Awarding the yet to be seen

The Oscars just passed and I admit I didn't watch it because, to be honest, I didn't get out to see too many movies this year.

Also, I feel there is a fatal flaw in the nomination process.

Many of the movies that received numerous nominations either had been out for only a couple weeks, or had yet to come out in theaters.

I don't see how a movie can be billed as "Oscar-worthy" if the masses have not yet had a chance to see the film?

At least they are back to nominating movies that come out in a majority of theaters again.

There was a period of time a few years back where the highly regarded films only came out in limited theaters and that aggravated me as well.

Personally, I think the films eligible for nomination in January should have a cut-off date for their opening in November that way most people have at least a month to see the film for themselves.

Also, I think it would give a greater legitimacy to a film for winning the coveted Oscar instead of people seeing who wins the most, then shelling out eight or nine bucks for a ticket.

Then again, I can be picky, but I just don't think a film should be awarded before it is released.