Alright, ALL READY.....this is one of the biggest television nights of the year. Even if we didn't see ANY of the movies nominated, millions of Americans tune in to watch the Academy Awards. This is the 83rd Annual Show and it promises to be the same long and boring show that it always is. How many people can say that they stay tuned in and turned on by over three hours of droning acceptance speeches? The high points are few and the show runs SO looooong but still we persist. This year, I decided to capture some of the highlights in photographs. As it turned out, it helped the time go by much more quickly.
We were able to get in only three of the TEN films nominated for 'Best Movie' this year. Happily, I think they are three of the best....
Maybe it's my British lineage or the fact that we spent over four years living in London....whatever it is, 'The King's Speech' really resonated with me. There were so many outstanding performances: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and, the unsung hero of the film, Geoffrey Rush. I think 'King's Speech' will dominate this year.
I thought 'The Fighter' would be Rocky X (or whatever number we're on). It was so much more. Christian Bale was truly mesmerizing in his role as Micky and Melissa Leo's performance, as the Mom, was spot on.
Social Network was smart, relevant and really well done. I don't think they'll win this year because Hollywood will probably swing back to a traditional pick after 'Hurt Locker' surprised everyone last year.
Here's the view from my seat for the 2011 Academy Awards, complete with my heavy faux fur throw....it was cold in Hollywood and Connecticut on Sunday night.
This year's hosts, Anne Hathaway and James Franco, were hired to add a younger vibe and hipper attitude to the 2011 Academy Awards. I liked the opening montage, save the oldy-moldy 'Back to the Future' scene and I thought Hathaway proved how talented she is. Ultra-cool James Franco made a reference to 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' and challenged viewers to Google it. That's so 1994, James.
Anne Hathaway changed her outfits and hair seven or eight times, I think. She came off as a bit desperate trying to 'bring the funny' by swinging her fringed dress. Annie worked her fanny off while Franco seemed aloof and disconnected.
I'm posting this because I like the photo I captured. Randy Newman was weird, funny and irreverent during his acceptance speech for 'Best Song' for 'Toy Story 3.'
The ageless and beautiful Halle Barry paid tribute to Lena Horne. There's no sign of it in this photo I took but her dress was my favorite of the evening.
The elegant and talented Lena Horne once said, 'It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.'
England's HBC had two 'Royal Roles' this season. One of her fans tweeted, 'I really want to be friends with Helena Bonham Carter. She brings the crazy.' I DO love her style.
Scarlett Johansson's hair was a bit too messy for the occasion and, despite her gorgeous figure, her dress looked a bit like a raspberry-colored doily.
Gwyneth Paltrow is a multi-talented and courageous woman. I loved her in her role as Holly, on Glee, but didn't see her in 'Country Strong.' Sadly, her performance, posture and dress selection on Oscar Night were all lackluster.
The first thing that Robert Stromberg, winner for Art Direction for 'Alice in Wonderland,' said was: 'I wish I'd lost those 20 pounds.'
The Academy Award for the Live Action Short Film went to 'God of Love.' Luke Matheny bounded to the stage to accept his trophy and muttered, 'Uh, I should've gotten a hair cut,' then thanked his Mom for doing craft services for the movie.
Oprah Winfrey presented the award for 'Best Documentary Feature,' which went to 'Inside Job.' I was trying to get a photo of the beautiful dress Oprah was wearing but the camera stayed fixed on her from the waist up. I say, 'Come on camera person (it must have been a MAN),' and give the award for 'Breast Presentation' to Lady O.
One of my favorites in the 'Best Actress' category was Annette Bening. She is such a talented and, seemingly, lovely woman. She is not afraid to take risks with the roles she assumes nor show that she is aging-very gracefully and naturally.
Following suit with other awards show of this season, Natalie Portman took home the trophy for 'Best Actress' for her performance in 'Black Swan.' I have not seen the movie but understand her performance is compelling. 'Natty,' as I call her, won my award for 'best dressed pregnant lady.'
Resplendent in red, Sandra Bullock threw zingers at each of the Best Actor nominees..
To Jeff Bridges she quipped, "Dude, how much is enough? You won this last year.'
Back stage, James Franco gave a wry smile when Ms. Bullock told him, 'You're the reason so many kids are picked up late from school.....their Mom's are home watching you on 'General Hospital.'
Colin Firth gave her a reluctant little wave when Snappy Sandra started in on him then walked away with the trophy for 'Best Actor.'
No surprise for best movie: 'The King's Speech.' The story and the performances were, as the Brit's say, 'Brilliant.'
A favorite moment of the evening was the unabashed joy with which the students from PS 22, in Staten Island performed 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' What an incredible experience for those young people.
Until next year....Goodnight, Oscar!
