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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)