Oscars 2009 Live Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:30:16 PM EST
Tags: Oscars (all tags)

Share This: Digg!

The Oscars are beginning. Here's a thread for your reactions and comments. I won't be live-blogging, just updating periodically.

Update 6:40pm: Best opening in years...since Billy Crystal. Hugh Jackman is incredible. The audience agreed, a standing ovation. I'm totally impressed.

Update 6:50pm: These Oscars are not your father's Oldmosbile. The presentation of best supporting actress was so moving and personal, it was just beautiful to watch. Hollywood needs a recession more often, it's truly brought out their creative inspiration. And congrats to Penelope Cruz. As I said in the red carpet thread, I loved Vicki Christina Barelona, she was terrific (as was Javier Bardem and the other two women.) Further updates as warranted below.

Update 7:45 pm: Seth Rogan and James Franco were very funny in their skit. If you haven't seen Pineapple Express, rent it. It's very funny for a pot movie -- the polar opposite of Humboldt County which was kind of a downer.

Update 9:23 pm: The best has been the roundtable awards of the best actor/actress awards. It's incredible to watch the emotion of the nominees. The description by the presenters are so heartfelt. They are on Best Actress now...Sophia Loren speaking to Meryl Streep is like watching history. Kate Winslett wins.

Update: 9:38 pm: Best Actor: I'll be shocked if Mickey Rourke doesn't win. I was telling the TL kid how sexy he was in 9 1/2 weeks, he couldn't picture it.

Another great roundup of Best Actors to present the award. Having the presenter speak directly to the nominee is the best new feature of the show.

Way to Go, Sean Penn! As DeNiro said, he's a great actor and a great supporter of human rights. I'm really happy for him.

Update 9:48 pm: Steven Speilberg does the award for best picture. Slumdog Millionaire takes it. It's so cool that they brought the kids.

It's unanimous at Casa TalkLeft. This has been the best Academy Awards in ages. The TL kid says it's the best he's ever seen. Well done, Hollywood. Downsizing does you proud.

Many thanks to Atdleft in comments for updating with award winners throughout the show. Great job!

< Red Carpet 2009 Thread | Justice Ginsburg to Return to Supreme Court >

Legal

Nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice. TalkLeft does not give legal advice.

TalkLeft is not responsible for and often disagrees with material posted in the comments section. Read at your own risk.

Oscars 2009 Live Thread | 162 comments (162 topical)

Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

And for best supporting actress... (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:45:09 PM EST

The Oscar goes to...

: No, really... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:49:43 PM EST

"Vicky Christina Barcelona" is the best movie Woody Allen has done in quite some time. And really, Penelope Cruz did a great job playing the fiery, brilliant, beautiful bisexual artist Maria Elena. ;-)

Penelope Cruz! (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:47:56 PM EST

Take THAT, Nate Silver! :-D

: Heh... (5.00 / 2) (#25)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:15:35 PM EST

The 538 folks are in shock...
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/02/oscars-liveblog.html#comments
So Nate really isn't always right? Really? Let's see if the Academy has more surprises in store for Mr. Silver. ;-)

Hugh Jackman was amazing! (5.00 / 2) (#3)
by addy on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:48:28 PM EST

Agreed the best opening I've seen lately. My husband, the X-Man nut, was also very impressed that Wolverine could sing and dance so well.

: I had the pleasure (5.00 / 0) (#22)
by Steve M on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:14:21 PM EST

of seeing Hugh Jackman perform in "The Boy from Oz" on Broadway a couple years back. He was fantastic, it was a tour de force.
A couple of my friends who are absolutely smitten with him decided to wait by the stage door for a chance to touch his hand, or whatever one does. They reported that he is quite personable as well as talented. :)

Agreed on the opening... (5.00 / 0) (#5)
by indy in sc on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:50:33 PM EST

Hugh Jackman was great and Anne Hathaway was excellent too!

The TL Kid is here and he (5.00 / 0) (#7)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:52:46 PM EST

loved the opening and the best supporting actress presentation too. What a great show so far.

Yay for Tina Fey! (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:54:48 PM EST

OK, and Steve Martin can be funny, too. ;-)

Best Original Screenplay (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:55:16 PM EST

And the Oscar goes to...

MILK!!! (5.00 / 2) (#10)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:57:45 PM EST

Dustin Lance Black for "Milk"! Yay, so it has one Oscar so far! ;-)


: What a beautiful speech... (5.00 / 2) (#11)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:59:33 PM EST

I hope it does give all those closeted kids living in fear some encouragement to come out & live their lives.

: What a beautiful acceptance speech he gave. (5.00 / 3) (#12)
by indy in sc on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:59:47 PM EST

Best Adapted Screenplay... (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:00:10 PM EST

Slumdog Millionaire! (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:02:49 PM EST

Is anyone surprised? The "Slumdog" lovefest begins. ;-)

Really, I've heard it's a great movie. I promise to see it some time soon.


: Check out this (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:10:27 PM EST

BBC video of their real life slum in Mumbai.

Best Animated Film... (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:06:40 PM EST

Wall-E! (5.00 / 2) (#16)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:07:40 PM EST

OK, whatever. I guess I'm a grouchy old geezer already, as I usually miss the films in this category. ;-)


: In a couple years (5.00 / 2) (#23)
by Steve M on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:15:26 PM EST

I expect to re-enter the stage where I have to see every animated film that comes out!
It's part of the job description. Heck, just from visiting our friends whose kids are a little older, I think I've seen "Cars" about 20 times.

: We have almost every Pixar movie. (none / 0) (#160)
by Fabian on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 04:08:38 AM EST

And the ones we don't have, my mother does.
The reason is simple - most "kid" films are mediocre at best and often gratingly bad. Pixar has incredible standards and even their weaker pictures are watchable multiple times. Very nice sound tracks and foley work as well.

Best Animated Short Film... (5.00 / 3) (#17)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:09:57 PM EST

Is anyone really paying attention now? Or are we all just tuning out until they get back to something we care about? I think I know what my answer is... ;-)

I'm paying attention and I (5.00 / 2) (#19)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:11:06 PM EST

appreciate what you are doing -- please continue!


: Oh, I will... (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:14:04 PM EST

As soon as commercial break ends. Thanks, Jeralyn!

A writing assignment interferes (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by andgarden on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:12:20 PM EST

So you guys are helping me stay productive!


paying attention...waiting for a commercial (none / 0) (#24)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:15:35 PM EST

to read here...carry on atdeleft, you're doing fine work.


Best Art Direction... (5.00 / 2) (#26)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:18:01 PM EST

Is anyone paying attention? Or are we all too busy gawking at Sarah Jessica Parker's dress? I know I am...

Oh wait, "Benjamin Button" finally wins something!

: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:19:20 PM EST

Also won Best Set Decoration. So hey, at least they're not leaving the Kodak Theater empty handed.

: I really love the dresse (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:20:35 PM EST

and the ladies who were wearing the haute couture gowns that were vintage. Just beautiful

Best Costume Design... (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:20:17 PM EST

Yay, fashion! And the Oscar goes to...

The Duchess! (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:21:21 PM EST

So they're not leaving empty handed, either.


goofy (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:24:22 PM EST

americans are so impressed with royal garb....doncha think the challenge of design for Benji Button much more difficult?

Is sarah's dress vintage? is that why we think it looks goofy here in the Hollywood of southeastern MN?


: No, not to my knowledge (none / 0) (#157)
by Upstart Crow on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 12:01:14 AM EST

But Cruz gown is. 60-year-old Balmain.

Btw... (5.00 / 1) (#31)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:23:39 PM EST

"Maison" won Best Short Animated Film. And if I miss something, you can bet my almost hometown paper will have it...

http://goldderby.latimes.com/

On their Oscar blog.

Best Make-up... (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:24:19 PM EST

"Benjamin Button" wins again!

Best Cinematography... (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:33:03 PM EST

Again, are we paying more attention to Natalie Portman or Ben Stiller's bizarre hair & beard?

That was pretty funny. (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by Steve M on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:34:32 PM EST

And the Oscar goes to... (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:35:18 PM EST

"Slumdog Millionaire"! They're still on a roll...


Stiller channeling Juaquin Phoenix (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:35:59 PM EST

not that funny, distracting and a disrespectful to the nominees....jeez

(although the line about a hassidic meth lab pretty funny)


Heh... (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by Jackson Hunter on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:36:45 PM EST

that would be Natalie for me! LOL The Dark night is still shut out, although the assumption is that Heath is a lock, right?

Jackson


: Oops! (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by Jackson Hunter on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:37:49 PM EST

The Dark Knight, sorry everyone.

This presenter's dress (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by Cream City on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:40:10 PM EST

(missed the name) is not for the female form -- it's for the designer. Nice fabric, though; love ivory satin . . . until this.

Designers that ar really artists (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:45:22 PM EST

can take their designs and adapt it to the body so that it feels like second skin. That is an art.


Which one? (none / 0) (#41)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:42:06 PM EST

: As I said (none / 0) (#53)
by Cream City on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:03:01 PM EST

I don't know who she is.

Marisa Tomei? (none / 0) (#135)
by Inspector Gadget on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:59:02 PM EST

The dress she was wearing certainly fits your description...was it heavily pleated?


She was wonderful in My Cousin Vinny (5.00 / 1) (#155)
by hairspray on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:58:55 PM EST

: ya, you blend! (5.00 / 1) (#158)
by DFLer on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 12:02:50 AM EST

Positraction for the Pontiac

How appropriate... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:45:14 PM EST

The "Pineapple Express" boyz do the "Comedy 2008" montage. OK, more inappropriate... But I'm laughing, and I'm not even a stoner. ;-)

: That (5.00 / 1) (#47)
by Jackson Hunter on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:51:28 PM EST

was pretty funny, I like inappropriate sometimes! LOL

Best Live Action Short Film... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:46:56 PM EST

: The German film... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:48:08 PM EST

Let me see if I can spell it... OK, it's "Toyland" in English.

OK, Best Supporting Actor after commercial break (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:49:59 PM EST

Anyone betting on someone other than Heath Ledger?

I haven't (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by Jackson Hunter on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:57:03 PM EST

seen any other of the nominees except for Heath, but his turn as the Joker just buried all other actors who have played him (and I love Jack as well, but he played it for laughs, Heath fully invested himself into the role) and took The Dark Knight from a mere superhero movie into something more.

Good God that was a helluva long sentence. :)

God, musical numbers, ugh, not my thing.

True. (5.00 / 2) (#52)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:02:17 PM EST

He was great. But honestly, he was THE highlight of that film. Heath was the engine that drove that movie.


: Oh, I (none / 0) (#60)
by Jackson Hunter on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:13:35 PM EST

totally agree with you, as far as I'm concerned he should have been up for best Lead Actor. He WAS that movie for sure.
It's great that he won.
Jackson

JH : I submit a solution to your dilemma of (none / 0) (#104)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:17:45 PM EST

the lengthy sentence. (Forgive me. The ice cream has frozen my brain)

I haven't seen any other of the nominees except for Heath, but his turn as the Joker just buried all others actors who have played that role. I loved Jack as well, but he played it for laughs. Heath fully invested himself into the role and took The Dark Knight from a mere superhero movie into something more.

Musical dramatic numbers: ditto ugh. I hate exposition of dialogue via lyric.


Heath Ledger! (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:08:49 PM EST

OK, that was a no-brainer. Oh wow, the whole family's here to accept the award for him posthumously. Awww...


Yay! Hugh Jackman... (5.00 / 2) (#48)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:54:47 PM EST

Does another musical number! And who is that? BEYONCE! Jeez, how can "Milk" NOT get Best Picture at what may be the gayest Academy Awards ever! :-D

Appropriate time for me to confess... (5.00 / 3) (#51)
by Steve M on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:00:33 PM EST

...I totally love musicals. Always have. :)


My mom subjected me to West Side Story (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by andgarden on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:06:19 PM EST

all too often when I was a child. I'm scared to think that I might enjoy it if I saw it again.


: You gotta admit (5.00 / 2) (#69)
by Steve M on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:23:30 PM EST

Jon Stewart could not have done that montage!

: West Side Story is still incredible--I hadn't seen (none / 0) (#143)
by jawbone on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:12:27 PM EST

it for a long time and came across it on TV a couple years ago. I was riveted. The Jerome Robbins' choreography was so integral to the story and character development. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
I watched an American Experience program on Robbins this past week. He was taken off the movie bcz he was such a perfectionist that the movie was running over schedule and over budget. The only choreography he had no real control over was the dance scene in the gymnasium. He tried to tell the director via notes that the point of the scene was that the rival gangs were treating the dance as a means of establishing territory, but the director and new choreographer didn't get the idea across. It was felt to be the only scene where the dancing didn't really advance the story.

Josh Brolin (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:05:37 PM EST

is starting to look like his dad.

And his dad is? (none / 0) (#57)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:09:43 PM EST

I guess I don't know much about 'dat Hollywoodland up north. ;-)


Mr. Barbra Steisand..;-) (5.00 / 1) (#58)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:12:24 PM EST

James Brolin


: Silly me! (none / 0) (#62)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:14:11 PM EST

Why didn't I think of him?

: I always mix them up when (none / 0) (#94)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:57:03 PM EST

reading about them. Thanks for the clarification.

Barbra Steisand's husband (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:13:03 PM EST

damn themomcat...me not quick enuff! (5.00 / 2) (#61)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:13:58 PM EST

: Meow (5.00 / 1) (#78)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:42:02 PM EST

Best Documentary... (5.00 / 3) (#63)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:15:20 PM EST

Oh, that Bill Maher acting a little pissed that his doc didn't get nominated. ;-)

: Man on the Wire (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:16:14 PM EST

How come I didn't hear of this one? I'm usually good at keeping up with indie films.

: Yes, his irritation seemed real (none / 0) (#129)
by Inspector Gadget on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:47:14 PM EST

but, that comment he made about the world's religions was rather profound.

Best Short Documentary... (5.00 / 3) (#65)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:18:26 PM EST

And the Oscar goes to "Smile Pinki"! Hey, are you dozing off? Don't you dare doze off! :-D

the dress this winner's director 's wearing remind (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:19:59 PM EST

me of a Ma Kettle line: too bad they didn't have a chance to finish (making) it before the show.


The red slinky dress? I liked it! n/t (none / 0) (#146)
by jawbone on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:13:54 PM EST

i know, it's pretty, but the back goes down to (none / 0) (#150)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:19:25 PM EST

the butt crick...ick.

too bad the tailor couldn't fix that for her.


: Ah, my screen is small here by the PC, so I didn't (none / 0) (#165)
by jawbone on Tue Feb 24, 2009 at 05:13:38 PM EST

catch that at all!

And in more important news... (5.00 / 3) (#67)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:20:52 PM EST

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/02/oscars-liveblog.html

The 538 thread is still full of people who for some reason are pissed at the Academy. ;-p


: please put urls in html format (none / 0) (#133)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:57:22 PM EST

long ones skew the site. Thanks!

I'm eating ice cream to keep awake (5.00 / 1) (#68)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:20:52 PM EST

What flavor (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:30:47 PM EST

I have a yearning for Pistachio.


Edy's Slow churned French Silk (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:44:31 PM EST

1/2 the fat, and still delicious....chocolate and vanilla swirls with chunks of dark choc. jsut finished second helping...the shivering keeps me awake


Yum! (none / 0) (#83)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:46:34 PM EST

Where can I find Edy's?


: www.edys.com, so says the package (none / 0) (#87)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:52:46 PM EST

you're in luck...you're in CA, right?
distributed by Dryers, Oakland CA
Land o Lakes makes slow churn versions...very good too. but that's a MN brand
box says 1/2 the fat and 1/3 the cals...honest to god it doesn't taste lowfat at all

Sounds Nummmy (none / 0) (#84)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:50:45 PM EST

I don't think I can get Edy's in Paris. At least I haven't seen it.


we took a break for (5.00 / 1) (#86)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:51:43 PM EST

linguine with a great red sauce with chicken, home-made, and a big salad with arugula, strawberries, mozzarella, cucumber, celery and avocado. We paused the Oscars and are just catching up, skipping past commercials and some of the acceptance speeches.


: Yummie (none / 0) (#95)
by squeaky on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:57:22 PM EST

Best Visual Effects... (5.00 / 1) (#70)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:28:44 PM EST

Best Sound Editing... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:29:41 PM EST

The Dark Knight wins another one!

Best Sound Mixing... (5.00 / 1) (#73)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:32:10 PM EST

Slumdog Millionaire! Are they still on a roll?

Thank you atdleft!! (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by jen on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:34:28 PM EST

I'm not watching but loving your commentary with the winners!

Thanks! (5.00 / 1) (#77)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:38:08 PM EST

I'm trying. ;-)


: very trying! (none / 0) (#82)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:45:46 PM EST

chick-a-boom

And for Film Editing... (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:36:33 PM EST

"Slumdog Millionaire" wins another one.

The shots of the kids (5.00 / 1) (#76)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:37:54 PM EST

from "SLD are fantastic. They are having such a great time. It's great that they are there.

Jean Hearsholt Humanitarian Award... (5.00 / 2) (#79)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:42:31 PM EST

Jerry Lewis wins. Good on him.

Shout out for The Visitor (5.00 / 1) (#85)
by lobary on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:51:18 PM EST

From the creator of The Station Agent, this hidden gem gives voice to the fear many illegal immigrants live with on a daily basis in post-9/11 America. I loved this character-driven film. Richard Jenkins' nomination will hopefully expose it to a wider audience because this one deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

loved The Visitor (5.00 / 0) (#88)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:53:03 PM EST

it's another one you can rent. About a detained, non-dangerous immigrant, very moving.


Netflix customers (none / 0) (#90)
by lobary on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:55:09 PM EST

can watch it under the instant play feature. :)


: Thanks for this heads up! (none / 0) (#148)
by nycstray on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:17:34 PM EST

thank you Atdleft (5.00 / 3) (#89)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:53:58 PM EST

great contributions tonight

Best Original Score... (5.00 / 1) (#91)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:55:25 PM EST

Again, "Slumdog Millionaire". Is it just me or is it looking like 2009 is "The Year Hollywood Finally Pays Homage to Bollywood"?

Bollywood had been underrated (5.00 / 1) (#93)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:56:25 PM EST

I loved Monsoon Wedding and Bend it Like Beckham, to name a few.


: True. (none / 0) (#100)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:05:54 PM EST

On one hand, I'm thrilled that Bollywood is finally getting the recognition it deserves (though it's via a film directed by a British dude). But OTOH, I must admit it's a little irritating that there's been little element of surprise so far. LA Times' Gold Derby says Best Editing winner usually wins Best Picture, so if that's true this year we're all in for a "Slumdog" near sweep.

beautiful, (none / 0) (#97)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:58:12 PM EST

until the korel electric sitar kicked in...


Best Original Song... (5.00 / 1) (#96)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 09:57:54 PM EST

OK, so will "Slumdog" win again?

: Of course! (5.00 / 2) (#98)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:02:34 PM EST

"Slumdog" wins again! Jeez, I'm starting to sound redundant.

: yes it did (5.00 / 1) (#99)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:03:26 PM EST

lame song, i say...could have been in "High School musical"
last great song for movies, imo, were the dueling giants, bruce and neil for "Philadelphia"

Best Foreign Film... (5.00 / 2) (#102)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:08:01 PM EST

"Departures" from Japan. OK, we now have a non "Slumdog" winner. ;-)

Have to say (5.00 / 2) (#103)
by Cream City on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:10:23 PM EST

that much as I like a lot of India's movies, like the ones that Jeralyn named, I don't see Slumdog in that category . . . so this is just dull tonight, a night when Milk ought to win.

Appreciate the work here though, so I may check back if the Oscars get better -- and get it right, for once.

(p.s. Yes, the Oscar for music does not belong in the pantheon with amazing music like Philadelphia.)

Slumdog is not an Indian-made movie, (5.00 / 1) (#105)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:18:06 PM EST

as the Indian press is constantly pointing out. The contestant is played by a young man who lives in England; his parents immigrated to Africa from India. Director is a well-knkown Brit.


I know, but it's called a Bollywood (5.00 / 1) (#108)
by Cream City on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:21:24 PM EST

flick here and elsewhere. To me, it's a bit of a ripoff of Bollywood -- mixed with the worst of Hollywood, as for one thing, Bollywood can give women better roles.


Yeah, that's what I've heard. (5.00 / 0) (#117)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:37:10 PM EST

Still, I'll personally withhold judgment until I actually see it.


Isn't Bend It Like Beckham an English movie? (none / 0) (#149)
by jawbone on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:17:44 PM EST

What's the Bollywood connection? Do you know?


British, per Wiki. (none / 0) (#152)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:25:50 PM EST

Actress playing the Indian/British girl was actually born in Kenya.


: Diaspora (5.00 / 1) (#159)
by Upstart Crow on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 12:32:27 AM EST

Surely you're aware that India has a huge diaspora, following the British occupation? Not surprisingly, a lot of them wound up in Britain (as Dev Patel's family did), as well as in Africa.
I don't think actors having immigrant parents invalidates them any more than "Hotel Rwanda" was discredited by having Cheadle, whose family hadn't lived in Africa for a century or so, portray a Rwandan. Or, for that matter, Ben Kingsley playing Gandhi when Kingsley was only half-Indian.

: T/U --Wiki could have been my friend too if I'd (none / 0) (#154)
by jawbone on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:38:22 PM EST

thought to use it.... Shoulda gone all googly....

: But is her birth certificate valid? (none / 0) (#161)
by rdandrea on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 10:16:51 AM EST

n/t

Writing original songs for film (5.00 / 3) (#109)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:22:34 PM EST

that's a special task. The songs that Springsteen and Young wrote for Philadelphia were not only beautiful, but evoked the theme of the film without merely describing it.


Well, we still have time... (none / 0) (#107)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:19:04 PM EST

To see if we have any surprises.


Best Director... (5.00 / 2) (#110)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:23:08 PM EST

Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire". OK, OK, I've heard it's a good movie. But my gawd, must they hog all the awards??!! My dad's been pissed all night & yelling about how "Milk" is being short-changed (and I'm the gay princess in the family!), but even I'm getting irritated now. Couldn't the Academy have spread the Oscar love around?

Queen Latiffa can really sing a standard. WOW (5.00 / 4) (#111)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:23:50 PM EST

Didn't she start her career (none / 0) (#126)
by Inspector Gadget on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:45:28 PM EST

in music and evolve into acting?


: yes, in fact started as a hip hop artist (5.00 / 1) (#147)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:17:14 PM EST

Best Actress... (5.00 / 1) (#112)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:29:06 PM EST

OK, finally! Some other movies getting honored for a change.

Sophie Loren as to (5.00 / 3) (#113)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:31:30 PM EST

Meryl Streep. Very nice.


: Sophia...another WOW (none / 0) (#116)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:35:08 PM EST

Well, considering the minimal (5.00 / 1) (#114)
by Cream City on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:33:53 PM EST

female role in Slumdog, it really would have been weird for her to be nominated. :-)


Kate Winslet! (5.00 / 2) (#115)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:34:34 PM EST

OK, so it's nice "The Reader" won something. Still, it sucks that this and other films have been "shortchanged" in a way. It's unfortunate that "The Reader", "Doubt", "Milk", and all the other great movies of 2008 just happen to have been made in "The Year of Slumdog Millionaire".


: they (none / 0) (#118)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:37:16 PM EST

"they" say she was MUCH better in Revolutionary Road.
...snide remark... Hello Kate. Groucho called and he wants his eyebrows back!

Anthony Hopkins (5.00 / 1) (#124)
by Inspector Gadget on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:43:40 PM EST

is looking like Tony Randall with his weight loss.

Yeah!!! For Sean Penn (5.00 / 3) (#125)
by Inspector Gadget on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:44:38 PM EST

He's such a colorful man...with incredible talent.

OK, the BIG event... (5.00 / 1) (#130)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:51:44 PM EST

Best Picture! "Frost/Nixon"? "Milk"? "Benjamin Button"? "The Reader"? Or will they be wiped out one more time by "Slumdog Millionaire"?

Slumdog Millionaire... (5.00 / 1) (#131)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:53:53 PM EST

Yikes. This is insane.


The joy on the faces of the youngest (5.00 / 1) (#132)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:57:01 PM EST

boys: worth the price of admission.


True. (5.00 / 1) (#137)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:03:27 PM EST

That did warm my cold, cold heart just a little. Otherwise, I was still pissed about "Milk" and "The Reader" being shortchanged, and "Frost/Nixon" being entirely shut out. Is 2008 really "The Year of Slumdog Millionaire"?


: I saw Frost/Nixon on Broadway and (5.00 / 0) (#139)
by oculus on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:05:22 PM EST

didn't want to risk Ron Howard's messing it up. Haven't seen Milk or The Reader yet. Slumdog is a good story.

A bien tot (5.00 / 1) (#138)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:04:38 PM EST

Thank you again Atdleft (5.00 / 3) (#140)
by Jeralyn on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:05:36 PM EST

for your contributions tonight. I just updated my post to include a shoutout to you. This is the most comments we've ever gotten on an Oscars thread.

Thanks so much, Jeralyn! (5.00 / 2) (#142)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:10:56 PM EST

As I've said before, I'm a longtime fan & lurker of this site (for YEARS!) and a not-so-longtime commenter (I only got an account last week!). I'm so glad I finally joined, as I really appreciate the work of you & BTD & TChris & everyone else in the TalkLeft community.

Wow! Is this my very own "Oscar Speech"? ;-)


: Maybe, but I think I hear the orchestra (none / 0) (#145)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:13:52 PM EST

playing you off. :o)>

Some sums (5.00 / 2) (#141)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:08:11 PM EST

I liked:

Penelope Cruz' line that art was the universal language, so we must continue the arts.
"Milk" screenwriter's acceptance speech
The group presentation by former winners of the acting awards
The animation 2008 montage
The production chops of the whole show in general.
More thanks to moms and dads and less to gods and goddesses
Latiffa
The pit orchestra
The track during the ending credits
The whole damn family approach by the Slumdogs

I did not like that much

Jack Black, Ben Stiller, some of the clothes
The absence of front row Jack Nicholson
Many of the musical numbers
I'm sure I could think of others, but I have a stomach ache from too much ice cream and not enough "Good and Plentys"

thanks for the fun y'all, and YOU Atdleft

: Thanks, DFL! (5.00 / 2) (#144)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:13:29 PM EST

And I love your poetry! This is far more enlightening than listening to Barbara Walters talk about those damn Jonas Brothers. :-D

Really, despite the lack of surprise... (5.00 / 3) (#151)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:20:09 PM EST

During most of the awards ceremony, it was a good show. Hugh Jackman was better than I expected. The musicals put a smile on my face. And hey, at least good movies like "The Reader" & "Milk" got some love (though I'm still a little disappointed that "Frost/Nixon" was completely shut out).

Oh, and the best part of the night?

We finally got to see some egg on Nate Silver's face! Jeez, I'm so cruel tonight!

Oh yes, and LAT's Gold Derby has all the post-Oscar party coverage you know you want,

I thot it was brilliant to have a string of 2009 (5.00 / 2) (#153)
by jawbone on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:35:50 PM EST

movie trailers instead of credits (were they rolling on the bottom or side? I was so focused on the trailers) after the program.

Brilliant in that it played on the desire to see the movies honored and mentioned, then whetted the desire to new movies. Good thinking, Academy or its PR firm.

Hugh Jackman was incredible. Some hosts have been painful.

I did not get the Ben Stiller thing, but then I'm not into how Joachim Phoenix was weird on Letterman. It was supposed to be a play on that? Whatever. It was just plain weird.

Latiffa-very nice; if she wanted to she could do great versions of the American Songbook. Takes work to make the songs one's own, and she didn't seem to have real fluidity with that song yet, kind of worked around to get some notes right. But she sure could do it and might bring along a whole new audience to the classic American popular songs.

Anne Hathaway-not bad at all with her singing bit! Hit that high note spot on.

Was it scheduled to to to midnight? I enjoyed it so much it interfered with doing the laundry. Had to keep returning to the TV to check out what was interesting.

I liked how the director (Broyhill?) of Slumdog mentioned how great the show was for those in the hall.

Nice that Kate Winslet has a bit of flesh on her! A woman, not a waif.

A local NYC entertainment reporter had called all the picks this morning.

Now, g'night!

sorry, make that X-Men. (none / 0) (#6)
by addy on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 07:51:11 PM EST

Don't want to get in trouble at home for using the wrong name.

This is so bad I can't watch it. (none / 0) (#50)
by lilybart on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 08:59:29 PM EST

This show is so bad I can't watch because I am so embarrassed for everyone.

Painfully awful.

That is a beautiful dress (none / 0) (#101)
by themomcat on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:07:50 PM EST

It looks like it was made for her. Lovely

Hey! where is Jack Nicholson tonight? (none / 0) (#119)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:39:03 PM EST

Best Actor... (none / 0) (#120)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:40:49 PM EST

So will it be Sean Penn for "Milk"? Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon"? Or is Mickey Rourke ("The Wrestler") finally due for something?

SEAN PENN! (5.00 / 1) (#123)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:43:33 PM EST

YAY! "Milk" gets another award! :-D


did mickey Rourke really (5.00 / 2) (#127)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:46:14 PM EST

think he'd win after disowning the acting craft, calling it 'sissy" ? The irony of him being beaten by an actor portraying a "sissy" is sweet!


Really, he deserved it... (5.00 / 1) (#128)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:47:08 PM EST

He played Harvey Milk flawlessly. And yay, he gave a shoutout to Cleve Jones! Sean Penn's one awesome m*herf*ker of an actor!

And OMG, he's giving some love to marriage equality! And Barack Obama! And artists! And even Mickey Rourke! ;-)


: Here's a twist... (none / 0) (#156)
by FoxholeAtheist on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:59:08 PM EST

On December 7, 2007, Penn said he supported Ohio Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich for U.S. President in 2008, and criticized Bush's handling of the Iraq war.
In August 2008, Penn made an appearance at one of Ralph Nader's "Open the Debates" Super Rallies. He protested the political exclusion of Nader and other third parties.[21] wikipedia

Rourke (none / 0) (#121)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:43:03 PM EST

: I meant Sean Penn, really (5.00 / 1) (#122)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:43:29 PM EST

It's a wipeout. (none / 0) (#134)
by atdleft on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 10:58:19 PM EST

"Slumdog" now rules Hollywood. Still, I'm interested in seeing whether this is just one LONG overdue thank you to Bollywood from Hollywood... Or if this starts a trend of bring Bollywood to mainstream American audiences.

: Many stars will start adopting poor Indian youths (none / 0) (#136)
by DFLer on Sun Feb 22, 2009 at 11:02:19 PM EST

So Was There No Newman Spot (none / 0) (#162)
by daring grace on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 11:17:03 AM EST

in the Oscars?

Didn't watch, but I read somewhere that there was no Paul Newman retrospective or anything special on the program about him.

Shame, if true, given his place in films and in our culture.

During the Latifah segment, (5.00 / 0) (#163)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 01:25:05 PM EST

which memorialized many in the biz who passed in '08, he was the final memorial.

My one quibble with the whole shebang was that segment. For much of it they kept Latifah and the screen behind her - on which the memorials were projected - in a two shot, which often made the names on the screen too small to read. They should have just shown the screen w/o Latifah in the foreground.

Small quibble I suppose.


: Thanks (none / 0) (#164)
by daring grace on Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 02:34:02 PM EST

I found it.
I see what you mean about the visuals. I would have liked it to be better so that you could see both the names and the images more.
It's always kind of amazing to see the number of people we lost in the past year.