Monday, February 23, 2009

Oscar Recap

I have been gettings lots of messages about the Oscars last night.... so I figured I would save us all the time and put them down here.

For of you that didn't notice, they made lots of changes to the show last night. Presenters didn't walk the red carpet, as they were supposed to be revealed only when they presented. Also, they shortened some elements and extended others. For example, they devoted more time to categories of awards and less to the individual awards. For example, the whole "art" part got it's own section, the whole screenplay part got it's own section... and so on.

I think one of the biggest changes this year was intimacy. I know, I know.... it sounds weird for a show this big to be described that way but the stage was lower the audience down front was much closer to the podium than I have ever seen it. As such, those down front were right there... and this made for a wonderful exchange of energy between the presenters and the audience. Also, they brought out past winners to present the big awards.... which each past winner talking about one of the current nominees. In many cases, they spoke directly to the nominee. I thought that was a nice touch.

Then there's the fashion. I thought many people seemed to be playing it safe - which is fine. The whole night seemed to have an air of class not often seen at awards shows anymore. In fact, I have come to really hate how awards shows starting to turn into a series of jokes at other people's expensese. Hugh Jackman actually had a great joke about him not being nominated because he is an Australian, who played in an Australian in a movie called Australia. Plus, he also did it all - he was funny, he could sing.. he could dance... in many ways, I think it was a performance you don't often see anymore - hitting on all levels.

Which brings it all back to old school class. As I have said before on this blog - the 1950s and 1960s are certainly coming back... last night showed much of the grace and style of the 1930s and 1940s. I like how people are starting to look back to a time when Hollywood was really something to bring it forward.

And for that these Oscars definently get an "A".

No comments: