Oscars (2006)

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 10:46 AM

But I enjoyed the Altman bit. The only saving grace of the night.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 10:44 AM

Actually, I've watched the Oscars all my life. I am a huge movie buff. But this awards show sucks, pure and simple. It just ain't what it used to be.

Sure, I'll see some films that were honored last night when they are released on DVD. But not because they were honored with a nomination. I'll see them, because they look good.

And I disagree that people tune into this broadcast to learn about the films. I think it is the celebrity watching people tune in for.

That's what I tuned in for--to see Jon Stewart. But this bloated, behemoth of a broadcast just isn't worth 4 hours of my remaining time on earth anymore. Of course, I've been saying that for years, and still tune in most years for at least awhile. But this really has become an exercise in celebrities worshipping themselves and one another. It is vacuously disturbing to watch these people. Frighteningly so.

And really, what was so different this year? Spielberg still lost, just like he always does. The blockbusters got the tech awards, the "brave" films got nods for writing. The pretty picture (Memoirs of a Geisha) won the costume, art, blah blah blah. Utterly predictable. Even the "surprise best picture" was predictable. They picked the film with the happy ending.

Hollywood is a very scary place. Films made by Hollywood players and powerbrokers are NOT indie films, no matter what Robert Redford says at Sundance every year, or how "small" the budget by Hollywood standards.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 10:06 AM

Me, too, Ron.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 09:29 AM

Wow, talk about "heads firmly stuck up their own areses" - I guess I should not be surprised at the curmudgeonly reaction of Mudcatters, but I guess it does surpise me a bit that people have such negative reactions when it is obvious that they have not watched the awards in years and can comment on things they have not seen or heard - such as the song that won. I am not a rap fan, but the song impressed me as well as the film from which it came.

I am impressed by the independent nature of the films that were up for awards this year and the topics they tackled. The awards are important, for those with open minds, and I now have several films that I want to watch based on what I saw last night. That is one of the reasons most people tune in.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 08:56 AM

Overpaid people with their heads firmly stuck up their own arses, butt-kissing one another. Utterly vomit-inducing.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 08:27 AM

The Academy Awards "an important evening"? Please.

If a film is great, or important, or whatever, it is that because it stands above the rest all on it's own. Without any of the decadent and obscene "glitter and glamour" crap.

That said, I too watched for the entertainment value of Jon Stewart, but sadly, there was nothing he could do to save the day. This awards show must die. Jon Stewart struggled admirably to liven it up, but it is not to be. This is, quite simply, the most boring night on tv of the year.

Best jokes of the evening: Billy Crystal and Chris Rock in the teepee & the Dick Cheney joke.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 07:26 AM

I ate some great seaweed salad and some really good sushi, drank a little Kirin Ichiban, talked with an old friend while doing so, and went to bed.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Mar 06 - 06:02 AM

I haven't watched the Oscars in years. I watched it this year because Jon Stewart was hosting. I was really surprised at how much they had changed, in presentation, set decor, etc. Stewart's humour seemed to breath new life into them and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also liked that they honoured the orchestra and the conductor, Conti, AND that each recipient had a timer in front of them, so there were no long-winded thank you speeches.

I think it is great that so many independent and socially aware movies were in the running this year. IMO, this was not Hollywood as usual.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: John O'L
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 11:48 PM

"Best song" and "rap number" are oxymoronic phrases for mine.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Peace
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 11:45 PM

Penguins have pimps now? Where will it all end?

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Anonny Mouse
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 11:38 PM

The wifey was into it a bit--I'm in the "who cares" mostly. I read something I thought was interesting: that movie The March of the Penguins grossed more than all 5 of the "Best Pic" contenders...combined. And the "Best Song" was that Rap number about how hard it is to be a pimp. What crap. :>(

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 11:33 PM

Oscar Schmidt? Oscar Pedersen? (Now it's a music thread.)

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Peace
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:59 PM

"I dare not ask what kind of muck."

Tuk.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: number 6
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:50 PM

I dare not ask what kind of muck.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Peace
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:49 PM

Quag Meyer is when ya get stuck up to your navel in muck.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: number 6
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:46 PM

Meyer Lansky is actually someone ya wouldn't mess around with.

sIx

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Peace
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:43 PM

Ad Meyer is when ya really look up to someone.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: number 6
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:29 PM

Oscar Meyer is a hot dog from chicago.

Louis B. Meyer is a home town boy from Saint John N.B.

sIx

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Peace
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:26 PM

I don't get it. Oscar Meyer's? It's a joke, right?

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: number 6
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:11 PM

The Oscars don't interest me in the least bit.

sIx

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 10:02 PM

I agree with you to a point Jed. There are so many award ceremonies that have come along over the years, but I think it is important to remember that the Oscars were the first.

Sure, there is way too much pagentry and self-indulgence, and the campaigning for the awards are a joke. However, I think the Academy Awards are an important evening.   I am watching the ceremony as I type this. A few minutes ago they did a stirring tribute to films that have changed culture. I would argue that movies have become the ONE artform that truly makes a difference and gets people to think.   The tribute showed clips from films like Grapes of Wrath, On the Waterfront, Network, All the Presidents Men, The Defiant Ones, Inherit the Wind and many others.   For all the complaining, Hollywood has always found ways to tackle difficult subjects. For many people, these films have made changes in their thinking and has helped open doors. George Clooney said it best, in 1939 they gave an award to Hattie McDaniel when segragation was in full swing in this country.

The films nominated this year also cover some tough subjects and unfortunately they are not the blockbusters that draw people into theaters. Subjects such as the blacklist, censorship, racism and tolerance are tackled in these films. Perhaps if these awards introduce the films and serve as "commercials", then I think it is doing a wonderful thing and might make a difference.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 09:48 PM

I love Wallace & Gromit!!

but as for oscars??? humbug!! A pox on their houses. Seems to me Hollywood never tires of congratulating itself!

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 09:45 PM

I loved Wallace & Gromit, but Howl's Moving Castle was incredible.

Subject: RE: OSCARS
From: Once Famous
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 09:24 PM

Who cares?:

Subject: OSCARS
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 Mar 06 - 09:20 PM

So Wallace and Grommet have another Oscar !! Any Argument ??