The Academy released its list of nominees for the Oscars and, of course, most of what was nominated was completely deserved and expected.

But reading down the list of “There Will Be Blood,” “Juno,” “No Country For Old Men” and others, there is no mistaking somewhere the thermometer in hell dropped just below freezing.

A snowball got a chance.

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Pigs sprouted wings.

The four horsemen saddled up.

And “Norbit” was awarded an Oscar nomination.

Read it again. Let it sink in.

“Norbit,” the atrocious Eddie Murphy movie that boasted Murphy in both of the starring roles (one as a horrendously bossy obese woman, the other as a nerd), received an Oscar nomination for best achievement in makeup.

The comedy in the film is the lowest of the low, resorting to stereotypes, racism and fat jokes for laughs.

This decision totally devalues all of the other nominees in that category, not to mention calls into question every other nomination given by the academy this year.

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Frighteningly, “Norbit” garnered more than $90 million dollars at the box office and debuted at number one, but critical reviews were harsh and the film received eight Razzie nominations, including the dubious honors of worst picture of the year, worst actor and worst actress (both credited to Murphy).

Hollywood, without resorting to the profanity this decision deserves, what were you thinking?

Imagine Oscar night, Hollywood. Two stars, dressed in their finest, up at the podium with the winner’s name in the envelope in front of them.

“And the winner for best achievement in makeup is � ” (eye roll please).

“Norbit!”

Everywhere, dusty copies of “Norbit” relegated to the back of store shelves will mystically reappear at the front with the words “Oscar nominated” or even worse “Oscar winning” on the cover.

OK, Hollywood, let’s break this down rationally. Sure, hefty makeup was used in “Norbit” with some pretty real-looking fat suits, and there were scenes where makeup was used to change Murphy’s race.

But fat suits were used in “Big Momma’s House,” “Shallow Hal” and any other movie that turned someone portly without asking them to gain 300 pounds, and those films were not nominated.

And sorry, but a pseudo-successful makeup use to change someone’s race does not mean you have to nominate an otherwise steamy pile for an Oscar.

By nominating “Norbit” every other film you nominated seems less prestigious by comparison. If such a shoddy, ill-received film that audience members probably had trouble sitting through has a chance at winning one of the most prestigious awards in entertainment, then what does that say about the other nominees who actually performed in a manner that deserves positive recognition?

You can’t take it back, Hollywood. It’s too late for that.

But maybe, just maybe you’ll realize your mistake and make sure a reissue of “Norbit” only states “Oscar nominated” on the front, and not “Oscar winning.”

Alicia Wade can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275 or [email protected].