Other than some technical award nominations, not even a nomination for best picture in 2004? Can anybody really defend the position that "Lost in Translation", "Mystic River" or "Seabiscuit" are better or more deserving films than this?
This film and "Master and Commander" were far and away the best reviewed films of 2004. One of these two films should have won. Sometimes the Oscars leave you scratching your head.
The Academy nominated the film for all the fine things about it; Art Direction, Cinematography, and Costume Design, all places in which the movie excelled. Granted, when you have in front of you an adaptation of a book as visually conceived as Girl with a Pearl Earring, you've got a headstart on the rest of the pack.
And FURTHERMORE, this is my signature! SERIOUSLY! Did you think I was still talking about my point?