Anyone who’s troubled by the idea of Google being omnipresent might be better off skipping this article.  It seems, you see, that a film backed by Google.org has a rather good chance of winning an Oscar on Sunday. 

The Final Inch, a 38-minute film about people trying to eradicate polio, is up against just three other movies in the "Documentary Short" category.  It was directed and produced by Irene Taylor Brodsky, and filmed mostly in Afghanistan and India.

As for what The Final Inch got from Google, Google.org began funding the project back in 2007.  The film received a plug on the Official Google Blog in November, and was mentioned on the Official Google.org Blog about a month ago. 

So now it’s showtime.  The 81st Annual Academy Awards will be held this weekend, and Verne Kopytoff writes, "Several Googlers plan to attend, including Larry Brilliant, executive director of Google.org, and Greg Miller, senior adviser and chief of investments.  They plan to wear tuxedos rather than going Silicon Valley casual, no doubt to avoid the stinging fashion critics on Inside Edition the next day."

Other things worth keeping an eye on during the ceremony will be the performances of The Wrestler and The Dark Knight.  Next year, maybe Watchmen and Love Naturally.