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Ah, the Oscars. So long, so boring, so pointless because I hardly ever see the movies people consider award worthy. And still I watch.
This year I had seen four of the best picture contenders: Argo, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook, and Django Unchained, which is by far the highest percentage of nominees I've seen in recent years. I liked them all, so I would have been happy to see any of them win, and a couple of months ago I would have been most aggressively rooting for Les Mis because I love it so. But I have to confess that by last night I was crossing my fingers for Argo - everyone loves thumbing their nose at the establishment, and after the Academy totally snubbed Ben Affleck by not even nominating him for best director (and then he went on to win basically every other directing award, HA!) I was definitely puling for him to shove a win down their throats and get his Oscar anyway.
Argo fuck yourself, Oscar.
So I was very glad to see it win, but of course, if you think about it, there really was no surprise. Argo basically has everything Academy voters want: period piece, historically relevant, true story, unlfattering costumes and/or facial hair, and Hollywood itself plays a hero's role in saving the day. how could they NOT vote for it?
As far as the broadcast went, I won't say it was the worst I've ever seen. Last year's hosts were so clearly uncomfortable and awkward the entire night that it was much more painful to watch in my opinion. And I felt there were less lengthy, boring speeches and random interludes of dancing or bizarre tributes than usual. Which was good because we caught up on DVR halfwya through and were watching live, so I appreciate not having to suffer through as much of the crap I usually fast forward. That said, it was still 4 hours long, and I didn't think Seth MacFarlane was terrific - and his opening was SUPER long. So I give it maybe a B-
I wasn't swept away by anyone's dress or beauty last night - but I missed the red carpet thanks to a sick baby and there didn't seem to be as many audience cutaways as usual so hopefully I'll see something fabulous in the magazines when they come out. I also didn't think anyone looked horrific, so once again this year walked right along the middle. And was it the year of the hairy man or what? Seemed like half the male audience had beards, but I can actually only remember Ben Affleck and George Clooney, so maybe there weren't as many beards as it seemed. And what was with all the winners (in behind the scenes categories like editing and sound) with long, flowing man locks? Not a good look guys. I personally hate long hair on guys anyway, but if you are dressed in a tuxedo, your hair really shouldn't be lying loose halfway down your back. So. Gross.
So that's my take. Congrats Argo, and Ang Lee, and Anne Hathaway, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Lawrence (who actually disappointed me in her speech because she is usually so funny but she was too shell shocked last night), and Daniel Day-Lewis (who surprised me with his speech because he WAS funny, and since when is he funny?). It was a pretty good year for movies.
