I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed as I consider this year's Oscar telecast. I didn't come in with huge expectations, but still, had hopes it would be a bit better than this.
Where to begin. Well, the nomination for sound mixing does not go to the guys working on sound for the show. I hate to be harsh on what I am sure is a team of trained professionals, but the whole show was tinny and at times, hard to hear.
Billy Crystal's opening short was kind of funny, but nothing to write home about. And his Oscar song provided a few laughs, but nothing of the gut busting variety.
I was touched by Octavia Spencer's win. Sure, she was pretty much a shoe in, but her real emotion and surprise was endearing.
It was fun to see the Christopher Guest crew (Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind) assembled for "The Wizard of Oz" focus group sketch (which reminds me, when will he put out another one of his improv-riffic gems). It didn't feel like a great fit for the show itself, but I did enjoy it.
I love Tina Fey and was so excited to see her presenting, but feel as though the writers could have done much more with her presence. That was a disappointment. And what was with Bradley Cooper's creepy mustache? I was waiting for him to drive up in a van offering little kids candy.
Huh, "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" for best editing? Didn't see that one coming. I did however, enjoy that particular acceptance speech. "We're editors - so thank you." What else needs to be said.
The Academy is loving "Hugo". I really need to see this movie. Another funny acceptance speech moment occurred when one of the two winners said "Hugo" and the other responded, "No, Hugo". My nerdy, witty heart delighted in that moment of fun wordplay.
So, there isn't time for the Best Original Songs to be performed, but there is time for a performance by Cirque du Soleil?
Ben Stiller is dwarfed by Emma Stone. Their bit is really funny. Maybe one of the bigger laughs for me of the night. The other moment that had me rolling was when Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy took a swig after saying "Scorsese". Marty looked properly surprised and confused. Oh, and then there was the moment when the Moby look-a-like popped out his leg like Angelina Jolie. I tip my hat to you sir.
No Woody Allen. I was glad to see him win for "Midnight in Paris". It was such an original concept and full of Allen's wonderfully neurotic dialogue.
Oprah got an honorary Oscar? James Earl Jones definitely deserves it. His voice is iconic, but Oprah? I started doing my Oprah imitation at that point. "Everybody here gets an Oscar. You get an Oscar, and you get an Oscar..."
I was disappointed to see Viola Davis lose. Although, I do love Meryl, so it's not as big a disappointment. But still.
I was happy to see "The Artist" win. I enjoy seeing a story told well and with such style and creativity.
Of course, the real highlight of the evening was winning my family's Oscar bet. So, I get the privilege to pick dinner at the restaurant of my choice. Wow, I didn't think I'd get so worked up over this award, but I'm so grateful, and surprised and overwhelmed. You like me. You really like me.
Well, I'm signing off now. And a Good Oscar Night to you!
2 comments:
Love hearing your comments, Jen! I actually had a great time this year. Not so much because of the awards, but because it was so much more enjoyable than last year. Billy Crystal is still the man.
It definitely was much more enjoyable than last year and I'm glad Brett Ratner was not producing.
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