This year’s Academy Award nominations have just been announced. No great surprises, I see – plenty for The Hurt Locker, Up In The Air and **whisper it** Avatar in the big categories. But it’s certainly grand to see the likes of Kathryn Bigelow, Jeremy Renner, Jeff Bridges, Michael Haneke and Jacques Audiard in there, at any rate. Anyway, here’s what’s what in the key categories, with my take on the nominations, for what it’s worth.

In the wake of loss, a half-whispered lament that's strangely sweet and surprisingly optimistic.

Jonsi Birgisson says the band are taking time out

The return of a cherishable British band

The complete studio recordings and more...

Band also look to krautrock for follow up to 'Diamond Hoo Haa'

Clint Eastwood restages Nelson Mandela's role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumph

The Clash's Mick Jones and Paul Simonon reunite on the album

Anna McGarrigle also writes about her sister's passing

Emily Eavis uses twitter to confirm the band will make an appearance at the festival