To all the people bitching and moaning about the Oscars being too long, or too boring, or too in love with itself… SHUT UP!
The Billy Crystal hosted Oscars were up around 4% in viewers compared to last year’s show hosted by the uppers/downers duo of Hathaway and Franco.
The Oscars and the Super Bowl are my two favorite events of the year. It’s shame both always happen so early in the new year. Here are my grades for the 84th Academy Awards telecast.
PROFESSOR ACTSEAN’S GRADES…
The Host: A-
This was Billy Crystal’s ninth time hosting and as far as I’m concerned, he can host the next nine. He was his usual sharp witty self with those famous deadpan looks and one liners. Best of all, Billy is a host who adores going to the movies. My only complaints were that his monologue was a little short and the band was playing so loud during his musical number, I missed out on some of the jokes.
The Presenters: B-
J-Lo and Cameron Diaz playing buddies? They were just two of some interesting choices as presenters. Emma Stone was cute, Will Ferrell and Zack Galafahazanavicius were pretty funny. Tom Hanks and RDJ, who usually bring the audience some laughs, were a bit off. I enjoyed watching last year’s winners personally congratulate the current nominees.
The Winners: A-
Since I predicted The Artist to win Best Picture and Best Director, plus getting Streep, Plummer and Octavia Spencer correct (I need a 3rd arm to pat myself on the back), I must say the Academy chose wisely. I did get the Clooney vs. DuJardin race wrong, but I was happy for Jean. I just hope his career doesn’t go all Roberto Benigni on us. It’s not often I agree with the Academy’s choice for Best Picture (still bitter about Shakespeare In Love, Crash and Slumdog Millionaire winning), but they got it right this year. The Artist was the best film out of the nine nominees.
The Ladies: B+
I’m not here to judge fashion. I leave that to the “professionals”. So let me just rank who I think looked like beautiful arm candy. 1) Angelina Jolie 2) Natalie Portman 3) Jessica Chastain 4) Penelope Cruz.
Overall: A-
What an improvement from last year. I know everyone complains about the length of the show, but I’ve been watching the Oscars for 25+ years and this one flew by. I’d love for Billy to return next year, but I doubt he will. If he doesn’t come back, I nominate Stephen Colbert to host. Also, I want two new categories added. Best Performance By An Animal and Best Stunt. If they had those this year Uggie from The Artist and that insane Tom Cruise Burji Khalifa stunt would have won. I’d also like to combine the two screenwriting awards and combine the two sound awards.
