I sat through the thing for one reason and one reason only---JOn Stewart. His best moments came when he relaxed a bit and also used some of the clips and promos spoofing the contending ads for the nominiees---ala Daily Show. His comments re: the montages was, to me, priceless. "...later we will have a montage of montages--but we are out of film clips so please send some in".

As to the nominations, the recipients---all opinions are subjective, obviously. So my thoughts---
Best acceptance speech (most touching)   Philip Seymour Hoffman
Classiest act on the dais---Altman
As to the award winners--- I was happy to see the industry try to move away from the big budget blockbusters and reward independent smaller budget meaningful work. DId I agree with the choices---mostly NO.   But--as said, that is subjective.   

I saw Crash and thought it just a later version of Altman's "Shortcuts" --which was a better film.   Having seen all the others (except Brokeback---or as Mad TV called it Humpback Valley)I would have opted for Good Night/Good Luck. Capote was -=to me--just so-so with the exeption of Hoffman who, I felt, deserved his award. the film was merely a one man show of talent---he really channeled Capote.

As to female actress--I cannot believe Witherspoon over some of the other nominees---especially Judi Dench.

As to music---I did not think there was a decent piece of music in the bunch ---but to the Academy's credit they moved far-a-field (though I cannot abide Rap).

I only wish that theaters would stop w/ all the commercials and let us see some of the short films that were on display last evening---they used to . I guess that is known as the good old days---or the less commercial ones.

Bottom line---an industry event (which it was at the beginning) has turned into a spectacle that compares unlike things. After all performances were not contests---they were what they are called performances.

As to the Hackensack insurance industry---or anywhere else---now that is a contest. Sell more policies---get the award.   The envelope please---and the signed policy.


Bill Hahn