’s and the Academy loves when actors portray real people.

Just look at the other nominees: Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line,” and David Strathairn, who plays Edward R. Murrow in “Goodnight, and Good luck.”

Where was Jeff Daniels, who gave an incredible performance as a self-absorbed parent in “The Squid and the Whale,” which in my opinion should have gotten a best picture nod, too? At least it earned a best original screenplay for Noah Baumbach.

I was glad to see Reese Witherspoon get a nomination for her portrayal of June Carter in “Walk the Line” but distressed to see Keira Knightley, who plays Elizabeth Bennet in the modern, misguided “Pride and Prejudice.” Her performance seemed to consist mainly of chewing at her lips.

Where was Maria Bello, who did such fine work in “The History of Violence,” or Laura Linney, from “Squid and the Whale,” or Joan Allen in “The Upside of Anger”?

Amy Adams richly deserves her supporting actress nod for “Junebug.” Rent that and you’ll see an absolutely radiant performance. Too bad other actors from that wonderful film, including Scott Wilson and Celia Weston, weren’t recognized.

I liked Catherine Keener in “Capote,” but I thought she was even better in “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” an extremely funny and sweet movie that deserved some nominations.

And while George Clooney was terrific in “Syriana,” Jeffrey Wright, Matt Damon and Christopher Plummer were amazing, too. Well, everyone in “Syriana” was terrific.

Same for “Crash.” I was delighted to see Matt Dillon pick up a nod for his fine work, but it’s a true ensemble piece. Everyone depended on everyone. It’s about time the Academy gives out a best ensemble award.

I have an idea. Get rid of the outdated best song category and replace it with best ensemble.

The worst oversight? “Mad Hot Ballroom” wasn’t even nominated. Not only is it one of the best documentaries of the year, it’s one of the best movies, bar none. Go rent it and see what I mean.

The Oscars will be broadcast on March 5 with Jon Stewart hosting. I can’t wait.

(Jane Holahan is a New Era staff writer. Her column appears every other Wednesday.)

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