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February 27, 2005

Oscars 2005 V

Rock is taking a different tack with his humor tonight, demonstrating some good versatility. He's going with understated commentary tonight, introducing Jeremy Irons as a comedic giant (Irons gracefully notes that it's nice to be recognized at last, and plays off a long banging sound with the observation 'they missed.') Another good speech from the Short Film winner, who one presumes has to be the first winner to observe that the award is the dog's bollocks.

Hmmm, 'you guys are visionaries in Canadian filmmaking.' Damnning with faint praise? Honestly, I don't know, but it was a cute line nonetheless. And another fine speech.

I finally give in and pick The Aviator for Cinematography and am rewarded with my first successful guess in the non-acting categories. The winner thanks the doctors and nurses who are caring for his mother, who has been in the hospital for 45 days. He then declares that he loves his mom and walks off. Again, I don't understand how trimming the speeches helps the evening any.

It is interesting that they show clips for the Sound and Sound Editing awards, but not for the shorts. One more sign of the hierarchy of Hollywood, I suppose. You can tell how important you are by where they present your award and whether or not you have to get up before they present it.

Another song, another chance to go check the news or hit the bathroom. Yes, this is definitely a place they could save a little time from the broadcast. Not that I'm not thrilled to see Antonio Banderas singing.