Oscar 2006: A Final Analysis
Published March 07, 2006
And when you add to that the very classy and humorous hosting job done by Jon Stewart, you get one of the finest Oscar ceremonies in the last 20 years. As I sat watching the presentation, I couldn't help but think that Jon Stewart could possibly be the next Billy Crystal and host the Oscars for many years to come. So many expected him to be over the top, too political, or possibly raunchy but he stunned the crowd with great timing, reverence and humility. And while his night was memorable, no one will be able to forget some of the follies that ensued: Lauren Bacall came on stage only to appear to be either confused or severely under the influence of something non-organic; Jennifer Garner almost took a spill onto her pregnant behind; and last but not least was the very enthusiastic acceptance speech by members of Three 6 Mafia for their win of the Best Song Oscar.
If it weren't for the afore mentioned factors this year's Oscar ceremonies may have been completely forgettable, or even routine. But while so many outsiders continue to say that Hollywood is losing touch with society more and more with each passing day, I for one am ready to admit that I believe they are just starting to get things right.
And now for a little bit of Oscar Night Recap, in a cheeky and fun manner. Here are some of my favorites from the broadcast of the 78th Academy Awards:
Best Acceptance Speech
George Clooney for Best Supporting Actor
Clooney's speech was not only heartfelt, but incredibly humble. It included a dash of humor, a pinch of homage to his fellow nominees, and even a tad bit of political insight. He was not Michael Moore, but his message was genuine. The easy runner up for this one was Three 6 Mafia, just because.
Most Deserved Award
Reese Witherspoon for Best Actress
I need not continue to dwell on how spectacular her performance was, but I cannot say that there was a more appropriate candidate for any award this entire year than Reese. It would have been depressing if she had not won.
Biggest Surprise of the Night
Crash beating Brokeback Mountain for Best Picture
Is there any more to say about this one? Brokeback had all the cards stacked in its corner and Crash came out of almost nowhere. Well, it would have been nowhere save for the fact that anyone who had seen both films objectively could say that Crash was the better film.
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- Oscar 2006: A Final Analysis
- Published: March 07, 2006
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Video
- Writer: Film School Rejects
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Comments on this articleComments
good, thorough write-up, but subjectively I reply to a few items:
"Brokeback failed to bring home any of the most expected wins."
I'm not clear what you mean. Director and adaptation were their most expected wins. They pretty much cleaned up in these categories at almost every other critic/award show. Plus, if Jake was an underdog than how could he be one of the most expected?
What does 'most deserved" even mean? I think the people who put together Wallace & Gromit worked much harder than Reese did.
I disagree about the funniest joke. The one about seeing that mane celebrities without having to attend a Democratic findraiser was funnier.
Also, why are so may people surprised about Crash? Maybe it's because I live in LA, but there had been minor rumblings about Crash for a couple of weeks now. Any of the other three winning, sure. But people act like Crash was a write-in. The country would have been less surprised if Nader had won in '04.
"FINALLY WE HAVE BLACK PEEP IN THE HOUSE !!!"
Sure the academy has been woefully misrepresentative, but are Denzel, Morgan and Halley not black peeps?
"I'm not clear what you mean. Director and adaptation were their most expected wins. They pretty much cleaned up in these categories at almost every other critic/award show. Plus, if Jake was an underdog than how could he be one of the most expected?"
I was really referring to Heath Ledger's nomination and the Best Picture category. I probably should have clarified.
"What does 'most deserved" even mean? I think the people who put together Wallace & Gromit worked much harder than Reese did."
Most deserved was my own interpretation of who most deserved to win in their respective category. I agree that the folks who made Wallace and Gromitt worked extremely hard, but I thought Reese Witherspoon's performance was far and away the best by any actress of the year.
As for the "FINALLY WE HAVE BLACK PEEP IN THE HOUSE !!!" comment, I am not sure what you are referring to either... What about Jamie Foxx? Or is it just the fact that this is the first time a rap song has won an Oscar... That is, if you discount the 2002 win of Eminem with "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile. But that doesn't count, because he is white... In the end I am not sure what you are referring to, but I will say that the song was very deserving.
Thanks for the comments, btw...
#3
Neil
JUST TO LET YOU KNOW I DID MENTION EMINEM , YOU SHOULD READ IT BACK , AND I WAS REFFERING TO A RAP GROUP , YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT AND YOUR IGNORANCE IS TALKING.GO BACK TO THE STREET DO YOUR HOMEWORKS AND HOLLA BACK AT ME .
YA HEARD !
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/44596)
FINALLY WE HAVE BLACK PEEP IN THE HOUSE !!! I AM SO HAPPY THAT 3 6 MAFIA WON AN OSCAR ,, DANM THE MOVIE WAS SO GOOD , WHAT MAKES YOU LIKE THE SONG AND WHAT MADE THE JUDGES LOVE THE SONG IS THAT WE ALL LIVE THE STEP OF THE MUSIC MAKING INDUSTRY , AFTER HAVING DJAY & CREW WORKING ON THAT JOINT. we feel them and we fall in love with the song. not because of the song but because of the work behind it.The other movies did not show the making of the song , it was only background music.Every single time we show the making of the song in the movie , those movies most of the time end up winning an OSCAR , EMINEM WON AN OSCAR FOR THE 8 mile song.The song wasnt ALL THAT.( it was good ) but the making behind it its what makes it different from the other tracks!
BIG up to the 3-6-MAFIA
BIG UP TO TERRENCE HOWARD.
TERRENCE YOU ARE MY NUMBER ONE RIGHT NOW!
RESPECT !
p.s. Holla at me !