All in all, I'm kind of underwhelmed. Sandra Bullock should host next year as she did a fine job with the ridiculous intros to the Best Actor nominee scenes. The Kings Speech cleaned up the important awards, as we all assumed it would. The Fighter took home both Best Supporting Performer awards. Inception grabbed a few of the techie awards and Toy Story 3 took the two awards I assumed it would - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The Social Network's Aaron Sorkin got the Best Adapted Screenplay award which is all to the good, and I loved the speech by the winner of Best Original Screenplay award (David Seidler) as this man of an advanced age gave hope for the not yet crowd. And, Natlaie Portman did not go over the top in her speech, as she did at the Globes.
So, the winners did their part, but the writing, direction and (as much as it hurts to say this), the hosts left a lot to be desired (as I think James Franco realized and checked out, while Anne Hathaway (bless her heart) kept trying.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Best Picture...
I miss the interspersed introductions that occur over the course of the evening. This montage over the sound of Colin Firth's final speech in The King's Speech is (as with the rest of the telecast) underwhelming.
And the winner is...
The Kings Speech (which I'm okay with, as I would have been okay with The Social Network).
I like that they brought up the actors and director with them. They didn't have to and it's nice that they were able to focus their thanks directly to the people themselves.
The final guy was about to get played off just as he thanks the UK Film Council. But, they lowered the volume.
James Franco realizes he's too good for this.
And, the kids from PS 22 play us out to the words of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This is ... cute, but not sure why this is on my tv screen now. And all the winner come back onstage for one final round of applause. And Melissa Leo sings along with the kids. She rocks!
And the winner is...
The Kings Speech (which I'm okay with, as I would have been okay with The Social Network).
I like that they brought up the actors and director with them. They didn't have to and it's nice that they were able to focus their thanks directly to the people themselves.
The final guy was about to get played off just as he thanks the UK Film Council. But, they lowered the volume.
James Franco realizes he's too good for this.
And, the kids from PS 22 play us out to the words of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This is ... cute, but not sure why this is on my tv screen now. And all the winner come back onstage for one final round of applause. And Melissa Leo sings along with the kids. She rocks!
Best Actor...
And, Sandra Bullock comes out wearing a lovely red gown..
In another ridiculously hard category. Still not loving the tiny speech that goes on before the scene, but Sandra Bullock is pulling it off.
Okay, I liked her little calling out of Jeff Bridges for being nominated two years in a row. And, I liked her reminding Jesse that he's never responded to her facebook friend request. And calling out James Franco for his current soap opera gig.
And the Oscar goes to...
Colin Firth for the Kings speech. I'm okay with this win. He was quite good.
And I'm digging his speech. He's about to cry, as he hems and haws like Mr. Darcy.
Someone on twitter just posted that Sandra Bullock should have hosted this year. I like that idea.
In another ridiculously hard category. Still not loving the tiny speech that goes on before the scene, but Sandra Bullock is pulling it off.
Okay, I liked her little calling out of Jeff Bridges for being nominated two years in a row. And, I liked her reminding Jesse that he's never responded to her facebook friend request. And calling out James Franco for his current soap opera gig.
And the Oscar goes to...
Colin Firth for the Kings speech. I'm okay with this win. He was quite good.
And I'm digging his speech. He's about to cry, as he hems and haws like Mr. Darcy.
Someone on twitter just posted that Sandra Bullock should have hosted this year. I like that idea.
Best Actor...
And, Sandra Bullock comes out wearing a lovely red gown..
In another ridiculously hard category. Still not loving the tiny speech that goes on before the scene, but Sandra Bullock is pulling it off.
Okay, I liked her little calling out of Jeff Bridges for being nominated two years in a row. And, I liked her reminding Jesse that he's never responded to her facebook friend request. And calling out James Franco for his current soap opera gig.
And the Oscar goes to...
Colin Firth for the Kings speech. I'm okay with this win. He was quite good.
And I'm digging his speech. He's about to cry, as he hems and haws like Mr. Darcy.
Someone on twitter just posted that Sandra Bullock should have hosted this year. I like that idea.
In another ridiculously hard category. Still not loving the tiny speech that goes on before the scene, but Sandra Bullock is pulling it off.
Okay, I liked her little calling out of Jeff Bridges for being nominated two years in a row. And, I liked her reminding Jesse that he's never responded to her facebook friend request. And calling out James Franco for his current soap opera gig.
And the Oscar goes to...
Colin Firth for the Kings speech. I'm okay with this win. He was quite good.
And I'm digging his speech. He's about to cry, as he hems and haws like Mr. Darcy.
Someone on twitter just posted that Sandra Bullock should have hosted this year. I like that idea.
Best Actress...
What's with James Franco rolling his eyes about the footsteps in Graumann's Chinese Theatre? I feel like he's bored. Well, so am I, and yet I don't roll my eyes.
Jeff Bridges has a nice voice.
While these little speeches by Jeff Bridges are sweet, they are slowing things down to a ridiculous degree.
The Oscar goes to...
Natalie Portman. She was very, very good. And this was a ridiculously hard category. I think any of the ladies could have/would have won, with the exception of Bening who was just very good. She's giving a very controlled speech, which is nice, as her Golden Globes speech was just OTT.
Jeff Bridges has a nice voice.
While these little speeches by Jeff Bridges are sweet, they are slowing things down to a ridiculous degree.
The Oscar goes to...
Natalie Portman. She was very, very good. And this was a ridiculously hard category. I think any of the ladies could have/would have won, with the exception of Bening who was just very good. She's giving a very controlled speech, which is nice, as her Golden Globes speech was just OTT.
The Governor's Award...
Annette Bening introduces the recap to the Governor's Award. Still bitter that none of this is televised. G-d forbid we get to hear them speak.
Best Director...
Hilary Swank hands off to Kathryn Bigelow.
Tom Hooper wins for The Kings Speech. Okay, I said that would happen. I'm okay with it, even though I wanted David Fichner to win. Oooh... British.
The Brits are always completely nonplussed, aren't they? Unless they're about to become king.
Tom Hooper wins for The Kings Speech. Okay, I said that would happen. I'm okay with it, even though I wanted David Fichner to win. Oooh... British.
The Brits are always completely nonplussed, aren't they? Unless they're about to become king.
In Memorium
Celine Deion is singing a song over the In Memorium and I just don't like it.
But, I do appreciate that they seem to have cut the mikes of the audience, so there's no applause, or you can't hear the applause.
Still, it's so sad seeing all the great ones (and good ones) who have passed on this year.
And, Lena Horne gets the last spot. I was confused as to why she was only on the screen for a half a second, but it's because she got her own special section, introduced by Halle Berry that included a brief bio and song.
While, very nice, the placement of this was odd. It seems to minimize the importance of the previous people who had passed on. I feel like when they do these special In Memoriums, it's usually not attached to the regular one.
ALSO... WHERE WAS COREY HAIM.
But, I do appreciate that they seem to have cut the mikes of the audience, so there's no applause, or you can't hear the applause.
Still, it's so sad seeing all the great ones (and good ones) who have passed on this year.
And, Lena Horne gets the last spot. I was confused as to why she was only on the screen for a half a second, but it's because she got her own special section, introduced by Halle Berry that included a brief bio and song.
While, very nice, the placement of this was odd. It seems to minimize the importance of the previous people who had passed on. I feel like when they do these special In Memoriums, it's usually not attached to the regular one.
ALSO... WHERE WAS COREY HAIM.
Modern Family commercial = WIN
That was a great commercial for Modern Family, but after seeing the commercial for Secret Millionaire at least a half dozen times, I have no desire to actually watch the show.
Best Original Song (for reals)...
We Belong Together - Toy Story 3
I See the Light - Tangled
If I Rise - 127 Hours
Coming Home - Country Strong
And Randy Newman wins again for Toy Story 3.
So, this is his 80th win? Oh, his 2nd. Okay, that's not bad.
You can't blame Randy Newman for slowing this awards show down, for while he did blather quite a bit, still not the slowest part of the show.
I See the Light - Tangled
If I Rise - 127 Hours
Coming Home - Country Strong
And Randy Newman wins again for Toy Story 3.
So, this is his 80th win? Oh, his 2nd. Okay, that's not bad.
You can't blame Randy Newman for slowing this awards show down, for while he did blather quite a bit, still not the slowest part of the show.
We're in the home stretch now, and...
I've gotta say, I'm kind of underwhelmed by these Oscars. It seems so low energy.
Best Original Song...
Jennifer Hudson comes out looking striking in red and introduces two more songs nominated for Best Original Song
127 Hours
Country Strong - Gwyneth Paltrow
Meh... I think this was a race between Tangled and Toy Story 3, because both of these songs put me to sleep.
127 Hours
Country Strong - Gwyneth Paltrow
Meh... I think this was a race between Tangled and Toy Story 3, because both of these songs put me to sleep.
Billy Crystal gets a standing 'O'
which I can understand. I also have a lot of respect for how Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars. He was amazing. I used to love his opening medleys.
I appreciate that Billy Crystal gives props to Bob Hope and I could believe that Bob Hope flipped him off. And, I totally called the Passover line.
I wonder who did the Bob Hope voice.
Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr. introducing the special effect categories.
I LOVE how Downey can laugh at himself and his past foibles. See, there is hope for Charlie Sheen.
Outstanding Special Effects
Inception - taking home another techie award. Love their accents.
Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing
The Social Network wins. I like this win, as it was editing as much as anything else that told the story. Very low key speech, with another thanks to the Academy.
I appreciate that Billy Crystal gives props to Bob Hope and I could believe that Bob Hope flipped him off. And, I totally called the Passover line.
I wonder who did the Bob Hope voice.
Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr. introducing the special effect categories.
I LOVE how Downey can laugh at himself and his past foibles. See, there is hope for Charlie Sheen.
Outstanding Special Effects
Inception - taking home another techie award. Love their accents.
Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing
The Social Network wins. I like this win, as it was editing as much as anything else that told the story. Very low key speech, with another thanks to the Academy.
Movies via Auto Tune AND Best Documentary
I know they're trying to young these down, but c'mon, this is a bit kooky. It's kind of like Lonely Island Goes to the Movies.
And Oprah announces the winner of Best Documentary Feature
Inside Job - not really surprised, as I'd assume a ton of the voters lost a lot of money due to the economy over the past few years. And, I'd heard it was quite good.
And the winner reminds everyone that after years of massive fraud no one went to jail.
But, no love for the unions. That kind of surprised me.
And Oprah announces the winner of Best Documentary Feature
Inside Job - not really surprised, as I'd assume a ton of the voters lost a lot of money due to the economy over the past few years. And, I'd heard it was quite good.
And the winner reminds everyone that after years of massive fraud no one went to jail.
But, no love for the unions. That kind of surprised me.
Best shorts
Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal. Jake suggests that we watch shorts in order to best fill out our Oscar ballots. Not as bad a reason as others he might have suggested.
Best Short Documentary
And the winner is Strangers No More. And, I really have nothing to say about this category because I've seen exactly none of them. But, their speech was nice. I like how Sheila Nevins (head of HBO documentary films) got a shout out.
Best Short - Live Action
And the Oscar goes to God of Love. I'm kind of surprised about that one, as it looks like a comedy, and all of the others seem to be. And the winner goes to NYU Grad School. And, is adorable. And quite possibly 12.
Best Short Documentary
And the winner is Strangers No More. And, I really have nothing to say about this category because I've seen exactly none of them. But, their speech was nice. I like how Sheila Nevins (head of HBO documentary films) got a shout out.
Best Short - Live Action
And the Oscar goes to God of Love. I'm kind of surprised about that one, as it looks like a comedy, and all of the others seem to be. And the winner goes to NYU Grad School. And, is adorable. And quite possibly 12.
Random folk are naming their favorite Best Song winners and why they like them. Lose Yourself from 8 Mile, Footloose, etc.
And the president picks a classic - As Time Goes By
Kevin Spacey sings Fred Astaire (Top Hat) before introducing the first two Best Original Song nominees.
The composers play their composition, while the voice talent sings along.
Toy Story 3 - Randy Newman (singing his own words)
Tangled - Alan Mecken, with Mandy Moore and Zachery Levi
Both were well done, but didn't leave me with overwhelming feelings.
And the president picks a classic - As Time Goes By
Kevin Spacey sings Fred Astaire (Top Hat) before introducing the first two Best Original Song nominees.
The composers play their composition, while the voice talent sings along.
Toy Story 3 - Randy Newman (singing his own words)
Tangled - Alan Mecken, with Mandy Moore and Zachery Levi
Both were well done, but didn't leave me with overwhelming feelings.
Scientific and Technical Awards
Marisa Tomei gives a recap of the science and technical awards, James Franco gives a shout out to the nerds and then Cate Blanchett comes out to announce Achievement in Makeup.
The Wolfman (which Cate Blanchett called "gross") wins. Though, I think she meant that in the nicest way possible. One of the winners said that it was always his ambition to lose an Oscar to Rick Baker, but this was better (as Rick lost to him this year).
Best Achievement in Costume design
Alice in Wonderland - yeah, I can see that. Wow, having to transverse stairs in heels on national television is completely mean. Oh, she wrote a speech. That's nice to see and leads you to not have to apologize for forgetting your husband's name after the fact. Though, she apparently writes very small, as that is not a large piece of paper and she's been speaking for a while. And, now she's getting the playoff music. Booo... lead the winners speak.
The Wolfman (which Cate Blanchett called "gross") wins. Though, I think she meant that in the nicest way possible. One of the winners said that it was always his ambition to lose an Oscar to Rick Baker, but this was better (as Rick lost to him this year).
Best Achievement in Costume design
Alice in Wonderland - yeah, I can see that. Wow, having to transverse stairs in heels on national television is completely mean. Oh, she wrote a speech. That's nice to see and leads you to not have to apologize for forgetting your husband's name after the fact. Though, she apparently writes very small, as that is not a large piece of paper and she's been speaking for a while. And, now she's getting the playoff music. Booo... lead the winners speak.
Sound Awards
The Aussies are together again, as Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman present the sound awards. That was an amazing medley of great movie music.
Best Original Score
Social Network won...
Huh... I don't recall the music being overwhelming, but I'm usually not the most aurally aware. Though I do remember being surprised that Trent Reznor scored a movie. Though, I just looked on IMDB and he's done a lot of tv/film compositions.
Sound Mixing
I don't know what Matthew McConaghay said, but it made Kathy (who I'm watching with) groan.
Inception (Lora Hirschberg, Garry Rizzo, Ed Novick) won.
Yay, a woman won a techie award, which is rare. But, she doesn't get to speak (though she did mention that the sound crew were union folk).And the speaker did make mention that this award was for Chris Nolan (cause you know, he didn't get the director nomination).
Union count #2
Achievement in Sound Editing
Inception (Richard King)
Owes this 100% to Chris Nolan. Fair enough.
Best Original Score
Social Network won...
Huh... I don't recall the music being overwhelming, but I'm usually not the most aurally aware. Though I do remember being surprised that Trent Reznor scored a movie. Though, I just looked on IMDB and he's done a lot of tv/film compositions.
Sound Mixing
I don't know what Matthew McConaghay said, but it made Kathy (who I'm watching with) groan.
Inception (Lora Hirschberg, Garry Rizzo, Ed Novick) won.
Yay, a woman won a techie award, which is rare. But, she doesn't get to speak (though she did mention that the sound crew were union folk).And the speaker did make mention that this award was for Chris Nolan (cause you know, he didn't get the director nomination).
Union count #2
Achievement in Sound Editing
Inception (Richard King)
Owes this 100% to Chris Nolan. Fair enough.
President of the Motion Picture Academy Tom Sherak
gives a shout out to ABC as they've signed for another decade or so. I had hopes he would give a shout out to Duke Snider when he said he was a Brooklyn boy.
Best Supporting Actor...
Reese Witherspoon introduces and gets right down to business.
I hope Christian Bale wins, but if John Hawk, Geoffrey Rush wins, well, that'd be okay too. I like Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo too, but the other three were ridiculously good.
Who was sitting next to Spielberg not applauding?
Yay! Christian Bale won. Not digging the beard, but yay, he won. And, I love his real accent. And he calls out his own issues with the "F" word, while giving a shout out to Melissa Leo. Also appreciate the pimping for the real Dickie's training web site.
Actors never get played off. Aww... he started to tear up while thanking his wife and daughter.
Full of win.
I hope Christian Bale wins, but if John Hawk, Geoffrey Rush wins, well, that'd be okay too. I like Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo too, but the other three were ridiculously good.
Who was sitting next to Spielberg not applauding?
Yay! Christian Bale won. Not digging the beard, but yay, he won. And, I love his real accent. And he calls out his own issues with the "F" word, while giving a shout out to Melissa Leo. Also appreciate the pimping for the real Dickie's training web site.
Actors never get played off. Aww... he started to tear up while thanking his wife and daughter.
Full of win.
Best Foreign Language film...
Russell Brand and Helen Mirren are introducing...
Helen Mirren is speaking French and Russell is "translating." Called out Colin Firth as being a better Queen than he was a King. Of course, she didn't say that and explains so, also in French.
In a Better World (Denmark) wins.
Third movie from Denmark to win this category. Good to know.
Helen Mirren is speaking French and Russell is "translating." Called out Colin Firth as being a better Queen than he was a King. Of course, she didn't say that and explains so, also in French.
In a Better World (Denmark) wins.
Third movie from Denmark to win this category. Good to know.
Anne Hathaway is funny...
Calling out Hugh Jackman via On My Own. At least Hugh seems to be taking it in stride.
I assume he was told about it.
And James Franco doing drag as Marilyn. And, calls out Charlie Sheen.
I assume he was told about it.
And James Franco doing drag as Marilyn. And, calls out Charlie Sheen.
Best Original Screenplay...
Javier Bardem is laughing with/at someone in the audience.
And the Oscar goes to King's Speech. David Seidler can't find the microphone. But, his opening line is great. "My father always said that I would be a late bloomer." He gives all of us wanna-be writers hope. He wrote Tucker: A Man and his Dream, and was a writer on Another World.
Loved his speech. But, he was another one to make a point of thanking the Academy as the last thing he said. It seems very pointed and odd.
And the Oscar goes to King's Speech. David Seidler can't find the microphone. But, his opening line is great. "My father always said that I would be a late bloomer." He gives all of us wanna-be writers hope. He wrote Tucker: A Man and his Dream, and was a writer on Another World.
Loved his speech. But, he was another one to make a point of thanking the Academy as the last thing he said. It seems very pointed and odd.
Best Adapted screenplay...
Let's go Aaron Sorkin!
Yay!!
Syracuse alum Aaron Sorkin takes home the Oscar gold. Shout out to Paddy Chayefsky and the guy who wrote the book the movie was based on.
Don't play Aaron Sorkin off, Mr. music-man.
He's thanking the folks who made the movie, without whom, you wouldn't have an awards ceremony.
And, his last line to his daughter was cute.
Yay!!
Syracuse alum Aaron Sorkin takes home the Oscar gold. Shout out to Paddy Chayefsky and the guy who wrote the book the movie was based on.
Don't play Aaron Sorkin off, Mr. music-man.
He's thanking the folks who made the movie, without whom, you wouldn't have an awards ceremony.
And, his last line to his daughter was cute.
A look back...
At the first Academy Awards. Except, not really, as it was a pretense to bring out Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem. What's up with all of the current nominees presenting today? Is that so James Franco hosting doesn't look so odd?
Ahhh... it's a pretense for the Best Writing categories.
Ahhh... it's a pretense for the Best Writing categories.
Best Animated Feature...
I really want to see the Illusionist, but it came and went in like a day. And, my nephews like How to Train Your Dragon.
And the Oscar goes to...
Toy Story 3
Totally called it.
What's up with all the Academy shout outs?
I can totally believe that Pixar is the best place to work.
Love his speech. Just very Oscar-ish.
And the Oscar goes to...
Toy Story 3
Totally called it.
What's up with all the Academy shout outs?
I can totally believe that Pixar is the best place to work.
Love his speech. Just very Oscar-ish.
Best Animated Short...
Justin Timberlake is Banksy...
Mila Kunis is gorgeous.
I hope The Gruffalo wins. Great book.
And the Oscar goes to...
The Lost Thing. Awww... poor Best Animated short nominees, all the way in the back of the teater. And the animation style does look very cool.
Wow, Shaun Tan is very short. And the other guy is very tall (or feels very tall) next to the other guy.
Mila Kunis is gorgeous.
I hope The Gruffalo wins. Great book.
And the Oscar goes to...
The Lost Thing. Awww... poor Best Animated short nominees, all the way in the back of the teater. And the animation style does look very cool.
Wow, Shaun Tan is very short. And the other guy is very tall (or feels very tall) next to the other guy.
Best Supporting Actress...
Awww... I like Kirk Douglas. He had his Bar Mitzvah (or a Bar Mitzvah) at the age of 83. And, while the stroke clearly affected his speech, it did not effect his sense of humor.
Okay, he's going on a bit, but still, can you blame him? He's old.
And the Oscar goes to...
Melissa Leo. Yay!! SHe looks shocked. And, shook Amy Adams' hand. And bowed to Kirk Douglas. Awww.... I'm so happy for the Homicide alum. And flirts with Kirk Douglas...
LOVE!
And, I like her speech. She's also taking it all in. Waves to the folks up in the cheap seats. And gets bleeped for cursing. Awww... Thanks the folks who the movie portrayed. And her family and friends.
Just full of win.
Okay, he's going on a bit, but still, can you blame him? He's old.
And the Oscar goes to...
Melissa Leo. Yay!! SHe looks shocked. And, shook Amy Adams' hand. And bowed to Kirk Douglas. Awww.... I'm so happy for the Homicide alum. And flirts with Kirk Douglas...
LOVE!
And, I like her speech. She's also taking it all in. Waves to the folks up in the cheap seats. And gets bleeped for cursing. Awww... Thanks the folks who the movie portrayed. And her family and friends.
Just full of win.
Cinematography...
Wally Fister for Inception wins!
I think I called it. Yep, i just checked. I called it. Also, I like that he took a moment to breathe it all in. And, gives the shout-out to Christopher Nolan. And calls out the audience for taking his time.
First union shout out of the evening. I meant to note that there was going to be a count on how many folks reference unions in their speech.
Union count: 1
I think I called it. Yep, i just checked. I called it. Also, I like that he took a moment to breathe it all in. And, gives the shout-out to Christopher Nolan. And calls out the audience for taking his time.
First union shout out of the evening. I meant to note that there was going to be a count on how many folks reference unions in their speech.
Union count: 1
Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland...
I really thought Inception would take this one. Oh, well...
Wow, the speaker is really nervous, but I did like the crown.
I really thought Inception would take this one. Oh, well...
Wow, the speaker is really nervous, but I did like the crown.
Opening banter...
I'm gonna go with meh...
The bit with the mother and grandmother was okay...
The lesbian bit, eh...
I'm really confused. What does Tom Hanks have to do with Gone with the Wind?
Oh! It's the introduction to the visual awards. Still, not sure what he has to do with that film. Also, boo! Titanic (except for Victor Garber scenes).
And the nominees are...
Art Direction
* “Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
* “Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
* “The King's Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
* “True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Cinematography
* “Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
* “Inception” Wally Pfister
* “The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
* “The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
* “True Grit” Roger Deakins
Visual Effects
* “Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
* “Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
* “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
* “Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
The bit with the mother and grandmother was okay...
The lesbian bit, eh...
I'm really confused. What does Tom Hanks have to do with Gone with the Wind?
Oh! It's the introduction to the visual awards. Still, not sure what he has to do with that film. Also, boo! Titanic (except for Victor Garber scenes).
And the nominees are...
Art Direction
* “Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
* “Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
* “The King's Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
* “True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Cinematography
* “Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
* “Inception” Wally Pfister
* “The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
* “The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
* “True Grit” Roger Deakins
Visual Effects
* “Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
* “Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
* “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
* “Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
Really digging this opening segment...
My co-viewer, Kathy Choe, disagrees, but I find this opening very funny. Anne Hathaway and James Franco are very engaging. And, I'm a sucker for nearly seamless use of green screens.
And, bringing back the Delorean. Love that...
And, bringing back the Delorean. Love that...
It has begun!
Opening segment - a countdown of the Best Picture nominees...
I wonder how Anne and James will be introduced...
I wonder how Anne and James will be introduced...
Oscars 2011
It's that time of year again... Time for the 83rd Academy Awards... hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Both are intriguing choices for hosts, neither are comedians, though that doesn't always work (ref: David Letterman) and both are incredibly likeable.
Without further ado, below, please find the listing of nominees (with my choices bolded, natch and what will probably win in italics). To this point, I have seen all best picture nominees with the exception of Inception and 127 Hours. Inception because I just haven't gotten to it yet, and 127 Hours because I don't think I'll be able handle the arm cutting scene.
Best Motion Picture
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The King’s Speech
The Kids are All Right
The Social Network
127 Hours
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone
The Kings Speech has been racking up all the recent awards, and not only was it quite good, but I really enjoyed it. That said, I really thought The Social Network was a masterful film. HOwever, I wouldn't be annoyed if The Fighter, Winters Bone, True Grit or The King's Speech won. This was a great year for movies, though I do wonder which will stand the test of time.
Best Actress In A Leading Role
ANNETTE BENING-THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
NICOLE KIDMAN – RABBIT HOLE
JENNIFER LAWRENCE – WINTER’S BONE
NATALIE PORTMAN – BLACK SWAN
MICHELLE WILLIAMS – BLUE VALENTINE
Haven't seen Blue Valentine yet, but I won't be miffed if either Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman or Michelle Williams wins. I heard she was that good.
Best Actor In A Leading Role
JESSE EISENBERG – THE SOCIAL NETWORK
COLIN FIRTH – THE KING’S SPEECH
JAMES FRANCO – 127 HOURS
JEFF BRIDGES – TRUE GRIT
Javier Bardem – BEAUTIFUL
Another ridiculously tough category. Jeff Bridges was great in True Grit, and Colin Firth was wonderful as the stammering Bertie. But, there was just something about Jesse Eisenberg's performance that I just adored.
Best Actress In A Supporting Role
AMY ADAMS – THE FIGHTER
HELENA BONHAM CARTER – THE KING’S SPEECH
JACKI WEAVER – ANIMAL KINGDOM
MELISSA LEO – THE FIGHTER
HAILEE STEINFELD – TRUE GRIT
I think it's a legitimate toss-up between Leo and Steinfeld, but I always feel that the best supporting actor award is give to the young actor. I though Amy Adams was good in The Fighter, mostly holding her own in her scenes with Leo. also heard very good things about Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom, though I have not seen that yet.
Best Actor In A Supporting Role
CHRISTIAN BALE – THE FIGHTER
JOHN HAWKES– WINTER’S BONE
JEREMY RENNER – THE TOWN
GEOFFREY RUSH – THE KING’S SPEECH
MARK RUFFALO – THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Christian Bale was just smashing. I don't care that he's got quite the temper on him, he can act the heck out of his movies.
Achievement in Directing
DARREN ARONOFSKY – BLACK SWAN
DAVID FINCHER -THE SOCIAL NETWORK
TOM HOOPER – THE KING’S SPEECH
JOEL COEN, ETHAN COEN – TRUE GRIT
DAVID O. RUSSELL – THE FIGHTER
I think this will go the same way as Best Picture in that The Kings Speech will win, but honestly, any of these can win and I'll be content.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winters Bone
This wasn't actually included in the ballot I copied and pasted from, but I really want Aaron Sorkin to win, and I think he will be. That said, similar to best picture/director, I'd be okay with any of the winners.
Animated Feature Film
How to Train Yor Dragon Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
Toy Story 3 Lee Unkrich
Since it's not going to win Best Picture, Toy Story 3 will notch another victory for Pixar.
Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins
This will probably be taken by either Inception or Black Swan. I'm thinking they're going to give it to Inception, sort of as a make-up for the dis in the Best Director category.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
* “Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
* “The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
* “Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
* “The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
* “The King's Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler
Yes, The Fighter could have been a generic sports story, but it was so much more. You really got to know the characters and the place, and while a lot of that credit goes to the director and actors, it always starts on the page.
And, the rest of the categories which quite frankly, I'm too lazy to go through. Though, in my own defense, I only decided to bring back the Oscar live-blog about an hour ago.
Art Direction
“Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King's Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Another tough category. I'm leaning towards Harry Potter or Inception.
Cinematography
* “Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
* “Inception” Wally Pfister
* “The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
* “The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
* “True Grit” Roger Deakins
Costume Design
* “Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood
* “I Am Love” Antonella Cannarozzi
* “The King's Speech” Jenny Beavan
* “The Tempest” Sandy Powell
* “True Grit” Mary Zophres
Documentary (Feature)
* “Exit through the Gift Shop” Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz
* “Gasland” Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
* “Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
* “Restrepo” Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
* “Waste Land” Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley
Documentary (Short Subject)
* “Killing in the Name” Jed Rothstein
* “Poster Girl” Sara Nesson and Mitchell W. Block
* “Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
* “Sun Come Up” Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
* “The Warriors of Qiugang” Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon
Film Editing
* “Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
* “The Fighter” Pamela Martin
* “The King's Speech” Tariq Anwar
* “127 Hours” Jon Harris
* “The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Foreign Language Film
* “Biutiful” Mexico
* “Dogtooth” Greece
* “In a Better World” Denmark
* “Incendies” Canada
* “Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria
Makeup
* “Barney's Version” Adrien Morot
* “The Way Back” Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
* “The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Music (Original Score)
* “How to Train Your Dragon” John Powell
* “Inception” Hans Zimmer
* “The King's Speech” Alexandre Desplat
* “127 Hours” A.R. Rahman
* “The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Music (Original Song)
* “Coming Home” from “Country Strong” Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
* “I See the Light” from “Tangled” Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
* “If I Rise” from “127 Hours” Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
* “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
Short Film (Animated)
* “Day & Night” Teddy Newton
* “The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
* “Let's Pollute” Geefwee Boedoe
* “The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
* “Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)” Bastien Dubois
Short Film (Live Action)
* “The Confession” Tanel Toom
* “The Crush” Michael Creagh
* “God of Love” Luke Matheny
* “Na Wewe” Ivan Goldschmidt
* “Wish 143” Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite
Sound Editing
* “Inception” Richard King
* “Toy Story 3” Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
* “Tron: Legacy” Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
* “True Grit” Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
* “Unstoppable” Mark P. Stoeckinger
Sound Mixing
* “Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
* “The King's Speech” Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
* “Salt” Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
* “The Social Network” Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
* “True Grit” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
Visual Effects
* “Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
* “Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
* “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
* “Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
So, all in all, a particularly tough year for the voters as there were a slew of really good movies. I'll leave it to time to see which will be considered great.
Without further ado, below, please find the listing of nominees (with my choices bolded, natch and what will probably win in italics). To this point, I have seen all best picture nominees with the exception of Inception and 127 Hours. Inception because I just haven't gotten to it yet, and 127 Hours because I don't think I'll be able handle the arm cutting scene.
Best Motion Picture
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The King’s Speech
The Kids are All Right
The Social Network
127 Hours
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter’s Bone
The Kings Speech has been racking up all the recent awards, and not only was it quite good, but I really enjoyed it. That said, I really thought The Social Network was a masterful film. HOwever, I wouldn't be annoyed if The Fighter, Winters Bone, True Grit or The King's Speech won. This was a great year for movies, though I do wonder which will stand the test of time.
Best Actress In A Leading Role
ANNETTE BENING-THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
NICOLE KIDMAN – RABBIT HOLE
JENNIFER LAWRENCE – WINTER’S BONE
NATALIE PORTMAN – BLACK SWAN
MICHELLE WILLIAMS – BLUE VALENTINE
Haven't seen Blue Valentine yet, but I won't be miffed if either Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman or Michelle Williams wins. I heard she was that good.
Best Actor In A Leading Role
JESSE EISENBERG – THE SOCIAL NETWORK
COLIN FIRTH – THE KING’S SPEECH
JAMES FRANCO – 127 HOURS
JEFF BRIDGES – TRUE GRIT
Javier Bardem – BEAUTIFUL
Another ridiculously tough category. Jeff Bridges was great in True Grit, and Colin Firth was wonderful as the stammering Bertie. But, there was just something about Jesse Eisenberg's performance that I just adored.
Best Actress In A Supporting Role
AMY ADAMS – THE FIGHTER
HELENA BONHAM CARTER – THE KING’S SPEECH
JACKI WEAVER – ANIMAL KINGDOM
MELISSA LEO – THE FIGHTER
HAILEE STEINFELD – TRUE GRIT
I think it's a legitimate toss-up between Leo and Steinfeld, but I always feel that the best supporting actor award is give to the young actor. I though Amy Adams was good in The Fighter, mostly holding her own in her scenes with Leo. also heard very good things about Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom, though I have not seen that yet.
Best Actor In A Supporting Role
CHRISTIAN BALE – THE FIGHTER
JOHN HAWKES– WINTER’S BONE
JEREMY RENNER – THE TOWN
GEOFFREY RUSH – THE KING’S SPEECH
MARK RUFFALO – THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Christian Bale was just smashing. I don't care that he's got quite the temper on him, he can act the heck out of his movies.
Achievement in Directing
DARREN ARONOFSKY – BLACK SWAN
DAVID FINCHER -THE SOCIAL NETWORK
TOM HOOPER – THE KING’S SPEECH
JOEL COEN, ETHAN COEN – TRUE GRIT
DAVID O. RUSSELL – THE FIGHTER
I think this will go the same way as Best Picture in that The Kings Speech will win, but honestly, any of these can win and I'll be content.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winters Bone
This wasn't actually included in the ballot I copied and pasted from, but I really want Aaron Sorkin to win, and I think he will be. That said, similar to best picture/director, I'd be okay with any of the winners.
Animated Feature Film
How to Train Yor Dragon Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
Toy Story 3 Lee Unkrich
Since it's not going to win Best Picture, Toy Story 3 will notch another victory for Pixar.
Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins
This will probably be taken by either Inception or Black Swan. I'm thinking they're going to give it to Inception, sort of as a make-up for the dis in the Best Director category.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
* “Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
* “The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
* “Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
* “The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
* “The King's Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler
Yes, The Fighter could have been a generic sports story, but it was so much more. You really got to know the characters and the place, and while a lot of that credit goes to the director and actors, it always starts on the page.
And, the rest of the categories which quite frankly, I'm too lazy to go through. Though, in my own defense, I only decided to bring back the Oscar live-blog about an hour ago.
Art Direction
“Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King's Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Another tough category. I'm leaning towards Harry Potter or Inception.
Cinematography
* “Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
* “Inception” Wally Pfister
* “The King's Speech” Danny Cohen
* “The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
* “True Grit” Roger Deakins
Costume Design
* “Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood
* “I Am Love” Antonella Cannarozzi
* “The King's Speech” Jenny Beavan
* “The Tempest” Sandy Powell
* “True Grit” Mary Zophres
Documentary (Feature)
* “Exit through the Gift Shop” Banksy and Jaimie D'Cruz
* “Gasland” Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
* “Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
* “Restrepo” Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
* “Waste Land” Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley
Documentary (Short Subject)
* “Killing in the Name” Jed Rothstein
* “Poster Girl” Sara Nesson and Mitchell W. Block
* “Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
* “Sun Come Up” Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
* “The Warriors of Qiugang” Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon
Film Editing
* “Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
* “The Fighter” Pamela Martin
* “The King's Speech” Tariq Anwar
* “127 Hours” Jon Harris
* “The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Foreign Language Film
* “Biutiful” Mexico
* “Dogtooth” Greece
* “In a Better World” Denmark
* “Incendies” Canada
* “Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria
Makeup
* “Barney's Version” Adrien Morot
* “The Way Back” Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
* “The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Music (Original Score)
* “How to Train Your Dragon” John Powell
* “Inception” Hans Zimmer
* “The King's Speech” Alexandre Desplat
* “127 Hours” A.R. Rahman
* “The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Music (Original Song)
* “Coming Home” from “Country Strong” Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
* “I See the Light” from “Tangled” Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
* “If I Rise” from “127 Hours” Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
* “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3" Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
Short Film (Animated)
* “Day & Night” Teddy Newton
* “The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
* “Let's Pollute” Geefwee Boedoe
* “The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
* “Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)” Bastien Dubois
Short Film (Live Action)
* “The Confession” Tanel Toom
* “The Crush” Michael Creagh
* “God of Love” Luke Matheny
* “Na Wewe” Ivan Goldschmidt
* “Wish 143” Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite
Sound Editing
* “Inception” Richard King
* “Toy Story 3” Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
* “Tron: Legacy” Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
* “True Grit” Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
* “Unstoppable” Mark P. Stoeckinger
Sound Mixing
* “Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
* “The King's Speech” Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
* “Salt” Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
* “The Social Network” Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
* “True Grit” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
Visual Effects
* “Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
* “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
* “Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
* “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
* “Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
So, all in all, a particularly tough year for the voters as there were a slew of really good movies. I'll leave it to time to see which will be considered great.
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