Wins Best Picture & Best Director!
Amid a swarm of controversy, Hurt Locker - Kathryn Bigelow's feature on an elite bomb squad - scored big at the Oscars this evening with 6 Academy Awards.
The win for Best Director, in particular, was greeted with mixed emotions though.
To the keen eye - behind-the-scenes politics - obviously forced the Academy's hand which was a disappointing turn of affairs for worthy competitors standing in the wings at the Kodak Theatre.
Are we expected to believe that Barbara Streisand was chosen to present an Oscar for the best director - a coveted prize which eluded her in the past (in part due to a nasty personality problem which rankled many in Hollywood over the years) - by coincidence?
Of course, when the aging superstar (who turned out in a shoddy outfit befitting a day rummaging through cast-offs in second-hand clothing shops in a bad-part of town) opened the envelope and quipped - "the time has come" - it was obvious to everyone biting their tongues on the edge of their seats that the female nominee had won.
When the band struck up a few chords of "I am Woman" it was a sinister tip-off that something wasn't so kosher (ironic once again, Ms. Streisand) at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Unfortunate, when you fathom in that other nominees - more talented and deserving - were ripe for the win.
In retrospect, it is difficult to take Hollywood and its tribal rituals, seriously.
But, the night's festivities were an entertaining ride for the most part, rife with high and low moments.
There was a least one poignant foray, too.
A clubby atmosphere hung thick in the air at the tony Kodak Theatre.
Some of the choicest moments spontaneously sprang into frame when camera-men zoomed in on stars who were unaware that they were being broadcast live to millions around the globe.
When a live clip of Matt Dillon was flashed onscreen (best supporting actor nominee) the lens caught him muttering something to his wife which didn't appear to be too flattering.
Oh, to have been a fly on his shoulder.
Jason Reitman - a cool director (nominated for "Up in the Air) - appeared to be disgusted with at least one "Hurt Locker" win.
For those who are unfamiliar with Reitman, check out a couple of my posts which covered recent screenings he hosted at a popular Revival House in Hollywood with Jennifer Grey, Luke Wilson, Daniel Stern & Chris Klein in tow
Post: 02/25/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/02/jason-reitmandaniel-stern-dennis.html
Quentin Tarantino was also captured on film tensing up and holding back an emtotion or two when the "Hurt Locker" nominee was singled out and named winner in a category "Inglourious Basterds" was also in the running for.
A Sandra Bullock trophy-trot caused some actresses in the packed house to sniff in disgust.
"The other actress should have won," seemed to be the collective unspoken lament.
Ed Asner looked for all-the-world like he was wheeled in and propped up in his comfy chair.
Holding court?
The high-profile event conjured up some awkward moments on stage which were a hoot to witness.
Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart were a bit slow on the up-take when they sauntered on stage to deliver up one segment (mere babes in the woods).
Kristen, who was nursing a nasty cough, may have been under the weather which would account for her groggy demeanor.
In spite of the unexpected down-shifting of gears for a moment or two, the twilight stud managed to guide the segment along to is logical conclusion, though a bit wobbly from the get-go.
Two accepters battled for a mic in one shocking - but hilarious moment - during a short film acceptance speech for "Prudence".
A brassy redhead (must have been a New Yorker) pushed her way into the limelight when her collaborator was taking too long to gush about their project in the welcome glare of the spotlight.
In the nick of time, strains of music from the orchestra, warned the troublesome twosome that it was high time to move on.
In contrast, Miley Cyrus and her pretty partner in an Oscar crime (OMG, they flubbed their lines) saved the potentially devastating moment by laughing the misstep off with aplomb.
When nominees for "The Cove" won for best documentary, the cameras cut-away quickly when one individual raised a sign sky-high for all to see which featured a political message about the evils of dolphin slaughter.
As to the reactions of the actual award-winners, well, they were all over the impromptu map.
When Christof Waltz nabbed the coveted Oscar for supporting actor, he enthusiasically dashed up to the stage, and earnestly thanked Tarantino.
He attributed Tarantino's unorthodox method of directing for his own success first-time out in the Oscar race (later in the evening, another actor noted that the "Kill Bill" director was God on the set and that no heretics were allowed).
The diminuitive actor categorized the experience as a great journey with the Weinsteins & Universal, too.
Jeff Bridges, predicted to prevail over the competition for his stunning performance in "Crazy Heart", was almost delirious with joy.
The 5th nomination stuck, and got a high-five, in response.
A standing ovation underscored the overwhelming love and respect flowing Bridges' way.
Jeff thrust up the Oscar and yelled out his appreciation.
"Whoo!"
For starters, the seasoned actor thanked the academy.
The tribute to his mom and dad (respected actor Lloyd Bridges) - "for turning me on to such a groovy profession" - was the most heartfelt.
The nod to wife Sue (the happy couple have been married thirty-three years) was a classy touch.
Ever since I attended the screening of "Crazy Heart" during the Los Angeles Times Envelope screenings a few scant weeks ago, I've been behind Jeff Bridges and the feature film one-hundred-percent.
Post: 12/02/09
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/jeff-bridgesrobert-duvall-maggie.html
Hurt Locker director - Mark Boal - was quite low-key when he nabbed the prize for screenplay.
"Thank you. You honor and humble me."
I was a reporter on the front lines of an unpopular war and appreciate the recognition, he added in so many words.
True to his word, co-host Alec Baldwin kept the repartee with Steve Martin, on the dignified side.
In an interview recently, he asserted that it was preferable to take the high road, since the Oscar ceremony was an emotionally-charged moment for the nominees who might become frustrated with bad jokes that derailed the keyed-up proceedings.
Martin occasionally strayed over the line into slightly blue material.
When introducing a segment that focused on wardrobe, the funnyman referred to the masters of costuming as clothes whores.
"Horses," Baldwin corrected.
"Okay. But, I don't think the plural of whore is whoreses," Martin quipped dead-pan.
Clips of Martin & Baldwin sharing a bed (due to Academy budget restraints?) underscored that perhaps the rumors about Alec's bisexuality may be true.
In an off moment, Cameron Diaz (dazzling in a designer gown and upswept do), flubbed her lines miserably.
A pregnant pause fell with a thud on all ears.
In a tense embarrassing moment, Diaz blamed the snafu on the teleprompter.
"It wasn't fixed. Originally, I was supposed to present with Jude Law."
Fortunately, her onstage date was quick on his feet and effectively moved the blemished segment along.
The sets were elegant, elaborate, and prone to trip up the guests.
Women in gowns with flowing trains, and sexy eye-catching heels, appeared to teeter precariously as they descended from above to alight at the podium for their turn at the mic.
In a poignant moment, Demi Moore solemnly appeared on behalf of the Academy to pay last respects to industry talents who passed to spirit this year.
While James Taylor played a guitar solo on stage, the luminous faces of the dearly departed (Brittany Murphy, Dom DeLuise, Kathryn Grayson, Michael Jackson, Horton Foote, Natasha Richardson, Jennifer Jones, for example) flickered across the silver screen.
In a heartflet tribute to John Hughes, actors sang praises.
"His influence has endured."
"John gaves us the gift of laughter," another added with a touch of emotion in their voice.
McCaulley Culkin pointed out Hughes' keen ability to treat people with dignity and respect.
"He didn't look down at me as a mere kid."
Ben Stiller's schtick in one segment was a hit with the audience.
The comic strode onstage in blue face, a tribal outfit, and spoke in forked tongue.
Obviously, the side-splitting bit was a dig at Avatar.
"It seemed like a better idea in rehearsal," he chortled half way into the sketch.
"It was a choice of this costume or the Nazi outfit. The show tonight seemed a bit too Nazi-oriented, so we went this way."
Ironically, the award spot was written for make-up, a category that Avatar was not nominated for!
"I would have gone with the Spock ears, but that was a bit too nerdy."
A tribute to horror films - featuring classic clips (hair-raising shots of slashings, terrified faces, and things that go bump in the night) lifted from Psycho, Halloween, the Exorcist, Friday 13th, the Birds, and Carrie caused the captive audience to react in delight.
Tarentino nodded his approval from the sidelines.
A tribute to short films was a welcome addition to the big night.
One nominated director lauded the genre.
"It's like a jewel box of storytelling."
There was some useful adivce for young up-and-coming filmmakers.
"Sometimes it's what gets your foot in the door," one director stressed with all sincerity.
"It's an unbelievable calling card. This is where truly innovative filmmaking springs forth."
Not an easy row to hoe, though.
The winner of a short film award (Logorama) noted that his film took 3000 sponsors and six years to complete.
"I'll be back in thirty-six years with my first feature film," he joked to a rapt audience.
Some guests stood out, for all the wrong reasons, unfortunately.
It was difficult to tell if noticeable lumps surfacing under Queen Latifa's gown were folds of fabric or rolls of fat.
George Clooney, who glad-handed fans outside the bleacher area before the curtain went up, mystified many with odd-ball behavior that caused tongues to wag.
In fact, this morning, baffled newsies kept wondering aloud.
"What was with George Clooney. And, those weird looks everywhere!"
News at 11!
Tina Fey and Robert downey Jr. were an odd pairing (to put it mildy).
Because of his obvious star status, the Sherlock Holmes actor was permitted to stride on stage in dark glasses a-la-Jack Nicolson.
Rude behaviour, if you ask me
Hiding hang-over peepers, perhaps?
Druggies tend to shy away from bright lights that are inclined to hurt the eyes, so that may be the reason why he went on with the ubiquitous shades on his snoz.
Who knows!
"I'm thrilled. This is the first time I'll have a two-legged man in my bedroom for years."
One winner flirted with the notion that this was the moment to strike out and speak her mind.
Mo'Nigue (supporting actress winner) - with a tinge of bitterness in her voice - applauded the academy for not bowing to politics and going with the performance instead.
"Sometimes you have to forgo on what is popular and do what is right," she concluded in a dramatic, Oscar-style speech, with an edge of vindication to it.
The costume designer who won for "Young Victoria" (already a two-time winner) dedicated her Oscar to those working outside the studio system in contemporary and low budget films.
"They don't really have a shot at the Academy Award very often," she explained sadly.
A highlight of the Oscars turned out to be a dance number set to the music of the creative artists who wrote the soundtracks for the nominated films.
In addition, the Best Soundtrack winner for "UP" recalled that his interest in film started up when he accidentally stumbled upon his father's old 8 mm camera in a drawer.
"My parents were very supportive of my creative interests. Never once did they say it was a waste of time."
On that note, the talented man urged young filmmakers watching to pursue their artistic vision and not be deterred by naysayers out to rain on the parade.
Colin Farrel was in a humorous mood.
In a tribute to Jeremy Renner, the offbeat actor noted that he shared a bedroom with the Oscar nominee on a shoot in Mexico for SWAT.
"We shared a bed," he chuckled, "But, before rumors get out, we was just foolin' around."
Curiously, when Ben Affleck interviewed Renner on an Oprah Winfrey special the night before, the actor noted without reservation that both women and men were showing interest in him since the Oscar nod a few weeks ago.
Affleck did a double-take (for possibly two reasons).
In essence, Renner was either acknowledging that he wasn't upset by the reality of a male following (fans attracted to his manly screen appeal) or was perhaps signalling that his own sexuality may be leaning that way.
Ah, the pink tie with his dark suit tonight, should have been the tip-off.
Sandra Bullock appeared to be genuinely surprised that she landed the Academy Award.
Or, was that just good acting?
"Did I really earn this or wear you all down," she wondered aloud.
"Thanks for the incredible ride with rooms full of artists who inspired me and who blaze trails for all of us,' she managed to squeak in spite of being overcome by more than a dollop of emotion.
In a parting after-thought, she thanked Merlyl Streep.
"My lover," she giggled to a roar of applause.
Ironically, Nicolas Chartier was hailed for having the guts to get " Hurt Locker" to the screen.
As noted earlier in the week, a disturbing misstep ended up getting him turfed out of the proceedings.
Post: 03/03/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/hurt-lockerproducer-banned-from-oscars.html
"Now, let's hope we get a distributor," Mark Boal quipped in one ecstatic moment on stage with the Hurt Locker gang.
A sour note at the close of the show?
In a nutshell, Hurt Locker was a movie not well-received by filmgoers at large.
In retrospect, the dark horse appeared to snap up the Oscar at the behest of an elitist group in Hollywood, who have strong political views about the Iraq War.
Did they overstep their reach?
It puts the witch-hunts in the fifties into perspective, don't 'ya think?
Stunned by win?
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