The Oscar's telecast was a bit disappointing, with few laughs and little excitement. Plus, there was an American shut-out in the main acting categories.
This year’s Oscars ceremony turned out to be glamorous, but just like many young Hollywood stars, devoid of any real substance. Luckily, the writer’s strike was declared over so that celebrities could get back to the all-important awards season. However, they forgot to bring any excitement and charm of past Oscars shows.
Jon Stewart was an affable host—quick to joke but also just as eager to bring focus to some who didn’t have much of a voice. When Best Original Song co-winner Marketa Irglova was cut off by that darn orchestra when accepting her award, Stewart brought her back on stage to give her a chance to speak. The moment was touching, and it turned out to be one of the few genuine moments during the telecast.
Only Europeans Get Oscar Gold
Perhaps the main observation made about the 80th year of Oscars was the fact that hardly any Americans won. All of the lead acting wins went to foreigners. Marion Cotillard (French), Daniel Day-Lewis (Irish), Tilda Swinton (Scottish) and Javier Bardem (Spanish) deservedly won for their performances, but the quartet’s success led to a Yankee shutout. Other winners in creative categories like art direction, makeup, animated short film, and costume design also all went to non-Americans.
Many well-known stars were brought in for the presenting honors, including Jack Nicholson, Jennifer Garner, and Steve Carrell. However, these moments were also too scripted and the jokes made one wonder if the writers were really back on the job. Many of Stewart’s jokes also landed flat with the audience. People laughed awkwardly, but plenty of his jokes were followed with cuts to stars in their seats smiling stiffly. What happened to a host that actually makes the audience laugh?
Stars at the Oscars Dressed to Impress
The red carpet at the Oscars rarely disappoints and this year was no exception. Stars were decked out to the nines, making up for the Golden Globes in which they were unable to walk the red carpet. Standouts included Amy Adams in a Veronica Lake style-Proenza Schouler gown, Anne Hathaway in a gorgeous red Marchesa dress, and Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier.
In fact Cotillard was a winner in so many ways on Oscar night. Her dress was dazzling, her English charmingly broken, and her acceptance speech was honest and ebullient. Her “I love life, I love love” train of thought reminded everyone who saw her film “La Vie en Rose” of her truly amazing transformation into the legendary Edith Piaf. Okay so maybe Americans came up short this year, but could anyone else have topped such humble appreciation?
