Academy Awards Why Did Brokeback Lose?

Crash won best picture. Everything else went according to predictions until best picture.

I am devastated. Phillip Wuntch in the DMN calls Crash the "safe choice." I am anxious to read other opinions. I don't want to admit that mainstream Hollywood (remember Brokeback won the best picture from Independent Spirit Awards just the night before) is not ready for iconic (cowboy) gay men or an enduring love relationship between gay men. Gay characters, yes - see Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Capote (not the best example but to the point). Gay stereotypes, okay - see Love!Valour! Compassion! (how independent was that?) or Far From Heaven. But a relationship that spans decades?

Perhaps the SAG win for Crash for ensemble acting was a harbinger.