Melissa Leo at the Oscars
I personally thought the Oscars were quite interesting, though still too long. I think they should think about putting some of the technical categories on the show that happens two weeks earlier. People just really want to see the main categories, the stars and those of us on the east coast want to make it to bed before it’s Monday.
That being said, Hugh Jackman rocked. He’s a showman and like he said to Barbara Walters on the preshow, the telecast needs more show than biz. The opening number was funny and god love Anne Hathaway for getting up there and singing. I loved the design of the stage, it made the whole ceremony feel more intimate.
I thought it was incredibly smart and moving in how they handled the acting awards. Having past winners talk, really talk, about the actresses/actors who were nominated really made them all feel like winners. And the women they got up on the stage, loved them. Eva Marie Saint, Whoopi Goldberg, Sophia Loren, Goldie Hawn, Shirley MacLaine, Angelica Huston…what a treat.
Just to show that I have an open mind, I thought the Judd Apatow comedy film was very funny. The tone was just right and James Franco cracks me up. I also loved how Hugh Jackman announced the musical is back with a big shout out to the success of Mamma Mia.
About the winners: I did OK on my calls. I knew Slumdog would clean up but I never got on that train and still really can’t see how it became this juggernaught. Saw Loveleen Tandan hidden in the crowd of kids and people when Danny Boyle was interviewed on the pre-show. (the co-director) Missed Penelope Cruz, and so glad I missed my Mickey Rourke call cause Sean Penn made a great speech.
In general, I enjoyed it but there are long sections where the only people you see on stage are guys. They need to figure a way to get more women involved cause this is supposed to be our “super bowl” (even though we all know that’s a crock.)
Worst moment- Trailer for The Proposal. The Sandra Bullock/Ryan Reynolds flick where she as his boss forced him to marry her because she’s about to be deported to Canada. It looked totally offensive and if it was reversed and she were forced to marry him we’d be calling it sex slavery. This year in movies about women is really starting to depress me.
Independent Spirit Awards
I’m so glad Mickey Rourke didn’t win and Oscar cause if he got to talk any more about his dog I was going to fling something at the TV. Enough already. Every single headline in the google search is about Mickey Rourke and The Wrestler. I’m still pretty shocked that The Wrestler won for best film. Melissa Leo was humbled by her win for Best Actress and gave a great speech (which I will try and find to post.)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hugh Jackman is pure eye candy… YUM! The highlight of the evening was Dustin Lance Black’s speech and win, truly a touching moment.
I am pretty happy with the Oscar winning results for the most part.
I loved the Spirit awards.
Oscars:
Loved what Lance Black & Sean Penn said.
Loved Tina Fey and Steve Martin, from the shot of the silhouette to their comedy- lovely way to present that award.
Same with the supporting actress award- lovely presentation.
hated the oddly edited past and present crap- just show me a clip of a flm that was worthy of nomination already- geesh.
I get what they were trying to do with Jackman and I do so love Wolverine- but
meh- too long and save it for the Tony’s
The problem with eliminating the “technical” awards (the ones that Sarah Jessica Parker and Daniel Craig, mmm, presented, I presume?) is that the work of the costumers and sound people and set designers are as integral to the success of a film as the script or the performance. The sad thing is that spectacle is the order of the day here, so unless your film is a huge-budget blockbuster with lots of special effects, lots of big crowd scenes or a period piece from a bygone era, you’re not going to come close to a nomination, let alone a win.
Yo, Melissa.
Loveleen Tandan was definitely there, on stage, when “the SLUMDOG team” went up to collect the Best Picture prize:
http://www.thehotpinkpen.com/?p=855
Unfortunately her name doesn’t appear in ANY of the photo captions. I told NewsCom about this & asked them to correct it. But I just love all the new-to-me info on designer saris posted on High Heel Confidential!
Best always,
Jan
PS: Note you need to fix spelling above too ;-)