The Oscars' best-picture race is unpredictable, polarizing � and problematic

Polarizing, problematic and unpredictable _ that's this year's best picture Oscar race in a nutshell.

Now on its 91st year of handing out Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences knows full well that you can't please everybody. Whether it's giving the top Oscar to "Crash" over "Brokeback Mountain" or nominating only white actors two years in a row, the Academy has endured its share of criticism. In most cases, it manages to bounce back swiftly.

This year seems different. The Academy is facing new levels of displeasure _ from the public and from within its own ranks _ for a long list of reasons. The Academy's inability to find a host has been an embarrassment, as has its recent tendency to announce and then retract unpopular decisions, such as relegating several categories to the commercial breaks. Then there are the movies themselves, which have been criticized as racist ("Green Book"), elitist ("Roma") or just plain awful ("Bohemian Rhapsody"). Heightened sensitivities, rancorous politics and the nation's generally foul mood have created a perfect storm for an unprepared Academy.