The Year I Enjoyed the Oscars Again

For the purposes of this column, I’m going to have to out myself as a full-on Lord of the Rings fan/groupie. I absolutely adored the film trilogy and was completely wrapped up in LOTR-mania from 2001-2004. I attended midnight screenings for FOTR and TTT; I attended Trilogy Tuesday to see FOTR and TTT extended editions on the big screen and ROTK an hour before everyone else; I bought both the theatrical and extended versions on DVD when they went on sale at midnight; I still have a box full of figurines (mostly Legolas), magazines and other souveniers; and I attended the TORn Oscar Party for ROTK in 2004 where they swept the Oscars and the thread in my poor vintage dress was no match for my exuberant jumping around after each win. (Don’t worry, I just lost some beads and split a couple of arm seams; no R-rated exposure resulted from said jumping around.) I still remember standing in my 3 inch heels for hours after the telecast as a crowd of statue-holding filmmakers appeared on stage to talk to us and thank us for our support. I still have the guitar pick Billy Boyd used when he sang “Oh Jean” for us. I can still picture Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan standing in the wings, watching Billy, and doing the “we’re not worthy” bow after his performance. I still remember Peter Jackson making sure every single person involved in the production who was on the stage had a turn to talk to us. No Oscar night has matched that one. In fact, I don’t think I even watched last year, at least not in its entirety.

While I’m not prepared to place this year’s ceremony on par with The Year One Ring Ruled Them All, I cannot remember the last time an awards ceremony has been so entertaining. Not just funny, but poignant and innovative in the best way. Let’s start at the top:

• Hugh Jackman’s opening number: loved it! It was cute and irreverant. Anne Hathaway’s surprise inclusion was delightful. Having seen her on SNL, I knew she could sing, but props to her for knocking it out of the park live in front of a billion people. As Shirley Maclaine said later, she’s fearless! I also loved Jackman’s final “I am Wolverrrrrrrine!” It was a sly wink at the self-congratulatory nature of the Oscars and the pimping of new projects hosts and presenters are forced to do all the time at these things.
• The acting presentations: five previous winners on stage, each speaking directly to one of the nominees, was very sweet. Except when Nicole Kidman flubbed her lines to Angelina Jolie. Could the Jolie have discomfited Nicole? I wouldn’t be surprised. Even Anthony Hopkins seemed a little flustered having to address his “good friend” Brad Pitt.  But most of the little speeches were lovely and I felt they added something special for the nominees. Many viewers have complained about having those speeches instead of showing clips of the nominees’ work, but if it were me sitting there, I think having someone I admired in my field of work speak directly to me about how they admired MY work would make the night so much more special.
• Loved that Kate Winslet won but didn’t fall apart at the podium as she has so many times this awards season. Having her dad whistle from his seat and her exuberant, “Hi dad!”, was adorable. Also, loved her dress. My favorite of the night.
• The Snarky Girl in me was disappointed that the Aniston-Pitt-Jolie triangle didn’t generate any glares or even noticeable awkwardness. Could it be that they’re actually mature and basically all get along? Don’t tell me the tabloids are wrong!
• I have yet to figure out why Miley Cyrus was there.
• The Ledger family did a fine job of accepting Heath’s award. It was a bittersweet moment for them that they handled with grace and dignity.
• Favorite comic moments included Natalie Portman handling Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix – did anyone else expect her to launch into Rapping Natalie from SNL? – and James Franco and Seth Rogan’s review of 2008 Comedy. Both skits had me howling with laughter.
• I’m so not a fan of musicals, but even I applauded at the end of the Baz Luhrman musical number and Hugh’s triumphant declaration that “the musical is back!” Full disclosure: I loved Mama Mia! and have all of the songs on my laptop. But for the most part, no.
• The number of missed cues in this broadcast was staggering. And yet, I was still thoroughly entertained.

Did you watch? What did you think? And do you know why Miley Cyrus was there?