The nominees are in, and now begins the waiting period until the big award show in late February.

With “There Will Be Blood” opening in Ames this weekend, all five nominees have played in Ames – and four of them are playing now, although “Old County for Old Men” could still hit North Grand 5, 2801 North Grand Ave.

Here’s a glance at what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose for the best of 2007.

Juno (See it: Movies 12)

In this year’s “Little Miss Sunshine,” high-schooler Juno becomes pregnant after experimenting with sex with her friend Paulie. Now she must decide what to do: Abortion? Adoption? Keep it? With her parents supporting her, Juno begins a journey toward womanhood and, in dealing with the decision of giving the child to a married couple, she becomes perhaps a little too friendly with the husband. “Juno” has an amazing script written by Diablo Cody – an Iowa alumna – and Ellen Page gives one of the most charming performances of the year in this highly spirited comedy.

Atonement (See it: Movies 12)

“Atonement” is one of those period pieces, and the Academy loves a good film taking place yesteryear – see “The English Patient,” “Shakespeare in Love” and “The Aviator.” The plot revolves around three people – Cecilia Tallis, her younger sister Briony and Robbie Turner. Cecilia and Robbie love each other, but Briony accuses Robbie of rape, sending him to prison. The two lovers are separated further by World War II, but dream of being together once it ends. After a superb first half, the film splurges to become a melodramatic war film. However, the final scene with Vanessa Redgrave salvages the last half and creates a much deeper feeling to make a stellar ending.

No Country for Old Men

After few years of underperforming movies, the Coen Brothers have a hit to their name again. Following a drug deal gone bad, Llewelyn finds a suitcase of money and takes it for himself. However, the original owners want their money back, so a cat and mouse game begins – but not before the sheriff enters, trying to save Llewelyn and stop hitman Anton Chiguhr. A well-executed script by the Coen Brothers and gorgeous sets are quite reminiscent of classic Hollywood westerns. This is not a film for the easily disturbed. There is plenty of blood spilled, and Anton is one of the most fearsome antagonists in film since Hannibal Lecter.

There Will Be Blood (See it: Movies 12)

It’s the story of black gold. Daniel Plainview, with his son by his side, promotes himself as a moral oil man by keeping the interest of the town’s in mind. But when he arrives in Little Boston to drill, he must deal with the highly religious Eli Sunday whom he soon learns to despise – same goes for religion. An epic in its own right, we follow Daniel through a dialogueless first 15 minutes to his company expansion in attempts to compete with the large oil giants. Daniel meets characters, but his intent to see the evil in everyone makes him a loner and brings on his own demise.

Michael Clayton (See it: Varsity II)

Michael Clayton is a law firm “fixer” who faces a big problem: a colleague has had a mental breakdown and threatens to expose the corruption of a high-profile client. Dealing with a recent divorce, gambling debts and a dislike of his job, Clayton must clean up quietly because a settlement involving the client is just days away. But the closer he gets, the more Clayton’s life is at risk. Although not as complex as Clooney’s “Syriana” nor as simple as “Good Night and Good Luck,” it has a very sharp script and comes from a team including Steven Soderberg, Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella. The film is well paced, but may be a little slow or off-beat for those looking for a breezy storyline.