Nominations for the 77th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday morning at 5:30am (PST), January 25th 2005, by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Frank Pierson and Oscar-winning actor and Academy member Adrien Brody.

Yesterday, we stole away -- per USA Today's good advice -- to see the 3 o'clock showing of Million Dollar Baby. It was just in time to learn that the film has received seven top Oscar nominations this year.

Clint Eastwood received a Best Actor and Best Director Oscar nomination for his roles in Million Dollar Baby. He also produced the film and wrote the score.

In addition, the movie itself is up for the Best Picture Academy Award along with Finding Neverland, The Aviator, Ray and Sideways.

The seven Oscar nominations for Million Dollar Baby include:

Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Film Editing
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Best Picture

In Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood played a hardened fighter-cum-trainer named Frankie Dunn, aka "Boss."

Co-star Hilary Swank received a Best Actress Oscar nomination.

She played the role of Maggie Fitzgerald, a "darling" thirty-something year-old determined hillbilly woman who attempts to establish herself as a professional boxer.

On January 16th, Swank won the Best Actress Golden Globe of The Year while Eastwood won the Best Director Golden Globe of The Year.

This week, Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank appear on the cover of Entertainment Weekly.

Morgan Freeman received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris.

Eddie is a one-eyed ex-boxer who sees the spark of determination in a young waitress's desire to become a fighter.

Morgan Freeman, Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank were an in-step, magical combination from start-to-finish.

This film, which opened in theaters on December 15th, is a must-see.

To view the film's trailer, go to:

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2004 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland.

The Oscars will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 pm PST / 8pm EST beginning with a half hour arrivals segment.

Congratulations Clint, Hilary, Morgan, film editor, Joel Cox, writer, F.X. Toole, and all of those involved in the making of one of the most thought-provoking, moving films ever made.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and "protect yourself always" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King

2005 Golden Globe Red Carpet Awards: Best Dressed, Most Rugged Elegant Movie Men