It’s that time again… 2010 is over, and it was a surprisingly great year for cinema, especially given the rocky start and franchise-laden middle. I’ve seen movies great and terrible this past year, as well as some fantastic performances.

A note on exclusions… As I round up the films I’ve seen this year, there are always a few I meant to see, but didn’t get around to it. As of this writing, I have not had a chance to see the following films. I don’t know (and in some cases, doubt) if they would have made the top 10, but naturally they are ineligible:

• The King’s Speech – An award-fodder period drama featuring Colin Firth’s usual awesomeness and a surprisingly chipper Helena Bonham Carter (watched since)
• Four Lions – a terrorist comedic satire, perhaps this year’s True Lies or In The Loop? (watched since)
• A Prophet – an epic crime drama
• The Greatest – a somber romance
• Micmacs – Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s whimsical take on Lord of War
• The Lottery – a documentary on charter schools (watched since)
• Valhalla Rising – Nicolas Winding Refn’s viking romp
• Centurion – the latest from horror director Neil Marshall, who made a turn for the sword-and-sandals (watched since)
• Dogtooth – A disturbing Greek drama (watched since)
• The Tillman Story – A look back at the life and representations of famed American soldier, Pat Tillman
• Let Me In – An unnecessary, but nonetheless good-looking remake of 2008 fave, Let the Right One In from Cloverfield director Matt Reeves.
• Nice Guy Johnny – A straight-to-iTunes release from actor/director Ed Burns.
• Blue Valentine – A strangely controversy-fueled romantic drama.
• The Illusionist – An French animated film from a 55-year-old Jacques Tati script? I’m intrigued.
• Monsters – First-time director and visual effects artist Gareth Edwards takes low-budget filmmaking ambition to shocking heights. By all accounts, this film was at least gorgeous-looking, despite not being this year’s District 9.
  

Also, Trash Humpers.

In the ensuing year, I sought to find a new symbol for the Glennies, but the blue Egyptian hippo began invoking ancient curses, so I’ll just have to leave him be. His name is Roger, and he is the official statuette of the 2010 Glennies. Enjoy!

2010 Glennie Awards

Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actor
Best Actress
Top 10 Films of 2010