Hugh just came on to say stay tuned for sneak previews of movies in 2009. Oops here it is.
(I'm going to ignore this as I can't tell anything what these movies are about)
Final Thoughts...
Well if you look at it there really was one or two surprises..."Waltz With Brashir" losing and Sean Penn upsetting Mickey Rourke. I really liked past winners coming out to honor the current nominees. Hugh Jackman did a great job opening the show and holding your attention.
I could have done without the teenage crowd being involved but I guess you need that for ratings these days (hey ABC...try and remember who has more money these days to buy your advertiser's products...a 14 year old or a 31 year old).
That's all I have in me...after four hours plus on this computer, I think it and I need a rest.
Thanks to those few of you who followed along or just stopped by.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Best Picture
It seems that Steven Spielberg is the go to guy for "Best Picture" the past couple of years...but who else would you use here?
* They are tying the current nominees with past winners. Slumdog is about "destiny"...The Reader is about "dangerous affairs"...Frost/Nixon is about "integrity".."Milk" is about "revolution"... and "Benjamin Button" is about "the passage of time".
* This montage sucked the energy out of the room...but its finally over. Here we go for the final award. Its 90% "Slumdog" and "Milk" is the only movie that can upset it.
* Drum roll...and its "Slumdog Millionaire". You will now have the "Jai Ho" song in your head for the rest of eternity. Not bad for a little movie that could.
* Haha, they brought up the little kids in the movie, nice touch. If my wife was here, she'd probably be bawling.
* I feel bad for those kids though because in a week or two, they will be sent back to India. Hopefully they live it up in LA for a bit and partake in a few lines of cocaine off a strippers naked body.
* They are tying the current nominees with past winners. Slumdog is about "destiny"...The Reader is about "dangerous affairs"...Frost/Nixon is about "integrity".."Milk" is about "revolution"... and "Benjamin Button" is about "the passage of time".
* This montage sucked the energy out of the room...but its finally over. Here we go for the final award. Its 90% "Slumdog" and "Milk" is the only movie that can upset it.
* Drum roll...and its "Slumdog Millionaire". You will now have the "Jai Ho" song in your head for the rest of eternity. Not bad for a little movie that could.
* Haha, they brought up the little kids in the movie, nice touch. If my wife was here, she'd probably be bawling.
* I feel bad for those kids though because in a week or two, they will be sent back to India. Hopefully they live it up in LA for a bit and partake in a few lines of cocaine off a strippers naked body.
Best Actor
And the five presenters for the best actor award are...
* Robert Deniro (nice!), Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody, Michael Douglas (double nice!)....wow, a great collection of actors here. Who is stuck honoring Brad Pitt?
* Michael "Greed Is Good" Douglas gets to honor Frank Langella. I miss Michael Douglas...not bad for a guy who was Basic Instinct.
* Robert Deniro gets a good line in about Sean Penn. Deniro looks great...why can't he be in one last great movie (Meet The Parents doesn't count). Trust me, Sean Penn was awesome in Milk.
* Adrian Brody gets everyman Richard Jenkins. I think it would be neat to see him win but I highly doubt it. That's a shame that Jennifer Aniston who's been nominated in NOTHING gets to sit a row closer than Richard Jenkins.
* Anthony Hopkins gets Brad Pitt...oops, he called him a "character" actor. Anthony Hopkins is another actor who I think has one last great film left in him.
* Ben Kingsley gets Mickey Rourke who looks extremely intense right now. The guy from "Twilight" sits right behind him for some reason and he does indeed look like a vampire waiting to bite Mickey Rourke's neck. I saw this movie too. I think Rourke will win but Sean Penn SHOULD win.
* Sean Penn WIIIIIIINSSSSS!!! I feel bad for Mickey but for those who haven't seen it, Milk is a tremendous performance....the Sean Penn accepting this award looks nothing like the character he portrayed in the film.
* Great speech going here...not sure who the "best friend" was. Shout out to Cleve Jones, who was a character in "Milk" and Gus Van Sant, who did a great job here directing. Nice touch on talking about Prop 8 being shot down...I think those people in California who voted it down should be ashamed of themselves.
* Nice touch there on Mickey Rourke...still doesn't take the sting away of losing his dog Loki before the show.
* Robert Deniro (nice!), Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody, Michael Douglas (double nice!)....wow, a great collection of actors here. Who is stuck honoring Brad Pitt?
* Michael "Greed Is Good" Douglas gets to honor Frank Langella. I miss Michael Douglas...not bad for a guy who was Basic Instinct.
* Robert Deniro gets a good line in about Sean Penn. Deniro looks great...why can't he be in one last great movie (Meet The Parents doesn't count). Trust me, Sean Penn was awesome in Milk.
* Adrian Brody gets everyman Richard Jenkins. I think it would be neat to see him win but I highly doubt it. That's a shame that Jennifer Aniston who's been nominated in NOTHING gets to sit a row closer than Richard Jenkins.
* Anthony Hopkins gets Brad Pitt...oops, he called him a "character" actor. Anthony Hopkins is another actor who I think has one last great film left in him.
* Ben Kingsley gets Mickey Rourke who looks extremely intense right now. The guy from "Twilight" sits right behind him for some reason and he does indeed look like a vampire waiting to bite Mickey Rourke's neck. I saw this movie too. I think Rourke will win but Sean Penn SHOULD win.
* Sean Penn WIIIIIIINSSSSS!!! I feel bad for Mickey but for those who haven't seen it, Milk is a tremendous performance....the Sean Penn accepting this award looks nothing like the character he portrayed in the film.
* Great speech going here...not sure who the "best friend" was. Shout out to Cleve Jones, who was a character in "Milk" and Gus Van Sant, who did a great job here directing. Nice touch on talking about Prop 8 being shot down...I think those people in California who voted it down should be ashamed of themselves.
* Nice touch there on Mickey Rourke...still doesn't take the sting away of losing his dog Loki before the show.
Best Actress
And the presenters are...
Sophia Loren, Shirley McClain, Halle Berry's breasts, Nicole Kidman, and Mariann Coultier.
* I really like this idea of having multiple presenters kiss the nominees asses.
* Shirley draws Anne Hathaway who is baaaaaarely holding it together here. Anne should note that once you hit 40, the roles dry up quickly (see Shirley McClain)
* Marianne (who beat Kate last year) gets to try and make Kate tear up. If she wins...look out.
* Oh Halle...first she has to recognize herself winning before recognizing the "who is that?" nominee. If I want to see a "Frozen River" I'll drive to the 1000 Islands in the middle of January.
* Sophia Loren and her stiff face gets to talk about Meryl Streep. They show a quick shot of Sophia's back with wires coming out...it wouldn't surprise me if she's a robot in real like. Penelope Cruz would be wise to parlay her career into one of Sophia...take notes.
* Nicole Kidman discusses Angelina Jolie. She must have drawn the short straw. Green jewelery too.
* And the winner goes to Kate Winslet...."GATHER!!! GATHER!!! GATHER!!!"
* Hmmm..Kate talks about waiting to accept an Oscar since she was 8 years old. When I was 8 years old, I wish I could be a Transformer or even better Turbo Teen.
* Why is Kate Winslet's Dad sitting so far back in the audience...he definitely shows off the other thing that the Brits are famous before besides great actors....horrible teeth.
* Okay Kate, time to get off the stage...
Sophia Loren, Shirley McClain, Halle Berry's breasts, Nicole Kidman, and Mariann Coultier.
* I really like this idea of having multiple presenters kiss the nominees asses.
* Shirley draws Anne Hathaway who is baaaaaarely holding it together here. Anne should note that once you hit 40, the roles dry up quickly (see Shirley McClain)
* Marianne (who beat Kate last year) gets to try and make Kate tear up. If she wins...look out.
* Oh Halle...first she has to recognize herself winning before recognizing the "who is that?" nominee. If I want to see a "Frozen River" I'll drive to the 1000 Islands in the middle of January.
* Sophia Loren and her stiff face gets to talk about Meryl Streep. They show a quick shot of Sophia's back with wires coming out...it wouldn't surprise me if she's a robot in real like. Penelope Cruz would be wise to parlay her career into one of Sophia...take notes.
* Nicole Kidman discusses Angelina Jolie. She must have drawn the short straw. Green jewelery too.
* And the winner goes to Kate Winslet...."GATHER!!! GATHER!!! GATHER!!!"
* Hmmm..Kate talks about waiting to accept an Oscar since she was 8 years old. When I was 8 years old, I wish I could be a Transformer or even better Turbo Teen.
* Why is Kate Winslet's Dad sitting so far back in the audience...he definitely shows off the other thing that the Brits are famous before besides great actors....horrible teeth.
* Okay Kate, time to get off the stage...
Final Push
Final Questions...
Assuming they follow the same model for the Supporting awards...what five former actor and actresses will come out to present the best actor awards?
Who presents final picture?
Will the entire cast of Slumdog go onstage?
Will we see Hugh Jackman one more time?
Assuming they follow the same model for the Supporting awards...what five former actor and actresses will come out to present the best actor awards?
Who presents final picture?
Will the entire cast of Slumdog go onstage?
Will we see Hugh Jackman one more time?
Best Director
Usaully the President of the Academy says a few words but today he gets nothing.
* Here's Reese...not a good idea in this economy to compare a director to a CEO. Not sure I like her dress or the blue eye make up.
* I think that if Obama's new stimulus package includes building roads, you can save money on drills and just use Reese's chin to burrow holes in the road.
* Hmmm...as she reads the nominee, each director has their own fan club.
* And the Oscar goes to...Slumdog. Number 6 I beleive. This guy directed "Trainspotting" all those years ago so I guess he's had a solid career. This pretty much makes "Slumdog" a lock to win Best Picture now. The only suspense left is the Best Actor and Actress. Then again, HOW they'll present the Best Picture award might be interesting.
* Danny recognizes the guy that all haters of the end credit dance sequence can send anthrax too. That's hilarious he left him out of the credits...
* Here's Reese...not a good idea in this economy to compare a director to a CEO. Not sure I like her dress or the blue eye make up.
* I think that if Obama's new stimulus package includes building roads, you can save money on drills and just use Reese's chin to burrow holes in the road.
* Hmmm...as she reads the nominee, each director has their own fan club.
* And the Oscar goes to...Slumdog. Number 6 I beleive. This guy directed "Trainspotting" all those years ago so I guess he's had a solid career. This pretty much makes "Slumdog" a lock to win Best Picture now. The only suspense left is the Best Actor and Actress. Then again, HOW they'll present the Best Picture award might be interesting.
* Danny recognizes the guy that all haters of the end credit dance sequence can send anthrax too. That's hilarious he left him out of the credits...
Let's remember those who died.
Let's see Slumdog Millionaire has five awards so far.
* Ugh, Queen Latifah singing. She is introducing the "people who died" part of the show. I findthis facsinating in terms of who gets applause and who doesn't. Let's see who died...
* Bernie Mac...forgot about that one...mild applause
* Michael Crighton...mild applause
* Pat Hingle aka the commissioner from the Michael Keaton "Batman" movies.
* Roy Scheider...aka the guy from Jaws and that TV Show "Seaquest"
* Issac Hayes...RIP Shaft and the Chef from South Park.
* Ricardo Montalaban..."Tell me fans of the 80's, will you remember him more for "The Naked Gun" or "Star Trek 2?"
* The black head cop from Robocop...Nooooooo!!!
* Charlton Heston..."You blew it up!!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!"...major applause.
* Paul Newman...huge applause...and he gets a quick clip.
* No Heath Ledger? I guess he was honored with the Oscar.
* Ugh, Queen Latifah singing. She is introducing the "people who died" part of the show. I findthis facsinating in terms of who gets applause and who doesn't. Let's see who died...
* Bernie Mac...forgot about that one...mild applause
* Michael Crighton...mild applause
* Pat Hingle aka the commissioner from the Michael Keaton "Batman" movies.
* Roy Scheider...aka the guy from Jaws and that TV Show "Seaquest"
* Issac Hayes...RIP Shaft and the Chef from South Park.
* Ricardo Montalaban..."Tell me fans of the 80's, will you remember him more for "The Naked Gun" or "Star Trek 2?"
* The black head cop from Robocop...Nooooooo!!!
* Charlton Heston..."You blew it up!!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!!"...major applause.
* Paul Newman...huge applause...and he gets a quick clip.
* No Heath Ledger? I guess he was honored with the Oscar.
Best Foriegn Film
Hugh makes a cameo appearance to announce Latika and the original "Darkman" who will annouce best foriegn language film.
* Hmmm...the movie "Death" sounds pretty much in your face. "Waltz With Brashir" should be the lock though.
* And the Oscar goes to...whoa, some movie called "Departure". Again , I would pay $1,000 for them to cut to Miley Cyrus here.
* Is that Nancy Quan the old "Pearl Cream" seller standing in black there?
* Buckle up...its almost time for the final 4 awards.
* Hmmm...the movie "Death" sounds pretty much in your face. "Waltz With Brashir" should be the lock though.
* And the Oscar goes to...whoa, some movie called "Departure". Again , I would pay $1,000 for them to cut to Miley Cyrus here.
* Is that Nancy Quan the old "Pearl Cream" seller standing in black there?
* Buckle up...its almost time for the final 4 awards.
Best Song
Get the name of the award right Alicia!
* Damn, I really wish Peter Gabriel sang his song...even if it was abbriviated.
* Ugh, even the Indian pop stars use that really annoying effect on their voice to make it sound like its in tune (Cher's song "Believe" started this but enough of the history lesson).
* Hmmm...lets trade Peter Gabriel for John Legend. I'd love to see John Legend sing "Shock The Monkey" if he thinks he can do such a great job here. (must put tendency to talk about the 1980's back in the box)
* Up last is the quirky dance number that plays over the ending credits of Slumdog Millionaire. It has a catchy chorus, that's for sure. Who's the random guy with the drum in the aisle. Is the guy in black even singing.
* Its a mashup!
* Oh Zac, you pretty boy you...
* And the winner is..."You can drive a steam train...if you just lay down the tracks"...oops, Slum Dog wins again. Let's face it, we're in a Slumdog world right now.
* I like how they are still dancing as they go to commercial.
* Damn, I really wish Peter Gabriel sang his song...even if it was abbriviated.
* Ugh, even the Indian pop stars use that really annoying effect on their voice to make it sound like its in tune (Cher's song "Believe" started this but enough of the history lesson).
* Hmmm...lets trade Peter Gabriel for John Legend. I'd love to see John Legend sing "Shock The Monkey" if he thinks he can do such a great job here. (must put tendency to talk about the 1980's back in the box)
* Up last is the quirky dance number that plays over the ending credits of Slumdog Millionaire. It has a catchy chorus, that's for sure. Who's the random guy with the drum in the aisle. Is the guy in black even singing.
* Its a mashup!
* Oh Zac, you pretty boy you...
* And the winner is..."You can drive a steam train...if you just lay down the tracks"...oops, Slum Dog wins again. Let's face it, we're in a Slumdog world right now.
* I like how they are still dancing as they go to commercial.
Let's Honor Jerry Lewis
Well, hello Eddie Murphy! Nice to see him come out of hiding to present Jerry Lewis some kind of humanitarian award.
* I'm trying to think of a tasteless "Jerry's Kids" joke but nothing is coming to be now. Give me some time though.
* Jerry Lewis really was a innovative actor. He was also a great director too. Didn't get much of a montage but let's hear him talk.
*Hmmm...he looks good for a guy over 80. Nice speech, I'd thought he'd be a little more wild but what can you do.
* Damn it Hollywood...stand up for the man!!!
* Hold up, I found an old joke...
Q: What has 500,000 feet and still can't walk?
A: Jerry's kids.
I'm taking an express elevator down, I know...
* I'm trying to think of a tasteless "Jerry's Kids" joke but nothing is coming to be now. Give me some time though.
* Jerry Lewis really was a innovative actor. He was also a great director too. Didn't get much of a montage but let's hear him talk.
*Hmmm...he looks good for a guy over 80. Nice speech, I'd thought he'd be a little more wild but what can you do.
* Damn it Hollywood...stand up for the man!!!
* Hold up, I found an old joke...
Q: What has 500,000 feet and still can't walk?
A: Jerry's kids.
I'm taking an express elevator down, I know...
Best Editor
Will Smith gets 4 awards...a future host perhaps?
Please...PLEASE don't let "Dark Knight" win here. I have personal reasons for this award to NOT go to the Batman movie.
* I'll guess "Slumdog" here.
* And the Oscar goes to..."Slumdog". There are a lot of completely bald people accepting awards tonight. And another Brit as well. Go English!
Please...PLEASE don't let "Dark Knight" win here. I have personal reasons for this award to NOT go to the Batman movie.
* I'll guess "Slumdog" here.
* And the Oscar goes to..."Slumdog". There are a lot of completely bald people accepting awards tonight. And another Brit as well. Go English!
Sound Mixing
Wow, Will Smith gets three awards...then again its Sound Mixing. I have no idea what a Sound Mixer does. Sounds like a lot of noise.
* The Oscar goes to "Slumdog Millionaire". Three guys accept...I've never seen that much emotion from a sound mixer.
* Hey its John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston.
* The Oscar goes to "Slumdog Millionaire". Three guys accept...I've never seen that much emotion from a sound mixer.
* Hey its John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston.
Action Movie Montage and Best Visual Effects and Sound Editing
Time to look at some of the best action movies of 2008. Can't really say anything about this except that I'm trying to figure out the band playing here...the Hives? I'm sure they are thankful to get any exposure whoever it is.
* Ugh, Will Smith...star of "Seven Pounds". Nice to see him taken down a peg. Anybody that casts their own child in a movie deserves a little bit of humble pie.
* "Benjamin Button" wins for visual effects here. Not a major surprise. No way are they going to allow all four of these guys to talk. I'd be shocked if they let three of them go.
* Hah, only one gets to talk...sucks for the other three.
* "Boom goes the dynamite" reference...nice Will Smith.
* Oscar for Sound Editing goes to "The Dark Knight"...I'll let this one go since its a pretty technical category. I will be on a rampage if this wins for Best Editing though.
* Ugh, Will Smith...star of "Seven Pounds". Nice to see him taken down a peg. Anybody that casts their own child in a movie deserves a little bit of humble pie.
* "Benjamin Button" wins for visual effects here. Not a major surprise. No way are they going to allow all four of these guys to talk. I'd be shocked if they let three of them go.
* Hah, only one gets to talk...sucks for the other three.
* "Boom goes the dynamite" reference...nice Will Smith.
* Oscar for Sound Editing goes to "The Dark Knight"...I'll let this one go since its a pretty technical category. I will be on a rampage if this wins for Best Editing though.
Documentary Short Subject
I'm pulling for the Final Inch...only because its sounds like a porno movie.
*And the winner is...Smile Pinky. Hmmm, if you reword the title as "Smile...pinky", you could get a potential adult movie title there. I am now redeemed.
* Uh-oh, sounds like this movie was about kids with Cleft pallettes...i take my adult movie comment back.
Back with Will Smith...
*And the winner is...Smile Pinky. Hmmm, if you reword the title as "Smile...pinky", you could get a potential adult movie title there. I am now redeemed.
* Uh-oh, sounds like this movie was about kids with Cleft pallettes...i take my adult movie comment back.
Back with Will Smith...
Best Documentary
I'm surprised they didn't go to commercial here...instead they go to random documentaries. The piano music in the background is very pretty (did I say I appreciate music?)
* Yikes, Bill Maher hits the stage. Not sure why he's here since he appeals to a select niche but who knows. Ugh, terrible plug by Bill Maher of his own documentary.
* My pick is Man On Wire...of course its the only nominee I saw.
* Whoa, that Asian guy needs some braces (sorry, I tell it like it is).
* And the winner is "Man On Wire"...COOL. This is a really cool movie. Its about a guy who walked across the Twin Towers. Being from NY, its a love letter to the towers and the guy who did the walking (the guy with the white scarf) is awesome. Nice bit of magic there!
* Yikes, Bill Maher hits the stage. Not sure why he's here since he appeals to a select niche but who knows. Ugh, terrible plug by Bill Maher of his own documentary.
* My pick is Man On Wire...of course its the only nominee I saw.
* Whoa, that Asian guy needs some braces (sorry, I tell it like it is).
* And the winner is "Man On Wire"...COOL. This is a really cool movie. Its about a guy who walked across the Twin Towers. Being from NY, its a love letter to the towers and the guy who did the walking (the guy with the white scarf) is awesome. Nice bit of magic there!
Best Supporting Actor
Hmmm...Christopher Walken, Tommy Lee Jones, Sean Connery, Alan Arkin...it must be time for Best Supporting Actor award or "Let's honor the life of Heath Ledger"
* HUGE!!! Christopher Walker is taking the stage!!! Plus Joel Grey is neat because he played a key bad guy role in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Season 5.
* Alan Arkin gives Philip Seymour Hoffman props for "Doubt"...I love the skull cap.
* Joel Grey gets to honor Josh Brolin. He looks way too tan. Please slap Dianne Lane if you lose.
* Oh boy...the luckiest Oscar winner ever, Cuba Gooding Jr. gets to talk about Robert Downey Jr. I like his speech. Cuba probably could have used that role.
* Its fitting Christopher Walken gets to talk about the crazy guy Michael Shannon played. I love Christopher Walken's mullet.
* Kevin Kline gets to discuss Heath Ledger...its just a matter of who accepts the award. They don't cut to anybody in the audience.
* Surprise...its Robert Downey Jr....just kidding, Heath Ledger. Get out your hankies kids, this is going to be sad.
* Hmmmm...his parents are young looking. Nice shot of Kate Winslet, Ron Howard, Brad Pitt, and Adrian Brody, Mickey Rourke, Anne Hathway, Christopher Nolan, Anjelina, and Robert Downey Jr."
* I would pay $1,000 to see the orchestra play the Dad off the stage. I'd also pay $1,000 to show somebody like Robert Downey Jr. laughing like a hyena during the speech. Yes, I have a slightly twisted mind.
* Yes, he was awesome playing the "Jokel" or so says his sister.
* HUGE!!! Christopher Walker is taking the stage!!! Plus Joel Grey is neat because he played a key bad guy role in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Season 5.
* Alan Arkin gives Philip Seymour Hoffman props for "Doubt"...I love the skull cap.
* Joel Grey gets to honor Josh Brolin. He looks way too tan. Please slap Dianne Lane if you lose.
* Oh boy...the luckiest Oscar winner ever, Cuba Gooding Jr. gets to talk about Robert Downey Jr. I like his speech. Cuba probably could have used that role.
* Its fitting Christopher Walken gets to talk about the crazy guy Michael Shannon played. I love Christopher Walken's mullet.
* Kevin Kline gets to discuss Heath Ledger...its just a matter of who accepts the award. They don't cut to anybody in the audience.
* Surprise...its Robert Downey Jr....just kidding, Heath Ledger. Get out your hankies kids, this is going to be sad.
* Hmmmm...his parents are young looking. Nice shot of Kate Winslet, Ron Howard, Brad Pitt, and Adrian Brody, Mickey Rourke, Anne Hathway, Christopher Nolan, Anjelina, and Robert Downey Jr."
* I would pay $1,000 to see the orchestra play the Dad off the stage. I'd also pay $1,000 to show somebody like Robert Downey Jr. laughing like a hyena during the speech. Yes, I have a slightly twisted mind.
* Yes, he was awesome playing the "Jokel" or so says his sister.
Random Musical Salute Song and Dance
Hugh is back and promoting the return of the musical...did he see "Enchanted"?
* Another sing and dance routine...uh-oh is that Beyonce and her thick legs?
* The theme here is song and dance, but I'm going to guess they are going through past big songs over the history of movies.
* I want Beyonce to break into the "All The Single Ladies" dance right now.
* "Lady Marmelafe is being trotted out. I think the girl with the huge bug eyes from Mamma Mia has joined the fray.
* Time for "At Last"...Etta James is getting pissed somewhere.
* Oh no...Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens have joined the party.
* Please don't tell me that's the USC Marching Band...last week the Grammy's now this?!? Its not fair (forgive me resentment, I was in the Boston College Marching Band)...
* And we're done..it almost gets a standing ovation. Zac Efron's hat falls off.
* Another sing and dance routine...uh-oh is that Beyonce and her thick legs?
* The theme here is song and dance, but I'm going to guess they are going through past big songs over the history of movies.
* I want Beyonce to break into the "All The Single Ladies" dance right now.
* "Lady Marmelafe is being trotted out. I think the girl with the huge bug eyes from Mamma Mia has joined the fray.
* Time for "At Last"...Etta James is getting pissed somewhere.
* Oh no...Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens have joined the party.
* Please don't tell me that's the USC Marching Band...last week the Grammy's now this?!? Its not fair (forgive me resentment, I was in the Boston College Marching Band)...
* And we're done..it almost gets a standing ovation. Zac Efron's hat falls off.
A Word From Our Sponsor
Since I know I have a HUGE audience following along here (about 50 hits since the Oscars started...which means that there are probably 5 people here), I must honor my beloved advertisers.
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Best Short Film
Yes...another category I like to pick based on name alone.
This year I picked "The Pig"...seems like a simple but powerful name.
*And I'm waaay off. Hmmm...I'm not sure how the winner of this award is going to like Seth Rogan laughing like an idiot as James Franco announces the name.
* I want this guy to break out into the "Sprockets" dance.
This year I picked "The Pig"...seems like a simple but powerful name.
*And I'm waaay off. Hmmm...I'm not sure how the winner of this award is going to like Seth Rogan laughing like an idiot as James Franco announces the name.
* I want this guy to break out into the "Sprockets" dance.
Pineapple Express spoof
Here's a "Pineapple Express" spoof.
* I like this...its trying a little too hard to be funny in the beginning. I like the "Mamma Mia" song.
" I like how they laugh at the serious movies and how James Franco laughs at his own kissing scenes with Sean Penn.
* The staple scene was pretty raw in the "Wrestler"...good job to spoof it hear.
Ah yes...abstract humor at its finest.
* I like this...its trying a little too hard to be funny in the beginning. I like the "Mamma Mia" song.
" I like how they laugh at the serious movies and how James Franco laughs at his own kissing scenes with Sean Penn.
* The staple scene was pretty raw in the "Wrestler"...good job to spoof it hear.
Ah yes...abstract humor at its finest.
Random Jessica Biel sighting
Damn, the commercials are quick...
Its Jessica Biel...Derek Jeter goes through his "past conquest rolodex" somewhere as she talks about patents and electrical equipment. How many times did she have to rehearse this?
These segments are moving along quickly.
Its Jessica Biel...Derek Jeter goes through his "past conquest rolodex" somewhere as she talks about patents and electrical equipment. How many times did she have to rehearse this?
These segments are moving along quickly.
Best Cinematography
Time for a little Joaquin Phoenix ribbing here...if you didn't see it Youtube "Letterman Phoenix" and prepared to be awed for 5 and half minutes.
* Ben Stiller is channeling Joaquin Phoenix well but I feel bad for the nominees as this is the only chance they'll be recognized...good bit though.
* And the Oscar goes too...Slumdog Millionare. No real surprise there since it was a pretty sprawling movie that is a love letter to Mumbai.
* I like this guy's hair...sort of like a mushroom/lampshade look.
* All of the winners so far appear to be foriegn...lots of European accents.
* Danny Boyle needs to bleech his teeth.
Uh-oh...now we're going to a lot of commercials. Its "slow the pace down" time...remember its a marathon not a sprint.
* Ben Stiller is channeling Joaquin Phoenix well but I feel bad for the nominees as this is the only chance they'll be recognized...good bit though.
* And the Oscar goes too...Slumdog Millionare. No real surprise there since it was a pretty sprawling movie that is a love letter to Mumbai.
* I like this guy's hair...sort of like a mushroom/lampshade look.
* All of the winners so far appear to be foriegn...lots of European accents.
* Danny Boyle needs to bleech his teeth.
Uh-oh...now we're going to a lot of commercials. Its "slow the pace down" time...remember its a marathon not a sprint.
Second Montage...approx 9:29pm
Its the girl from "Mamma Mia" and the guy from "Twilight"...umm, hello Oscars, most of the little kids have either tuned out or in bed. On a side note the blond presenter gets naked in a movie called "Alpha Dog" if you're interested.
* Only the second montage. How did "Seven Pounds", Cameron Diaz, "Twilight", "High School Musical 3", and Katherine Heigl get mixed in with these other great movies. Its like finding corn in a perfectly good bowel movement.
* Only the second montage. How did "Seven Pounds", Cameron Diaz, "Twilight", "High School Musical 3", and Katherine Heigl get mixed in with these other great movies. Its like finding corn in a perfectly good bowel movement.
Make Up Artist
Interesting...SJP and the bad guy in "Road To Perdition" get to present a THIRD award. I think I see SJP's ego blowing out her nose.
* You'd think Hellboy would win here...
* The Oscar goes to..."Benjamin Button". I guess this makes sense. I thought this was more computer effect driven but I guess they had to make Brad Pitt all old and wrinkly.
* Now this is an acceptance speech...roll throw the names. Oops, looks like he just had some heartburn.
* I love how they pronounce Cate Blanchett's name...Cate Blan-CHETT. Sort of like Jon Miller calling Carlos Beltran..."Carlos Bel-TRAN"
* You'd think Hellboy would win here...
* The Oscar goes to..."Benjamin Button". I guess this makes sense. I thought this was more computer effect driven but I guess they had to make Brad Pitt all old and wrinkly.
* Now this is an acceptance speech...roll throw the names. Oops, looks like he just had some heartburn.
* I love how they pronounce Cate Blanchett's name...Cate Blan-CHETT. Sort of like Jon Miller calling Carlos Beltran..."Carlos Bel-TRAN"
Best Costume
Best Costume up now...this is always weird. I picked "Australia" only because Hugh Jackman is the host and was in "Australia".
* Oscar goes to The Duchess. I have no idea what this movie is about. While the winners talk, I'd like to promote a great Genesis album called "Duke". The second track is called "Duchess" and was the first major song to use a drum machine.
* Ugh, another boring speech...its chumps like this that make the awards go way over the time limit and prevent people who we actually WANT to hear get less screen time.
*Get...off....the....stage...thank you.
* Oscar goes to The Duchess. I have no idea what this movie is about. While the winners talk, I'd like to promote a great Genesis album called "Duke". The second track is called "Duchess" and was the first major song to use a drum machine.
* Ugh, another boring speech...its chumps like this that make the awards go way over the time limit and prevent people who we actually WANT to hear get less screen time.
*Get...off....the....stage...thank you.
Art Direction
This segment is brought you by "
* More of Hugh...he'll slowly fade from the background as the show progresses.
* Its James Bond and Carrie Bradshaw. Sarah Jessica Parker peaked in L.A. Story which happened 18 years ago.
* Interesting way to present a very boring award. Its still boring though...
* The Oscar goes to..."Benjamin Button". Enjoy your Oscar BB folks, this and maybe makeup and special effects are the only ones you're going to win.
* Even though the structure of the award show is different the speeches are still boring.
* David Fincher gets a shout out. I like how the guy who won said he wants him recognized because he knows he won't win best director.
* Nice job by the one guy to take up all the speech time so the other guy only gets to thank his "Mom and Dad"
* More of Hugh...he'll slowly fade from the background as the show progresses.
* Its James Bond and Carrie Bradshaw. Sarah Jessica Parker peaked in L.A. Story which happened 18 years ago.
* Interesting way to present a very boring award. Its still boring though...
* The Oscar goes to..."Benjamin Button". Enjoy your Oscar BB folks, this and maybe makeup and special effects are the only ones you're going to win.
* Even though the structure of the award show is different the speeches are still boring.
* David Fincher gets a shout out. I like how the guy who won said he wants him recognized because he knows he won't win best director.
* Nice job by the one guy to take up all the speech time so the other guy only gets to thank his "Mom and Dad"
Animated Short Film
Oh boy, here's a total crap shoot...
* I guessed the "Lavatory - Lovestory" only because it involves a bathroom.
* Hmmm...looks like the eastern world is represented in the Oscars with the win here. I wish they'd cut to Miley Cyrus here or that photo of her pulling her eyes away.
* "YES!!! A little "Mr. Roboto" shout out!
Back in a few...
* I guessed the "Lavatory - Lovestory" only because it involves a bathroom.
* Hmmm...looks like the eastern world is represented in the Oscars with the win here. I wish they'd cut to Miley Cyrus here or that photo of her pulling her eyes away.
* "YES!!! A little "Mr. Roboto" shout out!
Back in a few...
Best Adapted Screenplay
Moving right from the "Best Screenplay" to "Best Adapted Screenplay"...
* A little more interplay with Steve and Tina.
* Nominees for Adapted Screenplay (this means from prior written material). I'm pulling for "Doubt" here since its a true ambigous movie but this could begin the "Slumdog" assault on the poor golden fella.
*And the winner is...Slumdog Millionare. If this movie wins the major awards, I wonder how many new born babies will be named "Latika". Cool beads running across this guy's tie.
* Excuse me as I gag seeing Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black being introduced. Pleas show a split screen of Jennifer and Angelina!!! Hah, they did cut to them...nice job Mr. Director.
* Interesting film to show all the nominees. Was that "Space Chimps"? My goodness, that was the "Speed Racer" of the animated movies this year. Why are they showing so many clips from this film if it wasn't nominated.
* What is this music? Sounds like the weird noises at the end of the Beach Boys song "Good Vibrations"
* Interesting that Jack Black gets to nominate an award for a film he played a key role in (Kung Fu Panda).
* The Oscar goes to..."Wall-E". Nice job for the little guy. If it wasn't going to be nominated for Best Picture...it at least wins for best Animated Movie. Nice shot of Peter Gabriel who wrote a song for the movie. I can only hear though..."Give me steam!!! For how it feels can make it real...real as anything can be. Get up Hiiiiiiggggh...for a dreamerless dream". I'm getting distracted.
* A little more interplay with Steve and Tina.
* Nominees for Adapted Screenplay (this means from prior written material). I'm pulling for "Doubt" here since its a true ambigous movie but this could begin the "Slumdog" assault on the poor golden fella.
*And the winner is...Slumdog Millionare. If this movie wins the major awards, I wonder how many new born babies will be named "Latika". Cool beads running across this guy's tie.
* Excuse me as I gag seeing Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black being introduced. Pleas show a split screen of Jennifer and Angelina!!! Hah, they did cut to them...nice job Mr. Director.
* Interesting film to show all the nominees. Was that "Space Chimps"? My goodness, that was the "Speed Racer" of the animated movies this year. Why are they showing so many clips from this film if it wasn't nominated.
* What is this music? Sounds like the weird noises at the end of the Beach Boys song "Good Vibrations"
* Interesting that Jack Black gets to nominate an award for a film he played a key role in (Kung Fu Panda).
* The Oscar goes to..."Wall-E". Nice job for the little guy. If it wasn't going to be nominated for Best Picture...it at least wins for best Animated Movie. Nice shot of Peter Gabriel who wrote a song for the movie. I can only hear though..."Give me steam!!! For how it feels can make it real...real as anything can be. Get up Hiiiiiiggggh...for a dreamerless dream". I'm getting distracted.
8:52pm
Well, I'm already 0 for 1 in my Oscar picks.
* More Hugh as he introduces some kind of screenwriting thing with some jokes. Well hello Steve Martin and Tina Fey...two of the better comedic writers. Another former Oscar host. I love how Tina Fey gets a bigger applause. They are both kings of the deadpan comedic style.
* Abstract humor about aliens is taking over...I like that.
* Best original screenplay. Doing a more traditional award presentation but with Tina and Steve reciting some words from the screen. "Milk" gets the most applause but who wins? I didn't see "WAll-E" but that one clips makes me want to.
* And the winner is...MILK. Nice win there. I saw this movie and thought it was awesome. There's a slight...SLIGHT chance this can beat "Slumdog"...then again, this could be the consolation for this movie. Uh-oh, here comes the first breakdown of the show...hang on little fella. Nice speech...if Milk doesn't win best picture then his speech will resonate the most.
* More Hugh as he introduces some kind of screenwriting thing with some jokes. Well hello Steve Martin and Tina Fey...two of the better comedic writers. Another former Oscar host. I love how Tina Fey gets a bigger applause. They are both kings of the deadpan comedic style.
* Abstract humor about aliens is taking over...I like that.
* Best original screenplay. Doing a more traditional award presentation but with Tina and Steve reciting some words from the screen. "Milk" gets the most applause but who wins? I didn't see "WAll-E" but that one clips makes me want to.
* And the winner is...MILK. Nice win there. I saw this movie and thought it was awesome. There's a slight...SLIGHT chance this can beat "Slumdog"...then again, this could be the consolation for this movie. Uh-oh, here comes the first breakdown of the show...hang on little fella. Nice speech...if Milk doesn't win best picture then his speech will resonate the most.
Alright, I'm going to update a little more quicker now...I'll admit that has to be the most random first 20 minutes ever of any awards ceremony.
*Hmmm...Penelope is going to be a big reason why they might need to rush the final awards. I would love for her to say "Puta madres todos los mojaderos en Hollywood"!
Coming up...animated feature. Kung Fu Panda can't win...can it???
*Hmmm...Penelope is going to be a big reason why they might need to rush the final awards. I would love for her to say "Puta madres todos los mojaderos en Hollywood"!
Coming up...animated feature. Kung Fu Panda can't win...can it???
Its GO Time - 8:30pm
*Peppy music starts off Hugh Jackman's entrance. I love Wolverine. Hmmm...looks like he is doing a monolgue pointing out various nominees. Forced applause is all over the place. Bad "New Zealand" joke.
* I like the low budget song and dance overview of the nominees. Its hard to rhyme "excrement". I like the "Milk" rap.
* "The Benjamin Button" spoof is amusing as well..."pubic hair"? Hugh Jackman looks like he's going to burst out laughing at any moment.
* Now Hugh and Anne Hathaway spoof "Frost/Nixon". I'll admit this is really corny, but I like it. I'm impressed Anne Hathaway who's nominated for an award would do this. She's got to be nervous to begin with and now do to do this. Pretty cool.
* Another dance sequence about "The Reader" done in a "Sprockets" style. I love how Hugh is borderline breaking down laughing in almost every part here.
* If you haven't seen "The Wrestler", then you should appreciate the hair fixing and arm slapping.
* Nice ending saying "I am Wolverine"
* Wow! Very cool. I like that. Looks like James Bond is sitting behind Frank Langella.
* More brief interviews with Micket Rourke, Brangelina, Meryl Streep, and her stuck up daughter...oh no, a bad steroids joke.
*Hmmm...the first montage...open the curtains!!! Montages are hit or miss. Man, there were a lot of terrible actress's that won awards here.
* This is neat...they bring out five former winners. I love the guy from "The Girl Next Door" surprised that he should have to stand up.
* A really old lady in a white dress who struggles to read the teleprompter who's voice cracks talks about Viola Davis. Angelica Huston talks about Penelope Cruz. This is weird...are they going to do this for all nominees? I hope they do this for all the sound mixing guys. Poor Whoopie, you think she'd rather host the show rather than be relegated to talking about Amy Adams. Goldie Hawn draws the short straw and gets to talk about Taraji. I guarantee that Goldie did not see this movie. Finally, Tilda gets to wax poetic justice about Marissa Tomei.
* WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!? This is the most random award presentation ever. I love it though!
* And the Oscar goes to...Penelope Cruz. I like the spanish accent on the way Tilda says "Cruz". Uh-oh...she already says he speech is going to be long...
* I like the low budget song and dance overview of the nominees. Its hard to rhyme "excrement". I like the "Milk" rap.
* "The Benjamin Button" spoof is amusing as well..."pubic hair"? Hugh Jackman looks like he's going to burst out laughing at any moment.
* Now Hugh and Anne Hathaway spoof "Frost/Nixon". I'll admit this is really corny, but I like it. I'm impressed Anne Hathaway who's nominated for an award would do this. She's got to be nervous to begin with and now do to do this. Pretty cool.
* Another dance sequence about "The Reader" done in a "Sprockets" style. I love how Hugh is borderline breaking down laughing in almost every part here.
* If you haven't seen "The Wrestler", then you should appreciate the hair fixing and arm slapping.
* Nice ending saying "I am Wolverine"
* Wow! Very cool. I like that. Looks like James Bond is sitting behind Frank Langella.
* More brief interviews with Micket Rourke, Brangelina, Meryl Streep, and her stuck up daughter...oh no, a bad steroids joke.
*Hmmm...the first montage...open the curtains!!! Montages are hit or miss. Man, there were a lot of terrible actress's that won awards here.
* This is neat...they bring out five former winners. I love the guy from "The Girl Next Door" surprised that he should have to stand up.
* A really old lady in a white dress who struggles to read the teleprompter who's voice cracks talks about Viola Davis. Angelica Huston talks about Penelope Cruz. This is weird...are they going to do this for all nominees? I hope they do this for all the sound mixing guys. Poor Whoopie, you think she'd rather host the show rather than be relegated to talking about Amy Adams. Goldie Hawn draws the short straw and gets to talk about Taraji. I guarantee that Goldie did not see this movie. Finally, Tilda gets to wax poetic justice about Marissa Tomei.
* WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!? This is the most random award presentation ever. I love it though!
* And the Oscar goes to...Penelope Cruz. I like the spanish accent on the way Tilda says "Cruz". Uh-oh...she already says he speech is going to be long...
ABC Preshow - Final Segment
More interviews...
*Awwww...the auditors holding the winning envelopes. Nice spin boys!
* Meryl Streep - she is holding up nicely. Her obnoxious daughter says that this isn't her first red carpet...talk about taking your life for granted.
*Penelope Cruz - Are they zooming on her dress or her breasts? Who is this interviewer? Why is he holding the microphone with two hands? Apparently she is "dressed for a win".
* Richard Jenkins - he's been in tons of movies but the one I'll always remember him for is in "Witches Of Eastwick" when he played the husband of the lady who started throwing up cherries and he finally kills her. I hope at least one person knows what I'm talking about here.
* Is that Joe Buck interviewing Jack Black? I like the possesive way he holds his wife's hand or is it vice versa? She looks VERY uncomfortable.
* An interview with Marisa Tomei's breasts featuring the rest of her body. This interviewer is insane...the dress is "nervous making"?
* A nice trifecta...Seth Rogan, Judd Apatow, and Leslie Mann...Instead of asking who'd you save in an earthquake, I'd do a F*ck, Marry, Kill with them.
* Uh-oh, here's a buzz kill...talking about what to expect for the music for the Oscars.
*Robin Roberts...I still can't get over this look...she now reminds me of Robin Quivers from the Howard Stern show.
Onto the main show...
*Awwww...the auditors holding the winning envelopes. Nice spin boys!
* Meryl Streep - she is holding up nicely. Her obnoxious daughter says that this isn't her first red carpet...talk about taking your life for granted.
*Penelope Cruz - Are they zooming on her dress or her breasts? Who is this interviewer? Why is he holding the microphone with two hands? Apparently she is "dressed for a win".
* Richard Jenkins - he's been in tons of movies but the one I'll always remember him for is in "Witches Of Eastwick" when he played the husband of the lady who started throwing up cherries and he finally kills her. I hope at least one person knows what I'm talking about here.
* Is that Joe Buck interviewing Jack Black? I like the possesive way he holds his wife's hand or is it vice versa? She looks VERY uncomfortable.
* An interview with Marisa Tomei's breasts featuring the rest of her body. This interviewer is insane...the dress is "nervous making"?
* A nice trifecta...Seth Rogan, Judd Apatow, and Leslie Mann...Instead of asking who'd you save in an earthquake, I'd do a F*ck, Marry, Kill with them.
* Uh-oh, here's a buzz kill...talking about what to expect for the music for the Oscars.
*Robin Roberts...I still can't get over this look...she now reminds me of Robin Quivers from the Howard Stern show.
Onto the main show...
ABC Preshow - Second Segment 8:10
Damn, I didn't expect all of these interviews happening so fast. Need to slow down the drink intake as well. As we come back from commercial...
* Of course you have to kiss the designer's ass..."Mr. Valentino...blah blah blah". What a waste of 60 seconds.
* Here's "Slumdog Millionaire"..its funny seeing the entire cast as there are three sets of actors playing the two main actors.
* Mickey Rourke...please let him win, he will be comedic gold. He's wearing a picture of his dead dog Loki...I like that. I also like he was going to bring his dog had it still been alive.
*Zac and Vanessa...I wish they'd show a split screen of the nude picture of her. Robin Roberts looks like the old tennis player Zina Garrison.
* Viola Davis was very good in "Doubt" though she only had about 15 minutes of scrfeen time. Her husband is the luckiest man tonight to ride her coattails.
* Miley Cyrus time...what are the odds she'd do the racist Chinese eye slant? Spit out your words already.
* Anne Hathaway...oh, how far you and your breasts have come since the movie "Havoc". I hope she wins...I like her a lot and her performace was very good apparently.
* Of course you have to kiss the designer's ass..."Mr. Valentino...blah blah blah". What a waste of 60 seconds.
* Here's "Slumdog Millionaire"..its funny seeing the entire cast as there are three sets of actors playing the two main actors.
* Mickey Rourke...please let him win, he will be comedic gold. He's wearing a picture of his dead dog Loki...I like that. I also like he was going to bring his dog had it still been alive.
*Zac and Vanessa...I wish they'd show a split screen of the nude picture of her. Robin Roberts looks like the old tennis player Zina Garrison.
* Viola Davis was very good in "Doubt" though she only had about 15 minutes of scrfeen time. Her husband is the luckiest man tonight to ride her coattails.
* Miley Cyrus time...what are the odds she'd do the racist Chinese eye slant? Spit out your words already.
* Anne Hathaway...oh, how far you and your breasts have come since the movie "Havoc". I hope she wins...I like her a lot and her performace was very good apparently.
ABC Preshow - First Segment
Whoa, Robin Roberts?!? She looks two dimensional when she turns sideways. Kate Winslet is the first interview and she sounds very British using words like "sweet" and "moments like this".
* Interesting moment with Josh Brolin and Diane Lane. I would pay $100 for the interviewer to ask Diane Lane how it felt with he struck her in the face a couple of years ago. I can't believe this guy was in the Goonies. He looks very tan.
* Off to Amy Adams. I'll admit she won me over again after one of the worst movies ever "Enchanted". What is that necklace? She looks like the psycho girl from "Wedding Crashers"
* I won't even comment on the Sarah Jessica Parker (did I mention how much I hate people with three names?). When is Matthew Broderick going to make "Project X 2"?
* That Taraji person makes me feel odd. She's having a good time but she's a little obnoxious. Robin Roberts?!?
* Yes, Frank Langella...He was equally awesome in the Madonna epic "Body Of Evidence".
* Brangelina was odd...I guess they're not granting interviews.
* Interesting moment with Josh Brolin and Diane Lane. I would pay $100 for the interviewer to ask Diane Lane how it felt with he struck her in the face a couple of years ago. I can't believe this guy was in the Goonies. He looks very tan.
* Off to Amy Adams. I'll admit she won me over again after one of the worst movies ever "Enchanted". What is that necklace? She looks like the psycho girl from "Wedding Crashers"
* I won't even comment on the Sarah Jessica Parker (did I mention how much I hate people with three names?). When is Matthew Broderick going to make "Project X 2"?
* That Taraji person makes me feel odd. She's having a good time but she's a little obnoxious. Robin Roberts?!?
* Yes, Frank Langella...He was equally awesome in the Madonna epic "Body Of Evidence".
* Brangelina was odd...I guess they're not granting interviews.
Oscar Preshow - 8PM
Welcome to the Oscars. To give you an idea how I plan to do this, I will post updates every commercial break or unless something really boring is going on so just click refresh every so often...most recent updates will be on top. Expect a ton of spelling mistakes as I'm not the greatest typer. I also shut the music off so that won't become an issue.
My picks are below this post. Let the fun begin!
Quick E! Preshow wrap-up highlights:
1.) My Lord, I think they spent an entire half hour with the cast of "Slumdog Millionaire". Might as well ride the winning horse...not too hard though, we don't need Slumdog to turn into "Eight Belles" tonight and crush all of India.
2.) Ugh, the two leads from "High School Musical" are there along with the cast of "Twilight" and Miley Cyrus. Do you think 14 year olds are excited to see if films like "Milk", "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Reader" are going to win awards? I'm sure they're just as excited as 60 year olds watching terrible teenage actors spout gibberish...I can't angry this early.
3.) Ryan Seacrest tried to get the two lead actors of "Slumdog Millionnaire" to admit if they're banging each other and they completely avoided the question.
4.) Why are Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, and Jessica Biel there? Can someone explain that to me?
5.) I love seeing Peter Gabriel...I had hoped he'd sing the chorus to "Big Time" but my dreams were crushed.
6.) Mickey Rourke is going to say something really outlandish if he wins...I can feel it. IF he loses to Sean Penn, those of you with a DVR will enjoy the freeze frame of his face caving inward.
7.) Kate Winslet is going to be a bawling mess if she wins...I can feel this too. Another DVR freeze frame moment if she loses as well.
8.) I plan on drinking vodka and sprites to stay loose. Hopefully the night won't end face down somewhere as they announce Best Picture.
Switching over to ABC now...
My picks are below this post. Let the fun begin!
Quick E! Preshow wrap-up highlights:
1.) My Lord, I think they spent an entire half hour with the cast of "Slumdog Millionaire". Might as well ride the winning horse...not too hard though, we don't need Slumdog to turn into "Eight Belles" tonight and crush all of India.
2.) Ugh, the two leads from "High School Musical" are there along with the cast of "Twilight" and Miley Cyrus. Do you think 14 year olds are excited to see if films like "Milk", "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Reader" are going to win awards? I'm sure they're just as excited as 60 year olds watching terrible teenage actors spout gibberish...I can't angry this early.
3.) Ryan Seacrest tried to get the two lead actors of "Slumdog Millionnaire" to admit if they're banging each other and they completely avoided the question.
4.) Why are Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, and Jessica Biel there? Can someone explain that to me?
5.) I love seeing Peter Gabriel...I had hoped he'd sing the chorus to "Big Time" but my dreams were crushed.
6.) Mickey Rourke is going to say something really outlandish if he wins...I can feel it. IF he loses to Sean Penn, those of you with a DVR will enjoy the freeze frame of his face caving inward.
7.) Kate Winslet is going to be a bawling mess if she wins...I can feel this too. Another DVR freeze frame moment if she loses as well.
8.) I plan on drinking vodka and sprites to stay loose. Hopefully the night won't end face down somewhere as they announce Best Picture.
Switching over to ABC now...
Oscar Picks
Alright, the pre-show has started on E! network but I'm not going to comment on any of that. The formal blog will begin at 8pm when ABC's coverage starts. I guarantee you will see the interviewers butcher the names of some of the stars. Regis was doing the interviews last year and screwed up at least once (can't remember who it was though).
Anyway, here are my picks. I bolded the movies that I saw in each category to at least be honest if I had actually seen the movie or not.
BEST PICTURE:
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"The Reader"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
Pick: I can't see "Benjamin Button" or "The Reader" winning ("Wall-E" or "The Dark Knight" should have been here over "The Reader"). "Frost/Nixon" was a great movie but not a true movie going experience like "Slumdog" or "Milk" was. "Slumdog" should win here since it encompassed going back and forth in time and just looked like a very unique movie. "Milk" was a more powerful movie but I'm going with "Slumdog Millionaire".
BEST ACTRESS:
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"
Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"
Meryl Streep, "Doubt"
Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
Pick: I love Meryl Streep. Even in goofy movies like "Death Becomes Her" and "The River Wild", she always plays pretty nifty characters. From what I heard all but Jolie has a shot (good, because I can't stand her) but I'm going to with Kate Winslet here. I saw "Revolutionary Road" and she'll probably be rewarded for two great performances. I pray to god though she doesn't say in her speech "gather" like she did in the Golden Globes. I love the brits but that's a little too british for me.
BEST ACTOR:
Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn, "Milk"
Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"
Pick: Ugh, this is tough. I saw "The Wrestler" first and thought Mickey Rourke was truly a wrestler and was the role but then saw "Milk" and thought Sean Penn was even better. This could go either way...but put a gun to my head (Mike Francesa reference) my gut says Mickey Rourke will win but Sean Penn should win here.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Amy Adams, "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Viola Davis, "Doubt"
Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"
Pick: Another tough call. I hear Penelope Cruz getting a lot of accolades but Marisa Tomei has a lot of steam too. This is a weird category to pick and even the "Doubt" actresses have a chance or winning here. I'm going take Marissa Tomei but its a shaky pick. If this was Vegas, I'd be taking the "bare breasts" parlay by taking Tomei and Winslet.
Josh Brolin, "Milk"
Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"
Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road"
Pick: The only category I got to see all the nominees and of course its the one that Heath Ledger is sure to win. If he didn't die, I don't know if he'd still win (I'd go with Philip Seymour Hoffman here instead) but it looks like Ledger will take it followed by a standing ovation.
BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"
David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"
Gus Van Sant, "Milk"
Pick: Gotta take "Slumdog" here. It looked like a tough movie to film. "Milk" had some pretty cool shots too but "Slumdog" is my pick here.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"
Courtney Hunt, "Frozen River"
Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Marttin McDonagh, "In Bruges"
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, "WALL-E"
Pick: Hmmm...I only saw one of these movies so I'm not sure here. "Wall-E" seems like a good story but there's no dialogue early on. "In Bruges" looked TERRIBLE in the previews but its a good movie apparently. I hard a lot of good things about "Happy-Go-Lucky" and some of the acting performances should be have been recognized so I'm going with "Happy-Go-Lucky" for kicks.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"
David Hare, "The Reader"
Peter Morgan, "Frost/Nixon"
John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt"
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Pick: If "Slumdog" is going to win best picture, it most likely will win this category so I'm thinking they will win. However, "Doubt" had such a mysterious storyline that raelly puts a lot of doubt about what you've just seen, I'm going to select "Doubt" here even though the "Slumdog" express will probably take it.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM"
The Baader-Meinhof Complex" (Germany)
"The Class" (France)
"Departures" (Japan)
"Revanche" (Austria)
"Waltz with Bashir" (Israel)
Pick: I didn't see any of these movies but everything I've read says that "Waltz with Bashir" is amazing. I'll go with "Waltz" for the pick. The title makes me think of Martin Bashir, the interviewer who exposed Michael Jackson as a crazy person.
BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Bolt"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"WALL-E"
Pick: "Wall-E" should win here and if it doesn't, I'll get angry. The other two movies looked stupid though if you ask a 5 year old, they'd want to kick me in the nuts.
BEST ART DIRECTION
"Changeling"
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button"
"Dark Knight"
"The Duchess"
"Revolutionary Road"
Pick: I'm not sure what "Art Direction" is and its odd "Slumdog" isn't nominated here since it seems like a true work of art but I'll go with "Benjamin Button" here since it won't win any of the major awards.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Changeling" Tom Stern
"Slumdog Millionaire," Anthony Dod Mantle
"The Reader," Chris Menges
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Claudio Miranda
"The Dark Knight," Wally Pfister
Pick: Should be "Slumdog" although "Benjamin Button" might steal this one. If "The Dark Knight" wins, I will need a neck massage as it will spontaneously combust in memory of watching that movie.
BEST FILM EDITING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
"The Dark Knight," Lee Smith
"Frost/Nixon," Daniel P. Hanley, Mike Hill
"Milk," Elliot Graham
"Slumdog Millionaire," Chris Dickens
Pick: I'll go with "Slumdog" here since it goes all over the place and must have been a pain in the ass to pull all the film together. I will also be pissed if "The Dark Knight" wins here (my neck too).
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
"Australia," Catherine Martin
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Jacqueline West
"The Duchess," Michael O'Conner
"Milk", Danny Glicker
"Revolutionary Road," Albert Wolsky
Pick: Hmmm...usually some crazy period piece wins this movie and that would be "Australia", "Benjamin Button", "Revolutionary Road". I'd like to see "Revolutionary Road" win here since it deserved more accolades and "Benjamin Button" seems like the easy pick but I'm going with "Australia" here since it seems like the only true epic period movie (even though I heard it was terrible).
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)"
"Encounters at the End of the World"
"The Garden"
"Man on Wire"
"Trouble the Water"
Pick: I'll go with "Man On Wire" here mainly because its the only nominee here I saw. Its also a great love letter to the Twin Towers. Seek this out if you can.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Slumdog Millionaire," "Jai Ho," A.R. Rahman
"Slumdog Millionaire," "O Saya," A.R. Rahman & M.I.A.
"WALL-E," "Down To Earth," Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman
Pick: I'm a huge Peter Gabriel fan but can't say how his song fit into "Wall-E". The two Slumdog songs fit perfectly into the movie. Although "Jai Ho" is the more popular song since they used it for the goofy dance thing at the end of the movie, I'll take "O Saya" since it worked well within the movie. I'd love to see Peter Gabriel accept an award and join Phil Collins as "former Genesis lead singers who have also won an Oscar"
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Alexandre Desplat
"Defiance," James Newton Howard
"Milk," Danny Elfman
"Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman
"WALL-E," Thomas Newman
Pick: This is all about music so I'll going with "Wall-E" here since the first 45 minutes had no dialogue. Without dialogue you need sound and music to carry the film. "Slumdog" will probably win here though.
BEST MAKEUP
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Colleen Callaghan, Fionagh Cush
"The Dark Knight" Peter Robb-King, John Caglione Jr.
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" Mike Elizalde, Thom Floutz
Pick: All you hear about is how neat Brad Pitt looked aging backwards in "Benjamin Button" so that's who I'll go with.
BEST SOUND EDITING
"The Dark Knight," Richard King
"Iron Man" Frank Eulner, Christopher Boyes
"Slumdog Millionaire," Tom Sayers
"WALL-E," Ben Burtt, Matthew Wood
"Wanted," Wylie Stateman
Pick: I'm not sure what these guys do. I'll go with "Iron Man" here but its a blind pick".
BEST SOUND MIXING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Mark Weingarten, David Parker, Michael Semanick
"The Dark Knight," Ed Novick, Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo
"Slumdog Millionaire," Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
"WALL-E," Ben Burtt, Tom Myers, Michael Semanick
"Wanted," Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
Pick: Another blind pick...I'll take "Wall-E" but again, Slumdog could easliy win these two sound categories.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Eric Barba
"The Dark Knight," Chris Corbould, Nick Davis, Paul Franklin, Tim Webber
"Iron Man," John Nelson
Pick: I'll cheer for Iron Man but expect the groundbreaking effects for "Benjamin Button" to take this one.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)"
"Manon on the Asphalt"
"New Boy"
"The Pig"
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)"
Pick: This and the next two categories are fun because you know NOBODY sees these movies. My pick is based on the coolest name (see "Thoth" in 2002). This year, let's go with "The Pig".
"La Maison en Petits Cubes"
"Lavatory - Lovestory"
"Oktapodi"
"Presto"
"This Way Up"
Pick: Based on the above criteria...let's go with "Lavatory-Lovestory" which sounds neat because they reference a bathroom in the title. I need to look up what "Oktapodi" means though.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
"The Conscience of Nhem En"
"The Final Inch"
"Smile Pinki"
"The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306"
Pick: Hmmm...I'm not sure what "Nhem En" is but I'll go with "The Final Inch" only because it sounds like it would be a great title of an adult film.
See you at 8pm...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Getting Ready For The Oscars
I am a HUGE movie buff. I also love people who take themselves WAAAAAAYY too seriously that they look like complete idiots. What's the best combination of these things? The Academy Awards of course. The Super Bowl of movies occurs Sunday night. I will be blogging it live as it occurs (barring I spill another water bottle full of water on my computer again).
To freshen up on the nominees, I have been on a movie binge the past few weeks. I even saw Gran Torino and Revolutionary Road which should have more nominations. My picks will be come at some point over the weekend (I'm due to watch Frost/Nixon tonight and then Milk tomorrow night).
Things to look out on Oscar night.
- The performances of the "Best Song" nominees.
- The really boring speech by the head of the movie industry (I forget his name)
- How many montages there will be
- Who gets the most applause on the "remembering those who have died" montage (Heath Ledger is a shoe in for this one but who will finish second?)
- Who presents the final award for best picture (usually someone famous)
- What "blockbuster movie actors who will never be nominated for an Oscar" presenters will there be (past examples include Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, and Cameron Diaz).
In any event, here are all of the nominees.
BEST PICTURE:
BEST ACTRESS:
Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"
Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"
Meryl Streep, "Doubt"
Kate Winslet, "The Reader"
BEST ACTOR:
Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn, "Milk"
Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler"
Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Amy Adams, "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Viola Davis, "Doubt"
Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin, "Milk"
Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"
Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"
Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road"
BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"
Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"
David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"
Gus Van Sant, "Milk"
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"
Courtney Hunt, "Frozen River"
Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Marttin McDonagh, "In Bruges"
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, "WALL-E"
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"
David Hare, "The Reader"
Peter Morgan, "Frost/Nixon"
John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt"
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM"
The Baader-Meinhof Complex" (Germany)
"The Class" (France)
"Departures" (Japan)
"Revanche" (Austria)
"Waltz with Bashir" (Israel)
BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Bolt"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"WALL-E"
BEST ART DIRECTION
"Changeling"
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button"
"Dark Knight"
"Revolutionary Road"
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"Changeling" Tom Stern
"Slumdog Millionaire," Anthony Dod Mantle
"The Reader," Chris Menges
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Claudio Miranda
"The Dark Knight," Wally Pfister
BEST FILM EDITING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
"The Dark Knight,"
Lee Smith"Frost/Nixon,"
Daniel P. Hanley,
Mike Hill"Milk,"
Elliot Graham "Slumdog Millionaire," Chris Dickens
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
"Australia," Catherine Martin
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Jacqueline West
"The Duchess," Michael O'Conner
"Milk", Danny Glicker
"Revolutionary Road," Albert Wolsky
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)"
"Encounters at the End of the World"
"The Garden"
"Man on Wire"
"Trouble the Water"
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Slumdog Millionaire," "Jai Ho," A.R. Rahman
"Slumdog Millionaire," "O Saya," A.R. Rahman & M.I.A.
"WALL-E," "Down To Earth," Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
"The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," Alexandre Desplat
"Defiance," James Newton Howard
"Milk," Danny Elfman
"Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman
"WALL-E," Thomas Newman
BEST MAKEUP
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Colleen Callaghan, Fionagh Cush
"The Dark Knight," Peter Robb-King, John Caglione Jr.
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army," Mike Elizalde, Thom Floutz
BEST SOUND EDITING
"The Dark Knight," Richard King
"Iron Man," Frank Eulner, Christopher Boyes
"Slumdog Millionaire," Tom Sayers
"WALL-E," Ben Burtt, Matthew Wood
"Wanted," Wylie Stateman
BEST SOUND MIXING
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Mark Weingarten, David Parker, Michael Semanick
"The Dark Knight," Ed Novick, Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo"
Slumdog Millionaire," Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
"WALL-E," Ben Burtt, Tom Myers, Michael Semanick
"Wanted," Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Eric Barba
"The Dark Knight," Chris Corbould, Nick Davis, Paul Franklin, Tim Webber
"Iron Man," John Nelson
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
"Auf der Strecke (On the Line)"
"Manon on the Asphalt"
"New Boy"
"The Pig"
"Spielzeugland (Toyland)"
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
"La Maison en Petits Cubes"
"Lavatory - Lovestory"
"Oktapodi"
"Presto"
"This Way Up"
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
"The Conscience of Nhem En"
"The Final Inch"
"Smile Pinki"
"The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Beware I Live
The blog is coming back...
In fact, I'm going to try and doing a running diary of the Oscars Sunday night.
The fun starts around 8pm...be there.
In fact, I'm going to try and doing a running diary of the Oscars Sunday night.
The fun starts around 8pm...be there.
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