Like a billion other people, or so host Seth McFarlane said, we watched the Oscars last night. We had debated whether we would. Four o’clock seemed early to stop doing other things and begin the yearly marathon of glitz and glamor and nonsense. Every year we say “Never again!” but every next year we succumb. Like we did yesterday.
For once, we had seen a couple of the movies that were up for awards – “The Life of Pi” and “Lincoln.” And we had seen “Les Miserables” in its stage version on Broadway back in the day, which ought to count for something. So we microwaved our popcorn and forced ourselves to stay tuned through Kristin Chenowitz’s screechy, inane interviews.
On the whole, we were glad we watched. I thought Daniel Day Lewis’s acceptance speech was one of the best I’ve ever heard in years. I loved the glitzy staging, was amazed that the orchestra was actually housed in another building entirely, but was disappointed that they didn’t show more clips of those honored in memoriam. Mostly, I don’t understand why we always need to be subjected to hours of pre-show nonsense while the awards part is rushed to the point of stupidity.
My daughter, Marta LaRue (to be technical, my ex-step daughter, but I claim her with all my heart) wrote this on her Facebook page last night:
Shirley Bassey stole the show when she sang the sh%% out of Goldfinger, imo – Adele was off-key – Jennifer Hudson screamed the song at us – Barbra gave me chills singing memories in honor of marvin hamlisch – les miz cast singing together ROCKED…was surprised by who won the best supporting actor & by who won for best actress – wow Jennifer Lawrence recovered well from tripping on the giant ruffles of her gown …really like the oscar host – he was understated & funny & had a great singing voice-this was a really good yr. for good movies…love the glitz & the glam &the gowns…highly entertaining!
I defer to her judgment completely with regard to the music. Marta is a singer and years ago had her own band, “Tongue in Cheek” that toured in Alaska and the western states. She has been in the music scene in the Bay Area since the early seventies and, unlike me, knows her stuff. On the whole, I agreed with her assessment.
My reaction to Jennifer Hudson was to press the mute button. I loved Shirley Bassey and Barbra Streisand and the Les Miz ensemble made me want more than ever to see the film. So, judging by what Marta had to say, methinks I was right on. Except about Seth. Thumbs up for his voice; thumbs down for most of his humor. Probably a generational thing. I did like the boobs song, though…
Oh, and did I say that Nyel struggled to stay awake?
Marta was spot on; you need to get out more; Ben was gracious despite his being left off the directors’ list. I have seen 6 of the 9, and was very accurate in my predictions. I love the glitz and glam, and Michelle Obama is one fabulous lady!
From YOUR generation…Mostly I agree with Marta. Mostly I agree with Yahoo’s grade assessments of the gowns and gems. The music: 1/2 and 1/2…not exactly cream but neither was it skim milk. As for as the m.c. his “performance” was our 100% agreement. We had seen some of the films also, and did have our favorites. Both smiley faces and frowns. Hey, I love the hype and glitz, but did find myself accepting that eyelids were feeling heavy towards the end of the show….
The Oscars are like the proverbial car wreck: try as I might, I can’t seem to look away. I agree with most of what you and Marta said. Exception: I HATED the boob song.
LOL — I noticed that a number of the young women in the audience looked as though they agreed with you about the boobs song. Must be another generational thing…
I, too, agreed with Marta, but only as to the singing. I MUST see Les Miz, now. Barbara was amazing. I had to watch, but went to bed after the awards, missed the red carpet.