Although my blog is typically about relationships, personal development, and world observations, it's important for me to give observation time to my favorite television event: The Oscars. After all, entertainment impacts relationships, personal development and the world.
I always enjoy the Oscars. It is appointment television for me. On a personal note, it is my dream, desire and determination to one day produce the Oscar show. It will be fantastic!!
I know some people don't like awards shows. (There will always be naysayers.) I know many are, justifiably, disappointed each year with the lack of diversity. (Let's continue working to change that by writing, directing, producing and acting in exceptional films.) I know some are convinced it's all based on nepotism or rigged. (Whatever. Even with that, greatness always rises to the top.)
Even with all the naysaying, I truly love the Academy Awards. It is a great honor to be nominated, and to be selected as the winner. You're among your peers - people you respect, aspire to be more like, and often imitate.
That said, here are some of my highlights from last night's show:
- The John Legend / Common performance, win and speech. Hands down my favorite moment of the show.
- Lady Gaga - she did an excellent job. Have Julie Andrews grace the stage afterwards was even more thrilling.
- J.K. Simmons acceptance speech: "Call your mothers."
- Idina Menzel (Adele Dazeem) and John Travolta - brilliant follow-up to last year!
- Benedict Cumberbatch.
- Scarlett Johansson's green dress.
- Kerry Washington's hip-swaying walk. She works that Olivia Pope walk!
- The LEGO song. That was fun.
- The show opener. It was well done. I always love when the hosts include other performers. That's very gracious.
- The Oscar winner who continued thanking people during and after the music.
- Alejandro's follow-up to Sean Penn's tactless "green card" comment.
And a few observations:
- Neil Patrick Harris did better than I anticipated, delivering some brilliantly funny one-liners. He did, however, have a few moments where he fell flat: including: 1) The underwear scene; 2) The black Annie reference; 3) The Octavia Spencer / briefcase segments
- Patrica Arquette - the hair. Why? It's the Oscars. The "messy hair" trend will be over in a moment, but footage of the Oscars will live on. Her speech was fine.
- Interesting that they had "bell boys" opening the door for many of the guests (with a nod to Grand Budapest, I assume).
- Clint Eastwood and Ben Affleck looked so surly and grumpy the entire show. It's the Oscars!!! Lighten up and put on a smile! You're actors - do it for the camera!
- Eddie Murphy...just won't bring even an ounce of humor anymore, huh?
- Adam Levine - this is a highlight for all the wrong reasons. Let's just say, wrong artist to sing that song.
- Why didn't anyone tell young Chloe Grace Moretz not to stand with her hands in her pockets?
- Michael Keaton and that gum in his mouth! Really??
- Global audience for personal causes. Why not?
Each year I host a small Oscar viewing dinner party. It never disappoints. The company is always as fantastic as the show. Last night was no exception.
I'm already looking forward to next year!
Constantly Thinking...
