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A few thoughts on the Oscars (and winners)
After much anticipation about one of the tightest best picture races in years, the Oscars got off to an interesting start.
With the supporting actor categories pushed from their usual opening spot, “Inception” and “Alice in Wonderland” made the biggest splashes early, with both winning multiple technical awards.
As the bigger awards started being handed out, however, the show took the shape many expected. The best picture favorites “The King’s Speech” and “The Social Network” both won for screenplay - “Speech” for original and “Network” for adapted. But when “Social Network” won for editing, often a predictor of best picture, it seemed the movie about Facebook was showing some slight upset potential.
Best director nod, however, went to Tom Hooper, which pretty much started the sprint to best pic for “Speech.” While editing is a good indicator, directing is even better. And the fact that many expected David Fincher to win this award, pretty much assured that “Speech” would win big at the end. And so it did.
So, even after two young stars took over hosting duty, and after all of the hip comedic bits aimed at young people (the SNL-style digital short to open was nice, but … auto-tune jokes, anyone?), the best picture went to a British period piece. Don’t get me wrong, I loved “Speech,” but it felt like the night was a bit ironic in that sense.
Outside of directing, there was not an upset to be found. The acting awards were all well deserved and expected, and it would be hard to quibble with any of them.
Kudos:
David Seidler (“The King’s Speech”) for his speech after winning best original screenplay, as well as Colin Firth following his best actor win. Both men were gracious and humble. On accepting his award, the self-effacing Firth gave one of the night’s best lines : “I have a feeling my career just peaked.”
“Inside Job” filmmaker Charles Ferguson, who after winning best documentary for his film about the financial collapse, briefly noted that, “Not a single financial executive has gone to jail, and that’s wrong.”
The short that opened the ceremony was funny and gave hope for promise for the show. (False promise.)
Natalie Portman gave a touching and heartfelt speech and thanked everyone important in her life, including Mike Nichols and Darren Aronofsky, whom she called a “fearless leader” and “visionary.”
Opposite of kudos:
Whoever told Billy Crystal that whatever work he’s had done on his face looks worthy of a television appearance.
The producer who had Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock (last year’s best actor winners) adding a personal touch in the first-person mentions of the nominees. I like both Bridges and Bullock, and few would ever question their sincerity, but the forced bonhomie felt a little contrived.
Franco is charming, funny and a bit of a chameleon, but his attempt to downplay the haughtiness of the august and often pretentious affair came off a little flat, making him seem disinterested and smug. Hathaway is sweet and sincere, but came across a bit corny at times.
Slight surprises:
“Black Swan” took home only one Oscar (Portman) and “True Grit” went 0 for 10.
Complete list of Oscar winners:
Art Direction: “Alice in Wonderland”
Cinematography: “Inception”
Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”
Animated Short Film: “The Lost Thing”
Animated Feature Film: “Toy Story 3”
Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, “The Social Network”
Original Screenplay: David Seidler, “The King’s Speech”
Foreign Language: “In a Better World,” Denmark
Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
Original Score: “The Social Network,” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Sound Mixing: “Inception”
Sound Editing: “Inception”
Makeup: “The Wolfman”
Costume Design: “Alice in Wonderland”
Documentary (short subject): “Strangers No More”
Live Action Short Film: “God of Love”
Documentary Feature: “Inside Job”
Visual Effects: “Inception”
Film Editing: “The Social Network”
Original Song: “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3,” Randy Newman
Directing: Tom Hooper, “The King’s Speech”
Actress: Natalie Portman, “Black Swan”
Actor: Colin Firth, “The King’s Speech”
Picture: “The King’s Speech”
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