Am I the only one that thought Jon did exactly what was needed last night

[Greenbeard]

Jon Stewart and many others involved last night were clearly sending a message to hollywood and the nation.

It may have been a little subtle and it may have gone over many people's heads but it was definately there. Movies are a form of media and one that can send a worthwhile message necessary to wake up the masses, and this academy of actors needs to step up and start working to turn this nation around. The time is now.

Jon reminded the audience that a vocal segment of the nation is trying to portray hollywood and Los Angeles as a modern day Sodom and Gommorah. At first the audience seemed a bit uncomfortable with the political direction he was taking. Remember that these are actors and actresses that depend on americans going to see their movies in order to make a living. If you get caught being a bit too political you may end up being portrayed quite negatively in our media today.

I have to admit that I really loved the fact that Dolly was able to get all those actors and actresses in hollywood clapping along as she sang a song asking for a little help from Jesus. Nice work, Dolly. Glad to have you on our side.

Hmmmm, what is that. You mean progressive liberals may have a little spirituality in their souls.

Why do you think all the taking points today are about how boring the oscars were. The message from the mainstream media is clear. Nothing to see here. Move along. I said, Move along.

[Cleita]

1. I'm with you. I thought what he did was brilliant. n/t

[GRLMGC]

2. He was defending Los Angeles?

He once ranted on the Daily Show as to how Los Angeles was horrible and evil. Oh well, we get shit on all the time, hahaha. Hell, if we're Sodom and Gomorrah then I'll be proud to burn

[stillcool]

3. They gave up no ammo..... n/t

[Maccagirl]

14. Exactly!

Jon played it very smart IMO. Great job!

[ThomWV]

4. I thought he was just fine.

[Nikki Stone 1]

5. I actually agree with your take on the Oscars

John Stewart was being as hard on Hollywood as he could be and for GOOD reason. I know that the audience was uncomfortable and he probably won't be asked back, but my favorite moments were:

1. To Spielburg: "I can't wait to see what happens to us (Jews) next." (Great reminder of anti-semitism)

2. Hollywood as a modern day Sodom and Gommorah

3. His congratulation of George Clooney's speech (How much more can he have?!) and the comment that Susan Sarandon was sending a check.

4. And of course, Martin Scorsese, zero Oscars, 3-6 Mafia, one

[Lisa]

13. and the opening sequence with George Clooney ...

... made it pretty clear that Jon wasn't really jealous (defusing any criticism that he and George have some kind of feud going -- or conversely that anything supportive he might say was insincere flattery). Neatly done, I thought.

p.s. He slipped in some provocative comments in a way that will stick in people's memories -- given that the Oscar speeches generally weren't as controversial as in previous years (who would have thought that the "March of the Penguins" filmmakers' attempt to drum up support for the Antarctic Treaty would have been one of the more political moments of the night?), this may have been the only way to do it without provoking an immediate backlash. The mock "Oscar campaign" attack ads were fun too, and I think people will think back to them, come the fall elections.

[Nikki Stone 1]

19. Loved the attack ads...though they made some Hollywooders cringe

which was part of the enjoyment for me. Jon totally undercut the return to elegance theme. Everyone in dresses influenced by the 1940s--Lord.

And yes, the March of the Penguins guys were great!

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. No more boring than usual anyway

Course I was flippin channels, so I did miss Dolly. :(

[JerseygirlCT]

7. I thought he did a terrific job.

His usual -- intelligent, funny, sarcastic.

I liked it, as did my spouse.

I don't understand the criticism.

[LibinMo]

22. I agree Jersey girl

I haven't watched the Oscars in years. Only tuned in because of Jon-although I did surf around during the speeches.

If he hosts again next year I'll watch. Otherwise to me it's a big waste of time.

I love JS.

[JerseygirlCT]

26. I usually watch with half an eye --

just to skim for the highlights, as it were. (And the pretty dresses, I'll confess I like pretty dresses.)

But I found myself trying to pay attention last night, so I wouldn't miss a good one. I could hear my spouse in the other room laughing loudly, and I'd think: Rats! Missed one!

[AndyA]

8. I thought Jon did a fine job

He was obviously told to tone it down, and keep it non-threatening. Given that circumstance, he did an admirable job. At least we didn't have to see Billy :puke: Crystal again. (I hear he is NOT a nice man.)

[FreedomAngel82]

11. I thought it was cool he was trying to get

people to lighten up but everyone was so serious. LOL. Except that rap group.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. This was the first year I sat through the whole thing

I enjoyed it. I thought Jon did fine. I liked his joke about the democratic party and giving money. LOL. I loved the set and thought it was very beautiful. The orchestra did a wonderful job too.

[tuvor]

10. If it was subtle, how can it be clear that some message was being sent?

Anyway, I thought Jon Stewart was there to be the most entertaining emcee he could be.

[FreedomAngel82]

12. Yes that is his job

[Greenbeard]

18. Subtle to some, clear to others

but nice catch :)

[Minnesota Libra]

15. Jon made a comment I just loved after some film clips..........

......of past movies that made social comments on issues like racism, and various forms of biotry. I don't recall his exact words but Jon's words were something to the affect of, "We haven't had to revisit those issue since then have we folks." Of course his words were dripping with :sarcasm: and people got the point too because there were some snickers and uncomfortable snickers as well.

:loveya: I think he was great:bounce: :toast: :bounce: :toast:

[Greenbeard]

16. that may have been may favorite line all night

nicely played

[Lisa]

17. yes -- any self-satisfaction the Academy might have felt ...

... was torn away from them, with that one comment! Risky (since some of the audience probably felt indignant that he would be so smartassed) -- but effective. Making art about social issues, as he pointed out, won't necessarily fix things ... it has to be followed up with a lot of work.

[Nikki Stone 1]

20. Which makes the selection of Crash as best picture kind of interesting

nt

[Minnesota Libra]

23. Oh but he did at least make the point - he deserves......

.....kudos for at least trying.:toast:

[Greenbeard]

24. the acadamy knew what they were getting when they asked him to host

perhaps they are ready to get to work ???

i say the more the merrier.

[Mira]

21. He was almost in a no win situation - yet he won it handily.

The criticism of him is unwarranted. He had to walk a line too fine considering his talent and his strengths. How can a person walk, when he's cut off at the knees.

He did it very well, anyway.

[Greybnk48]

25. The show wasn't about him. He was perfect.

Funny, yet low key. The host is not supposed to steal or dominate the show, just keep it moving along. I loved the attack ads!!

[Jane Austin]

27. I agree with you, too.

I thought he was not only funny and smart, but by being low-key, he didn't get in the way of the Big Stars there, who the evening is really about.

I get the feeling that some people, right, left and center, fully expected him to somehow single-handedly win in Iraq, pay off the deficit, make all movies great, find Bin Laden, and escort Dubya out of town all by himself.

He was just great, and because I had TiVo'd it, I was able to play back just the Stewart bits, and other highlights for Dearest Husband, who was at a political gathering last night and missed the Awards.




(Edited to identify for whom I had TiVo'd the show - - other than "him".)

[Neil Lisst]

28. from Dolly to 3-6 mafia, I thought it was a nice show

Jon Stewart did just right for his first Oscars.

[Joe Fields]

29. He wasn't hired to send a "message."

He was hired to entertain.

[Zookeeper]

30. Stewart did very well. I would have liked to see him be...

more political, but that wouldn't have necessarily been the right thing to do in that situation. The montage of Liberal, message films was far more radical than anything he said, especially throwing in the "I'm mad and I'm not going to take it anymore!!!" Network clip. I'd love to know who put that together and I'll bet it infuriated the RW and Libertarians.