Originally conceived back in aught-five as a way for me to weasel out of having to make actual Oscar predictions, the Daynas recently celebrated its five-year anniversary via another low-key yet star-studded affair during which (almost) all of the honorees were lavished with praise and chocolate shaped like a girl with curls and a scowl. The mission of the Daynas has always been threefold: to spotlight those stiffed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, to take to task those who may not be entirely deserving of their attention, and to publicly hit on those whom the selection committee finds attractive. (Oh, save it. Once you find an outlet for the Yous, you'll do the same freaking thing.)

So what better way to muddle through our uncertain economic times than by making the wealthy, talented, and successful feel more secure about themselves? It's the 2009 Daynas!

Best Film You Probably Didn't See: "Shotgun Stories"

Jeff Nichols' gorgeous filmmaking debut is one of those leisurely, Southern Gothic ensemble dramas where everything would seem tolerable enough if it weren't for the Shakespearean undercurrent of filial tragedy. Michael Shannon, newly nominated for "Revolutionary Road," leads the gifted cast and proves that he's one to watch.

Biggest Disappointment: "Miracle at St. Anna"

Seriously, Spike Lee. Did your editor die during post-production? Everyone appreciates a violent, meaty war epic, but there was so much bloat in here that it nearly negated the message, the storytelling, and the otherwise compelling performances. You can make it up to us with next year's "Inside Man" sequel.

Best Actress: Kristin Scott-Thomas, "I've Loved You So Long"

Not sure who I'd bounce in her favor (Angelina, maybe?), but AMPAS totally dropped the ball on this one. Scott-Thomas is subtly heartbreaking as an ex-con trying to rebuild her life. Also screwed? The divine Sally Hawkins from "Happy-Go-Lucky."

Best Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Redbelt"

Well, maybe not the Best Actor, but I adore him: Ejiofor is insanely magnetic in this overlooked film as an honorable jiu jitsu instructor caught up in one of David Mamet's confidence scams. And he absolutely nails the exciting MMA fight scenes.

Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Marsan, "Happy-Go-Lucky"

Marsan should have been nominated for his ferocious performance as Poppy's sour-faced, racist driving instructor; playing the dark to her light, he delivered one of the most uncomfortable, raging soliloquies of the year. Look for him as Inspector Lestrade in Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes."

Best Supporting Actresses: The women of "Synecdoche, New York"

Samantha Morton, Emily Watson, Catherine Keener, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hope Davis, Dianne Wiest. ‘Nuff said.

Best Foreign Film: "Let The Right One In"

On March 20 the Dryden offers another chance to catch the astonishingly self-possessed Lina Leandersson as Eli, a serene bloodsucking tween who eases her vampiric loneliness with the help of a towheaded bully magnet. Incidentally, "Let The Right One In" is being prepped for an American remake by Matt Reeves, who brought us the scary beast we shall call Clove R. Field.

Best (Not-Really-A-)Documentary: "My Winnipeg"

Guy Maddin's surreal mash note/complaint letter to his hometown is made up of interesting archival footage and kitschily deadpan re-enactments of his formative years in the Great White North. Recently deceased B-movie starlet Ann Savage (over)acts as Maddin's mom, surprisingly unfazed by the corpse of Maddin's dad, which the family stores in the living room.

The Battle of the Sexes Award: "Teeth"

A campy horror flick about a girl with a lower set of choppers, better known as the mythical vagina dentata, the entertainment value of "Teeth" is divided along gender lines, with dudes likely horrified at images of coitus permanently interruptus, and girls outwardly sympathetic but secretly thrilled at the notion of so much destructive power.

The Unsung Hero Award: Ralph Fiennes

So while you were off last year selfishly attending to the important details of your own life, Fiennes was stealing scenes: as an amoral Cockney badass in "In Bruges," as a frigid, prideful nobleman in "The Duchess," and as Kate Winslet's wounded victim in "The Reader." Oscar noms to show for it? Zero.

Remember that the Academy Awards air this Sunday, February 22, and probably well into Monday, February 23. Hugh Jackman hosts, for some odd reason. Enjoy!