Top performances that will be forgotten by the academy

When the Oscar nominations are announced next week, they will undoubtedly omit some of the year's most fun and lively performances. Among them:1. Daniel Craig, "Casino Royale": No performance was more anticipated last year than Craig's entry into the 007 canon, and the consensus was clear: the blond Bond more than met expectations.

2. Jack Black, "Nacho Libre": As a wannabe luchador wrestler, Black's insanity leaps off the screen in the sometimes too-precious "Nacho Libre." Seldom has a movie character ever been so funny simply by appearance.

3. The Children: Several young actors were every bit as good as their elders in 2006: Ivana Baquero in "Pan's Labyrinth," Abigail Breslin in "Little Miss Sunshine" and the teenage Shareeka Epps in "Half Nelson." Ryan Gosling may be winning accolades for wearily rubbing his face throughout "Half Nelson," but Epps is the film's conscience.

4. Dave Chappelle, "Block Party": It's true that "Block Party" is a documentary, but don't let that fool you -- Chappelle is most certainly playing a part.

5. Aaron Eckhart, "Thank You for Smoking": With a politician's smile, Eckhart impressively embodies tobacco lobbyist Nick Naylor in this satire of political correctness.

6. Mark Wahlberg, "The Departed": Wahlberg is quietly putting together a solid resume as a supporting player.

7. Catherine O'Hara, "For Your Consideration": As the fittingly named Marilyn Hack, O'Hara plays an over-the-hill actress nearly deformed by plastic surgery. She stands out in Christopher Guest's mockumentary of a small film that magically gathers wholly unwarranted Oscar buzz.

8. Kevin Kline, "A Prairie Home Companion": Kline is clearly having fun in bringing to life Guy Noir, the recurring 1940s-style private eye character in Garrison Keillor's beloved radio program.

9. Rob Brydon, "Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story": If one pays attention to Michael Winterbottom's uneven film-within-a-film, it's clear all the best parts feature Brydon.

10. Ken Davitian, "Borat": Yes, he's actually an actor, but you don't for a minute doubt Davitian as Azamat Bagatov, Borat's (mostly) loyal sidekick and manager.

-- AP