Oscar nailed it Tuesday morning, unveiling one of its most impressive and thoughtful lists of nominees in years. 

Dark horses such as Capote and Munich pulled from behind to land well-deserved spots in the best-picture category, while relative acting newcomers such as Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) woke up early Tuesday morning to find themselves in the running with veterans such as David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck) and William Hurt (A History of Violence).