So.....The Oscars have come and gone and I cannot say there were any true surprises....! "THE ARTIST" cleaned up at almost all the Awards shows this season---including The BAFTA'S and yesterday, The Independent Spirit Awards.....!
As I believe I said in my review of this film that it was charming and very much worth seeing---personally, I did not think it was a "Best Picture", but....obviously the Academy and lots of other people disagree with me....! The Director, Michel Hazanavicius, won, Best Director......
And Jean DuJardin, won the Best Actor Oscar for his delightful performance in this 'silent' but very wonderful film......
He looks so much like Gene Kelly---it's kind of amazing....My personal choice for Best Actor was George Clooney in "The Descendants" and quite honestly, that film was my choice for Best Picture, too....! That wasn't meant to be....! Then.....there was Meryl Streep for Best Actress...!
Indeed, she was quite extraordinary in "The Iron Lady" playing Margaret Thatcher....As always Meryl disappeared completely and we saw Mrs. Thatcher---especially when she is older....At least, that is my opinion. But....I really really wanted Viola Davis to win the Best Actress Oscar. I thought her performance had a purity to it that was quite incredible....She too disappears into the character she is playing, and in this case with no extraordinary make-up.....It was such a beautiful performance---if you haven't seen this film, do go see it, or rent it....!
And the Best Supporting categories...Octavia Spencer and Christopher Plummer both won in their category's and this was expected and well deserved, for sure...But, no surprise there in either one of these cases.....! I'm happy for both of them....! I did think they cut off Octavia Spencer's speech very quickly---and that seemed strange to me, since it was one of the only moments during the show that was on the way to being moving...!
As to Billy Crystal...I thought he was terrific, as always....The first ten minutes or so with the special filmed segment and the song segment---Were Both Terrific and Funny! It was good to see him back as the host, though I think he had an uphill battle, in a way. So much expected of him after stepping into a very sticky situation, and I thought he came through with flying colors.....The show itself felt streamlined in a way---no playing of the Original Music Scores...no singing of the two nominated Songs...That all worked well for me, as did the Artful Technical Awards---I liked seeing and hearing all those people talk about their work....I thought the "Focus Group" filmed piece was very funny....and I loved all the people talking about their love of movies throughout the show---I thought that was truly inspired......Sometimes we forget why we love going to 'the movies'......
One thing that was really disappointing for me was my dear friend Betty Garrett not being included in the "In Memoriam" section....Last year she was not included because the Academy's cutoff date for people who have passed on is January 31st, and Betty died on February 12th, 2011.....But, this year they included Whitney Houston, and rightfully so, though she died on February 11th, 2012. So much for cutoff dates. I felt badly for Betty's family and for all of us who loved her so dearly.....I'm disappointed in The Producers of The Oscars for this omission....
So....another Oscar Show has come and gone.....Too much 'Red Carpet' for me...it all seems to be about that now, and not about The Awards. And, I cannot say I was terribly moved by anything that took place---And I dearly wish I had been, but....that wasn't meant to be, either. Well, there's always next year. What did you all think?More To Come........
NOTE: Anyone wanting to write The Oscars about the omission of Betty from their Memorial section--here is the Email link: http://www.oscars.org/contact/general.html
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I was thrilled with the selections this year though admittedly there are stll a few films that were nominated that I've yet to see. I was also very happy for Hugo to have won in 5 categories too. It was odd how and noticeable that Octavia Spencer was hurried along. I love the Cirque performance being added to the entertainment. It is so disappointing that your friend was left off the Memorium and that omission was noticeable too.
- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:05:00 AM PST
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It's hard to know what's the best course of action in speech time limits. For many people, 30 seconds is too much time; for others, you really want to hear what they have to say. I guess the producers/directors always err on the side of getting everything in in 3 hours.
Cheers.- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:33:00 AM PST
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I was surprised at Meryl Streep's win. I really thought Viola Davis would win it and should win it.
- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:34:00 AM PST
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I scurried over here, this morning, to see your comments on the Oscars! I love reading your thoughts. These are tough decisions, I'm sure, but although Meryl Streep is such an amazing actress, I do wish Viola Davis had won.
It is really disappointing that Betty wasn't remembered. I'm thinking that it was an oversight...how could it not be?- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 8:24:00 AM PST
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I enjoyed the show. The Cirque du Soleil performance was thrilling. I like to look at all the fashion and thought Angelina Jolie to be too thin with a dress that did not suit her. Meryl Streep is one of my favorites and I’ll have to watch her in The Iron Lady. I did not see Christopher Plummer’s movie or The Help so I cannot comment on them but I really like Christopher Plummer and from the various clips I saw (one on Jon Stewart’s show) he looked great. I saw The Artist and being French am pleased that Jean Dujardin won but, I also saw the Descendants and my favorite to win was George Clooney. I think his performance was powerful and I also loved the film – I would have liked him and the movie to win. I always liked Billy Crystal and it was nice to watch him again. I also was surprised that they omitted your friend Betty Garrett’s name in the memorial names – it must not have been intentional, but someone should have been more attentive.
There are always some good and some silly parts in the Oscars awards but I think it was a good show.- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:43:00 AM PST
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I felt bad that Betty was not on their list... this is not the first time that they miss names of actors/ actresses ..shame on them.
I love Billy! he is fabulous for the Oscars!..
I still believe the Oscars are far more political then they are "real choices by people who know the business"..but that's just me.- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:58:00 AM PST
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With the strange show time in the UK, I watched the edited highlights. It looks as if the bookies were right about most of the choices and I'm glad I read your early preview to get a sense of some of the other movies that didn't get as much airtime on the highlights programme.
- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:20:00 PM PST
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I was glad to see "The Artist" win. I think George Clooney is always George Clooney, but I enjoy him in his movies anyway, as I did with several similar actors who, through no fault of their own, had a personality that always seemed to overwhelm their roles.
I, too, thought Ms Davis was deserving of the Best Actress Oscar. I won't go into the rest, but agree with your overall commentary including: the over-emphasis on the red carpet; enjoying Billy Crystal.
I do like more music in the Oscars, but...I know time is an issue.
With all due respect to Whitney Houston and only one movie in which I remember her appearing, I do wonder.....
I share your views about the blatant omission of Betty Garrett being recognized. Betty was true Hollywood, appearing in films I, and millions of other movie-goers truly enjoyed -- "Our Town" and "My Sister Eileen" immediately come to mind. Furthermore, she continued to contribute so much to the acting profession in subsequent years with theatre here in L.A. though I don't know that much about that aspect of her life. How could the Academy possibly overlook her? Must be people in charge who don't know the full movie industry history. I intend to mention this oversight on a Oscar updating blog post and send a comment to the Academy.- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 4:00:00 PM PST
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I always enjoy the Oscars, the clothes the fun. Could have done without Cirque du Soliel, but liked most of the features and was relatively pleased with the winners. Glad for Meryl and would have been equally glad for Viola. Pleased with The Artist and DuJardin, happy that Hugo took so many lovely "pretty" awards and that Iron Lady's make-up man won. And Billy is best! Any day, any time.
I'm very sad about Betty Garrett not being included -- she certainly had an incredible career in the industry and there would clearly have been room to honor additional folks...
I was curious to hear your take! Nice to stop in!- Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:08:00 PM PST
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I too noticed the lack of mention of Betty and knew it would bother both you and her family. Like you said, cut offs should be for all.
I loved Billy, was blown away by Cirque du Soleil whom I have never seen, and thought Jean DuJardin was so handsome and sexy.
Now all I have to do is watch all these movies. Guess I will just have to reup with Netflix.- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 4:32:00 AM PST
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I'm not much of an Oscar watcher, any more.
Being old enough to remember Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn winning.... -sigh- Yes, I'm "Olden" and they just don't make 'em, like they used to. -grin-
Gentle hugs,
"Auntie"- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:30:00 AM PST
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Naomi, as always love your post about the Oscar!
I also was surprised that Meryl Streep's win. I really thought Viola Davis would win it, even I don't see yet her film...
I am also very sad that dear Betty Garrett not being included in the "In Memoriam" tribute...
I hope you have a pleasant week ahead! Big Hug!- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:38:00 PM PST
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I did not watch the Oscar's. I do like Meryl Streep. She's always good! How sad that they failed to remember Betty. Very disappointing. I see in another comment that someone was going to mention it to the Academy. Good for her!
I hope you are feeling well Naomi. I think of you often! xxoxx- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 3:00:00 PM PST
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Naomi, I just read Mirielle's wonderful post about your childhood home. I feel privileged to have stepped inside with her to see this spot that clearly was a big part of your life. It was a fascinating post, and if I hadn't already discovered your blog (through hers, long ago), I would surely be following you now!
- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 7:07:00 PM PST
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I have to admit I didn't notice that Betty wasn't mentioned in the memorial section - and I think that is terrible!! You should call it to their attention!
- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 8:04:00 PM PST
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OH MY GOD, Naomi, I cannot BELIEVE they didn't honor Betty! I somehow thought she was in that segment last year so until I read this post, I hadn't realized about the inexcusable omission. What the hell were they thinking? As bad as leaving Dorothy McGuire off the year she died (which so infuriated Kendall). And then to include Whitney who died just a few weeks ago? Outrageous! I have to go amend my Oscar recap!
- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7:34:00 AM PST
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Reception was good and I watched it all from beginning to end. I enjoyed it all but, like you, missed those emotional moments and/or powerful statements about world issues. The closest they came was when the documentary (I think) about women in the Middle East. I didn't see the Artist but I guessed it won for it's bravely taking on the silent format and doing it so well. I did think the Descendents was so well filmed and like a movie you can live in. Joe was guessing all the winners, so uncanny. I think everyone feels in good hands with Billy Crystal. He is funny but respectful enough. It was so much fun to see the red carpet setting beforehand and recognize it all! I think it is horrid that they did not list Betty in the memorial! They should take extra care to get that right, knowing how much it means to families etc.
- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 8:29:00 AM PST
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I love Streep, did not see her film yet, but it will have to be better than clips I saw to be better than Davis, who neede no extreme make-up to embody a "real person," so such a nuanced performance...well, I'll know for sure after seeing The Iron Lady. (though they DO attempt to chose the BEST clips...)
Christopher, so happy (me) (and him), so many wonderful performances to his credit and I DID see this film---fantastic.
Betty, I too thought of you and wondered what the deal was--it does seem so long ago that she passed and at once, just yesterday, and I have a memory of them forgetting someone else once that really infuriated people. It goes along with Whitney and 30 sec speeches---a manager needs to use COMMON sense, just as an editor might do to allow the best to have more air time. If you can't hear a moving speech in progress, then you are in the wrong business. It IS a televised event. I KNOW they keep an eye on ratings, so give viewers what they want! Moving speech from an underdog, from a person who silences the room, COMMON SENSE. Billy? Eh. Hysterical and ironic that Jennifer Lopez, while in a bit quoting Edith Head 'A dress should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to prove you're a lady," wears what she did. Have not seen The Artist yet, will have to be something special (besides the obvious) to beat The Help in my book. The Oscars: Love Em, Hate Em, but, I'll never miss a show, haven't yet.- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 9:07:00 AM PST
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just so you know I sent an email about Betty...reminded them nicely about Take Me out to theBall Game and Neptunes Daughter (loved both movies!!)...
- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:11:00 AM PST
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I didn't see The Oscars due to the time difference, but I did see news on it the following morning. What was Angelina Jolie doing with that leg? The pose looked weird and unnatural.
It's awful that they haven't included Betty. That was quite an oversight.- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 12:17:00 PM PST
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I didn't see the Oscars, I really don't like all the red carpet stuff and the way the women are in frocks and the men in suits, it just doesn't sit well with me somehow.
I would like to see the Artist though, we were going to see it in the States but my younger daughter was so keen to see Warhorse we went to that instead.- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2:40:00 PM PST
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I sent a note about leaving Betty out, she was an exceptional actress
I enjoyed the show enough, Billy was good and it moved along nicely
I miss musical performances, it's as if there no soundtracks or theme songs anymore- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2:52:00 PM PST
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You have to pardon me for the long absence Naomi...been very busy due to heavy workload and projects at the moment.
Have not been following the Oscars but the movie I am going to watch is the Iron Lady and also the Descendants :D- Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 5:25:00 PM PST
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Hi Naomi!
Loved Diane's comment about JLo. Irony at it's best.
Meryl has been on a hot streak since "The Devil Wears Prada"."MamaMia", "Doubt", "Julie and Julia"....her win was wholly logical. That said, everyone I know was pulling for Viola.
I would not have picked "The Artist", though Jean Dujardin was my pick. "Hugo" was my absolute favorite.
The moment at the top of the Cirque performance where one flying Cary Grant look-a-like becomes 2 was AWESOME!!!!!
I am so sorry about Betty's snub. This kind of thing has happened before. I'm really sorry.
Stan
XOXO- Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 12:31:00 PM PST
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I watched the Iron Lady last night Naomi!!!! Absolsutely extraordinary I must say and I totally agreed with you...we saw Thatcher instead of Streep!!!!
:D- Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 6:30:00 PM PST
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How sad that they omitted Betty! Maybe next year?
I always like Meryl but will reserve judgement until I see all the films.
And I agree about the Red Carpet -- too much attention to people who don't really deserve it!!!- Friday, March 2, 2012 at 4:13:00 AM PST
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I haven't seen The Artist but it's on my list. I have seen The Iron Lady and must say I didn't like it much. This is mainly due to the way they portrayed Mrs Thatcher - she was a great PM and leader (whether you agreed with her policies or not) and a strong woman. I do not feel that this came across well at all and it was more about her dementia. Not what I was expecting. Having said that, Meryl's performance was fantastic and the Oscar well deserved.
As for the omission of Betty from the In Memory part - that is terrible indeed and such a shame. I will email.- Friday, March 2, 2012 at 4:15:00 AM PST
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To correct my earlier comment re Betty Garrett's films I especially enjoyed -- "On The Town" (not "Our Town.") I knew better, but just wasn't thinking, I guess, when I wrote that. Thanks, for bringing that to my attention. As you know I, too, wrote the Academy about their omission and hope some of my readers do, too.
I expect the Academy inclusion of Houston was an effort to appeal to a younger audience. But they certainly shouldn't ignore the entertainers who contributed so much to the moving picture film industry.- Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8:32:00 PM PST
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Betty should have gotten higher recognition.
Watching the Red Carpet- the earrings were stunners! I liked the Angelina Jolie dress- but when she strut her leg out I am shocked that everyone noticed the fashion- not that the woman beneath that gown is emaciated.
During the show- Did you notice how much Jon Voight and Billy Crystal face's look alike? I would like to think that it is because old men are like babies- they come in limited versions except to loved ones. But I suspect something less natural than time contributed mightily to a most unexpected phenomenon.- Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 8:57:00 AM PST
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As usual you have whetted my appetite for so many films. My idea of utter bliss would be to watch the Oscars with you . And chocolate.
It is outrageous that Betty wasn't mentioned and I'll shall email them. One of my present wrinkles ia a dot missing from my user name so I can't send until it's fixed.
One has to be so patient!!!!- Monday, March 5, 2012 at 3:42:00 AM PST
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Email sent about Betty being omitted. :(
You make me realize there are lots of movies I've missed!- Monday, March 5, 2012 at 7:02:00 PM PST
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It was great to see Meryl win. It was a fine performance although I didn't like the film. Next weekend I am going to see a homestead that was owned by a Hollywood silent film star and her husband. She met him in LA and they married three weeks later, went on a 12 month honeymoon and then settled in country Victoria Autralia. They stayed together until they died. They gave their homestead to the government and there is an open house nect weekend. Cannot wait to see it. I will let you know when I blog about it. Xx
- Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 3:01:00 AM PDT
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