I have to tell you that The Descendants and Nebraska are among my favorite films of the 2010s. My mother is still infuriated that The Descendants lost Best Picture to The Artist and I saw Nebraska in a small theater with friends and it made a huge impression on me at the time. Like the best of Payne's work is a melancholy mix of humor and drama and he has the unique ability to get great dark performances from the least expected sources. (I had no use for Will Forte beyond the occasional 30 Rock cameo before then.)

Did you know that Tom Perotta recently wrote a follow up to Election called Tracy Flick Can't Win? It was a superb quick read. And the moment I finished I thought I know Alexander Payne doesn't do sequels, but if ever there was cause for one... Because I have to tell you the mood and tenor of the book is closer in spirit to the kind of films like The Holdovers and Nebraska. (Also still a little bitter Reese Witherspoon didn't even get NOMINATED for an Oscar for that film. I mean its worked out since then, but let me hold my grudges.)