- I thought that Chris Rock did a wonderful job hosting the show. Granted, he was much more restrained than he would be on the stand up stage, but he adapted well to his surroundings. The opening monologue was funny, plus it poked fun at some of Hollywood's up and comers.
- Why did we have to have Beyonce singing 3 of the 5 nominated songs? I am of the persuasion that the performer of the song for the film be the performer for the show. She is a very good singer, but she was ill suited for these songs. She did not do them justice at all. On top of that, Antonio Banderas? Come on now. Although I did like hearing Santana's playing.
- Many of the women looked fantastic, Salma Hayek, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Halle Berry. They were gorgeous. The guys didn't embarrass themselves either (for the most part).
- I am on the fence regarding bringing up the nominees onstage prior to the announcement of the winner. On one hand it gives some exposure to these little seen contributors and filmmakers, but on the other it buys into that American Idol mentality that viewers are getting into.
- I don't like giving awards out in the crowd, it sort of segregates the value of the contributor.
- Overall, I enjoyed the show, even if I was disappointed in some of the choices.
Now to look at a few of the awards.
Best Picture: Million Dollar Baby.
- Not what I would have picked as this didn't even crack my top 10. That is not to say it is a bad film, I just felt that there are at least ten that I would have ranked above it. I had predicted The Aviator, and secretly hoped for Sideways, based on the nominees. If I had my way, I would have given the award to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jamie Foxx.
- I don't have an argument here. Jamie didn't make my top 5, but he would have been in my top 10. His performance and mimicry of Ray Charles was nothing short of amazing, and I am happy for him, this has definitely been Foxx's year. I personally would have given it to Don Cheadle who gave a very powerful performance in Hotel Rwanda.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Hilary Swank.
- Again, no real complaint, her performance was very good. I was leaning towards Kate Winslet or Catalina Sandino Moreno as they both gave strong performances, Swank's was the most in line with what I feel the Academy tends to vote for. If I was giving it out, this would have gone to Bryce Dallas Howard's eye opening performance in the awful The Village. Not a good movie by any stretch, but a great performance, I also would have had Uma Thurman and Maia Morgenstern among the nominees.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Cate Blanchett.
- It was rare on this night that my pick and the Academy pick actually converged, but here is one that did. Her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn was powerful and spot on. Easily the best performance, although I would not have been disappointed had Virginia Madsen's name been called for here role in Sideways.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Morgan Freeman.
- Again, not my pick, but still a fine performance for an actor well overdue for stepping onto the big Oscar stage. I would have given this to Jamie Foxx, even though he actually was the star of Collateral, it was a truly eye opening performance. But if I were to give out the award, it would have gone to David Carradine for his evil role of Bill in Kill Bill Vol. 2.
Best Animated Film: The Incredibles.
- Got to show some superhero love. Brad Bird's family sitcom/superhero family was an amazing film and was lock to win this award.
Documentary Feature: Born into Brothels.
- Personally I would have gone with Supersize Me, but the winner was an amazing film, a glimpse into the lives of children who are wise and cynical beyond their years. They realize their lack of hope for the future and the glimmer of hope given by the makers of this film. I also believe that Michael Moore worked himself out of winning this category for a second time, even if I don't like him.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Sideways.
- I agree with this completely. This script is incredible, touching, funny, cruel all at the same time. It hits the mark at all turns. I guess it helps that there was such a wonderful ensemble cast to deliver those lines.
Writing (Original Screenplay): Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
- The Academy and myself are in complete agreement on both of the writing categories. Charlie Kaufman strikes again with another wildly inventive script. It loops and spins back in on itself moving through time and realms of consciousness at will taking the viewer on an emotional journey through one man's mind. I must say that I would have liked to have seen Zach Braff's script for Garden State.
And that brings my humble recap to a close. Thank you for your time.
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