tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post2102133634329471347..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Oscar Race Ends 23 Days EarlyNATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-6753642493103687832009-02-02T20:11:00.000-05:002009-02-02T20:11:00.000-05:00Re, Jerry Lewis:Yes, people with disabilities; wom...Re, Jerry Lewis:<BR/><BR/>Yes, people with disabilities; women; and gay/lesbian/bi/trans people are in fact organizaing protests against Jerry Lewis' so-called "humanitarian" award. Visit <A HREF="http://thetroublewithjerry.net/" REL="nofollow">http://thetroublewithjerry.net/</A> for more details.<BR/><BR/>Also, read what bloggers are saying about his award at <A HREF="http://reunifygally.wordpress.com/bloggers-protesting-pity/" REL="nofollow">http://reunifygally.wordpress.com/bloggers-protesting-pity/</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-8958104746595357572009-02-02T05:45:00.000-05:002009-02-02T05:45:00.000-05:00Agree with everyone - it's the best of a bad bunch...Agree with everyone - it's the best of a bad bunch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-72881021718734147872009-02-01T23:40:00.000-05:002009-02-01T23:40:00.000-05:00I think the boredom that sets in every Oscar seaso...I think the boredom that sets in every Oscar season has a lot to do with people wanting arbitrary surprises to keep themselves entertained, and that comes from meticulously following the season's precursors. Yes, I know it also has to do with your favorites not winning what they're supposed to, but if we went into Oscar night not knowing anything and seen nothing like most average watchers, I'd bet we'd have a happy ignorance when it comes to winners and be more "surprised." And the irony of that is, if you don't watch any of the movies in question, you're probably not likely to watch the show anyway. So in essence, we get what's coming to us by being so rabid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-38552788637107976362009-02-01T23:20:00.000-05:002009-02-01T23:20:00.000-05:00I would be utterly amused in Winslet and La Streep...I would be utterly amused in Winslet and La Streep tied much like Streisand and Hepburn did. Partially because the comparison would be amusing, but also because I would get the Winslet win and the Streep speech.Jacob Passyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16931500727477983204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-43163350177988136652009-02-01T22:28:00.000-05:002009-02-01T22:28:00.000-05:00You're not alone there, Anna. I didn't enjoy "No C...You're not alone there, Anna. I didn't enjoy "No Country" either, and I'm certainly no philistine (I loved "There Will Be Blood"... and it's not a "Blood"/"No Country" thing either, as some people seem to think you either like one or the other). I didn't like "Slumdog" either though, so I'm not looking forward to this year's Best Picture announcement. I'm not even very happy about seeing Danny Boyle win, which is a shame because if you'd told me this time last year that Danny Boyle would be winning this year's director award I would have been over-the-moon.<BR/><BR/>On a side note, what makes people think "Slumdog" is going to sweep? I'd consider a sweep in Oscar-terms being seven awards or more, and I don't see "Slumdog" being more than a five or six award film. Although out of Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Film Editing, Score and Song, I don't know which one(s) it would lose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77896256610793939652009-02-01T22:03:00.000-05:002009-02-01T22:03:00.000-05:00It seems every year around this time people are po...It seems every year around this time people are pointing out how "boring" and "predictable" the results and show are going to be. I personally thought 2008 was a great year for movies and I'm really looking forward to the Oscars. <BR/>I was in the minority last year because I didn't enjoy NCFOM (people just kept telling me that I "didn't get it"... whatever). I'm relieved this year that I thoroughly enjoyed Slumdog and am looking for to seeing it win.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-80170367441390208012009-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:002009-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:00I'm feeling it for In Bruges too but if "Milk" is ...I'm feeling it for In Bruges too but if "Milk" is the only nominee to be nominated in both Oscars and WGA, I don't see In Bruges having much chance.<BR/><BR/>However, if Milk falls at WGA, then the race is really open.You-Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08408918278478676480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-51091428914729589612009-02-01T18:52:00.000-05:002009-02-01T18:52:00.000-05:00michael c i couldn't not watch the Oscars no matte...<B>michael c</B> i couldn't not watch the Oscars no matter what. It's in my DNA. But am I <I>excited</I> to see Heath Ledger win? I'm not sure. I mean HE DESERVES IT. don't get me wrong. But public grief freaks me out and not seeing him holding it, as I would have if they had given it to him the first time they should have...<BR/>will undoubtedly freak me out a little.<BR/><BR/>and i always think the Oscars are more fun when they realize they're a party for movies and not thinking that they're saving the world and being all serious. unfortunately they feel like the latter more often than the former and the tribute to heath will fall in the latter category.<BR/><BR/>In short: I'M HARD TO PLEASE ;)NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-7909113241187322942009-02-01T18:37:00.000-05:002009-02-01T18:37:00.000-05:00Even though I'm barracking for the frontrunner (Cr...Even though I'm barracking for the frontrunner (Cruz), supporting actress has some suspence. I am also really looking forward to see how Original Screenplay and Costume Design pan out (i'm hoping for <I>Wall-E</I>/<I>Frozen River</I> and Catherine Martin to take those categories respectively).Glennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08194113062830373898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-3063089912990989402009-02-01T16:47:00.000-05:002009-02-01T16:47:00.000-05:00I actually loved the 1997 lineup. Partly because m...I actually loved the 1997 lineup. Partly because my favorite film of the 90's (L.A. Confidential) was on it, and I think it should have been the winner that year, but I also loved Titanic, I love Good Will Hunting, and they balance it out with two comedies (As Good as it Gets and The Full Monty) which I am also very attached to. These films only get better every time I see them, particularly L.A. Confidential, which I did not get the first time I saw it, but every time I see it now, something new comes up. Also, it's interesting that you bring up 1997, because Simon Beaufoy who wrote Slumdog Millionaire also wrote The Full Monty, which was nominated for Best Picture in 1997. Anyway, every time I talk to my parents or most of the people I've met, we talk about the 1997 lineup as one of the best we've seen, and even though I don't think Titanic was the best of the five, I still think it's an impressive film (though I understand there's a reason it didn't get a screenplay nomination, believe me).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-3699885765483573172009-02-01T16:03:00.000-05:002009-02-01T16:03:00.000-05:00I think 'Slumdog' is the biggest lock since ... la...I think 'Slumdog' is the biggest lock since ... last year.<BR/><BR/>Blech. I'm over this race.Andy Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03289238932347069993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-9914265777299101062009-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:002009-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:00Cinematography will be interesting.I think its a f...Cinematography will be interesting.<BR/><BR/>I think its a four-way race between the three colourful and flashy films (TDK, Button & Slumdog) and the slightly more muted, yet equally effective The Reader.<BR/><BR/>I think The Reader could pull an upset win, since the blockbusters may cancel eachother out and leave the still Oscar-less Roger Deakins with his first win (albeit shared with Chris Menges)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-2007249832431992102009-02-01T15:29:00.000-05:002009-02-01T15:29:00.000-05:00Picture director and adapted screenplay are set in...Picture director and adapted screenplay are set in stone<BR/><BR/>Actor will go to mickey rourke as the comeback of the year and the academy not wanting to reward Penn<BR/> <BR/>Winslet will most likely take actress with a slight possibility of an upset from Meryl<BR/><BR/>Supporting actress sounds like it is going to go to penelope but it could actually go to tomei or davis depending who has the most momentum in the last few weeks.<BR/><BR/>Original screenplay is an exciting category. This years oscar race would all have been worth it if somehow IN BRUGES won best original screenplay. After that i would want Milk to win especially if it doesn't win actor. I would also love if WALL-E won.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77355459492694449482009-02-01T15:19:00.000-05:002009-02-01T15:19:00.000-05:00I don't know if anyone has already checked up the ...I don't know if anyone has already checked up the official ballot but it's interesting how the majority of the our predicted winners are in the last spot of each category of nominees...<BR/><BR/>Slumdog, Wall-E, Rourke, Winslet, Iron Man... Only two things that don't look right: Michael Shannon and Marisa Tomei as winners in their category. <BR/><BR/>Can this be real, I mean, Shannon taking home the prize instead of Ledger? I can see this happening... Posthumous awards aren't usually given and also Shannon seems to have a role that's more accordingly to the AMPAS standards... Can this really happen?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-51618490016104073962009-02-01T15:18:00.000-05:002009-02-01T15:18:00.000-05:00I couldn't agree less about 1997. With the possibl...<I>I couldn't agree less about 1997. With the possible exception of 2002, never since has the overall quality of the BP lineup been better than that year. IMVHO. I'll give you that maybe there were plenty of more deserving films (I would have to look up what else was released that year), but looking just at the quality of the actual Five, I'd take the worst of them (Titanic) over 25% of the recent nominees any day.</I><BR/><BR/>That's another good point even though it may not have been the best line-up ever, I think 1997 was a pretty good year for Best Picture. Not that they ever get the five best pictures right anyway, but I think they did a great job in balancing different genres and different size movies, certainly then this year's line-up, so as a capsule of 1997, those five films really captured that year instead of this year's line-up. Okay, maybe <I>As Good As It Gets</I> might be stretching my point about encapsulating that year, but at least they were willing to go with a comedy with big names attached to it, something that I don't think today's Oscar would do.<BR/><BR/>Anyhow, I forgot to mention in my previous post that I do think that this year's show will still be somewhat exciting at least certainly more so than the ceremony for 2003 was. Supporting actress is still as unpredictable as last year's race imo because even though Cruz swept most of the precursors, her momentum may have passed now that Winslet won all of the top prizes so I think everyone pretty much has a good chance here. The actor race is still close with either Penn winning his second or Rourke winning for his once in a lifetime role. Original Screenplay may not be as rock solid for <I>Milk</I> either if they want to reward <I>WALL-E</I> with something besides just the Best Animated Oscar.<BR/><BR/>Plus, on the technical side, I think it could be exciting unless they go boring with a <I>Slumdog</I> sweep which could happen, but it will be interesting to me if perhaps <I>The Dark Knight</I> can still win the most awards of the night if there's a backlash to it not being nominated for Best Picture from some voters, or if <I>The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</I> can possibly go winless. It's probably unlikely, but it could happen. <BR/><BR/>I think this year will be better than 2003 too because at least Hugh Jackman has to be better than Billy Crystal was. I'm also looking forward to seeing the Best Supporting Actor presentation, and seeing what kind of changes did Bill Condon do and if they improved the show for the better.Rich Aunt Pennybagshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05005421089633289280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-2745651805043842742009-02-01T15:01:00.000-05:002009-02-01T15:01:00.000-05:00The only thing I'm hoping for is a small protest f...The only thing I'm hoping for is a small protest for when the homophobic, sexist, ableist, utterly contemptible Jerry Lewis takes the stage for his undeserved lifetime achievement award. <BR/><BR/>Bitter? Yes, please.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-54917556860944848892009-02-01T14:40:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:40:00.000-05:00Agree with all the previous comments re. the super...Agree with all the previous comments re. the super-dullness of 2003, and the suspense that's still in 3 out of the 4 acting races. <BR/><BR/>I think that Best Supporting Actress is going to be pretty hard to predict. I honestly can't see Penelope taking this one home, even now that Kate's out of her way. This could just be wishful thinking on my part though, hoping that this race is more exciting than it actually is!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-19537588502217545762009-02-01T14:26:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:26:00.000-05:00A little voice inside me is saying...The Oscars lo...A little voice inside me is saying...The Oscars love drama<BR/>so...<BR/>they go all soap opera-ish and choose Milk...or the Reader<BR/>and leave everybody except me open mouthed for five minutes!<BR/><BR/>A guy can dream right!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-68052848719498364512009-02-01T14:20:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:20:00.000-05:00I couldn't agree less about 1997. With the possibl...I couldn't agree less about 1997. With the possible exception of 2002, never since has the overall quality of the BP lineup been better than that year. IMVHO. I'll give you that maybe there were plenty of more deserving films (I would have to look up what else was released that year), but looking just at the quality of the actual Five, I'd take the worst of them (<I>Titanic</I>) over 25% of the recent nominees any day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-49272100436195096032009-02-01T14:17:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:17:00.000-05:00The only acting race with a little suspense is sup...The only acting race with a little suspense is supporting actress, but I still think Penelope has the edge. You'll have to start dipping into the tech categories for any real nailbiters. Cinematography: That may be the category to keep you on the edge of your seats.Edward Copelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12463676135131274426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-7195272613285496892009-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:00The Documentary Feature category is still a nail-b...The Documentary Feature category is still a nail-biter with a strong lineup. <B><I>Man on Wire</I></B> packs an emotional punch, but is its topic "important" enough to sway the voters who see all five nominees (the only ones who can vote in this category)? I love the idea of Werner Herzog giving an Oscar speech, even if it is for one of his weaker documentaries (folks should see <B><I>Land of Silence and Darkness</I></B>, <B><I>La Soufriere</I></B> and <B><I>Wings of Hope</I></B>). <B><I>The Betrayal</I></B> is terrific, just the kind of film that seems like a potential surprise winner in this category. I haven't seen <B><I>Trouble the Water</I></B> yet, but it's coming back to local cinema screens this week, and I hope to rectify. No word yet on <B><I>the Garden</I></B>.Brian Darrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17693169310367670898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-20054416316054608292009-02-01T14:05:00.000-05:002009-02-01T14:05:00.000-05:00I am hoping for Best Original Screenplay to move m...I am hoping for Best Original Screenplay to move me to the edge of my seat.<BR/><BR/>Go In Bruges.Devin Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03294863517903467515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-4462299483696386652009-02-01T13:52:00.000-05:002009-02-01T13:52:00.000-05:00Like some other posters, I wouldn't go so far and ...Like some other posters, I wouldn't go so far and claim that 1997 was as bad as 2008, since L.A. Confidential is a genuine, honest-to-goodness masterwork.<BR/><BR/>I would, honestly, compare this year to 2000. Think about it. Two liberal-minded social dramas--one of them about an underdog who brings about social change. A splashy, expensive, overhyped epic that was generally disliked by critics. A Weinstein selection of somewhat questionable quality. And an international success that appropriated a genre common to a national cinema (wuxai epics/Bollywood melodrama), gave it a Hollywood sheen, and made it more palatable for mainstream audiences.<BR/><BR/>Okay, so the comparison is imperfect. But I find it interesting.<BR/><BR/>In saying this, I will also add that 2000 was generally a better year for film. And I didn't even really love any of those best picture nominees.Chuck Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08410430373012870491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-71045798323232985072009-02-01T13:51:00.001-05:002009-02-01T13:51:00.001-05:00All I'm really interested in with this year's Osca...All I'm really interested in with this year's Oscars is "Slumdog Millionaire" winning picture, director, and adapted screenplay, and seeing Heath's coronation. I'm rooting for Frank Langella, but he looks to be in a distant third in his race. With no Sally Hawkins in lead actress, that category is meaningless, and having Kate Winslet win for that awful "The Reader" is nothing I'm looking forward to. I hope that Penelope Cruz wins supporting actress, but now I think she's losing to one of the "Doubt" girls, and that film was a disappointment. No "Rachel Getting Married" in original screenplay is supremely lame. No "The Dark Knight" in best picture. And now they're f-ing the ceremony with all of these changes and starwhoring presenters. And Hugh has to preside over this mess. Whatever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-53540465858028746562009-02-01T13:51:00.000-05:002009-02-01T13:51:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Chuck Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08410430373012870491noreply@blogger.com