Reviewing The 2005 Academy Awards
Art in New York, Razzies
The Day After: And now back to the business of making movies. All the Academy Awards have been granted, all the beautiful of Hollywood have packed away (or turned back in) their suits and dresses, and now all the writers and other worthies are calling forth the words and phrases to "Monday Quarterback" the action and excitement that happened the previous night at the fabulous ceremonies.
First, I must say everything moved along smoothly. Political jabs were kept to a bare minimum, with Chris Rock only taking a few minor shots at our President, but since he was the host, it was both expected and required. No winners made unexpected blasts, even Tim Robbins kept to his script! So in that sense it was calm and even slightly boring. But I'm sure the Oscar directors and producers breathed a sigh of relief. As to Rock's role as MC, I think he did a great job. But he certainly was NOT himself! He was but a pale shadow of his unique brand of comedy. The bleepers did not have to work last night. The other presenters, all in all, kept to the script and did a very solid job. The musical numbers were pretty good and did not go overlong. So, all in all, I think it was a well-run Oscar night and everyone involved can take a bow. You done good.
As for the winners, here are my comments:
Best Picture - Million Dollar Baby
+ I was wrong in this, thinking The Aviator would win. But since none of the pictures were break-out, over-the-top blockbusters, I suppose any one of them could have walked with the award.
Best Actor - Jamie Foxx
+ I was wrong again! I thought it was going to be an Aviator night. But I'm pleased. I said in my prediction that I thought Foxx should win, and so he did.
Best Actress - Hilary Swank
+ I did call this one. I think she did a knock-out job (excuse the pun) and apparently the academy did too.
Best Supporting Actor - Morgan Freeman
+ I thought they'd give this to an unknown, but they surprised me again by honoring someone who does well in all the roles he plays. Freeman deserves praise.
Best Supporting Actress - Cate Blanchett
+ See above. I thought they'd give it to the unknown. But since Blanchett took on such an impossible role, and did well, I think she deserves the award. She's such a solid, graceful actor that any recognition is well placed.
Best Director - Clint Eastwood
+ Yep, I figured that Eastwood would get the nod. He is class, no question about it.
More Than Just The Oscars: Life does go on outside of Hollywood, despite what many there believe. In New York City, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude adorned 23 miles of Central Park's footpaths with 7,500 "gates," like columns of closely spaced door frames hung with drapes of saffron-colored fabric. Very cold indeed in this time of year for outdoor art, but that didn't stop the moderate to heavy throngs from seeing this 16-day public event. Some critics claimed that this wasn't art and didn't see the point of it, but others defended it to the hilt. I have no comment on that, but I will say that anything that stirs up emotion, both good and bad, is a good thing.
Say It Isn't So!: Yep, people can stop making bets. Jennifer Lopez has confirmed that she and Marc Anthony are, indeed, husband and wife.
Last But Not Least: Above we had the best of acting. Here we have the worst. George W. Bush won the "Razzie" worst actor of the year award on Saturday for his performance as president in "Fahrenheit 9/11". He didn't show to collect his award, but surprisingly enough Halle Berry was there to receive the dubious honor for her role in Catwoman.
