What the nominated movies and performances have in common

As usual, the Oscars are a study in contrasts. Best picture: the cool, cerebral film or the heartwarming tearjerker? The actress races: old hands or fresher faces? Supporting actor: wild-eyed emoter or soft-spoken gentleman?We decided to go a different route, seeking out common ground among the nominees. In the end, we discovered there’s not really that much difference between ¿¿¿127 Hours¿¿¿ and ¿¿¿Black Swan.¿¿¿-- Cynthia Dickison, McClatchy Tribune News Service