Oscars 2008

OSCARS 2008

Last night’s Academy Awards ceremony was a polished affair.  Host Hugh Jackman was smart and sharp WOWing everyone with a song-and-dance number with Beyonce in the middle of the presentation.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE the expected winner for Best Picture won a total of 8 awards with Danny Boyle also coming away with the Best Director Oscar.  Boyle was clearly the happiest man of the evening.  Music writer Rahman won two awards for SLUMDOG – best song and best original score.

Kate Winslett won Best Actress, Penelope Cruz for Supporting while Heath Ledger won for his role of the Joker in DARK KNIGHT.  His parents and sister accepted for the late actor.  Sean Penn deservedly won for MILK, making a moving speech on equal rights for gays and shaming gay-haters who voted against gay marriage in California.  But the best speech of the evening belonged to the gay writer Dustin Lance Black for original screenplay.  He delivered an incredible prepared speech again about gay rights and ending his speech by thanking God for Harvey Milk.

Full credit should be given to the talent behind this year’s Oscars for attempting something different.  For one, a non-comedian (Jackman) proved a worthy bet.  Not only is he good to look at but he delivered and performed with perfect timing and grace while cracking some good lines as well.  Having 5 previous winners presenting the Oscar for the new winner in the acting categories paid off well.  And reflecting what Danny Boyle said in his acceptance speech, the show looks just as good on T.V. as it probably did live.

The best presenters belonged to Seth Rogen and James Franco in their PINEAPPLE EXPRESS garb.  Judd Apatow directed a short skit with both of them together with an n assembled comedy montage.  Most natural presenter was Bill Maher for the documentary features.

The most heartfelt moment was Jerry Lewis receiving the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award.  Queen Latifah sang while images commemorated those who passed away last year.  Winslett dedicated her Oscar to directors Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella.

For full list of winners, check out:
http://www.oscars.com