DV,

Even as a kid, the Oscars was kind of an "event" in my house. The whole family would watch and we were allowed to stay up late (school night). Like I said, it lost it's prestige and glamour.

Also, I hate to sound like an oldtimer, and I acknowledge good movies are still being made, yet it's not like it use to be. Even back then, looking at fashion was common, it didn't compare the event itself and the feeling of "awe" we felt for a true star who gave an outstanding performance. Exactly why this is, or what is missing, I'm not sure.

TIS

I have to say I agree with you that Joan isn't nearly as funny as she was years ago...although she can come up with a good on-the-spot wisecrack every now & then. Her red-carpet interviews can be entertaining, depending on who the star is and how receptive they are to her humor. The fasion reviews used to be fun as well...but now they're basically old hat.

Aside from appearances she might be doing in Vegas...those pre-award shows are basically all that is left to her career. In my opinion, she blew it big time years ago when she dissed the Johnny Carson guest-hosting gig to get her own show at Fox.

Apple

It's not that worse films are being made, it's that the Academy doesn't pick them. Of course good/great films do make it to the Oscars as well as the other categories but often it's too ass-kissy.

As well, unfortunately politics do play into why some films win at the Oscars instead of others.

From what I've read from the mindless religious-freveront armies behind CRASH, they think its a "poignant" tale of racism in modern-day Los Angeles. Thing is, is the film itself worthy of this praise, or political inspirations found within it that people take ahold of? I say this because CRASH, if it was only a HBO movie instead of being released in theaters, would have won a few Emmys, applauded as a very nice effort, and then forgotten.

Then again, thats the only explanation as to why CRASH got nominated over something like A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, which doesn't make people inflicted with white guilt feel "racially sound" like with CRASH(nevermind that reportedly a good number of black Academy voters hated CRASH...and I don't actually blame them).

BTW, I'm sure Clooney will win an Oscar, since Hollywood loves him very much, though Best Supporting Actor is the most likely bet for victory.

Ronnie I hope you're right on Clooney winning for Syriana.

Anyways, here's a David Letterman top 10 list on this year's Oscars:

Top Ten Signs You're Not Going To Win An Academy Award

10. You're up against King Kong for Best Giant Monkey.

9. Instead of asking who you're wearing, Joan Rivers asks why you showed up.

8. Your film is used to torture Gitmo detainees.

7. Best acting you did this year was telling your wife you didn't sleep with Angelina Jolie.

6. You're "Guy No. 5" in the Paris Hilton sex tape.

5. Gretzky's wife bet a grand against you.

4. Your acting has been compared to Steven Segal

3. Played the coveted role of "man who gets kicked in the nuts."

2. George W. Bush has information you're going to win.

...1. You spent months learning to become a gay cowboy, but you're not an actor.

Just seen Syriana. I don't think it should win anything.

I forgot that this is one award show that comes on early (5:00 p.m. here), so I probably will tune in, at least for a while. I haven't seen any of the movies, so can't really root for any of them though.


TIS

Btw, what's the deal with "Crash"? I did not see it, but I know a couple of people who did and said it was good. It seems suddenly I'm hearing more buzz on that and Matt Dillon.

Best Supporting Actor:

William Hurt (A History of Violence)
George Clooney (Syriana) - winner
Matt Dillon (Crash)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain)
Paul Giamatti (Cinderella Man)

hey i want to see some of the past entrances that the hosts have had (ex. when they show billy crystal merged into the movies at the beginning of the oscars).

Geoff,

Wasn't the very beginning neat, with all brief movie lines and actors. Don't quite know how to describe it.


Clooney in bed with Jon Stewart. ha ha

Yea, Clooney won supporting. I thought perhaps Matt Dillon would be a surprise winner. I can't really say who I'd vote for, not seeing the movies, but I like Clooney.

TIS

Best Visual Effects:

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
War of the Worlds
King Kong - winner

Yeah, that was neat - at first I thought they got Billy Crystal after all! Those ex-hosts were good sports to do that!

I'm also glad that Jon Stewart, at least so far, is keeping the politics to a minimum.

I can't believe I'm getting sucked into this show - I don't think I've seen a single nominee. (Okay, I'm avoiding homework. )

But I can't stand to miss this show, and I wanted to see Jon Stewart. What a great year for stupid humor, considering Jon, Ben Stiller making an appearance, etc...

I loved Jon's joke about how Bjork was picking out her Oscar dress but wasn't able to make it because Dick Cheney shot her.

I loved George Clooney's speech.

TIS, I caught part of the opening, and yes, it was really nice! Got to see DeNiro, and I thought it was cool how they made it look as though separate characters were speaking to each other.

I don't think I'm gonna be posting the winners much longer... I'd rather watch this in the other room on the couch than upright at the computer.


Best Animated Feature Film:
Howl's Moving Castle
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit - winner

Yeah, that was neat - at first I thought they got Billy Crystal after all! Those ex-hosts were good sports to do that!

I'm also glad that Jon Stewart, at least so far, is keeping the politics to a minimum. [/b][/quote]Crystal was probably spending time with Steve Martin's kids, so they don't turn out weird.

TIS

How was this Dolly Parton song nominated for Best Song??

It's from the movie that's up for best picture with Felicity Huffman, TransAmerica.

I don't mind Dolly Parton, but I find most nominated songs at the academy awards aren't usually that good anyway.

TIS

Btw Geoff, this is a time a laptime does come in handy.

Best Live-Action Short Film:

Ausreisser (The Runaway)
Cashback
The Last Farm
Our Time Is Up
Six Shooter - winner


Yeah, TIS, I really need to get a laptop so I can get online while in every room!! I'll probably borrow my friend's for my trip this week at least...

Best Animated Short Film:

Badgered
The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation - winner
The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello
9
One Man Band

Achievement in Costume Design:

Memoirs of a Geisha - winner
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride and Prejudice
Walk the Line
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Achievement in Makeup:

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - winner
Cinderella Man
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

They cut the microphone off before the woman could talk...

They should let this winner speak at least...


Best Supporting Actress:

Frances McDormand (North Country)
Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) - winner
Amy Adams (Junebug)
Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain)
Catherine Keener (Capote)

Just a tidbit during the commercial, a teacher I worked with and his wife attend the Academy awards almost every year as seat-fillers (I can't think of the technical name for it). He said when they see someone leave a seat to go to the restroom, or for whatever reason, they rush to sit in it. This is so there never are empty seats when the camera shows the audience. I forgot if they got paid, but got to briefly meet stars. He seemed to really enjoy it. Who would have thought?

TIS

Sheesh! I thought I was going crazy seeing the same couple sitting next to different people all night!

Wow, you wouldn't have to pay me for that job!!

They just showed Sterling Hayden (Capt McCluskey) in that film-noir piece...

Best Documentary Short:

The Death of Kevin Carter: Casualty of the Bang Bang Club
God Sleeps in Rwanda
The Mushroom Club
A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin - winner

Ugly dress! :p


TIS

Best Documentary Feature:

Darwin's Nightmare
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
Murderball
March of the Penguins - winner
Street Fight