The Academy Awards airs Feb. 26 (Didi Beck/Neon Tommy)

1. Meryl Streep, The Ironclad Oscar Nominee 

Meryl Streep delivers a seminal Oscar performance as "The Iron Lady."  

2. "The Descendants" Handles Family Strife With Grace" 

George Clooney is more tender than ever before in "The Descendants."

3. "The Artist" Delivers Style And Substance

The Oscar favorite is much more than a silent, colorless throwback. 

4. Steven Speilberg's "War Horse" 

Our review of Steven Spielberg's entry into the race for the top Oscar.

5. "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Disappoints

Deep flaws make it hard to enjoy this artfully shot film by Tomas Alfredson.

6. "Midnight in Paris" Is A Cultured Confection

Second-best only to a trip to Paris, "Midnight in Paris" has dazzled and charmed its way into a nomination for Best Picture.

7. Glenn Close Shines in "Abert Nobbs." 

The actress gives a passionate protrayal as the title character.

9. "The Help" Has What It Takes To Win.

Will the film take home the Oscar for best picture? 

10. "Moneyball" Defies Expectations.

The film becomes a brilliant story that can be enjoyed whether you're a baseball fan or not. 

11. "Hugo" Is a Beautiful Film

While it's a great standalone film, Scorsese adapts his style of direction to a new genre that could be a disappointment to his avid fans.