Oscars 2014 Dish!

[moira finnie]

Okay, gang--



What were the good, the bad, and the lovely moments in last night's Oscar broadcast?

Did AMPAS do a good job on the (to us) vitally important In Memoriam sequence?

How did you like Ellen DeGeneres as the host?

Best Acceptance Speech?

Did they do justice to Judy Garland's legacy?

Best Funny Remark?

Most Mind-numbing Turn?

Who Was Robbed?

Who Finally Got Recognition?

Was the Program Too Long? Too Short (Ha, as if..!)?

[Vecchiolarry]

Hi Moira,

Yes, I watched the whole show this year - something I don't usually do any more, as I don't really know who's who among the current crowd.

I thought everyone looked very good - the women seem to have channelled Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth and Lana Turner's glamour... I couldn't criticize any of the gowns...
I thought Lorna Luft looked great - lots of red lace and a nice hairstyle.

My criticisms:
They left off Audrey Totter in "In Memoriam" - many lesser knowns were included but not poor Audrey - this is unforgivable to me...
Who was that dork in shorts and those skinny chicken legs?
Poor Liza Minnelli - too many face lifts and no brassier & has she had a stroke?

OK's:
I liked Ellen DeGeneris and I don't really like her mostly in everyday time!!
I thought the 'Selfie' was cute; and the pizza delivery was a new twist, but it went on too long...

Thanks for starting this thread....

Larry

[Lzcutter]

Moira,

Thanks for starting this! I really enjoyed the Oscars last night and thought Ellen did a terrific job. I was surprised at how relaxed many in the audience were and how eager they were to participate. Jamie Fox dancing onstage during Pharrell William's "Happy" routine and then those in the audience, including Meryl, dancing with Williams when he went out into the audience.

The selfie was great fun as was the pizza delivery, especially enjoyed the jabs at Harvey Weinstein to pay.

One thing that really surprised me is how relaxed and personable Kevin Spacey has become over the years. I think he would make a good host.

What were the good, the bad, and the lovely moments in last night's Oscar broadcast?
The bad was bringing Bette Midler out to sing (the first time she has sung on the show) after the "In Memoriam" sequence. The sequence was one of the better ones in recent memory, though they did have some notable omissions and Bette's song, "Wind Beneath My Wings" took away from the sequence and though she was going for the idea of the song (that those who passed were the wind beneath everyone's wings, it came off as rather too much ego.

Another badly handled moment was the tribute to The Wizard of Oz. I'm glad they kept Pink firmly planted on the ground and she did a good job singing "Rainbow" but only acknowledging Liza, Lorna and Joey from the audience seemed a missed moment. Would rather have seen them come out on stage after Pink was finished and show some of the Academy's artifacts from the film or something rather than just stand up from their seats. Especially after the Academy hyped their appearance so much prior to the show and the tribute followed Academy president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, hyping the new, soon to be, Academy museum.

The only "hero" montage that worked was the second one showing everyday heroes. The first and third ones were horrible and disjointed. I have no idea why western heroes were thrown in with mythical heroes in the last "hero" montage.

Lovely moments included the majority of acceptance speeches, really heartfelt and they let the majority of them talk without trying to get them off the stage immediately after getting their awards.

Billy Murray's off the cuff remembrance of Harold Ramis was another nice touch.

Director Steve McQueen jumping into the air while onstage for 12 Years winning Best Picture.

And no Bruce Vilanich in the writing credits! Which might help explain why the banter between presenters wasn't awful for the first time in recent memory.

I do find it kind of sad that the only references to the history of film are the music cues. Would love for the Academy to actually show more film clips and moments from their past shows.

Best Acceptance Speech?
Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto both gave terrific speeches as did Lupita Nyong'o for Best Supporting Actress.


Best Funny Remark?
Ellen coming out dressed as Glenda the Good Witch was a very funny moment. Jim Carey talking to Bruce Dern and doing a very good imitation of the actor.

Other random thoughts, Meryl Streep's hubby looked like he wanted to be anywhere but at the Dolby Theater. If you are going to do a bit about Meryl's 18 nominations, then do a montage of all her accents over the years. Julia Roberts looked like she was having a fun time. The entire cast of American Hustle looked like they were having fun.

Not sure what Whoopie was thinking with her outfit, a black sheath dress topped off with white shirt. And Brad Pitt's new hair style, was that an homage to Inglorious Basterds or what?

Sidney Poitier looks like he is not in good health but, bless her, Angelina Jolie, made sure he did not have an embarrassing moment missing cues. And Angelina's acceptance speech for the Jean Hersholt award was very good.

Was surprised that there were so few upsets, especially in the acting and directing awards. Going into the ceremonies, there was no one film expected to run the board (win all the awards) and though McConaughey was expected to win, as of late, he was definitely a come from behind winner as most of the early money was on the actor from 12 Years a Slave.

And the fact, that all of the presenters, except John Travolta (looking more like himself than he has in YEARS), took the time to learn how to pronounce some of the harder names, was a refreshing touch after the last few years where there are usually a few gruesome mistakes.

I thought Gravity would take most of the technical awards but was surprised that Spike Jonze won for writing Her when most everyone's money was David O. Russell and partner for American Hustle. Was also surprised that Gravity beat out Capt. Philips for Best Editing.

Best dressed included McConaughey and Leto in white tuxedos, Leto wore a red bow tie with his. Jennifer Lawrence looked great in her red strapless dress, Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington and Sandra Bullock all looked amazing in their couture.

I thought it was a good evening and I'm serious about Kevin Spacey hosting!

[moira finnie]

Thanks for filling me in, Larry & Lynn. I fell asleep after Jared Leto's beautiful remarks about his mother and brother. Perhaps I was exhausted by watching the pre-show on the red carpet. Among the folderol, there was a brief interview with Sidney Poitier, who, at 87, probably has a tough time standing for a long time (though he is tall in every sense still--esp. in dignity). The interviewer was shouting at him to overcome the excited screams of the crowd, but I suspect that Mr. P. is rather deaf (it happens), and besides, it was an inane question, so I wouldn't blame him if he has "selective hearing." Hope he is well--his daughter, (also named Sidney), was his graceful escort.

Lynn--Your idea about Kevin Spacey as a potential host for the Oscars is so apt. He is a gifted entertainer, good raconteur and mime--and most of all, for us--has a strong sense of cinematic and artistic history and vital ties to the best of the present. The only fly in the ointment: he's a very busy individual in the U.S. & the UK and has a bit of becoming shyness about taking the spotlight outside of his many characterizations.

[Lzcutter]

Oh my gosh, I just remembered one of the best terrific moments, the always amazing Darlene Love singing at the end of the acceptance speech for 20 Feet from Stardom.

And really glad that Liza didn't have to give up her Oscar (for Caberet) to McConaughey. When she hosted the east coast Academy luncheon for nominees, Liza greeted McConaughey by saying, "Honey, if you don't win the Oscar, I'll give you mine!"

All right, all right, all right.

[pvitari]

I wouldn't be surprised if Matthew Mc. capped his "McConnaissance" with an Emmy later this year for True Detective. He's mind-boggling great in that. If you had told me five years ago that MM would be an Oscar winner and acclaimed screen thespian, I would have rolled my eyes at you. I love it when actors pull rabbits out of their acting hats and turn things around in a big way. :)

Prettiest gal of the evening: Lupita N'yongo. She always looks spectacular. By the way, here is a fascinating article in Vanity Fair by a writer who tried to track down the real-life Patsey, the woman played by N'yongo in 12 Years a Slave. http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/ ... rs-a-slave

[pvitari]

More Oscar fun from Vanity Fair. :)

http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/ ... al_twitter

[Rita Hayworth]

Dear Everyone - I'm might be in the minority here; but I don't watch the Academy Awards and/or any other Awards shows because I rather watch a movie at TCM and/or a good documentary to sit through 2-3 hours of speeches and anything that you can throw at me period. Watching the Academy Awards is not my cup of tea.

[pvitari]

I'm sure you're not the only one. I don't actually watch the Oscars either because I can't stand the inane scripted blather and most of the stuff that passes for song and dance these days. I just record the show and then when it's over fast forward through about 90 percent of it to watch the 10 percent that actually interests me. This year that was the intro by Ellen (which varied from mildly amusing to appalling -- I can't believe what she said to Lisa Minnelli), Idina Menzel singing "Let It Go" (with more appalling stupidity from John Travolta who obviously had no idea who Idina Menzel is and couldn't bother to pronounce her name correctly), Kim Novak, Matthew McC.'s daffy acceptance speech and the best picture win. I'll probably rewind and watch Lupita N'nyong's and Jared Leto's speeches, but that's it. Then I can hit the delete button.

[CineMaven]

What were the good, the bad, and the lovely moments in last night's Oscar broadcast?

The awards presentation always just seems to miss the mark for me, by just that much...skewing off the road. Yes, I will watch no matter how long or short the show is. I still LIKE the show. But I wish they would take just a different path.

* * * * * *

Did AMPAS do a good job on the (to us) vitally important In Memoriam sequence?

I found the Memoriam sequence tastefully done. I was a bit surprised that it led the portion of the show instead of ending the portion of the show and fading out into commercial. Yes, some people were left out, but all in all what they presented was very well done; a sad reminder of who we’ve lost. They didn't need Bette Midler singing.

* * * * * *

How did you like Ellen DeGeneres as the host?

Ellen was passable as host. But the Academy must remember, or should consider that the HOST is not The Show. She should get presenters on and off. The pizza delivery moment did not work for me at all. And going into the audience was okay, once or twice. But the focus should have been on the stage. At one point she was roaming the audience in dead air just saying “Hi” to people. I’d like to see Whoopi Goldberg get another shot at it. I desperately miss Bob Hope and Johnny Carson. Maybe Jon Stewart could be asked again.

* * * * * *

Best Acceptance Speech?

I have a three-way tie for best acceptance speech: Lupita Nyong’o ( graciousness ) - Jared Leto ( heartfelt ) - Matthew McConaughey ( mature and insightful. ) The songwriter duo was very very clever as well. ( ASIDE: I can see a re-make of "Roman Holiday" with Lupita Nyong'o playing the princess. )

* * * * * *

Did they do justice to Judy Garland's legacy?

No.

I know it’s all about marketing Blue-Ray, 3-D and sell sell sell the commercial stuff. ( Ack! Blooey!! ) But I would have liked to have seen this as the sequence of events:

( * ) Have Liza, Lorna and Joey come out on stage and make very VEDDY brief remarks about their Mother.

( * ) Have Judy’s recording of the ‘...Rainbow’ song playing, while showing a montage of her career, ending with “The Wizard of Oz.”

* * * * * *

Best Funny Remark?

One of the remarks that cracked me up was during Alfonso Cuaron's acceptance speech for Best Director for “Gravity” : “The wise guys of Warner Brothers...the wise people of Warner Brothers.”

* * * * * *

Most Mind-numbing Turn?

What I found mind-numbing was the selection of songs nominated for the Academy Award. I haven’t heard a good strong song for this award since “Moon River.” ( Or “Shaft. ) No...I joke...I joke about “Shaft.” But this category is really commercialized for me. Actually the last song that I liked that was nominated ( and robbed from winning ) was the song that Phil Collins sang for “Against All Odds” many years ago. And while I LOVED “20 Feet From Stardom” and was happy that they won, Darlene Love was not in good voice at all. ( And trust me, I'm a fan! )

Now what wasn’t mind-numbing, but saddened me deeply was seeing Kim Novak and Sidney Poitier out there. They seemed confused and unwell. At least they were lovingly guided by their co-presenters, Matthew McConaughey and Angelina Jolie. Nonetheless, it made me sad.

* * * * * *

Who Was Robbed?

Sorry “Fruitvale Station” was not in the running.

I do think Steve McQueen was robbed for not winning the Best Director award for his helming “12 Years A Slave.” But I hope this gains him some well-deserved recognition. ( And the chance to direct another film without struggles for money. )

I think not giving Angela Lansbury her Honorary Oscar during the live telecast was a gross miscalculation. Remember when Deborah Kerr received her Oscar? They could have had someone introduce her clips to the audience, and then bring her out onstage, on the arm of Robert Osborne and have him say a few words before handing her an Oscar. She deserved to be lauded in prime-time. Teach those young'uns what's what. And what an actress is!

Awww Academy. You're always going down a wrong path instead of a path of greatness. Listen, if we have to have Zac Efron up there botching lines...or Travolta mis-stating a singer's name...for Pete's Sake.

* * * * * *

Was the Program Too Long? Too Short (Ha, as if..!)?

For me, the program was not too long. I enjoy the glitz and glamour and fantasy and cringe-worthy moments that is the Academy Awards. But I would like AMPAS to partner with TCM. My dream...

* * * * * *

And no Bruce Vilanich in the writing credits! Which might help explain why the banter between presenters wasn't awful for the first time in recent memory.

Heck yeah! What a blessing.

[Lzcutter]

It's too bad that the Academy seems to be so fixated on having comedic hosts.

I thought Hugh Jackman did a marvelous job a few years back.

But, think of the time that could be put to better use (like celebrating their history) instead of the comedic routines that often fall flat.

I wonder as they get closer to opening their Museum, if the Academy will start to embrace their history more on the Oscars as a way to get people interested in visiting their new museum?

After eighty some odd years, I do think it's time the Academy ask itself, does it really need a comedic host to keep the evening rolling?

Because, I think unless they can resurrect Bob Hope or Johnny Carson, they ought to consider, who would do the job well, not who will bring the funny.

And I know the producers are big musical theater fans, but I would prefer the show be less like the Tony Awards and more film oriented.

[ChiO]

I only watched about a hour, but what I think I'll remember:

"CITIZEN KANE. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. ACE VENTURA. Our next presenter was in one of those."

Kate Hudson. WOW!

Every time they were in frame, Daughter Dern was holding Daddy Dern's hand. It made me smile.

[Vecchiolarry]

Hi Lynn,

Yes, I think you're onto something there with Hugh Jackman as Host; he's an alround entertainer and people like him - not eveyone likes Ellen Degeneres, and most comedians now-a-days are into childish, adolescent, juvenile 'humour'.... Grade 4's and 5's may think it's funny but intelligent adults think it's crass!!!

An idea:
Whenever the major awards come up, we should get a montage (perhaps not everybody) of the past winners:
Best Actress: Mary Pickford, Vivien Leigh, Olivia De Havilland, Susan Hayward, Elizabeth Taylor, etc. and announce "These are the great actresses who've won before and who you now follow!"....

An addition to my previous post:
I just discovered that they forgot Ann Rutherford also in the memorial tributes... Disgraceful..

Larry

[Lzcutter]

Moira,

Could our dream of Kevin Spacey as Oscar host come true-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/0 ... 88511.html

He says he is interested!

Please, please, please Oscar god in heaven!

[Rita Hayworth]

Moira and Lzcutter,

I think Kevin Spacey would make an excellent Host of the Oscars and I wouldn't mind watching him next year ... count me in as a fan of Kevin Spacey!