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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Hollywood is in a bleak mood this year, and the Oscar nominees announced Tuesday morning reflected that state of mind. “No Country For Old Men,” about the ruthless aftermath of a botched drug deal, and “There Will Be Blood,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis as a scheming oil man in an epic about American capitalism, took the lead in the Oscar race with eight nominations each, including best picture and best director. Meanwhile, “Michael Clayton,” a throwback thriller to the 1970s, starring George Clooney as a corporate fixer, received seven nominations, including nods for best picture, best actor (Mr. Clooney) and best supporting actress (Tilda Swinton). “Atonement,” the adaptation of Ian McEwan’s time-shifting, betrayal-filled novel, also captured seven nominations, including for best picture and best supporting actress (Saoirse Ronan). Unlike last year, when flashy mainstream hits like “The Departed,” “Dreamgirls” and “Little Miss Sunshine” dominated, the 2008 Oscar

It’s interesting to learn that the unofficial king of Malagasy soul lives in an apartment building just off Roncesvalles Ave. and works for an elevator company. Then again, Toronto is filled with such royalty — both of the music and arts variety — who half the city doesn’t even know about. But those-in-the-know certainly know Donné Roberts. The Madagascar-born, Russian-raised singer/guitarist (his father was a diplomat at Moscow’s Madagascan embassy) has made a name for himself as the person responsible for bringing the music of his birthplace to Toronto. The music of Malagasy, the national language of Madagascar, is filled with reggae, funk, jazz and rock elements. Roberts, who also sings in Russian, English and French, says it’s a music that speaks to his soul, allowing him to truly express his feelings and experiences. The 38-year-old has pioneered Malagasy soul in Toronto, performing with a variety of bands, including the award-winning African Guitar Summit and with his own group,