Post-Academy Awards Discussion for Classic Film Grp. DUers

[CBHagman]

All right, what did everyone think of the events on Sunday night? Any shock? Surprise? Rapture?

Any grievances to air? Any omissions to lament?

[Matilda]

1. We didn't catch up with the visuals until Monday evening.

(It's now Tuesday here). So by the time we get to view it, we know who's won anyway.

Of course, I was disappointed that Christopher Plummer didn't win for best supporting actor, but as I haven't seen
either his film or "Inglorious Basterds", I have to defer to those who have. I have to admit that I've seen
hardly any of the nominated films, so I'm clueless as to who deserved their awards and who didn't. But I'm
awfully glad that Avatar didn't win - James Cameron has already had one undeserving win, IMHO, and I'm glad he
didn't do it a second time. Big isn't necessarily beautiful.

I was thinking that the Academy should probably present Plummer with a special Oscar but after seeing how they threw
it away last night, I think it's so insulting they might as well cancel it. It's always like a consolation prize
anyway, but I thought not having a presentation and speeches really rubbed in the second-class nature of the award.
Apparently they now present these awards at a separate ceremony, along with all the minor awards, I suppose. No,
guys, that's not how it should be when you're honouring people who've devoted their lives to the industry.

Am I only imagining that the hosts are getting weaker every year, the jokes sillier and the repartee more tired?
I have to make a disclaimer here - I have never been a fan of Steve Martin. His brand of humour escapes me
completely, and I find his delivery totally weak. So I didn't think he was funny at all (neither did Helen Mirren,
when he made that lame "damn Helen Mirren" joke. She was Not Amused). Alec Baldwin is funny with a good script,
but this wasn't it. Some people are good MCs, and some aren't, and just because somebody is an actor doesn't mean
they can MC.

I just have to say something about the ladies and their gowns - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ugly was surely
Demi Moore - that lady IS NOT EATING. Thinner than Victoria Beckham, and all those ruffles trailing down her gown
overwhelmed her so her little stick body was struggling to be seen. She used to be so attractive, but her look
now is tragic. Mr Kucher should feed her!

What is it with frills and flounces? Vera Farmiga (who is she, anyway?)looked like a madam from a 19th century
brothel, and Zoe Saldana could have been her understudy. And Charlize Theron - those rosettes on her boobs just
screamed "squeeze me" - she could have been one of the madam's girls. It was also a shame about JLo's big
flounce trailing off her left hip. Anything tacked on to the side of the hips always makes them look bigger, and
a good headwind could have blown her away. And the dress cutting in under her bum didn't do her any favours
either.

I do have some nice things to say - I thought Meryl Streep looked quite elegant in her white gown, with its simple
lines; she so often gets it wrong, but not this time. And Carey Mulligan, who looks like a young Judi Dench, was
quite stunning in her black, although it couldn't decide whether it was long or short. I also thought Amanda
Seyfried looked lovely, as did Anna Kendrick - both of them looked classy and unfussy.

What about the men? Gee, I forgot to look.

[CBHagman]

2. Thank you for almost making me choke on lunch.

I'm just getting to your post now and almost can't type for laughing...

More later. Unlike Demi Moore (and a few others I could name, like the completely scary Keira Knightly), I am EATING.

[lavenderdiva]

3. love your fashion analysis Matilda!

and its spot-on! Kerry Mulligan DOES look like a young Judi Dench! I never thought of that before, but you are absolutely right. And Vera Farmiga -- who IS she-- other than being in that George Clooney movie, who is she? And that dress! Oh my goodness. That was a sure 'Don't'.

[CBHagman]

6. I have been meaning to see "An Education" for a while...

Of course I saw Carey Mulligan in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House and also read the glowing New York Times reviews when she was on Broadway. I hope we'll be seeing a lot of her in the future. It sounds as though she's got the training, the acting chops, everything.

[lavenderdiva]

4. I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, CBH-

I'm glad you posted it. I did like Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin as hosts. I still miss Billy Crystal though! Now THAT was a great host!

what has Kristin Stewart ever done, other than those damn Twilight movies? Where did she come from? I cringed when she started presented, and had to stop. Audibly clear her throat and cough over her shoulder, and continue. it was all very dramatic. A bit TOO dramatic. she is like nails on a blackboard to me.

And I'm kinda getting sick of seeing Amanda Seyfried (sp?) all over the place. Every time I turn on the TV there is ANOTHER movie commercial with her. And I love me some 'Big Love' on HBO, where she got her start.

I thought the tribute to John Waters was great, bringing back all the 'youngsters' who got their start with him. That was neat to see them all grown up, some better and some worse for the wear.

I didn't like the new-fangled way of presenting the 4 top awards to the actors, with 5 of their peers talking about each of the nominees. To me, that was just a waste of time.

Watching the Oscars is something I do every year, and get excited about. I love watching the red carpet fashion shows beforehand, and then I watch the whole show, even the excruciating bits. This year, the network red carpet show beforehand, was painful to watch, and I couldn't believe they had Kathy Ireland hosting. She's a beautiful woman, true enough. But don't open your mouth- it just ruins the illusion. harsh but true.

those are my 2cents....

[Lindsey]

5. I watch it because I've loved the Oscars every since I was a

small child (I've always been a movie fanatic). I try to see as many of the films that are nominated in the major categories. If I'm not able to do so, I realize whomever I'm rooting for is with the understanding that my favorites are based on what I saw and actually may not be the best performance.

Having said that, all of the folks I was rooting for in the actor/actress/& best supporting actor/actress categories won. I didn't even see "Crazy Heart" was psyched that Jeff Bridges won because the people I know who did see it said he was great AND because I think he's been an awesome actor who has done great work over the years (IMHO). I loved Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side" and I did see several of the other performances and from what I saw, hers was the best. I saw all but one of the films for supporting actress and I can't imagine anything topping Mo'nique's. I saw three of the best supporting actor films and I have to say, I was completely blown away by Christoper Waltz (I can't even remember if that's his last name)in Inglorious Basterds. I rented the movie reluctantly (even though I LOVE Quentin). It just didn't seem to be something that I could get into. I know some people don't "get him", thinks he's overrated, etc., but his films totally resonate with me. Well, Inglorious Basterds did not disappoint (at least for me). I couldn't take my eyes off that film. I thought Christoper Waltz was absolutely astounding.

Obviously, I watch for the awards part and not the who is wearing what part.