The people who are close to me know that it is a very special day for me. I make sure my chores are done by 3pm so I can begin the award night rituals. I begin by putting on my pajamas, put the channel on "E" for the "pregame" show and settle into my couch.
At 4:30pm the channel that is showing the award show will have their own version of the pregame. The array of red carpet host/interviewers have been traditionally the Entertainment Tonight/Access Hollywood/Ryan Seacrest teams. Some of them are pretty good, some not-so-much. Of course the uber critic, Joan Rivers, (and her sidekick daughter) were fired from their red carpet job because they couldn't maintain even a semi-nice sense of decorum. Stepped on one too many important hollywood toes I suspect. They were later hired by the TV Guide channel, which flopped. They are back at "E" doing the Fashion Police wrap up show the day after the awards. I won't even mention Issac Mizrachi's stint as a red carpet interviewer.
My husband knows this is my night, do not even try to take control of the remote or switch the station "for just a minute". This action is punishable by... oh you don't even want to know.
We are pretty avid moviegoers and I am an avid televison purveyor. My selections for picking winners are quite remarkable. I preview most of the new television series and am quite adept at picking series that will do well. During the awards as they are about to announce the winner of each category - I make my prediction. I really should have my own show, or be in a focus group. I need to be getting paid for my talent in some way. I'm being wasted in my flannel pjs and soft wubby bathrobe.
In my opionion, the best Oscar host - ever - was Billy Crystal. He is funny, entertaining and not mean spirited. The opposite which was true of Ricky Gervais this year at the Golden Globes. I am usually bored by the acceptance speeches, which run too long or are self serving. Usually the English have the classiest acceptances.
So Sunday, February 27th is the big night. Now here is my dilemma, little did I know when I made air and hotel reservations for Las Vegas that it was falling on that night of all nights. What do I do, stay in my room and watch them?.....NO - that's what DVRs are for. Even my devotion has limitations.
My prediction for Best Picture: "The Kings Speech" - absolutely the best movie we've seen in a long time. Loved "The Fighter" and "The Social Network". Really feel good there were three outstanding movies this year, all worthy.
Best Actor: Colin Firth - "The Kings Speech" -have loved him since "The Pride and Prejudice" One of the most memorable performances ever. Right up there with George C. Scott as Patton.
Best Actress: Natalie Portman -"Black Swan" - predicted her stardom after her inital movie in "The Professional" 1994
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale "The Fighter" Totally transforms himself. Jeffrey Rush close second, but Christian's role was meatier.
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo "The Fighter" I came out of the movie going "I don't even know who she is or what else she has done but she will get an Oscar for that".
So, pop your corn, put on your pjs and turn on the tv and enjoy.
Two thumbs up.
NOW YOU'VE BEEN BUZZED
Are you saying you didn't enjoy Ricky Gervais as the host or that he was just mean spirited?
ReplyDeleteI did not enjoy RG in that setting. He is better suited for HBO specials or in his own shows. It was uncomfortable and not necessary albeit mostly true. You have to be able to use discretion. I really don't blame him, someone from the Foreign Press (Producer) should have gone over his material beforehand, and if they did, shame on them. When a star with the integrity and respect of Tom Hanks takes offense, that speaks volumes.
ReplyDeleteSome of my best memories are of you and I sitting on the couch in our jammies with the big yellow bowl of popcorn in between us and our sodas in front of us as we watched all the beautiful and not-so-beautiful gowns going down the red carpet. Your picks are mine too even though I haven't seen The Fighter or True Grit yet. Christian Bale ought to get the award though since he was robbed for The Machinist. I love anything that the Coen Brothers do. And King's Speech and Social Network are my movies of the year.
ReplyDeleteI know, this time of year is so much fun! Always lots to look at...and what else can you watch where the pre-activities are just as exciting as the actual event (if not more)?!? Can't wait for the big night!
ReplyDeleteFound a fun Oscar Bingo card. Check it out, print it out...fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2011/02/oscar-bingo-2011-edition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HowAboutOrange+%28How+About+Orange%29
Cheers!
Jen