81st Academy Awards 2/22/09 SPOILERS!

[Graymalkin]

Discuss.


I'm watching the red carpet show on E! strictly to see the hot actresses in the slinky gowns. So far...

Amy Adams -- good.
Marisei Tomei -- good.
Melissa Leo -- bad. HUGE hair.
Heidi Klum -- bad hair, seems to be wearing her kids' seashell collection for earrings and bracelets.
Anne Hathaway -- meh.
Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) -- yowza!
Taraji P. Henson -- also yowzah!

[jsmeeker]

Edit the title so that it says spoilers, otherwise we'll hear endless whining and complaining.


Oh, and to keep with the theme of the OP...


Natalie Portman. So damn gorgeous.

[Graymalkin]

Hey, now we *can* edit thread titles after the thread's created. Nice!

I agree -- Natalie is lovely.

Mickey Roarke is in a white tux with black vest, but no tie. Casual elegance.

[Graymalkin]

Ah, my favorite, Diane Lane, is on the carpet. So lovely. Too bad she has to spoil it by being on Josh Brolin's arm. :mad: ;) :D

[Graymalkin]

I've changed my mind about Anne Hathaway's dress -- it's wondrously slinky from the waist down. Yummy.

[Howie]

Gray, you're right about Diane Lane. She ALWAYS looks great. Even with Brolin on her arm.

[Graymalkin]

Robert Downey Jr. looks all cleaned up. Shaved and everything.

[Graymalkin]

Jessica Biel's dress is horrendous, with the huge flap of fabric over her breasts. What designer thought that was a good idea?!

[Graymalkin]

Philip Seymour Hoffman is wearing a watch cap. Good Lord.

Angelina Jolie looks fabulous in a slinky gown, as always. Not digging Brad's facial scruff.

Penelope Cruz -- nice.

Kate Winslet -- VERY nice.

[terpfan1980]

If Kate Winslet wins will she still tell friends of Ricky Gervaise how to talk dirty? :p

[flyers088]

Just switched over ABC's coverage to see them all in HD glory!

[flyers088]

Matthew Broderick looks less then thrilled to be here tonight! Just don't get the appeal of SJP?

[flyers088]

What the heck is Mylie Cyrus wearing? Too much for such a young girl!

[Graymalkin]

Angelina looks very alluring in her gown. Brad forgot to shave.

I can't watch the Oscars in HD and chat at the same time, so I'll forgo the HD pleasure. Damn you, Comcast, for illegally encrypting ABC's HD feed!

[terpfan1980]

Matthew Broderick looks less then thrilled to be here tonight! Just don't get the appeal of SJP?

I seem to recall hearing some discussion that SJP (also don't really get the appeal of her myself) and Matthew Broderick were going through a rocky patch if not headed for a total break-up. I don't recall where I heard that story, but I was a little surprised to see both together there...

[flyers088]

I seem to recall hearing some discussion that SJP (also don't really get the appeal of her myself) and Matthew Broderick were going through a rocky patch if not headed for a total break-up. I don't recall where I heard that story, but I was a little surprised to see both together there...

I remember hearing something about it, but could care less about SJP so never really cared to hear the follow up.

[terpfan1980]

Angelina looks very alluring in her gown. Brad forgot to shave.

I can't watch the Oscars in HD and chat at the same time, so I'll forgo the HD pleasure. Damn you, Comcast, for illegally encrypting ABC's HD feed!

I was wondering where you were seeing the red carpet stuff as early as you were. TV stations in my area hadn't started until after 8pm eastern...

[Graymalkin]

Matthew's starting to put on some weight in his face. He's going to wind up looking like his dad.

[Graymalkin]

I was wondering where you were seeing the red carpet stuff as early as you were. TV stations in my area hadn't started until after 8pm eastern...

E! had red carpet coverage from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. I started watching around 6:30 p.m., when the biggest stars were Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens. That probably was too early. :)

[Graymalkin]

Aww, the whole Slumdoggy crew is adorable. And Freida Pinto is stunning.

I actually like Mickey Rourke's outfit. The epitome of scruffy elegance.

[flyers088]

Sarah Jessica Parker Leaves Matthew Broderick Over Infidelity Reports

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00021045.html

Why they are there together is beyond me?

[flyers088]

Good job by the reporter not know Robert Downey was married!

[Graymalkin]

I thought I had heard somewhere that Robert had gotten married. He looks all cleaned up. Good for Mrs. Downey!

If Miley didn't have that butterfly ornament on her waistline, that dress would almost work.

[flyers088]

Anne Hathaway needs to visit a tan booth.

[Graymalkin]

Anne's always been pale like that. It's her thing. Amy Adams is the same way.

[Graymalkin]

Marisa Tomei has gone very minimalist with the jewelry -- all I can see is one simple metal bracelet.

I like that. Nothing to distract from the lovely curves.

[flyers088]

At least Merrill Streep is wearing a dress that is appropriate for the occasion tonight.

[Howie]

I've only seen 2 films this year that have nominations - The Wrestler and Frost/Nixon. I liked them both, and I think The Wrestler should be one of the five up for best picture. Oh well.

[Graymalkin]

Who was the actress that Hugh brought up on stage for the Frost/Nixon parody?

[Graymalkin]

OK, I thoroughly enjoyed Hugh's opening medley. Who knew Wolverine could dance and sing that well?

[Howie]

Anne Hathaway.

[Graymalkin]

That was Anne? She must've changed her dress.

[Howie]

Yeah, the opening was great. I don't think they'll have Letterman hosting again anytime soon.

[Neenahboy]

Anne Hathaway was awesome, and I loved Jackman's "I am Wolverine!"

Yay for unnecessary montages!

And holy hell, Tilda Swinton looks terrible.

[Graymalkin]

Are they going to have five former winners of each award present the award to this year's winner?

[Royster]

Who does Mickey Rourke think he is? Jack Nichcolson?

[Neenahboy]

Okay, I'm sorry, but they've usually given out at least one award by now. How were they going to keep this under three hours, again?

[terpfan1980]

Anne Hathaway was awesome, and I loved Jackman's "I am Wolverine!"

Yay for unnecessary montages!

And holy hell, Tilda Swinton looks terrible.

For as bad as Swinton looks, Whoopie Goldberg's outfit looks pretty hideous too. I'm sitting here wondering if she's with child because of the the seeming bump in front.


Eva Marie Saint is showing her age too, but at least she did better with her choice of attire.

[Sparty99]

This is going to be a really long night if they give tributes to every single nominee (even if it's just the major category nominees).

[Graymalkin]

And Best Supporting Actress goes to...

Penelope Cruz!

[Neenahboy]

Wow, I'm pleasantly stunned. Penelope! :up: :up:

[IJustLikeTivo]

All my tuners are busy, why is there not a live feed? Idiots.

[jsmeeker]

And Best Supporting Actress goes to...

Penelope Cruz!

I know a lot of dudes really dig her, but she just doesn't do it for me.

[Neenahboy]

I love how they try to add some suspense to the Animated Feature race as they go to break. :rolleyes:

[Royster]

Yeah, the opening was great. I don't think they'll have Letterman hosting again anytime soon.

I like Dave. "Uma, Oprah. Oprah, Uma" That's comedy gold right there.

[Howie]

I was hoping for Marisa Tomei. She made a fine stripper.

[Enrique]

All my tuners are busy, why is there not a live feed? Idiots.http://www.justin.tv/el_parcero_

[terpfan1980]

Okay, I'm sorry, but they've usually given out at least one award by now. How were they going to keep this under three hours, again?

Perhaps by having cut out a lot of the musical numbers, or reducing it all to a montage (which they have for this broadcast, at least reportedly).


I was discussing with my wife earlier how I still think they overdo the overdo'ing on this show. I think the idea of a montage of the nominated songs is ok, though I think they coulda/shoulda solved part of the problem by having the musical nominations played through the commercial breaks with home viewers catching part on the way into the commercials and part on the way back from the commercials. Doing that would save several minutes of broadcast time at the cost of having home viewers miss a lot of the music and dancing that would be going on for those in attendance in the Kodak Theatre.

Beyond that, despite enjoying the opening number that Hugh Jackman did, they still waste too much time showing presenters walking up to give their own intros, and they waste time in ways like Jackman did with his introductions to the vip's in the front row.

I'd still rather see and hear a lot more of the speeches from the winners and still feel they deserve their chance to shine, as well as their chance to say thanks to as many people as they'd like to.


Back to the stupid stuff that they waste time with... Steve Martin and Tina Fey introducing the award for writing. Just walk up, intro the award and nominees and move on. Nope, waste a bunch of time to get lame laughter and kill about 2 minutes of time that could have gone to the winner.

[Sparty99]

I know a lot of dudes really dig her, but she just doesn't do it for me.
I'm right there with you. Not enough meat on the bones for me.

[Neenahboy]

Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for Milk

Really hoped for an In Bruges upset there, but I was realistic and called this.

[Graymalkin]

Best Original Screenplay goes to...

Milk!



Two awards -- count 'em, two -- in the first half hour. Time to pick up the pace.

[jpwoof]

this is gonna ba a one emotional award show!

[Neenahboy]

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire.

One of many this evening.

[Graymalkin]

Best Adapted Screenplay goes to...

Slumdog Millionaire!

[jsmeeker]

Back to the stupid stuff that they waste time with... Steve Martin and Tina Fey introducing the award for writing. Just walk up, intro the award and nominees and move on. Nope, waste a bunch of time to get lame laughter and kill about 2 minutes of time that could have gone to the winner.

I think they like to sort of "show off" what various people in the industry do. Even if we, the people not in the biz, have seen it over and over, they seem to want to remind us of what great stuff everyone does.

[Neenahboy]

The Aniston/Black thing just didn't work.

And still more unnecessary montages. Though I must say, Wall-E with the Oscar was cute.

[Neenahboy]

Best Animated Feature: Andrew Stanton for Wall-E

Most obvious win ever.

[Graymalkin]

I kinda liked Jack's line about betting all of his Dreamworks pay on Pixar winning the Oscar.

[terpfan1980]

I think they like to sort of "show off" what various people in the industry do. Even if we, the people not in the biz, have seen it over and over, they seem to want to remind us of what great stuff everyone does.

I didn't mind the typing animation of the writing and them reading the written words, and I'm not asking for a totally emotionless intros for the awards, but I still don't care much for the lame jokes and blathering that the presenters do.

[Graymalkin]

OK, there's our first truly obscure winner of the night.

La Maison de Petite Cubes?

[Neenahboy]

Best Animated Short: La Maison En Petit Cubes. Presto gets upset.

[jsmeeker]

Best Animated Short: La Maison En Petit Cubes. Presto gets upset.

Like how he worked in a "domo arigato Mr Roboto" reference in there. :D

[Legion]

Domo arigato Mr. Roboto.

[Neenahboy]

Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

[Neenahboy]

Best Costume Design: The Duchess

[Graymalkin]

Best Makeup: Benjamin Button

[Neenahboy]

Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

They couldn't have picked two people with less chemistry to do three consecutive awards. :/

[Howie]

Sarah's about to bust out of that dress of hers.

[TIVO_GUY_HERE]

Oscars were made for Tivo. I'll start watching about 10:30. Way to much crap before the good stuff.

[Sparty99]

Like how they're rifling through some of the awards that no one cares about. I prefer they just sent these guys their trophies via FedEx, but oh well.

[Graymalkin]

Wake me up when we get to "Sex in Cinema: 2008." :D

[Neenahboy]

Man, these yearbooks are worse than the traditional montages. At least last year's were somewhat engaging. :down:

[Neenahboy]

Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix. :D

[Graymalkin]

Oh, for the luvva Pete, not a Joaquin Phoenix parody.

This is horrendous. Even the lovely Natalie can't save this.

[jpwoof]

audio problem anyone?

[Neenahboy]

Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire

That's two...

[jsmeeker]

things are looking good for "Slumdog"

[jsmeeker]

audio problem anyone?

yup. getting some clipping/drop outs. Must be at the source.

[Royster]

Why can't I fast forward the TV in my hotel room? :confused:

[Graymalkin]

OK, I have to admit it -- I still love the Badger the Lost Dog Mastercard commercial.

[Royster]

Snap! Moved to TV Talk!

Oh, Jessica Biel == yummy

[Sparty99]

What was the point of that Jessica Biel bit? It if was just to look at Jessica Biel, I could've rented I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry - I saw a lot more of the goods.

[Graymalkin]

Jessica Biel is yummy, despite that huge puffed-out swath of fabric on her gown.

But yes, there was more of her to love in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. The only problem with that movie was the roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes without her in it. :D

[Howie]

Jessica needs to lose that big ribbon deal on the front of her dress. Maybe she's trying to hide a pregnancy or something.

[IJustLikeTivo]

Sarah's about to bust out of that dress of hers.

Ain't it awful.... :D

[Neenahboy]

Totally not seeing the point of this Judd Apatow thing. :down:

[Graymalkin]

I see the point. It's just not very funny.

But I think someone turned off my humor meter for the evening.

[Neenahboy]

Best Live Action Short: Toyland

[Graymalkin]

Re Coke commercial -- I knew it! They're reusing those bottles and cans! I hope they wash them out first. :D

[bryhamm]

when are the "big" awards? towards the end?

[Graymalkin]

I'm sorry, but I can't watch top-hatted gents dance down stairs without thinking of "Blazing Saddles"

Is that Beyonce?

[Neenahboy]

Meh on this latest musical number.

[terpfan1980]

Time for another time wasting fancy musical number. There's another 10 minutes (give or take) that could be used to get the show moving and/or let the winners say a few more thank you's.

[Neenahboy]

If they keep pulling this crap, no way in hell do they finish in three hours.

[terpfan1980]

when are the "big" awards? towards the end?

yup... as always, throw a bone with the best supporting actress winner right away, then run a bunch of lesser known awards, along with a batch of musical numbers and other content to drag it all out, then start looking at the watches as the time has been passing by and none of the big awards have been given out.

Finally, in the last 90 minutes (seemingly), most specifically the last 30 minutes (give or take), they get around to announcing the awards that most people have been waiting for.

[Graymalkin]

Call me an old fogey, but I loves me some musical numbers.

[terpfan1980]

If they keep pulling this crap, no way in hell do they finish in three hours.

You type that as if you bet on the under :rolleyes: :p :D

To borrow a bit from Wesley Snipes: always bet on the over (when it comes to the Oscars broadcast).

[Neenahboy]

You type that as if you bet on the under :rolleyes: :p :D

To borrow a bit from Wesley Snipes: always bet on the over (when it comes to the Oscars broadcast).

Oh, absolutely not. I'm betting at least 3:45.

[Sparty99]

So we've had the great moments in romance, great moments in musicals...when do we get a montage in unadulterated violence?

[Graymalkin]

And we're back with five winners to present the Best Supporting Actor award

[Neenahboy]

I see they'll be pulling this useless previous winners stuff with each of the acting awards, huh? :down:

[Howie]

I thought the musical medley was pretty good. But I'm on the West Coast and I can watch the whole thing and still be in bed by 9:30, easily. I can see where you Easterners can get annoyed.

[Graymalkin]

So we've had the great moments in romance, great moments in musicals...when do we get a montage in unadulterated violence?

For that you need to watch the Academy of Videogames award show.

[terpfan1980]

So we've had the great moments in romance, great moments in musicals...when do we get a montage in unadulterated violence?

You'll have to rent Wanted, Hitman, Shoot 'em Up or a similar film for that ;)

[Graymalkin]

Just keep that camera focused on Diane Lane, thankyouverymuch.

And I did think Cuba's bit on Robert Downey Jr. was amusing.

[Sparty99]

Someone had Heath Ledger at 1-20 odds to win this one. Since he can't give the speech can we have Diane Lane just go up on stage and look gorgeous?

[terpfan1980]

I'd donate $50 to charity if Walken says 'more cowbell' :D

[Sparty99]

You'll have to rent Wanted, Hitman, Shoot 'em Up or a similar film for that ;)
Seen 'em all. If The Love Guru and Forgetting Sarah Marshall can get some mention from the Academy, I don't see why Shoot 'Em Up can't.

Sadly, I'm not sure if I'm kidding.

[Graymalkin]

Someone had Heath Ledger at 1-20 odds to win this one. Since he can't give the speech can we have Diane Lane just go up on stage and look gorgeous?

Yes, please! :)

[Neenahboy]

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger

[jsmeeker]

not surprising for supporting actor

[Graymalkin]

Aw, Heath's parents and sister are accepting on his behalf.

[bryhamm]

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger

:up:

[terpfan1980]

They'd have needed commissioner Gordon to investigate if that hadn't been the result. Ledger's performance was as good as it gets.

[Sparty99]

I see they'll be pulling this useless previous winners stuff with each of the acting awards, huh? :down:
You're really not easily impressed are you? I think it's a new and different touch. I guess we could just go to a presser like they did for the Golden Globes during the writer's strike.

[Graymalkin]

Aw, everybody's sad-eyed. Except Mickey Rourke.

[Sparty99]

Yes, please! :)
Never mind. Heath's sister will do the trick nicely.

[Sparty99]

Aw, everybody's sad-eyed. Except Mickey Rourke.
Rourke is too, he's just so botoxed that you don't know.

[bryhamm]

Rourke is too, he's just so botoxed that you don't know.

:D

[Neenahboy]

Man, that brought a tear to my eye. I just thank God that the orchestra wasn't stupid enough to play them off.

[Neenahboy]

You're really not easily impressed are you? I think it's a new and different touch. I guess we could just go to a presser like they did for the Golden Globes during the writer's strike.

I'm impressed as easily as the next guy. But when Hugh Jackman states publicly that he's aiming for a three hour show and then they bring this type of stuff to the table, you better believe I'm gonna talk about how stupid and useless it is.

[terpfan1980]

I see they'll be pulling this useless previous winners stuff with each of the acting awards, huh? :down:

You're really not easily impressed are you? I think it's a new and different touch. I guess we could just go to a presser like they did for the Golden Globes during the writer's strike.

I wouldn't mind the previous winners stuff if they didn't go overboard on it. Even having the 5 actresses/actors wouldn't bother me so much but they have to remind us of the performances of those folks first, allow them to walk up and make the big entrance, and then finally start announcing the nominees.

Move along, move along, etc. Get the nominations announced for the audience, and get to the winner please.

[Neenahboy]

Best Documentary: Man on Wire

Well deserved. :up:

[Sparty99]

Bill Maher is an incredible D.B. If you're going to present an award, don't complain about why your movie didn't get nominated and then bring a religious discussion up. Ass.

[terpfan1980]

Rourke is too, he's just so botoxed that you don't know.

The question is did his come from a needle in the face or a needle in the arm? or perhaps via a bottle of some sort?

[jsmeeker]

I wouldn't mind the previous winners stuff if they didn't go overboard on it. Even having the 5 actresses/actors wouldn't bother me so much but they have to remind us of the performances of those folks first, allow them to walk up and make the big entrance, and then finally start announcing the nominees.

Move along, move along, etc. Get the nominations announced for the audience, and get to the winner please.



yeah.

I mean, bring 'em out quickly and have them each do a SHORT intro for each nominee. Then announce the winner. The same concept can be executed much more quickly.

[Royster]

when are the "big" awards? towards the end?

Always. Director and picture are always the last two. Actor and Actress the two before them

[Neenahboy]

Best Documentary Short: Smile Pinki

[Sparty99]

Like the dress...not on her, but I like the dress.

[Graymalkin]

Here's your Violence 2008 montage.

Damn, that's... visceral.

[Neenahboy]

So we're almost two hours in, and they still have to do all major awards, some lesser awards, Sid Ganis' speech, the accountants, the humanitarian award, the lifetime achievement award, and the In Memoriams.

Yeah, don't think that can be done in an hour.

[Neenahboy]

Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

No real surprise here...it's been doing well in the technicals all night.

[Neenahboy]

Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

If it doesn't win both editing and mixing, I'll be shocked.

[Neenahboy]

Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

Wow. :eek:

That's three, and things are REALLY looking up for Slumdog after that.

[Peter000]

It's a SOUND AWARD dude. Not history being handed to you.

[Neenahboy]

Best Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Four.

[Sparty99]

Did Christopher Nolan or Christian Bale sh*t in someone's cereal? I can understand the lack of love in the prestige categories, but you mean to tell me it didn't deserve the awards for Visual Effects and Sound Mixing? Come on.

[Neenahboy]

Did Christopher Nolan or Christian Bale sh*t in someone's cereal? I can understand the lack of love in the prestige categories, but you mean to tell me it didn't deserve the awards for Visual Effects and Sound Mixing? Come on.

Visual Effects? Not in my opinion. Button's were remarkable and totally worthy.

[Sparty99]

Visual Effects? Not in my opinion. Button's were remarkable and totally worthy.
What was remarkable about them? Honestly. They made Brad Pitt look old. Fine...give them the makeup award. The visual effects in Button were nowhere near as impressive as Dark Knight (or even Iron Man for that matter).

I'm very serious when I ask what was so impressive about the visual effects in Button.

[Figaro]

Bill Maher is an incredible D.B. If you're going to present an award, don't complain about why your movie didn't get nominated and then bring a religious discussion up. Ass.

In a rubber suit no less.

[Neenahboy]

What was remarkable about them? Honestly. They made Brad Pitt look old. Fine...give them the makeup award. The visual effects in Button were nowhere near as impressive as Dark Knight (or even Iron Man for that matter).

I'm very serious when I ask what was so impressive about the visual effects in Button.

Pitt's aging was accomplished through advanced CGI techniques.

[Peter000]

What was remarkable about them? Honestly. They made Brad Pitt look old. Fine...give them the makeup award. The visual effects in Button were nowhere near as impressive as Dark Knight (or even Iron Man for that matter).

I'm very serious when I ask what was so impressive about the visual effects in Button.

It wasn't just make-up that made Brad Pitt look old, difficult effects went into it. More effects than it took to make Christian Bale look like Batman or Heath Ledger look like the Joker.

[terpfan1980]

/props to Eddie Murphy for his intro for the award for Jerry Lewis. That was what I wish most of intros and awards would be like. Nice, simple, sincere and yet also to the point.

If the rest of the intros followed that pattern the show would be nearly over and yet we'd be just as entertained and just as impressed, if not more so.

[Sparty99]

Pitt's aging was accomplished through advanced CGI techniques.
And yet they won for makeup. So was he made to look older through CGI or makeup? I'm sorry, the visual effects were decent, not remarkable, and nowhere near as impressive as The Dark Knight's were.

[Peter000]

What intros were more lengthy than Eddy Murphy's? I've been pretty entertained by some of the intros.

[Neenahboy]

Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire.

Five.

[Sparty99]

It wasn't just make-up that made Brad Pitt look old, difficult effects went into it. More effects than it took to make Christian Bale look like Batman or Heath Ledger look like the Joker.
I wasn't arguing for Dark Knight on account of how Heath Ledger was made into the Joker, I was arguing for it on the sheer scope of the movies. The Dark Knight was 10 times more demanding in its scope than making Brad Pitt look older. I'm truly baffled by the award and I haven't seen anything that tells me what was so remarkable about Benjamin Button.

[terpfan1980]

What intros were more lengthy than Eddy Murphy's? I've been pretty entertained by some of the intros.

Steve Martin and Tina Fey's intros for an example. Somewhat entertaining, but unnecessary. Come out, announce the nominees and move along rather than crack stupid jokes.

See also comments above about self-promotion for idiots such as Bill Maher (uncalled for) and Jack Black (entertaining, but silly and not really needed).

[Neenahboy]

Best Original Song: "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire

Six.

[Graymalkin]

Best Song goes to Slumdog!

That's what, six Oscars now?

Is Slumdog going to be the film that opens up the U.S. audience for Bollywood movies?

[Peter000]

I wasn't arguing for Dark Knight on account of how Heath Ledger was made into the Joker, I was arguing for it on the sheer scope of the movies. The Dark Knight was 10 times more demanding in its scope than making Brad Pitt look older. I'm truly baffled by the award and I haven't seen anything that tells me what was so remarkable about Benjamin Button.

Just because BB was not an action movie, didn't make the effects in it any less demanding than Batman. A majority of the special effects aren't even seen in any movie; it's making the shot look realistic within the context of the scene. If they're nominated, it's a good chance the people working on them deserved the award.

[Howie]

Have all of you guys seen Slumdog? I haven't. Is it Best Picture worthy in your opinions?

[Sparty99]

Best Song goes to Slumdog!

That's what, six Oscars now?

Is Slumdog going to be the film that opens up the U.S. audience for Bollywood movies?
Was Slumdog really a Bollywood movie? It was produced within the American studio system, wasn't it? I would think that just because it takes place in India doesn't make it an Indian movie (I realize that doesn't make complete sense).

[Graymalkin]

With two big musical numbers, Slumdog has some definite Bollywood roots. Of course, if there's kissing, then it's totally NOT Bollywood. :)

But even if it isn't a Bollywood movie, will it encourage U.S. audiences to sample more traditional Bollywood fare?

[JFriday]

1st they take our jobs, now our Oscars. ;)

[Neenahboy]

The Dark Knight was 10 times more demanding in its scope than making Brad Pitt look older.

And that's your opinion, which you're perfectly entitled to. I, and apparently many others, happen to vehemently disagree. The combination of superior makeup and visual effects in Button produced some of the most advanced character aging ever put to film. But again, that's my opinion.

[terpfan1980]

I wasn't arguing for Dark Knight on account of how Heath Ledger was made into the Joker, I was arguing for it on the sheer scope of the movies. The Dark Knight was 10 times more demanding in its scope than making Brad Pitt look older. I'm truly baffled by the award and I haven't seen anything that tells me what was so remarkable about Benjamin Button.

I'd say you're carrying on an old argument that I would have had with the Academy, going way, way back.

For whatever reason techy films and big blockbluster type films typically don't get any love from the Academy (with the very notable exception of Titanic). Big box-office smashes feed Hollywood and pay for the artsy films that they want to make in much the same way that mens sports in college generate revenue that is used to pay for a bunch of other sports that aren't nearly as well supported. Hollywood wants the box-office smashes, but they don't want to reward those big Lucas or Spielberg type flicks, or the comic book films, etc. Those aren't serious enough and aren't good enough to really deserve the awards in the Academy's eyes, or... perhaps it's just that the Academy figures the best awards for those type of films is ticket sales, plain and simply.

[Neenahboy]

Best Foreign Film: Departures (Japan)

Wow, that's a huge surprise. Thought for sure it would be Waltz with Bashir.

[Peter000]

Steve Martin and Tina Fey's intros for an example. Somewhat entertaining, but unnecessary. Come out, announce the nominees and move along rather than crack stupid jokes.

See also comments above about self-promotion for idiots such as Bill Maher (uncalled for) and Jack Black (entertaining, but silly and not really needed).
I agree the self promotion wasn't necessary, but it didn't go on and on and add much time to the show.

And FWIW I love the Fey/Martin intro. :D And the Ben Stiller riff on Phoenix.

My big complaint is the broken English from some of the winners. Spend the bucks and have translators on hand for them!

[Sparty99]

Just because BB was not an action movie, didn't make the effects in it any less demanding than Batman. A majority of the special effects aren't even seen in any movie; it's making the shot look realistic within the context of the scene. If they're nominated, it's a good chance the people working on them deserved the award.
I'm still not seeing the argument about what was so remarkable about it. I'm not trying to be difficult, but I truly don't get it. What was so difficult or demanding about Benjamin Button? There were several major action sequences in The Dark Knight that they pulled off masterfully. If the major selling point of Benjamin Button's special effects was that they made Brad Pitt look old, I'm sorry, but that's not remarkable and it's certainly not Oscar worthy.

[Graymalkin]

Waltz with Bashir didn't win Foreign Film? Phooey!

[Howie]

Well, the Japanese guy certainly didn't speak English very well, but at least he made it short and sweet.

[Neenahboy]

Geez, could you at least cut to full screen for the In Memoriams, guys? This is just disrespectful. :down:

[terpfan1980]

I agree the self promotion wasn't necessary, but it didn't go on and on and add much time to the show.

And FWIW I love the Fey/Martin intro. :D And the Ben Stiller riff on Phoenix.

My big complaint is the broken English from some of the winners. Spend the bucks and have translators on hand for them!

I disagree completely on that last comment ^^ Even if the winner doesn't speak 'our' language, let the winner speak. Why do we have to be ignorant Americans and demand the world to speak English? Much of the world speaks other languages... while I appreciate that the winners try to speak our language, I'm not going to demand that they do just so they can say thank you more clearly.

Let the winners speak. That's my point with the comments above, etc.

And while Stiller mocking/imating Phoenix is entertaining, I'd rather see that on Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien, The Daily Show or somewhere else. There's no need for it on the Academy Awards show, or at least not on the televised portion of same.

[Graymalkin]

The ad for Wynn's new Encore resort in Vegas was funny: "Next time, we do this in the lobby."

[jpwoof]

Was Slumdog really a Bollywood movie? It was produced within the American studio system, wasn't it? I would think that just because it takes place in India doesn't make it an Indian movie (I realize that doesn't make complete sense).

it is a european movie that pertains to an indian life.

[Sparty99]

I'd say you're carrying on an old argument that I would have had with the Academy, going way, way back.

For whatever reason techy films and big blockbluster type films typically don't get any love from the Academy (with the very notable exception of Titanic). Big box-office smashes feed Hollywood and pay for the artsy films that they want to make in much the same way that mens sports in college generate revenue that is used to pay for a bunch of other sports that aren't nearly as well supported. Hollywood wants the box-office smashes, but they don't want to reward those big Lucas or Spielberg type flicks, or the comic book films, etc. Those aren't serious enough and aren't good enough to really deserve the awards in the Academy's eyes, or... perhaps it's just that the Academy figures the best awards for those type of films is ticket sales, plain and simply.
Look at the list of Visual Effects winners. Spider-Man 2. King Kong. Pirates of the Caribbean 2. The Matrix. Independence Day. Jurassic Park. Terminator 2. It's a category that's practically created for the big budget blockbusters. I'm not standing on a soap box wondering why The Dark Knight didn't get a Best Picture nomination, but this one really baffles me.

[jpwoof]

Have all of you guys seen Slumdog? I haven't. Is it Best Picture worthy in your opinions?

i've seen it. it was entertaining and a really good movie, but not really best picture worthy.

[Royster]

There's some dust in my eye.

[jpwoof]

are all the singing live?

[Neenahboy]

Screwing around with camera angles during the In Memoriams was totally classless. You could barely see anything! Bill Condon should be ashamed of himself for letting that happen.

[Sparty99]

And that's your opinion, which you're perfectly entitled to. I, and apparently many others, happen to vehemently disagree. The combination of superior makeup and visual effects in Button produced some of the most advanced character aging ever put to film. But again, that's my opinion.
But my question is why is character aging more impressive than the sequences required of a major action movie? The fact that there's a combination of makeup (for which there's already an award) and visual effects when the action movie is going to require much more special effect wizardry leads me to believe that the action movie is far more deserving.

Obviously I'm the nutcase on this one, but I really don't get it.

[Howie]

I always forget who all had died during the year. Paul Newman was certainly one of the biggest stars in my lifetime.

[Graymalkin]

are all the singing live?

I doubt it very much.

[Peter000]

I'm still not seeing the argument about what was so remarkable about it. I'm not trying to be difficult, but I truly don't get it. What was so difficult or demanding about Benjamin Button? There were several major action sequences in The Dark Knight that they pulled off masterfully. If the major selling point of Benjamin Button's special effects was that they made Brad Pitt look old, I'm sorry, but that's not remarkable and it's certainly not Oscar worthy.

For one they didn't merely make Brad Pitt "look old." They put his face on a whole different body convincingly. That is very difficult to do. And innovative. Much more difficult than any particular shot done in TDK that's been done a hundred other times in a dozen other action films.

And action scenes don't necessarily mean special effects. What makes an action scene masterful is the editing more than the SFX.

I'm not saying The Dark Knight wasn't good or deserving it it's own way, but BB certainly deserved it's win.

[Graymalkin]

That's seven for Slumdog.

[Neenahboy]

Best Director: Danny Boyle

Seven.

[jsmeeker]

Geez, could you at least cut to full screen for the In Memoriams, guys? This is just disrespectful. :down:

that bugged me a bit, too. There were times when it was hard to make out some of the titles. I guess it's less of an issue if you have a big HDTV.

[Peter000]

are all the singing live?

It sound like it to me.

[Figaro]

I doubt it very much.

I hope it is cause Jackman sounds like ass, check that, Ethel Merman's ass.

[jsmeeker]

Best Director: Danny Boyle

Seven.

don't they usually give Director our right before Picture?

[Graymalkin]

don't they usually give Director our right before Picture?

Maybe it's been Director, Actress, Actor, and Movie?

Now it sounds like they're going to do Movie, Actress, and Actor. Huh?

Never mind, I didn't hear the announcer correctly.

[Neenahboy]

don't they usually give Director our right before Picture?

It's usually Director, Actress, Actor, Picture, roll credits.

[Neenahboy]

I guess it's less of an issue if you have a big HDTV.

Nope, it really wasn't.

[jsmeeker]

It's usually Director, Actress, Actor, Picture, roll credits.

Hmm OK

I always thought Actor and Actress came before director and picture.

Not sure why I thought that.

[Graymalkin]

Nicole Kidman looks mahvelous.

[Neenahboy]

Come on, Anne Hathaway upset, come on...

[Graymalkin]

Come on, Anne Hathaway upset, come on...

That would be an upset, indeed. I don't see it.

[jsmeeker]

This drags on so long the way they do this.

[terpfan1980]

Winslet is gonna win it. (My bet)

[Howie]

They need the American Idol judges to announce the nominees. Let that Simon asshat do a critique of one of them.

[Sparty99]

Nicole Kidman looks mahvelous.
Sophia Loren does not.

[Graymalkin]

I wouldn't have minded if they had cut some other numbers and banter to make time for these tributes to the nominees.

[terpfan1980]

BTW, my own preference is anyone but Streep. Enough of giving her accolades.

[Graymalkin]

Sophia Loren does not.

She's almost 74 years old. I'd cut her a break. Because when she was young she was really something.

[terpfan1980]

Nicole Kidman looks mahvelous.

Sophia Loren does not.

In some ways Loren looks decent, but in other ways, definitely not so much. Given her age, not bad, but definitely showing age.

[Zevida]

The fawning over the actors during the acting categories is ridiculous. Just get on with it.

[Neenahboy]

Best Actress: Kate Winslet

Saw that coming, and I know the Academy was focusing on her performances in both The Reader and Rev. Road since she couldn't be nominated for both, but Hathaway's performance was by far superior.

Still, mega congrats to Kate on breaking her Oscar winless streak. I find it incredibly ironic that she once said she wouldn't win an Oscar until she did a Holocaust film, and here we are.

[Graymalkin]

No surprise there at all.

I wouldn't worry about Hathaway. I'm sure she'll be back.

[terpfan1980]

I nailed that pick (probably the one and only I could get right). Congrats to Kate Winslet. That said, I'd still highly recommend Frozen River to anyone. Excellent flick and Melissa Leo did a great job in it.

[Graymalkin]

OK, Kate, you're adorable, but stop waving at Dad. :D

My favorite Kate Winslet movie? The Holiday. :D :D :D

[terpfan1980]

Best Actress: Kate Winslet

Saw that coming, and I know the Academy was focusing on her performances in both The Reader and Rev. Road since she couldn't be nominated for both, but Hathaway's performance was by far superior.

Still, mega congrats to Kate on breaking her Oscar winless streak. I find it incredibly ironic that she once said she wouldn't win an Oscar until she did a Holocaust film, and here we are.
See comment way back in the thread ;) I loved that episode of Extras and agree, totally prophetic.

I haven't seen Rachel Getting Married yet, nor seen more than a clips of Winslet's performance(s) this season, but I figured this one was going to Winslet almost as an achievement award.

[gossamer88]

Saw Changleling this weekend. Jolie is absolutely brilliant in it. Highly recommended.

[Sparty99]

BTW, my own preference is anyone but Streep. Enough of giving her accolades.
You realize she hasn't won an Oscar for 27 years, right?

[Neenahboy]

And we're on to Best Actor. Hoping against hope that Mickey Rourke doesn't win this...

[terpfan1980]

You realize she hasn't won an Oscar for 27 years, right?

Yes, but she's been nominated how many times in that span? And won how many other awards in that time frame?

[Sparty99]

She's almost 74 years old. I'd cut her a break. Because when she was young she was really something.
Oh, I know. But it seems she went downhill really fast. Like from still being a stunner in her late 60s to now...not good.

Aging sucks I guess.

[Graymalkin]

Oh, I know. But it seems she went downhill really fast. Like from still being a stunner in her late 60s to now...not good.

Aging sucks I guess.

Aging isn't a steady gradual process. Sometimes bad stuff happens practically overnight.

[Graymalkin]

Yes, please DO mention Sean Penn's greatest role as Spicoli! :)

[Sparty99]

Yes, but she's been nominated how many times in that span?
I count 11 (basically not even every other year). How many times out of those 11 times has she been unjustifiably nominated though.

[Sparty99]

Aging isn't a steady gradual process. Sometimes bad stuff happens practically overnight.
Well that pretty much guarantees that I'm karmically screwed.

[jsmeeker]

Yes, please DO mention Sean Penn's greatest role as Spicoli! :)

Indeed. That was nice. I understand Sean Penn hates people bringing it up, but I am glad Robert DiNero did it any way. Seann seemed to be OK with it.

[Royster]

Ph, please not Mickey Rourke.

[Graymalkin]

Robert Pattinson, sitting behind Mickey, looks grumpy!

[terpfan1980]

You realize she hasn't won an Oscar for 27 years, right?

Back to Streep for a minute, from the IMDB page on her (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000658/): Won 2 Oscars. Another 71 wins & 81 nominations (not just Oscars, but other awards).

Enough nominations to make me tired of seeing her nominated. :)

[Graymalkin]

Holy Spicoli, it's Sean Penn!

[Neenahboy]

Best Actor: Sean Penn

And major props to Richard Jenkins for finally being recognized for a lifetime of great work.

Thank goodness Rourke got passed up.

[Graymalkin]

Oh, GOOD one there, Sean!

[Howie]

All right, a Marin County guy is best actor.

[Sparty99]

Spicoli has 2 Oscars.

Wouldn't the current day version of this 1983 improbability be if Stiffler or Jack Black wound up winning 2 Oscars?

[Graymalkin]

All Academy Award-winning actors have at least one Spicoli role early in their career.

[JFriday]

Called it here.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=6739728#post6739728

[Sparty99]

Back to Streep for a minute, from the IMDB page on her (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000658/): Won 2 Oscars. Another 71 wins & 81 nominations.

Enough nominations to make me tired of seeing her nominated. :)
You're talking all those awards/nominations over the course of 15-20 movies. Hell, Sean Penn probably won 5 awards and 10 nominations just for Milk. Do you really feel like he didn't deserve to get nominated for all those awards?

[terpfan1980]

All Academy Award-winning actors have at least one Spicoli role early in their career.

Sort of like Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies :p :D

[Graymalkin]

I was thinking more of Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party.

If Will Ferrell wins a Best Actor Oscar someday... but I'll be dead by then.

[Peter000]

It's weird that they intersperse other movies in with the clips of the nominated movies.

[mtm150]

I need to know who the woman is sitting next to Meryl Streep that isn't Amy Adams. I swear I recognize her but I have no idea why. On Meryl's left.

[Graymalkin]

I believe that is Meryl's daughter.

[terpfan1980]

Why in the blazes do they have to mix old films and new films as they hype up best picture? If they want to show some montages of past winners, fine, but why mix up old and new?! Just show me snippets of each nominated film on their own. Much more simple, and much more classy.

[Neenahboy]

And the 2008 Best Picture is...

Slumdog Millionaire! That's eight!

In your face, Weinstein.

[Graymalkin]

Annnnd... that's eight for the Slumdog Millionaires!

[Sparty99]

Why in the blazes do they have to mix old films and new films as they hype up best picture? If they want to show some montages of past winners, fine, but why mix up old and new?! Just show me snippets of each nominated film on their own. Much more simple, and much more classy.
I kind of liked it. Show some clips of classic WWII clips during The Reader. It shows how much of the theme of their movies run through time.

[Sparty99]

Annnnd... that's eight for the Slumdog Millionaires!
"And now we're going to ship the kids back to their slums and never deal with them again."

[jsmeeker]

Why in the blazes do they have to mix old films and new films as they hype up best picture? If they want to show some montages of past winners, fine, but why mix up old and new?! Just show me snippets of each nominated film on their own. Much more simple, and much more classy.

It was done as a way to show the theme of each nominated picture.

[Graymalkin]

That show ran 3.5 hours. Not the longest ever, right?

[terpfan1980]

You're talking all those awards/nominations over the course of 15-20 movies. Hell, Sean Penn probably won 5 awards and 10 nominations just for Milk. Do you really feel like he didn't deserve to get nominated for all those awards?

You ask that as if you think I'd respect Penn :p


My problem with Streep, and Penn too, to some extent, is that it seems that each year there is a wave of nominations for SAG awards, Golden Globes, and other awards along with the requisite Academy Award that is supposed to be a stone cold lock because of the other awards and nominations that have been garnered. In the end I get tired of hearing about these people as if they are all that, and it makes me want to support someone, anyone else instead.

[terpfan1980]

It was done as a way to show the theme of each nominated picture.

I understood why it was done, but don't think it was needed at all and wound up being disrespectful of the films instead (at least to my tastes).

[Peter000]

They're remaking Fame?? Why for god's sake??

[terpfan1980]

That show ran 3.5 hours. Not the longest ever, right?

Not by my memory... last year was definitely longer.

[terpfan1980]

They're remaking Fame?? Why for god's sake??

Why remake Pelham either... It's not like the original wasn't really, really good. But that same question could be asked of a bunch of movies each year.

[Peter000]

It didn't seem to drag for me. I enjoyed it for the most part.

[Graymalkin]

They're remaking Fame?? Why for god's sake??

Why not? Every other film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s will be remade at some point.

[hughmcjr]

I must have watched 200 films last year yet I saw none of the major nominees for Best picture, actor, etc, not one. ummm...except DK

[Neenahboy]

And it's over. Final verdict: definitely worse than last year. IMO, the Hugh Jackman experiment didn't work.

[Sparty99]

Why not? Every other film in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s will be remade at some point.
Except Die Hard. You can't remake perfection.

[Graymalkin]

Except Die Hard. You can't remake perfection.

Not this decade. Probably sometime between 2015 and 2025.

[hughmcjr]

And it's over. Final verdict: definitely worse than last year. IMO, the Hugh Jackman experiment didn't work.

The opening certainly did, maybe you missed it. It broke the stuffy, uncomfortable tension and got everyone engaged enough to give him a standing ovation. And Anne Hathaway can sing and then some.

[Graymalkin]

I liked the opening number and the medley with Beyonce. But I'm old school. I like musicals.

[terpfan1980]

I must have watched 200 films last year yet I saw none of the major nominees for Best picture, actor, etc, not one. ummm...except DK

My wife and I were running down the list of nominees and films that involved nominations in some way and we actually did fairly well this year. For each of the bigger categories we had seen 1 or 2 of the nominees. For example, we had watched The Visitor ages ago. (Excellent flick). Recently watched Frozen River. Had seen The Dark Knight, have Tropic Thunder sitting here on Blu-ray to watch. Had seen Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda, etc.

I was actually a little surprised that we had seen as much as we had, though there were still many nominees that we haven't yet seen.

[Peter000]

And it's over. Final verdict: definitely worse than last year. IMO, the Hugh Jackman experiment didn't work.

I liked Hugh. I expected it to be really bad, but was pleasantly surprised. Though it was unbearably cheesy at points.

I don't even remember last year.