• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Dear media: perhaps we ought to let Donald Trump speak for himself!

This year has been the longest three days of putin’s life.

Russian mouthpiece, go fuck yourself.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

People really shouldn’t expect the government to help after they watched the GOP drown it in a bathtub.

A norm that restrains only one side really is not a norm – it is a trap.

“I was told there would be no fact checking.”

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

Someone should tell Republicans that violence is the last refuge of the incompetent, or possibly the first.

With all due respect and assumptions of good faith, please fuck off into the sun.

My right to basic bodily autonomy is not on the table. that’s the new deal.

These are not very smart people, and things got out of hand.

Celebrate the fucking wins.

It’s pointless to bring up problems that can only be solved with a time machine.

He wakes up lying, and he lies all day.

Their boy Ron is an empty plastic cup that will never know pudding.

I desperately hope that, yet again, i am wrong.

Museums are not America’s attic for its racist shit.

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

Shut up, hissy kitty!

Mobile Menu

  • Seattle Meet-up Post
  • 2025 Activism
  • Targeted Political Fundraising
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • COVID-19
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • 2025 Activism
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • Targeted Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Open Threads / Another Oscars Open Thread

Another Oscars Open Thread

by John Cole|  February 27, 20119:22 pm| 406 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

FacebookTweetEmail

Figured the last one was getting full.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Oscars Open Thread
Next Post: When You Hit Bottom, Stop Digging…or McArdle’s Kitchen Chronicles redux. »

Reader Interactions

406Comments

  1. 1.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    ooh cool.

    I really think that Anne Hathaway should get the chance to host the Oscars by herself. She has the right talent and dispostionh for this type of thing.

  2. 2.

    Mark S.

    February 27, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Is it just me or has this Oscars been painful to watch?

  3. 3.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Thanks.

    Ok, Mr. Katy Perry is so not sexy.

  4. 4.

    stuckinred

    February 27, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    It’s you

  5. 5.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    I predict Bale.

  6. 6.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Bale is a lock.

  7. 7.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    John Hawkes, please!

  8. 8.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    I like Anne Hathaway too, lamh.

  9. 9.

    daize

    February 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    I think I love Reece Witherspoon’s dress.

  10. 10.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Rooting for Hawkes; Bale was incredible too.

  11. 11.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Annnnd, it’s Christian Bale. He really deserved it.

  12. 12.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Mr. Bale and his pet Irish Setter win! But why is Geoffrey Rush bald?

    EDIT: No one is every going to let Leo forget her slip, eh? This could become the NC-17 “You like me!” of the Oscars.

  13. 13.

    LarsThorwald

    February 27, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    Meh, he was less pretentious in Empire of the Sun.

  14. 14.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    BTW, Helen Mirren looked fabulous. I hope to look half as good at her age!!!!

    Hell, I’d like to look half as good now…lol

  15. 15.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    @Mark S.:

    Is it just me or has this Oscars been painful to watch?

    For me, it’s Franco and Hathaway. I hope they get rightfully ripped to shreds by all of the tv critics.

  16. 16.

    hamletta

    February 27, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    @lamh32: Did you see the pics of her on vaca in some beachy place a while back? 60-something years old and lookin’ hot in a two-piece!

  17. 17.

    Ija

    February 27, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    Yay! Bale wins. I was afraid it is going to be all Kings’s Speech all the time.

  18. 18.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Yes, this first hour feels like three or four already. Why don’t they get good writers for the in-between stuff or better still, do away with it? I loved Ann Hathaway’s Judy Garland outfit and she can sing, but why spend the time? Just to have the excuse to put James Franco in drag? Ugh.

  19. 19.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Here come the stiffs.

  20. 20.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    @hamletta:

    I did, I did! Made me ashamed to be so out of shape at half that age.

  21. 21.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Franco and Hathaway = Ishtar/Hudson Hawk/Heaven’s Gate/Battlefield Earth

  22. 22.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    @jk: For me, it’s the writing.

  23. 23.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    @Mary G:

    does Bruce Vallanch (sp?) do the writing for the Academy anymore?

  24. 24.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Well, my favorite moment so far was seeing James Franco walk away in those white tights.

  25. 25.

    Martin

    February 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Just got back from the wife’s concert. Skipping the Oscars. Our friend wasn’t nominated and he’s sending pics from the floor, so that’s good enough to save myself 4 hours.

  26. 26.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I’m watching the Golden Girls between awards, does anyone know off hand if any of the Golden Girls have ever been nominated for Oscars?

  27. 27.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    @lamh32: Yep. He was on a CBC program this week talking about it.

  28. 28.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    test

  29. 29.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    @Mouse Tolliver:
    I agree with that. It’s the best part of Franco’s performance so far.

    I’m probably in the minority, but I think that Hathaway couldn’t have done the show on her own. I think that Anne having to “amp it” up to counter Franco’s laid back almost comatose performance and dragging Anne down.

  30. 30.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Huh. Trent Reznor wins for Social Network!

  31. 31.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    NYTimes incorrectly reporting Dogtooth won for foreign film.

    Oops?

    http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/02/27/arts/entertainment-us-oscars-foreign.html?hp

  32. 32.

    Culture of Truth

    February 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Best Score to Trent Reznor. “This is his first Oscar nomination.”

    rilly?!

  33. 33.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    @lamh32: she’s an actress. that’s her job: looking good (personal trainer/chef|plastic surgery)

  34. 34.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    Question: Has any woman other than Whoopie Goldberg hosted the Oscars alone without a co-host? I know alot of the guys have.

  35. 35.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Yeah, Trent Reznor! Awesome.

  36. 36.

    alwhite

    February 27, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    @Mark S.:

    Nope, not just you. And not just this award so, no group is enjoyable to watch as they self-congratulate. What makes these particularly dreadful is that these people are supposed to be entertainers – they should be entertaining but almost never are.

  37. 37.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    Scarlet is gorgeous, but why didn’t she comb her hair?

  38. 38.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    TRON and Daft Punk was robbed for the original score nom.

    TRON may not have been the best movie ever, but that damn soundtrack had my heart pumping

  39. 39.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – “Dogtooth,” an offbeat Greek comedy-drama that touches on incest in its depiction of a family cut off from the rest of the world, won the Academy Award for foreign language picture on Sunday.

    The Oscars long-shot becomes the first film from Greece to take the prize since it was instituted in 1956.

  40. 40.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    @lamh32: I don’t know, I saw him last year but that was kind of a fail too. Too many producers who don’t want to offend anyone, I’m guessing.

  41. 41.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    @lamh32: Who would open any jars that got stuck?

  42. 42.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Scarlett Johanssen on stage. I met her. She looks much taller in that dress.

  43. 43.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    @lamh32: Ellen DeGeneres, back in 2007.

  44. 44.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    I remember when Trent Reznor was kinda hot. Now he looks like my best friend from high school’s dad.

    Am I in the minority for kinda of hating The Social Network? (Don’t even remember the score.) I put it in my “one and done” file. I saw it once and will absolutely never watch it again. Didn’t like the characters or care about the outcome. Found myself wishing the movie would end about twenty minutes before it finally did.

  45. 45.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    TRON and Daft Punk was robbed for the original score nom.

    TRON may not have been the best movie ever, but that damn soundtrack had my heart @pumping

  46. 46.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    @Mike Kay (Chief of Staff):

    Franco and Hathaway = Ishtar/Hudson Hawk/Heaven’s Gate/Battlefield Earth x 10 to the Vigintillionth power

    Why the hell did the Academy decide that this year it had to deviate from the time honored tradition of having a Goddamn Fucking COMEDIAN host the Oscars? The explanation about reaching a younger demographic with Franco and Hathaway is the biggest bunch of goddamn bullshit I’ve ever heard considering the millions and millions of people that tune into this event every single year.

  47. 47.

    hamletta

    February 27, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    @Mike Kay (Chief of Staff): Bite your tongue! I’ll give you the trainer and chef, but I refuse to believe the great Dame Helen has had Work done.

  48. 48.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    Oh right, but wasn’t Ellen really bad though. I just remember that the Academy kinda made her wear a dress for the whole thing right? and Ellen does not do dresses

  49. 49.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    @Comrade Mary: Hate the hair, hate the dress.

  50. 50.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Ughh…editing fail!!

    What I meant to say was:

    I’m probably in the minority, but I think that Hathaway COULD have done the show on her own. I think that Anne having to “amp it” up to counter Franco’s laid back almost comatose performance and dragging Anne down.

  51. 51.

    The Dangerman

    February 27, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    @alwhite:

    What makes these particularly dreadful is that these people are supposed to be entertainers – they should be entertaining but almost never are.

    They should eliminate those people that don’t do live performances as part of their day job. Just now an example; Matthew M. (I won’t try to spell his last name) is a talent on film, but live? Not so much (or perhaps I was just staring at Scarlett J. too much).

  52. 52.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    @hamletta: I think she may have had very subtle de-jowlization, as has Meryl Streep. Neither has gone crazy trying to look like plastinated 30 year olds, and have left their wrinkles and crows feet in all their glory, but those are some awesomely smooth jawlines for women over 50.

  53. 53.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    @lamh32: According to teh Google, Whoopie did it three times and Ellen Degeneres once, in 2006. Otherwise, there’s always been a man involved.

  54. 54.

    kamalokitty

    February 27, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    I am having uber wine while watching the OScars. Because , seriously, how could you not?

  55. 55.

    hamletta

    February 27, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Salon’s live Twitter stream is pretty amusing:

    RT @AlexKoppelman: Thank god for Matthew McConaughey — finally, someone on stage is more stoned than James Franco.

  56. 56.

    nestor

    February 27, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    I just started watching. Did Trent Reznor win something?

  57. 57.

    Martin

    February 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    @jk: Louis CK to host next year!

  58. 58.

    The Dangerman

    February 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    @Mouse Tolliver:

    Am I in the minority for kinda of hating The Social Network? (Don’t even remember the score.)

    I enjoyed it. As for the score, it was lovely, but … not a film that highlighted the score like, say, Star Wars.

  59. 59.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    @hamletta: oh, in the sense that they use facials, expensive creams, and hi-tech laser/ultrasound therapy to stimulate collegian and new cell production.

  60. 60.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    I’ve been trying to read something for 90 minutes with the TV on in the room, which happens in this house only once every 6 weeks or so.
    I’ve printed it out and I’m taking it upstairs out of earshot, where the liquor is.
    I must have something wrong with my brain because TV, even the innocuous stuff, annoys me a great deal.

  61. 61.

    kamalokitty

    February 27, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    And while I’m at it, did Marisa Tomei just get an entire head transplant. Who the hell is that?

  62. 62.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    @Mary G:

    When does Kathy Griffin or Wanda Sykes get her turn to host the Oscars?

  63. 63.

    Jamey

    February 27, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    I liked the Oscars better when they were unafraid to be the Gay Super Bowl.

  64. 64.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Brilliant – a disaster – brilliant – a disaster – a disaster — OMG Cate Blanchett, what were you thinking?

  65. 65.

    joe from Lowell

    February 27, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Yay, Trent Reznor!

  66. 66.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    @jk:

    I was just trying to think of a female comedian that they could use, and Wanda Sykes would be awesome.

    Kathy G I like, but I just don’t think she’d be a good fit.

  67. 67.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Maybe I’ll hang around after all. I just remembered Documentary can’t be far off & I want to see Banksy get some credit. For the lulz.

  68. 68.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Cate’s dress is horrid. I don’t care if it’s Givenchy.

  69. 69.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Rick Baker wins another makeup Oscar. I think he won the very first Best Makeup Oscar for American Werewolf in London.

  70. 70.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    @jk: Oh, I would pay to see that. Even better, Joan Rivers. She is back on “E” on the Fashion Police and letting it all hang out, shocking the youngsters appearing with her.

  71. 71.

    Jamey

    February 27, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    @lamh32: And it would have spared us the ignominy of having to wake up each day to “Trent Reznor: AMPAS Laureate.”

    Jezuz!

  72. 72.

    Jamey

    February 27, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    @lamh32: And it would have spared us the ignominy of having to wake up each day to “Trent Reznor: AMPAS Laureate.”

    Jezuz!

  73. 73.

    Mark S.

    February 27, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    Cate’s dress is hideous. My girlfriend said it looks like a 70’s Mormon bridesmaid dress.

  74. 74.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    rick baker wins for makeup, ain’t he’s the guy who did the makeup for “Thriller”?

  75. 75.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Wait — I thought I was going to break the thread with my stupid single hyphen use, but it looks OK on all my browsers. Was that bug fixed?

  76. 76.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    Knicks down by one, end of third quarter!

    /Beside self. This is what the Oscars liveblog at nytimes.com is for anyway.

  77. 77.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    Colleen Atwood’s acceptance speech was directed by the same people who gave us Michele Bachmann’s State of the Union response.

  78. 78.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    The woman who won costume design for Alice in Wonderland also designed Helena Bonham Carter’s dress tonight…i kid you not.

  79. 79.

    nestor

    February 27, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    @Mouse Tolliver:

    I have never cared less about the existence of a movie since Titanic.

  80. 80.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    @Martin:

    Louis CK to host next year!

    NOW you’re talking. I think Ricky Gervais, Larry David, Denis Leary, Bill Maher, Eddie Izzard, Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Lewis Black, Jimmy Kimmel, Kathy Griffin, and Wanda Sykes should all be on the short list of possible Oscar hosts.

  81. 81.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    @lamh32: Bea was nominated for a Tony IIRC but not the big golden phallic symbol.

  82. 82.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Roger Ebert’s Tweet:

    @ebertchicago Roger Ebert
    If Bruce Vilanch is within 50 miles of the Kodak Pavilion, they should helicopter his ass in there and put him to work rewriting this dreck.

  83. 83.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Obama is a movie star, isn’t he.

  84. 84.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Hey-o! Obama alert!

  85. 85.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Declaring that any song except As Time Goes By is the best Oscar song ever would be unconstitutional.

  86. 86.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    Well, so far Nate is 2 for 2.

  87. 87.

    Cat Lady

    February 27, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    @Jamey:

    Edgy about teh ghey is so last decade. Do you know that according to Teen Vogue the most popular accessory for girls is to have a gay boy as your BFF? Now everyone wants to be fabulous, including the White House.

  88. 88.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Over-under on how quickly some wingnut writes an article tearing up Casablanca as unAmerican soshulizm? I say 12 hours.

  89. 89.

    Studly Pantload

    February 27, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    I think that – uhm, “outfit,” deserves its own entry under the definition of “hideous.”

  90. 90.

    kamalokitty

    February 27, 2011 at 10:05 pm

    Cate’s dress= Grandma’s seat cushion. And I stole that from my friend Lauren H. She nailed that one, but good.

  91. 91.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Is that Chuck?

  92. 92.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Is that Chuck?

  93. 93.

    Elia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:06 pm

    Oh man The Atlantic is so fucked now.

    I’d love to see their internals a few months after Sully’s move…probably like the stock market right around bear stearns’ collapse.

  94. 94.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    @Mary G:

    I’ll second Joan Rivers. I just resent the fact that there are so many great comedians who’ve never been given a chance to host the Oscars, but these fucking assholes at the Academy thought Franco and Hathaway made perfect sense.

  95. 95.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    Hey, it’s that Chuck dude. From Chuck. What the heck.

  96. 96.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    alright, fav movie song winner?

    Say you, say me – Lionel Ritchie (White Nights)

    (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” — Dirty Dancing

    A Whole New World” — Aladdin

    and

    “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp” — Hustle & Flow…just because it was cool to see 3-6 Mafia win and John Stewart’s reaction afterwards.

    As for all time winner for “score” Purple Rain. I still think it’s one of the best albums of all time, and I still listen to it oday.

  97. 97.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    Declaring that any song except As Time Goes By is the best Oscar song ever would be unconstitutional.

    As Time Goes By wasn’t eligible for an Oscar because it was a pre-existing song, not written specifically for the movie.

  98. 98.

    RinaX

    February 27, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    Gotta say, Zachary Levy is smoking with the new haircut he’s had this season.

  99. 99.

    Mark S.

    February 27, 2011 at 10:08 pm

    I hope neither of those songs win.

  100. 100.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:10 pm

    I hope neither of those songs win.

    Until you hear the other three…

  101. 101.

    Mike in NC

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    @Jamey:

    I liked the Oscars better when they were unafraid to be the Gay Super Bowl.

    I liked them better when they automatically included GOP tax cuts for Hollywood multimillionaires.

  102. 102.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    now that’s a beautiful color (amy adams dress)

  103. 103.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I don’t like Jake, but Amy is cool

  104. 104.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    Best song in a movie? Oh, that’s just something they throw in kids movies so they can sell a soundtrack.

    Seriously, fuck best song until they start putting good songs in. Better to say, “sorry folks, nothing deserving this year.”

  105. 105.

    Alex S.

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    Sorry, James Franco is miscast here. Hathaway is gorgeous.
    And yay for Trent Reznor.

  106. 106.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    Sorry, Best Score Ever goes to Star Wars.

    But in recent memory, Lose Yourself is my favorite for Best Original Song.

  107. 107.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    As they say…the presenters have been pretty pale, too….

  108. 108.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    @Alex S.:

    I agree. Franco seems to be dragging Anne down IMHO.

  109. 109.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Is it just me, or are the non-famous people better at keepin’ it short when they win?

  110. 110.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    Hmmm…Jake G on stage Reese W in the audience would love to be a fly on the wall if they somehow crossed paths.

  111. 111.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    @Anonne:

    Best Score Ever

    Goes to The Godfather Part II

  112. 112.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee: They’re more fun…

  113. 113.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee: They’re more fun…

  114. 114.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    I looked on Wikipedia, and I had to go back to Keith Carradine’s “I’m Easy” in 1975 for a song that didn’t make my stomach churn. Was hoping that “Suicide Is Painless” from M*A*S*H won, but no luck. Not even nominated.

    “Theme from Shaft” in 1971 was solid. And the ’60s was probably the best decade for consistently good Oscar songs, e.g., “Moon River,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Born Free,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”

  115. 115.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Oh, I LOVE fluffy Jeff Goldblum who won best short doc. He even thanked his Mom for craft services. (And a sweet signoff to his girlfriend.)

  116. 116.

    kamalokitty

    February 27, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    I think Franco is stoned. He’s got the same stupid grin. Maybe he should have cut back on the Xanax.

  117. 117.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee:

    I think they realize that the “big moneys” on the major acting/directing/moive categories.

    it’s a shame cause as we all know, it takes more than just actress/actors and directors to make a movie. From the lowliest personal assistant to grip guy to the cameraman, EVERY movie needs them all. and I contend they are just as important as “the talent”

  118. 118.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    @Comrade Mary: See….toldja they were more fun….

  119. 119.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    What the fuck is happening right now.

  120. 120.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    Was hoping that “Suicide Is Painless” from M*A*S*H won

    It still holds up after all these years.

  121. 121.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    Alright, fuck. That’s it. I can look up the winners tomorrow. What an embarrassment.

  122. 122.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    What crap.

  123. 123.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    James Franco looks like he’s sleeping through this. Next time give Anne Hathaway her own show, solo.

  124. 124.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    WTF?! Oprah Winfrey is a presenter? Shut the front door!

  125. 125.

    Jules

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    Oprah?
    I thought they were going to announce RDJ….

  126. 126.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee:
    Auto tune. Which started weird and ended funny.

  127. 127.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    I’ll admit though, having a younger singer and even younger nephews, cousins, step-cousins etc, I do have a soft spot for Disney’s movie musicals.

  128. 128.

    Southern Beale

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    Conflicting reports that Wisconsin Republican State Senator Dale Schulz has said he will NOT support the anti-union bill. Hope it’s true.

    I’m staying away from blogs and Twitter ‘cuz we’re behind on the Oscars and don’t want any spoilers until we catch up …

  129. 129.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    Oprah’s on and looking good.

  130. 130.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    DOCUMENTARY!

  131. 131.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    Inside Job won… now maybe more people will see it!

  132. 132.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    Huh — Inside Job won!

  133. 133.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    “Theme from Shaft” in 1971 was solid. And the ‘60s was probably the best decade for consistently good Oscar songs, e.g., “Moon River,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Born Free,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”

    John Barry won for this (plus Dances with Wolves and Out of Africa [I think]) but was never even nominated for any of his Bond scores.

  134. 134.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    OK,if there’s going to be a political speech tonight, this will probably be the one…

  135. 135.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    @jk:

    Yeah. I’ve even heard a couple of good jazz versions of it on the cable jazz channel in the last year or so.

  136. 136.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Uh-oh. Politics.

  137. 137.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Inside Job won. Yes! A political statement and nobody boo’d.

  138. 138.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    Awesome! “Not a single financial executive has gone to jail.”
    I hope this win makes more people educate themselves on the financial meltdown.

  139. 139.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee: @Anonne:

    Next year, have a COMEDIAN host the Oscars!

  140. 140.

    freelancer

    February 27, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    Death, errr Jail to the Bankstas!

  141. 141.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    @lamh32:

    True, but they’re so mechanically researched and cranked out for just that demographic that it makes me cringe.

  142. 142.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    No one booed, but the clapping was pretty perfunctory.

  143. 143.

    Alex S.

    February 27, 2011 at 10:24 pm

    Remember when the orchestra silenced Michael Moore when he began to rant against Bush during his Bowling for Columbine speech? Now they know better.

  144. 144.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    @freelancer:

    Well, cake, death or jail. One of those.

  145. 145.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Does Jeff Bridges voice over 30% of all commercials or are they cloning him or something? I’m fine with it, but it seems like he’s the most prominent voice in advertising these days.

  146. 146.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Is Franco being treated for glaucoma or something? His eyes are so red he must be smoking up a storm back stage. This is one of the worst Oscar shows I’ve ever seen. I’d like to see someone run naked across the stage just to liven things up.

  147. 147.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Look, Oscar people, if you’re reading this: I don’t mind old and stuffy, alright? I freely accept that an ancient and prestigious awards show is going to be old and stuffy, and so should you. And here you are putting together a fucking Autotune montage? Guys, there’s trying to attract younger viewers, and then there’s groveling for attention, and you’re doing the latter right now.

  148. 148.

    The Dangerman

    February 27, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    @freelancer:

    Death, errr Jail to the Bankstas!

    Hit them where it hurts (tax the living shit out of them).

  149. 149.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    Oh, I know that. I am aware of the brainwash, and yet, i gladly accept it…lol.

    I recently bought Disney’s sing Along for my wii, and it’s amazing how many of Disney’s songs I actually know. And not just recent one either.

    I can literally sing ever word to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and felt damn proud that I still could almost 35 years since I last saw it as a child.

    Nickelodeon and Disney have mass marketing down packed.

  150. 150.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Billy Crystal applause clearly a plea for him go take over the show

  151. 151.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Billy Crystal applause clearly a plea for him go take over the show

  152. 152.

    Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again)

    February 27, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    @jk:

    Cinema Paradiso?

  153. 153.

    Mike in NC

    February 27, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Oprah is going to change the name from the Oscars to the Oprahs. Cuz she can. Money talks and bullshit walks in Hollyweird.

  154. 154.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    This show needs to be put out of its misery. Mercy killing?

  155. 155.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Oh, here it comes. The Academy’s salute to The Academy.
    This is why I hate TV.

  156. 156.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Having Billy Crystal on now is just adding insult to injury. Franco and Hathaway should just fall thru a trap door right now and let Crystal take over for the rest of the show.

  157. 157.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Wow, dragging out Bob Hope?

  158. 158.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    Bob Hope will bring in that young demographic! Kids today just love black and white film./snark

  159. 159.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    @Mike in NC:

    This is not directed at you Mike, but what IS with the Oprah hate. I’m following another blog and the commentors are completely panning Oprah.

  160. 160.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    Oh God, they’ve dug up poor Bob Hope.

    I love Franco in films, I love Hathaway in films and in little bits at the Oscars, but no more of this please.

  161. 161.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    Here’s a thought, no host. Do the prepared montages and funny bits, have the announce introduce the presenters, done.

  162. 162.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    WOW, Jude Law!! Zing!!

  163. 163.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    Better Bob Hope than Bob Dole.

  164. 164.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee: Bob Dole does not appreciate your sardonicism.

  165. 165.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    @lamh32:

    I don’t hate Oprah. I just don’t see her as “presenter material”–should be a big, or at least semi-big or recently hot, actor. I know Oprah has been in movies, but that’s not her main thing. It just kind of jangles.

  166. 166.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    @Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again):

    Cinema Paradiso is a very good choice as well. While The Godfather Part II remains my favorite musical score, Lawrence of Arabia is a very close second. Other film scores that I love are The Great Escape, North by Northwest, The French Connection, The Andromeda Strain, The Battle of Algiers, and Z.

  167. 167.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Tron: Legacy was gypped. That’s all I’m saying.

  168. 168.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    @Garbo:

    Here’s a thought, no host. Do the prepared montages and funny bits, have the announce introduce the presenters, done.

    They did that in ’89. It was the year of the infamous Rob Lowe/Snow White production number that was so bad you would think I was high if I described it to you.

  169. 169.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    @Mary G:

    Yeah. Hey, I love Bob Hope–best timing evah!–but this is not going to win that elusive younger demographic, if that’s their goal. Hell, Billy Crystal is not going to win that demographic.

  170. 170.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    Knicks by one with 12 seconds left and the ball!

    ETA: Stepped on baseline. Miami TO.

  171. 171.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    well she has been nominated for an Academy Award herself. And she host the after Oscar’s special now instead of Barbara Walters. Also, it’s been 25 years since the Color Purple was released, so I think those are at least 3 good reason why she might have been asked.

    Plus…it’s Oprah

  172. 172.

    Mike G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    Gawd, this show is awful.
    Do they not know any decent scriptwriters?
    The presenters’ and hosts’ dialogue sounds about as leaden and humorous as Fox and Friends.

  173. 173.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    NOT a Jude Law fan too pretty for my taste, but he IS easy on the eyes aint’ he…receding hairline and all.

  174. 174.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Great for “Inside Job”.

  175. 175.

    RossInDetroit

    February 27, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Going upstairs out of the nefarious influence of the haunted fishtank. Wiskey, here I come.

  176. 176.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    @Mouse Tolliver: I would have been okay with the Franco/Hathaway film montage at the top as their sole contribution. I think they forget that actors these days rarely work live. That’s why comedians are so much better, they can adjust their material and delivery on the fly.

  177. 177.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    One other thing I’m saying. To everyone complaining about how this is the worst Oscars presentation ever. YOU ALL SAID THAT LAST YEAR. And the year before. And the year before that. It’s because everyone’s stuck watching the glamor and everyone hates how tedious just sitting here all is. Let’s get rid of the commercials, get the nominees lined up, make the announcements, hand off the awards and get it done in under an hour. People might enjoy it then.

  178. 178.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee:

    Better Bob Hope than Bob Dole.

    Better Bob Hope or Billy Crystal than James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Better Kathleen Parker and Elliot Spitzer or Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski than Franco and Hathaway.

  179. 179.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    Knicks by 3, 6.7 seconds left.

  180. 180.

    Garbo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    @Mouse Tolliver: And yes, I remember the Rob Lowe fiasco. It’s years like that, and this, that should guarantee us years of comedians.

  181. 181.

    mai naem

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    The music score for The Mission was very good. James Franco almost looks like hes dissing Ann Hathaway.

  182. 182.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Knicks by 5, 1 second left. Made last 16 free throws. Ballgame. Announcer: “This is an embarrassing loss.”

  183. 183.

    jaywillie

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    I think it’s sad that we look to the Oscars for a political speech. When people say that the left is out of touch, for me anyway, there’s no better example of it than how we on the left go ga-ga for the culture of celebrity. You have ppl in Wisconsin fighting for their livelihoods juxtaposed with a bunch of posh, Hollywood assholes engaged in a collective circle jerk, many of whom (aside from production crews) never worked a labor-intensive job in their lives. Maybe I just need to lighten up, but does no one else see the dissonance between championing working class values/economics while simultaneously puffing up a bunch of Hollywood flakes, who would no sooner abandon their pampered lives than the most rightwing oligarch?

  184. 184.

    Fwiffo

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Have they announced best picture yet? I can’t handle watching, but as long as Inception doesn’t win, I can die happy. Easily the worst movie ever nominated.

  185. 185.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Better Kathleen Parker and Elliot Spitzer or Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski than Franco and Hathaway.

    Well hold on there, friend. Let’s not get carried away. Franco and Hathaway are bad, but are they THAT BAD?

  186. 186.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Meh. Franco is just sucking. Hathaway gets by with her native charm; and it looks like she’s trying, at least….

  187. 187.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    Paltrow the next big country star? Ewwww.

  188. 188.

    BR

    February 27, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    @jaywillie:

    When people say that the left is out of touch, for me anyway, there’s no better example of it than how we on the left go ga-ga for the culture of celebrity.

    Maybe some small subset of the left, but equally on the right. I could care less about the oscars, never have watched them, and usually don’t know who won until months afterwards. Just thought I’d get that out there.

  189. 189.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    @gwangung: It’s the difference between having charisma oozing out your pores and barely able to construct two lines to earn a paycheck. I think Franco may have peaked with “128 Hours”. He is still kinda adorable though. In the lost puppy sense.

  190. 190.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Uh-oh. Gwyneth Paltrow is singing. Country music! Not sure how I feel about this. Are vertigo and vision loss good or bad?

  191. 191.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    @gwangung:

    agreed. I have a feeling that tomorrow’s paper will be applauding Anne not so much James.

  192. 192.

    The Dangerman

    February 27, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    @mai naem:

    James Franco almost looks like hes dissing Ann Hathaway.

    His check musta bounced; he’s mailing it in. In this era of twitter, et al, he may have already heard he’s not getting the gig again next year.

    Very odd production. That bit of sampling and some bit about ABC are who gives a shit moments.

  193. 193.

    Studly Pantload

    February 27, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    I missed it – from what movie was that song they just performed (before Gwyneth)?

  194. 194.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    Franco and Hathaway are bad, but are they THAT BAD?

    YES. They have achieved an unparalleled degree of suckitude.

  195. 195.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    Randy Newman wins for Toy Story 3. I’m sure this doesn’t surprise anyone

  196. 196.

    John - A Motley Moose

    February 27, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    I’m surprised no one has mentioned Tina Fey as a possible host. I think she’d be great.

  197. 197.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    @freelancer:

    Death, errr Jail to the Bankstas!

    I really wanted him to win. Sooo disappointed we didn’t get to see him.

    Oooooh. BankSTERS. I meant BanksY.

  198. 198.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    @lamh32: Just to note for the record: my old British boss HATES Anne Hathaway. If his wife is forcing him to watch this tonight I shall haz mad giggles.

  199. 199.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    @Yutsano: Franco is a fine actor, but not host material…..no biggie. Not his skill set, and no fault of his own.

    Heh. Randy Newman. Yeah.

  200. 200.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    @lamh32:

    Okay why am I having trouble with the editing function…

    anyway, Randy Newman has been nominated 20 TIMES, and this is just his 2nd win.

    I know he’s become cliched, but damn even I expected him to have won more than twice?

  201. 201.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    @jaywillie:

    I don’t think there’s anything wrong with following celebrity/hollywood stuff as long as you keep two feet in reality.

  202. 202.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    Okay, “those who died” after the commercial. Glad I didn’t miss this. I always end up tallying my personal score on “Oh, he/she died?” vs. “Oh, he/she wasn’t already dead?”

  203. 203.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    @jaywillie:

    I think you’re on the right track.

  204. 204.

    Nicole

    February 27, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    @Fwiffo:

    but as long as Inception doesn’t win, I can die happy. Easily the worst movie ever nominated.

    Eh, I see your Inception and raise you a Ghost and a Prince of Tides.

  205. 205.

    freelancer

    February 27, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    @mai naem: I think Franco is stoned.

  206. 206.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    @Steeplejack: We lost Dennis Hopper this year. Everybody look under your seats.

  207. 207.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    @lamh32: And IIRC his other win was for another Toy Story iteration, though I forget which.

    On a side note but related to Pixar: I saw the trailer for Cars II. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT PIXAR??

  208. 208.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Shows like “Undercover Boss” and this new “Secret Millionaire” make me sick; pure propaganda: Look how nice the rich people are! They’re just like you and me! They admire the little man and woman!

  209. 209.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    THIS JUST IN:

    Earlier tonight, Jane Hamsher swept the annual Jane Hamsher Awards.

  210. 210.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Aw, Sally Menke died. Bye, Sally!

  211. 211.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    @John – A Motley Moose:

    Tina Fey or Amy Poehler would be an astronomical improvement over Franco and Hathaway.

  212. 212.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    @jk: Tina Fey. By herself. And she wouldn’t need a single Palin joke to bring the house down.

  213. 213.

    Alex S.

    February 27, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    Celine Dion is killing it.

  214. 214.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Toy and merchandising money. But frankly, after a string of films that did such a good job resisting that, I can spot them a cash-in or two, as long as it isn’t the start of a long decline.

  215. 215.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    @Yutsano:

    CARS wasn’t my favorite PIXAR movie and I won’t be seeing this one.

    Besides, I Randy Newman wrote 2 of my fav songs from “The Princess and The Frog” which was nominated last year, so I do love him for that.

  216. 216.

    gwangung

    February 27, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    @Alex S.: I’d NEVER would have said that before. But you’re right.

  217. 217.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    @Yutsano:

    On a side note but related to Pixar: I saw the trailer for Cars II.

    Once the mouse bought them they started phoning it in.

  218. 218.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    George Hickenlooper. Far too young.

  219. 219.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    I’m not a Celine fan at all, but that was the best singing we heard all night. Not overdone at all.

  220. 220.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Celine Dion did a beautiful job, perfect, soft, classy, heartfelt. Best part of the show so far.

  221. 221.

    Studly Pantload

    February 27, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Where the heck was I when all these great names passed on? I think Leslie Nielson’s passing was the only one on my radar.

    Dennis Hopper? Really?

  222. 222.

    hamletta

    February 27, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    TCM does Montage Of the Dead so much better than Oscar.

  223. 223.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Aside from the chest pumping cheese, Celine Dion has always been a fabulous singer.

  224. 224.

    mai naem

    February 27, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    How can the producers let Franco be stoned? Its the fucking Oscars for crying out loud.

  225. 225.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    @Anonne:

    Agree. This show is excruciating, but she redeemed it for a moment. And the fact that she was singing meant they couldn’t do the applause-o-meter for the dead people.

  226. 226.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    I hear Franco is posting behind the stage videos and pictures on his twitter or facebook. maybe that’s where all his “passion” is going.

  227. 227.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    Okay, “In Memorian” infinitely worsified by having Celine Dion sing a shmaltzy song over it.

    Didn’t realize Blake Edwards had died. I was just admiring The Pink Panther earlier today. Really good in that ’60s candy-colored Technicolor way, with great kitschy Euro-jazz music and both Capucine and Claudia Cardinale exuding the sultry. Surprised that Clouseau was not in it as much as I remembered.

  228. 228.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    The problem with Pixar Cars? It was a movie made more for kids than adults. Nearly every other Pixar movie has something that adults accept/admire. I mean, c’mon, Ratatoouie?… As a result, there’s more derision for Cars than for most of the other works.

    I give Pixar some slack for Cars. You can’t expect Citizen Kane with every work. As long as we get The Incredibles and Toy Story 3 in return.

  229. 229.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    Loved Lena Horne BTW.

  230. 230.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    @MikeJ: Mnemosyne called. She’ll want your heart on a platter later. Preferably with a sausage stuffing.

    @lamh32: Cars wasn’t horrible. I think for the material it was pretty creative for a finding yourself story. But the next version goes way off the rails. I can’t even call it a James Bond parody.

  231. 231.

    mai naem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    I will forever remember Celine Dion dissing Bush the Two for letting crap happen to NOLA during Katrina.

  232. 232.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    @Alex S.:

    Celine Dion is killing me.

  233. 233.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Fuck the goddamn “reaching a younger demographic” argument. This show needs a comedian as a host.

  234. 234.

    Southern Beale

    February 27, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    OK we caught up. Went 2 1/2 hours into the Oscars without having to watch a damn commercial. Take THAT corporate America!

  235. 235.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    @Elia:

    I guess that means I will be reading Sully much less frequently from now on. TNC was the gateway to him for me.

  236. 236.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    With all the allegations of a “blackout” in this years Oscars, this choice of singling out Lena Horne while interesting seems like a bit of a consolation prize.

    Still, love Lena Horne.

  237. 237.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    The King’s Speech director won. …

  238. 238.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    ruhroh. The King’s Speech gets another big award. Best Director.

  239. 239.

    Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    @mai naem:

    It’s a big place- lot’s of little cubby holes for which to sneak off and burn one.

  240. 240.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    bad choice for Best Director. Fincher ought to have won.

  241. 241.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    @hamletta:

    TCM does Montage Of the Dead so much better than Oscar.

    TCM does it better by a mile.

  242. 242.

    freelancer

    February 27, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    @PaulW:

    Yes, and Chris Nolan was snubbed of a nomination.

  243. 243.

    Southern Beale

    February 27, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    @jk:

    Fuck the goddamn “reaching a younger demographic” argument. This show needs a comedian as a host

    You know I don’t even mind that it’s kinda straightforward but it’s just too dry. I think Anne Hathaway is doing a better job than Franco is.

  244. 244.

    zmullls

    February 27, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    They got Oprah because they wanted to get people to pay a little attention to the Documentary category and not just go to the bathroom. And Oprah probably prefers doing the “serious” category where something meaningful is getting done.

    Loved Randy Newman zinging the academy for only nominated four songs while every other category gets either 3 or 5 (mostly 5).

    Tina Fey would be brilliant. Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin would be better. (But you won’t catch ABC letting NBC’s stars host the Oscars…)

  245. 245.

    TooManyJens

    February 27, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    @Yutsano: I think Cars is cute, plus I have to have a soft spot for anything my daughter likes that much. But it sounds like maybe I should neglect to mention to her that they’re making a sequel. (She’s three, so I can still get away with that for now.)

  246. 246.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    @Anonne:

    if this means that there is a better chance that Colin Firth wins Best Actor, then I’ll be happy

  247. 247.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    @Yutsano: You can’t convince me that anybody really likes anything Pixar has done since they were absorbed.

  248. 248.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    @PaulW:

    Damn, nothing against Tom Hooper, but I was really pulling for The Social Network to win best picture and with Hooper winning for Best Director, it’s a done deal that The King’s Speech will win for Best Picture.

  249. 249.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    @hamletta:

    Amen.

  250. 250.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    so far King’s Speech is winning most of the major awards leading up to Best Picture… If Firth gets Best Actor, odds are Speech gets Picture.

    if Fincher won Best Director, Social Network would be the odds-on at this point.

    I’d prefer seeing Toy Story 3 winning though. ‘Cause it IS the best picture of the year…

  251. 251.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    @lamh32:

    If I’ve suffered through Franco and Hathaway, some of the most witless badinage I’ve ever heard (even on the Oscars), and that stupid auto-tune thing, and Colin Firth doesn’t win . . . I’ll be very unhappy, let’s just leave it at that.

  252. 252.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    Well. It could be one of those years that one movie wins all the “biggies.” Or it could be one of those years where the wealth gets spread around.

    That’s my fearless prediction.

  253. 253.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I wouldn’t mind Anne Hathaway again solo. Can you believe that she’s going to be Selina Kyle/Catwoman? She’s very pretty but I never got her as the dangerfun sexy type.

  254. 254.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I used to like when they would present the honorarily Oscars and Thalberg awards. It was a chance those who never won but achieved greatness, like Charlie Chaplin, Groucho Marx, Akira Kurosawa, etc.

    this abbreviated segment is wrong.

  255. 255.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    @MikeJ:

    Well, there’s Cars since 2006, but there’s also Ratatouille, Wall-E, Up, and TS3. On the balance, I’d say that’s a stronger lineup than before they were bought up, although the near future looks pretty bleak.

  256. 256.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    @zmullls:

    But you won’t catch ABC letting NBC’s stars host the Oscars…

    What’s the deal with ABC having a virtual lock on broadcasting the Oscars? With an event this big, why isn’t it rotated among networks like the Super Bowl?

  257. 257.

    Ija

    February 27, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    Witness the mighty politicking and campaigning of the Weinstein brothers. I can’t even feel good about Colin Firth finally winning an Oscar (probably), I’m so disgusted by the whole thing. His win will be tainted for me.

  258. 258.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    @Mike Kay (Chief of Staff):

    they had to in order to speed up the award show. Instead of starting earlier in the day, or cutting back on some of the inane banter stuff…

  259. 259.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    @Anonne:

    She could possibly make it work. She was surprisingly good in (the surprisingly funny) Get Smart, which was sort of in the danger/fun/sexy ball park.

  260. 260.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    @Spaghetti Lee: Ratpatootie was ok. Mainly I’m a Thomas Keller fanboi. Hated the rest.

  261. 261.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    @gogol’s wife:

    If I’ve suffered through Franco and Hathaway

    Watching this Franco Hathaway trainwreck should qualify as a form of enhanced interrogation.

  262. 262.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    @PaulW: The official argument is that by putting honorary oscars on another night they can 1) have four instead of one and 2) spend more time on each.

  263. 263.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    I was just thinking about her work in Get Smart. She definitely played up the sexy for that movie. But I don’t know if she’d have enough of the “scary” sexy that is Selin/Catwoman

  264. 264.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Watching those vignettes makes me want to lock myself up with those movies and watch them all at once.

  265. 265.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooh, noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

  266. 266.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Michelle Williams looks great.

    Natalie Portman won – no shock

  267. 267.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    Natalie Portman wins for being dead sexy. Wait, for Black Swan.

  268. 268.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    Woo hoo! Natalie! What a long, long way you’ve come from Queen Amidala.

  269. 269.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    And there it goes, to Natalie Portman. She looks fabulous.

  270. 270.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    I know the new gimmick of complimenting each actor nominee at length is meant well, and tonight is certainly an improvement on version one, where they had a whole crowd on stage taking turns, but MAN, is this awkward.

  271. 271.

    Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    @jk:

    That hasn’t been a gimme for a while now. Ang Lee won the best director award for Brokeback Mountain the year Crash won best film, Polanski for The Pianist the year Chicago won best picture, Soderbergh for Traffic the year Gladiator won.

  272. 272.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    Best sex scene with Mila Kunis!

  273. 273.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    notice, no one is standing for her.

    that says it all – about the film role

  274. 274.

    freelancer

    February 27, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    @lamh32:

    But I don’t know if she’d have enough of the “scary” sexy that is Selin/Catwoman

    You need to see her in Havoc.

  275. 275.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    oh please let Colin Firth win. :)

  276. 276.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    @PaulW:

    They had to in order to speed up the award show

    Put me down for cutting out the pathetic, nauseating banter between Franco and Hathaway. Thankfully, this embarrassment is almost over.

  277. 277.

    JMY

    February 27, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Natalie deserved it. Incredible performance. She looks absolutely gorgeous tonight.

  278. 278.

    Nicole

    February 27, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Oh God, how many more years are they going to do this fellating the actor/actress nominees with endless praise about how they cured cancer with the power of their acting?

    At least Jeff Bridges acted it well.

  279. 279.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Natalie Portman was the best part of Beautiful Girls, and has been a notable actress since The Professional. She’s more talented than some people have given her credit for. Big up for her performance in V for Vendetta.

  280. 280.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    @gogol’s wife:

    Fingers and toes crossed for Colin Firth.

    PS: In that blue dress, in that pose:

    Anne Hathaway looks like a human Oscar.

    If he were female and had hair.

  281. 281.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    I wanna see Eddie Deezen win for Lifetime Achievement Award.

  282. 282.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    @rikyrah: I love Michelle Williams.

  283. 283.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    @Temporarily Max McGee (soon enough to be Andy K again):

    I will be stunned beyond description if The Social Network beats out The King’s Speech for Best Picture. Sadly, I think The King’s Speech is a lock.

  284. 284.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    @PaulW:
    And to get the show moving, the movie legends you were supposedly honoring had to be run off the stage.

  285. 285.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    Finally, someone from The Phantom Menace wins an Oscar!

  286. 286.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    When this is over, who is going to give the Republican response?

  287. 287.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    If the Academy are going to go with non-comedians, how about Sandra Bullock and Robert Downey Jr

  288. 288.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    @Nicole:

    How many more years are they going to do this fellating the actor/actress nominees with endless praise about how they cured cancer with the power of their acting?

    WTF is wrong with simply reading the names of the nominees and then announcing the winner? Why has this become an alien concept to the morons running the Academy?

  289. 289.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    What I said about the actresses? Ditto the vignette for the men. Like a few quick shots of good booze.

  290. 290.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Random thought: baklava is pure lurve. You may now continue your regular Oscar griping.

  291. 291.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    @lamh32: Hell, if they’re going for non comedians they could bring back Billy Crystal.

  292. 292.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    YEAH, COLIN FIRTH!!!

  293. 293.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    The Brits and Aussies are doing way better with good acceptance speeches.

    COLIN FIRTH!

    FOR THE WIN!

  294. 294.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Bullock was somewhat less embarrassing in the praise you portion of the best actor award just because she’s naturally loose and funny. Makes the glurge more tolerable.

    There ya go, Colin. You’ve come a long way from defending a pig.

  295. 295.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    Jon Voight.

  296. 296.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    @rikyrah: Happy now?

  297. 297.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    @lamh32: Perfect.

  298. 298.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    It’s not too late to get votes in for Toy Story 3!

  299. 299.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    @lamh32: I could live with that. Sandra wasn’t bad. She’s a natural comic actress. Same with Robert.

  300. 300.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    @4jkb4ia:

    To get the show moving, the movie legends you were supposedly honoring had to be run off the stage.

    That’s because the people overseeing this event are fucking morons on a level comparable to Sarah Palin.

  301. 301.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    I think Jesse should have won, but have no quarrel with Colin getting the award because I love him in a very non-Platonic way.

  302. 302.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    If you’ve not seen Firth in last year’s A Single Man, please do so. Haunting movie.

  303. 303.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    Finally, someone from The Phantom Menace wins an Oscar!

    Anthony Daniels?! YES!

  304. 304.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    I LOVE COLIN FIRTH :)

  305. 305.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    typical British bore.

  306. 306.

    Fwiffo

    February 27, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    @Nicole:
    I’m happy to call it a tie.

  307. 307.

    CaseyL

    February 27, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    They’re definitely letting the winners talk longer. I seem to recall in years past the shut-up music would start in 30 seconds. I think we’re getting better speeches because they’re not frantically trying to cram in so many thank-yous in a teeny tiny splot of time.

  308. 308.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    Weeeee..

    yeah Colin

  309. 309.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    When this is over, who is going to give the Republican response?

    John Ratzenberger and Victoria Jackson will deliver it jointly as a tribute to Franco and Hathaway.

  310. 310.

    Nicole

    February 27, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    I confess, it’s hard for me to dislike Bullock. Any actress who shows up to accept her Razzie is okay in my book.

  311. 311.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    Superb acceptance speech from Firth.

  312. 312.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Firth gave that acceptance speech like he was hitting on Bridget Jones.

  313. 313.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    YAY COLIN FIRTH!!!!

    Isn’t it amazing that we can’t expect American professional actors to get up and say a few prepared words clearly and articulately, and only British and Australian professional actors seem to be able to perform that task?

  314. 314.

    MattR

    February 27, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    Does anyone remember the controversy caused by the peace sign in the poster for this 2003 movie with Colin Firth? Is there any chance that the idiots complaining actually realize how ridiculous they were?

  315. 315.

    Martin

    February 27, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    @Mary G: You are aware that Bruce co-wrote the Star Wars Holiday Special. I agree he’s talented, but some things are quite simply inexcusable.

  316. 316.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:33 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    Agreed. Now I’m really biased since I would seriously comtemplate drinking Colin Firth’s bath water… but I thought that was one of the best speeches of the night.

  317. 317.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    I’m predicting King’s Speech now. Really, a Firth v/o accompanying all the scenes from the nominated movies. Well edited, but geez …

  318. 318.

    Nicole

    February 27, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    @Fwiffo: Deal. Though I think Crash might actually beat out both of us.

  319. 319.

    MattR

    February 27, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    This might be a first. I’ve seen zero of the ten films nominated for Best Picture.

  320. 320.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    The King’s Speech…not shocked

  321. 321.

    4jkb4ia

    February 27, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    Nate is officially 4 for 5. Not bad, not bad.

  322. 322.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    The King’s Speech only cost $15,000,000. This is the exact same budget as Atlas Shrugged Pt. 1. Useful talking point to remember when the Randroids start making excuses for why their pet project doesn’t have any stars and looks like straight-to-video dreck.

  323. 323.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    I’m predicting King’s Speech now. Really, a Firth v/o accompanying all the scenes from the nominated movies. Well edited, but geez

    concur. when I heard the speech over the clip, I figured it was the winner. Otherwise they’d have used a v/o from another film that did win.

  324. 324.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Which Beethoven or other composer’s symphony was being played behind Colin Firth during the montage of Best Picture nominees?

  325. 325.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Question: How many statues are handed out for Best picture?

  326. 326.

    rikyrah

    February 27, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Agreed. Now I’m really biased since I would seriously comtemplate drinking Colin Firth’s bath water… but I thought that was one of the best speeches of the night.

    BWA HA HA H AH HA HA HA HA

    I’ve said it before…most men don’t understand the female crushing on Colin Firth….most guys who realize just how much I love him are like ‘ HUH’?

  327. 327.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    @jk:

    Beethoven 7

  328. 328.

    Nicole

    February 27, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Odd arrangement of people on stage. I find Helena Bonham Carter very distracting.

  329. 329.

    Ija

    February 27, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Woohooo, triumph of the Weinstein promotion machine. Shakespeare’s in Love for a new generation.

  330. 330.

    JMY

    February 27, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    I kind of annoyed that they played that speech in the movie before they announce the winner. They just had to make it even more obvious who was winning.

  331. 331.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    P.S. 22? Cool!

  332. 332.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    Actually, loved Tom Hooper’s acceptance speech too. Listen to your mom.

    And Charles Ferguson (“Inside Job”) noting that, 3 years after the US’s worst financial fraud, no bankster has gone to jail.

  333. 333.

    Mary G

    February 27, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    @Martin: I was not aware of that. Ebert says he is working tonight, for shame.

  334. 334.

    PaulW

    February 27, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    well that’s it, folks. I’m off to petition the MTV Movie awards to ensure Tron: Legacy wins all their awards. Gnight.

  335. 335.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Next up on TCM: the movie Dudley Nichols refused the Oscar for because the writer’s guild was on strike.

    At least somebody once understood that in union there is strength.

  336. 336.

    Anonne

    February 27, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    These kids are all right!

  337. 337.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    I can’t believe y’all have gone 327 comments without saying how Jennifer Hudson looks STUNNING tonight.

    (And I’m only commenting now because I just saw her. WOW!!)

  338. 338.

    Elizabelle

    February 27, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Thanks re Beethoven 7.

    What was the music for the first montage of the night? Does anyone remember?

  339. 339.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    I’m waiting for the Republican response, then it’s off to bed.

  340. 340.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    @Anonne:

    Now which one of the hollywood stars left during the kid’s singing bit?

  341. 341.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 27, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    @MattR: the movie was released on 4-3-03, just two weeks after bush invaded iraq and the corporate media was in full chest-beatng, blood thirst mode.

  342. 342.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Odd ending. I think James Franco’s indomitable self-confidence may have taken a hit tonight.

    Worse dress: Melissa Leo. Best? Hmmm, not sure. Maybe Reese.

  343. 343.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    @Yutsano:

    I mentioned JHud in the first Oscar thread. She did look fabulous in Tangerine Orange!!!

  344. 344.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    @Ija:

    Shakespeare in Love was also an excellent film.

  345. 345.

    Spaghetti Lee

    February 27, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    @MattR:

    People stupid enough to complain about such a thing are generally incapable of understanding that they’re wrong.

  346. 346.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    @gogol’s wife:

    Beethoven 7

    Thank you. That melody makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Which movement of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony is it? I apologize for being a pest, but I have it to hear it again ASAP to take my mind of off that exceptionally nauseating co-hosting performance of Franco and Hathaway.

  347. 347.

    Steeplejack

    February 27, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    @lamh32:

    One to each named producer, I believe.

  348. 348.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    @You Don’t Say: I like the ending though.

    I also just like hathaway. it may be an act, but she is good. I loved how she “wooh-ed” every presenter that she was excited to introduce.

    I also like how she high-fived the kids after their performance.

    I’ve said it earlier, but I still believe that Anne Hathaway was weighted down by Franco.

  349. 349.

    gogol's wife

    February 27, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    @jk:

    It’s the second movement (allegretto), I think. I love the way it works with the speech, and the way the ordeal the country is about to go through is foreshadowed both by the music and by his struggle to get the words out. Very beautiful and subtle.

  350. 350.

    Alex S.

    February 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    @Texas Dem:

    by the conservative Baldwin, I guess. Adam? Daniel?

    Re: King’s Speech, a solid movie, very well-acted. But also a little boring. I would have preferred The Social Network since it’s a more daring movie, or even Inception or Toy Story 3 for something different.

  351. 351.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    @lamh32: I admire her a lot. She goes through hell by losing half her family then takes that loss as an opportunity to totally reshape her life. That takes a shit ton of inner strength I bet she never even knew she had.

  352. 352.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    oh okay, so each major cast member does not get a statuette then.

  353. 353.

    Studly Pantload

    February 27, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    My only problem with Shakespeare in Love is that LA Confidential was freaking *robbed.*

    Oh, Ann Hathaway ending the broadcast shouting “WOOOOOO!! !” — uhm, yeah.

  354. 354.

    Comrade Mary

    February 27, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    @You Don’t Say: Worst dress: Cate Blanchett. It looked like one of her kid’s crafts projects. All that was missing were the popsicle sticks. And that’s quite a fall for someone who had an amazing dress at her first Oscars years ago.

  355. 355.

    Texas Dem

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    Oh, Ann Hathaway ending the broadcast shouting “WOOOOOO”

    She was clearly pleased that it’s finally over. If you were in her place, wouldn’t you give a shout for joy?

  356. 356.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    @JMY:

    I was kind of annoyed that they played that speech in the movie before they announce the winner. They just had to make it even more obvious who was winning.

    I thought that was a ridiculous idea. I can’t think of a more novel way to denigrate or disparage the other Best Picture nominees than to play a voiceover from The King’s Speech while showing clips from those other films.

  357. 357.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Agreed

  358. 358.

    Alex S.

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    @You Don’t Say:

    I suspect that Franco sabotaged this event, or played a joke for those in the know, sort of hipster-like.

  359. 359.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    @lamh32: Act or not, she’s a trouper. (I think it’s genuine.) Franco looked like he gave up halfway through. Not the right venue for him, no idea why he agreed to do it.

    Now I’m going to go put A Single Man in my Netflix queue.

  360. 360.

    Mark S.

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    Toy Story 3 was robbed!

  361. 361.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 27, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    There was also a controversy over Susan Sarandon flashing a peace sign on the red carpet at the ’03 Oscars. The righties used that as proof that she wanted American soldiers to die.

  362. 362.

    Ija

    February 27, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    @gogol’s wife:

    It is a trivial film. Entertaining, but trivial, thus not worthy of a Best Picture award. And Gwyneth Paltrow was annoying. That woman will sink any picture she is in.

  363. 363.

    You Don't Say

    February 27, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    @Alex S.: I think the event sabotaged him. No idea why hosting it would interest him.

  364. 364.

    MikeJ

    February 27, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    @Ija: Yeah, what’s that Tom Stoppard guy ever done that was worthwhile?

  365. 365.

    Yutsano

    February 27, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    @You Don’t Say: A paycheck is a paycheck. A lot of actors never get over the starving memories.

    And for something completely different, IT’S A CHICKEN!!

  366. 366.

    lamh32

    February 27, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    @You Don’t Say:

    Agreed again…lol.

    From what I hear, Franco spent half the time posting to twitter and facebook during the ceremony as a part of the “demographic push” of this year’s Oscars. His pics and video seemed more animated than his on-screen performance.

    Personally, this makes me think much less of Franco. He agreed to the hosting duties. If you are gonna go for it, then go for it, he seriously began dialing it in before the ceremony even began.

  367. 367.

    jk

    February 27, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    @gogol’s wife:

    Hearing that excerpt from Beethoven’s 7th Symphony paired with the montage of Best Picture nominees was the highlight of this broadcast for me. I just wish they had used Beethoven’s music by itself without Colin Firth’s voiceover because I found it incredibly disrespectful to the other Best Picture nominees.

  368. 368.

    Ija

    February 28, 2011 at 12:03 am

    @MikeJ:

    Talented people can do trivial things, too.

  369. 369.

    GregB

    February 28, 2011 at 12:06 am

    Franco should have cut off his arm and then texted about that. It would have been far more riveting than his half-baked performance.

    Also, James dude, Tony Curtis was doing drag shtick 50 years ago. Lame.

  370. 370.

    MikeJ

    February 28, 2011 at 12:07 am

    @Ija: There just weren’t any good transgender conscientious objector overdoses after an abortion movies that year.

    The best movie of the year isn’t always the most serious. You have the Oscars confused with the Plath awards.

  371. 371.

    JW

    February 28, 2011 at 12:08 am

    Oscars, Shmoskers. What a load.

  372. 372.

    Steeplejack

    February 28, 2011 at 12:09 am

    @lamh32:

    No, I don’t think so. And I’ve been wondering about this recent trend where everybody remotely associated with the winning picture piles up on the stage at the end of the show. It used to be just the winning (named) producers.

  373. 373.

    Cathie from Canada

    February 28, 2011 at 12:12 am

    @jk: Agreed — they didn’t even give the usual little synopsis. Why nominate 10 films if you aren’t even going to say their titles out loud?

  374. 374.

    4jkb4ia

    February 28, 2011 at 12:12 am

    Nate, from earlier this evening:

    Knicks game is providing some of the excitement that Oscar ceremony has lacked. 85-84 Knicks with 1:16 to play.

    /social affirmation

  375. 375.

    Mark S.

    February 28, 2011 at 12:13 am

    What is the difference between a producer and an executive producer?

  376. 376.

    gwangung

    February 28, 2011 at 12:15 am

    Stolen from my twitter feed…

    ‎…Thank god for the kids of PS 22. Without them, it would have been white people for 3 hours straight…

  377. 377.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 12:15 am

    @MikeJ:

    Speaking of Oscar injustices, what about Rocky beating out Network, All the President’s Men, and Taxi Driver for Best Picture and what about Manhattan not even receiving a Best Picture nomination several years later?

  378. 378.

    Anonne

    February 28, 2011 at 12:16 am

    @jk: Respectfully disagree. Star Wars is probably the most recognizable musical score in all American film. You hear the horns and you can feel the rush of X-Wings, Tie Fighters, the Millenium Falcon, light saber battles and the chill of Darth Vader’s breath. It has joy, fear, love, anticipation, thrills, power and triumph all expressed in one beautiful package. John Williams may be the best film composer ever.

  379. 379.

    Ian

    February 28, 2011 at 12:20 am

    @Mouse Tolliver: And it wouldn’t have got off the ground without support from the UK Film Council, so it has the taint of SOCIALISM too! (of course, our wonderful Tory Government has decided to kill it dead at its moment of glory)

  380. 380.

    Scott Alloway

    February 28, 2011 at 12:21 am

    @gwangung: Oprah and Hallie don’t count?

  381. 381.

    MattR

    February 28, 2011 at 12:21 am

    @Mark S.: I am no expert, but I think the executive producer runs the movie from a business side at a high level while the producer is involved with overseeing the creative/technical part of the movie.

  382. 382.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 12:22 am

    @Cathie from Canada:

    I hope the assholes running the Academy learn some lessons from tonight’s broadcast.

    Lesson 1 – No more actors/actresses hosting the Oscars – COMEDIANS only.

    Lesson 2 – No more cloying, nauseating tributes or to the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees. Just read their damn names and announce the damn winner.

  383. 383.

    hamletta

    February 28, 2011 at 12:26 am

    @Anonne: Oh, please. What about Alfred Newman? Elmer Bernstein? Miklos Rosza? Erich Korngold? John Barry? David Raksin? Henry Mancini? Ennio Morricone?

  384. 384.

    JMY

    February 28, 2011 at 12:28 am

    @jk:

    One thing about the Oscars is that after the Golden Globes and other awards, the winners for the main categories are so predictable.

  385. 385.

    JMY

    February 28, 2011 at 12:29 am

    Oh and how can I forget one thing: Christopher Nolan was robbed blind. Especially for not being nominated for best director.

  386. 386.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 12:29 am

    @Anonne:

    Star Wars certainly has an impressive film score, but I’ll never budge from The Godfather Part II’s film score as my favorite.

    John Williams may be the best film composer ever.

    I enjoy John Williams as a film composer. I don’t have a favorite film composer. I think any discussion of the best film composer has to include Elmer Bernsteain, Bernard Hermann, Georges Delerue, and Ennio Morricone.

  387. 387.

    gwangung

    February 28, 2011 at 12:30 am

    @Scott Alloway: They needed the kids to get it close to the population. (Two’s kinda weak for representin’, if ya know what I mean…).

  388. 388.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 12:33 am

    @JMY:

    You’re right. Beyond tonight’s winners and losers, I just can’t get past the fact that the people running the Academy thought James Franco and Anne Hathaway deserved to host this event.

  389. 389.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 12:35 am

    @Anonne:

    If you haven’t heard them, you should check out the film scores from The French Connection, The Battle of Algiers, and Z.

  390. 390.

    hitchhiker

    February 28, 2011 at 1:04 am

    Watched it with 3 23-yr-olds, all smart, educated, savvy people. They were fine with the Franco/Hathaway thing. Preferred it, even, to middle-aged comedians winking at their parents, i.e. me.

    I had fun seeing it w/them . . . best part was when we all fell over laughing at the faux music soundtracks.

  391. 391.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 28, 2011 at 1:09 am

    @gwangung:

    Stolen from my twitter feed…

    ‎…Thank god for the kids of PS 22. Without them, it would have been white people for 3 hours straight…

    Was Mo’Nique too fat or too black to present this year? Because usually the winners of the acting categories return the following year to present. They kept this tradition for the lead Oscars, but not supporting.

  392. 392.

    Mouse Tolliver

    February 28, 2011 at 1:21 am

    @Ian:

    @Mouse Tolliver: And it wouldn’t have got off the ground without support from the UK Film Council, so it has the taint of SOCIALISM too! (of course, our wonderful Tory Government has decided to kill it dead at its moment of glory)

    It’s grossed $245,201,829 to date. It’ll probably clear $300 mill after winning Best Picture.

  393. 393.

    Anne Laurie

    February 28, 2011 at 1:21 am

    They made a 16″ vinyl Barbie doll “character figure” of Anne Hathaway when the Get Smart movie came out. Only saw a few minutes near the end of tonight’s beeg shew, but my first thought was “Huh. Didn’t realize there was a 127 Hours character figure, too… “

  394. 394.

    Mike Kay (Chief of Staff)

    February 28, 2011 at 1:54 am

    @jk: “Manhattan” was really, really creepy – with a dirty old man (woody allen) chasing an underage Mariel Hemingway.

  395. 395.

    Joel

    February 28, 2011 at 2:26 am

    Mercifully, “The Kids are Alright” didn’t “On Golden Pond” the Oscars this year.

  396. 396.

    Joel

    February 28, 2011 at 2:27 am

    @jk: I’m partial to Indiana Jones.

  397. 397.

    Joel

    February 28, 2011 at 2:31 am

    @Yutsano: Plenty of future starving memories await for a graduate student in the humanities.

  398. 398.

    Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason (formerly frosty)

    February 28, 2011 at 3:00 am

    @Nicole: Not only do I not dislike Bullock, she’s my fave. Wish she’d pick better movies to work on, though. About 2/3 of them aren’t worth her time.

  399. 399.

    Comrade Kevin

    February 28, 2011 at 3:05 am

    @freelancer:

    You need to see her in Havoc.

    You will se a lot of Hathaway in that movie, if you know what I mean.

  400. 400.

    Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason (formerly frosty)

    February 28, 2011 at 3:09 am

    @PaulW: Funny, that. CARS is one of my my mother’s (83 yo) favorite moves. Go figure.

  401. 401.

    jk

    February 28, 2011 at 4:00 am

    @Comrade Kevin:

    Anne Hathaway is wonderful to look at, but she can’t act her way out of a paper bag.

  402. 402.

    PaulW

    February 28, 2011 at 8:39 am

    @Studly Pantload:

    My only problem with Shakespeare in Love is that LA Confidential was freaking robbed.

    Um… Shakespeare in Love robbed Saving Private Ryan. It was Titanic that robbed LA Confidential.

  403. 403.

    Dennis SGMM

    February 28, 2011 at 9:02 am

    I seem to have been born without the movie-appreciation gene. Most of the time I just get bored and want to go do something else. My wife and son love the movies but they learned not to take me after I fell asleep during “The Bourne Identity.”

  404. 404.

    Legalize

    February 28, 2011 at 9:35 am

    @JMY:
    This. And how is it that Inception didn’t even get nominated in the film editing category?

  405. 405.

    "Fair and Balanced" Dave

    February 28, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Annette Bening is on her way to becoming the Susan Lucci of the Oscars. She’s now 0-3. (IMO, she should have won for “Being Julia”).

  406. 406.

    Anonne

    February 28, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    “Fair and Balanced” Dave:

    She has a long way to go before she beats Martin Scorsese’s record.

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

On The Road - PaulB - Olympic National Park: Lake Quinault 1
Image by PaulB (5/17/25)

Recent Comments

  • NotMax on Saturday Morning Open Thread: A Ray of Hope (May 17, 2025 @ 11:00am)
  • different-church-lady on Saturday Morning Open Thread: A Ray of Hope (May 17, 2025 @ 10:58am)
  • different-church-lady on Saturday Morning Open Thread: A Ray of Hope (May 17, 2025 @ 10:56am)
  • Matt McIrvin on Saturday Morning Open Thread: A Ray of Hope (May 17, 2025 @ 10:56am)
  • MagdaInBlack on Saturday Morning Open Thread: A Ray of Hope (May 17, 2025 @ 10:53am)

PA Supreme Court At Risk

Donate

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
War in Ukraine
Donate to Razom for Ukraine

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Meetups

Upcoming Ohio Meetup May 17
5/11 Post about the May 17 Ohio Meetup

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)
Fix Nyms with Apostrophes

Hands Off! – Denver, San Diego & Austin

Social Media

Balloon Juice
WaterGirl
TaMara
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
DougJ NYT Pitchbot
mistermix

Keeping Track

Legal Challenges (Lawfare)
Republicans Fleeing Town Halls (TPM)
21 Letters (to Borrow or Steal)
Search Donations from a Brand

PA Supreme Court At Risk

Donate

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!