I enjoyed the work of Sofia Coppola in Part III of the Godfather Saga as Maria Corleone, I think she was great there as an actress. She did not strike me as a great director here.

Lost in Translation, apart from indicating real tough issues we shall have to deal with, i.e., compatibility of cultures of so great varieties, and the question whether the main points do or do not get lost in translation (no kidding, that is a question), does not shine. The story is uninteresting (why do people go places they won't be able to enjoy? you are in a great huge unknown ancient city and feel unlucky, come on, just go home folks, please).

The three points are for the perceivable efforts of the very good cast, especially Bill Murray and Giovanni Ribisi. Scarlett Johansson I believe to be a very good actress but in this movie she is portraying herself almost, that is a considerably lesser effort.

Why on earth an Oscar....?