What did you think of the Oscars?

[arivecchi]

I was so bored and so glad I had it recorded in the DVR. I fast forwarded most of the show.

My thoughts:

James Franco seemed to hate being the host. Was he drunk too?

Anne Hathaway was trying way too hard.

Kirk Douglas giving out an Oscar was crazy and sad at the same time.

Melissa Leo, really?

Christian Bale needs a box of Gillette razors ASAP.

Your thoughts?

[Twoboos]

I was so bored and so glad I had it recorded in the DVR. I fast forwarded most of the show.

My thoughts:

James Franco seemed to hate being the host. Was he drunk too?

Anne Hathaway was trying way too hard.

Kirk Douglas giving out an Oscar was crazy and sad at the same time.

Melissa Leo, really?

Christian Bale needs a box of Gillette razors ASAP.

Your thoughts?

:yeahthat: to ALL of this. I kept pausing Kirk Douglas to wonder why he agreed to do this, and who thought it would be a good idea, and how they could let him go through with it. I mean, God Bless him that he's still alive, and I know he's a legend, but... c'mon.

The whole show was a big 'ol dud.

[boolady]

James Franco seemed to hate being the host. Was he drunk too?

Anne Hathaway was trying way too hard.

Kirk Douglas giving out an Oscar was crazy and sad at the same time.

Melissa Leo, really?

These were actually my main observations. James Franco seemed like he could not have cared less how terribly he presented himself. I wondered if he was drunk or high.

Anne Hathaway, who I really like, was really, really overcompensating for the awkward moments caused by James Franco's semi-stoned/drunk behavior. Every time she gave that nervous giggle, I just thought, "This is not good."

Kirk Douglas...seemed to have a good time with it, it was sad, but touching at the same time.

Melissa Leo annoyed the heck out of me. I know she's had a long, tough road since she was on Homicide (a great show), but come on with the fake I'm surprised/overwhelmed/don't know what to say. Really? After your personally funded campaign for your performance? After being considered the frontrunner in the category since the nominations came out? Every year, there's someone who ticks me off with their faux breathy/shocked/oh me oh my speech, and this year, it was Melissa Leo.

[arivecchi]

I also thought Jennifer Hudson (who needed some tanning lotion on her boobs BTW) and Sandra Bullock looked sooooo miserable when presenting. Crack a smile please! :)

Robert Downey Jr. was great though, as was Billy Crystal. The whole Franco/Hathaway thing was such a flop. Please bring back the comedians!

[liamsmom]

I doubt James Franco was on anything. He's exhausted. He's taking/teaching classes at Yale, NYU, and maybe some other places. I heard he was only rehearsing for the show on weekend due to his crazy schedule. Anne's nervous giggling was really annoying. I actually found the commercials with these two funnier than the real show.

I liked Natalie Portman's speech. She wasn't surprised but she couldn't stop talking. I also liked that she acknowledged crew members by their names.

Loved the speech by the screenwriter for the King's Speech.

Trent Reznor won an Oscar! :jammin:

[katydid1971]

I was so bored
James Franco seemed to hate being the host. Was he drunk too?

Anne Hathaway was trying way too hard.

Kirk Douglas giving out an Oscar was crazy and sad at the same time.

:yeahthat:
I also hated the presenters talking to the actors like they are best friends. :rolleye0014: "Collin, you are such as blah blah blah" :barf:

[jenfromnj]

I agree with just about everything you all have already said!

Watching Kirk Douglas was actually uncomfortable, it was just so awkward as everyone was listening so intently to try to understand him. It reminded me of watching Dick Clark's return to hosting NYE after having his stroke.

A few articles/blogs are already defending James Franco as being "not on something" during the Oscars, LOL. I agree though, he could not have seemed less enthusiastic. I get that he has a really full plate right now (acting, editing his book, taking classes at multiple grad schools, etc), but seriously, you're an Oscar-nominated actor--can't you ACT like you're remotely interested?

And I'm not a fan of Anne Hathaway, but she was seriously grating.

[Penny's Pappa]

Trent Reznor won an Oscar! :jammin:

Bah! Daft Punk got snubbed. Their score for Tron: Legacy was superb. It made that film.

Anyway, check out Franco's Twitter feed. He took live video during the event last night. It's pretty interesting to see a behind-the-scenes look in real-time.

http://www.whosay.com/jamesfranco/videos

[zag95]

Was it just me or was Jennifer Hudson's face several shades darker than the rest of her body? A word that came to mind when I saw her: Blend!!!!!

It was kinda a boring show.... how many different outfits did Anne Hathaway get into? I lost track at some point......I like her, but she was trying way too hard.

On a positive, I thought Celine Dion, did a beautiful job on the Memorial song........

And it was cool to hear Helen Mirren speak in french during the foreign film nominees!

[elektra]

I didn't get a chance to see the whole thing, but I did see Kirk Douglas and that was just painful. I was thinking about exactly how Kevin and Bean were going to do their morning bit about it this morning.
I thought the girl from True Grit was darling and had the perfect ensemble. Her dress was beautiful but appropriate for her age, headband was adorable.
Huge contrast to what Miley Cyrus was in last year.
I'm glad Christian Bale won (even though I haven't seen The Fighter yet). I think he is a great actor. DH didn't even know he had an English accent! I remember reading about how he did all his Batman press with an American accent, as Batman is such an American character. (I kinda liked his older crooked teeth though- his new teeth are too perfect.)
I have a whole new take on watching the show after being there in person last year. The people seem much more normal to me or something- not so different from us really!
I really need to get out and see the King's Speech and True Grit now.

ETA: I loved Colin Firth's speech. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some impulses I need to attend to backstage." DH and I were laughing at that one. :)

[Beth24]

Ugh! Watching it last night felt like a huge waste of time. I forwarded through most of it, but mostly just felt so sad for Anne, she was trying way too hard and no one was laughing at her jokes!

[kedss]

Best part was Billy Crystal, I wish he would host again. I liked the opening sequence of them being trapped in someone's dream. The only speech I didn't mute was Colin Firth's, which was lovely. I used to love watching the Oscars, but I haven't actually seen any of the movies that were up for Oscars this year, I don't think I've seen a real serious movie since 2003, before I had my first kiddo so I don't feel so invested in it anymore.

[mackmama]

I actually found the commercials with these two funnier than the real show.

:yeahthat:

[jbbhb]

I was thinking about exactly how Kevin and Bean were going to do their morning bit about it this morning.

:hysterical: My husband and I were saying the same thing last night, and then I forgot to turn the radio on this morning, oops!

[MommyofAmaya]

Trent Reznor won an Oscar! :jammin:

Although I can't say I've been a fan of his since many years ago (I did road trip to the 1st Lollapalooza to see NIN when I was 15). I will say that he looks fantastic and has become truly handsome. He must have gotten sober a long while ago. Good for him on both counts!

[citymama]

ITA with all that's been said. Please bring back the funny people, Academy! Tina Fey and Steve Carell perhaps? Franco and Hathaway were DUDS.

My favorite part was Randy Newman's speech!:p
Oh, and I loved the wrinkles on Annette Bening's neck. Made her look even more beautiful. Unlike some of the others that looked like you could bounce a quarter off their faces.

[AnnieW625]

I didn't get a chance to see the whole thing, but I did see Kirk Douglas and that was just painful. I was thinking about exactly how Kevin and Bean were going to do their morning bit about it this morning.
I can only take so much Kevin and Bean, but I actually listened to them this morning and they said the same thing about Kurt, they thought it was funny, but yeah it went on way too long. I didn't see the show just heard their replay and agreed it did go on a little long, but I honestly wonder if Kurt himself came up with it.


I'm glad Christian Bale won (even though I haven't seen The Fighter yet). I think he is a great actor. DH didn't even know he had an English accent! I remember reading about how he did all his Batman press with an American accent, as Batman is such an American character. (I kinda liked his older crooked teeth though- his new teeth are too perfect.)
I seriously forgot Bale was British until they replayed his speech on K&B this morning.


I have a whole new take on watching the show after being there in person last year. The people seem much more normal to me or something- not so different from us really!
I really need to get out and see the King's Speech and True Grit now.
I am still jealous that you got to go. I want to see True Grit. For being kind of bland and boring subject matter wise it is a great movie!

[MMMommy]

Thank goodness for Tivo. I could never watch the Oscars in real time. Ever. I fast forwarded through most of it, stopping only for the main categories and what I thought would be the funny bits. The funny bits ended up being NOT SO funny.

I think James Franco and Anne Hathaway were not good hosts. Their personalities and jokes seemed very forced and artificial. I thought Hugh Jackman did a way better job last year. I think a comedian (like Billy Crystal in past years) would have been more fitting and natural as a host.

Zzzzzz. No upsets or surprises this year either.

[kijip]

Please bring back the funny people, Academy! Tina Fey and Steve Carell perhaps?

Even I would tune in if they were hosting.

[fedoragirl]

It was SO predictable that I just tuned out halfway. Franco and Hathaway were terribly boring. I wouldn't watch the Oscars if they hosted again.
The best speech was by the writer of The King's Speech. At least, he added some humor to the event. (I did not see Firth's speech so can't comment on that.)

[DrSally]

I was so bored and so glad I had it recorded in the DVR. I fast forwarded most of the show.



Me too--I ended up FF through much of it. I think the DVR'd red carpet will be more interesting (hopefully, haven't watched it yet). I like watching Natalie Portman, as always. James Franco, I love. Too bad the 2 really didn't have a lot interesting to say. I did enjoy the opening segment. I thought that was funny. I also liked watching clips of movies, b/c I haven't had the chance to see many of them.

[swissair81]

I didn't watch the Oscars- partly because I don't have a TV and partly because I barely have time to breathe these days (I miss you guys! I'll be back, I promise!) but anyway I saw two interesting articles on Natalie Portman's speech- one criticizing her for saying that motherhood is her greatest accomplishment and the other criticizing the author of the first article.

1. http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/oscars/index.html?story=/ent/tv/feature/2011/02/28/natalie_portman_most_important_role

2. http://www.lifenews.com/2011/02/28/liberal-hollywood-elite-trash-natalie-portman-over-motherhood/

[TwinFoxes]

Did anyone notice that they finally figured out how to mute the audience mics during the In Memoriam segment, so that it didn't turn into a morbid popularity contest?

I really like James Franco, but he just seemed detached. It was not fun to watch. And poor Anne Hathaway, she really, really, really wants the cool kids to like her.

And Melissa Leo, oh dear. I was a big fan of hers on Homicide, but I just can't stick up for her after last night. I agree with PP who said there's always one over the top "who me, little ol' me?" winner that just bugs me, and she was it last night.

Oh, and Colin Firth? Sigh. :loveeyes:

[SnuggleBuggles]

Did anyone notice that they finally figured out how to mute the audience mics during the In Memoriam segment, so that it didn't turn into a morbid popularity contest?



:thumbsup: That popularity contest is a horrible thing. I am so glad they didn't do that last night.

Beth

[wellyes]

I really like James Franco, but he just seemed detached. It was not fun to watch.

I think detached = completely wasted / high.


That popularity contest is a horrible thing. I am so glad they didn't do that last night.
Sad that they skipped Corey Haim and Brittney Murphy. Not great actors, maybe, but they each appeared in iconic films.

[MamaSnoo]

Oscars=snoozers. But, I had it on while working on some grad school stuff on my laptop.

I did not recognize Trent Reznor at first. He looked awesome. :jammin:

Annette Benning's dress was fantastic. She looked amazing and totally age appropriate and tasteful.

I thought Portman's and Firth's speeches were sweet.

[larig]

I

Trent Reznor won an Oscar! :jammin:

whoa, what for? I didn't watch and didn't know he was up for anything.

[newg]

I like Anne.......I think she would have been much better if she'd had a better cohost to work with!!

[arivecchi]

I saw two interesting articles on Natalie Portman's speech- one criticizing her for saying that motherhood is her greatest accomplishment and the other criticizing the author of the first article. :rotflmao:

Breaking news.....Oscars mommy wars!

[lucybabymamma]

I didn't watch the Oscars- partly because I don't have a TV and partly because I barely have time to breathe these days (I miss you guys! I'll be back, I promise!) but anyway I saw two interesting articles on Natalie Portman's speech- one criticizing her for saying that motherhood is her greatest accomplishment and the other criticizing the author of the first article.

1. http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/oscars/index.html?story=/ent/tv/feature/2011/02/28/natalie_portman_most_important_role

2. http://www.lifenews.com/2011/02/28/liberal-hollywood-elite-trash-natalie-portman-over-motherhood/


Grrrrr!

I get frustrated when people view "feminism" as a woman's opportunity to avoid "only" being a mother. That is so anti-woman and completely defeating the idea that feminism is really about choice, right?

The Salon article reminded me of one from Newsweek about pay discrepancies among genders (or lack there-of nowadays), and in the piece there is as quote about the sort of feminism the Salon writer seems to have:

“…seen through feminists’ ideological spectacles, ‘a woman’s choice of less time at the office and more time at home with family is not considered an opportunity but a societal problem….”

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/25/george-f-will-new-project-for-the-gender-police.html

Anyways, I am glad someone was quick to write an article supporting Portman and opposing that Salon writer.

Whew! Well now that I have vented…did I mention I really liked the color of Natalie Portman’s dress?

[bubbaray]

I only watched parts. Was it Anne doing the "woo hoos" for every winner? It was a woman with a mike. Very annoying.

The parts I did see were embarassing.

[kijip]

:rotflmao:

Breaking news.....Oscars mommy wars!
:hysterical:

[SnuggleBuggles]

Sad that they skipped Corey Haim and Brittney Murphy. Not great actors, maybe, but they each appeared in iconic films.

Did they die this year? I don't think so. I could have sworn BM was 2 years ago and they did put her up there.
Beth

[mommy111]

:rotflmao:

Breaking news.....Oscars mommy wars!
:hysterical: I really didn't like Natalie too much before this (she's tainted by star wars for me and then didn't do too good a job with the other Boleyn sister, but to be fair she was next to ScarJo who can make anyone look robotic) but she seems so genuine and real and excited to be a mom that I can't help but feel happy for her. And she looks gorgeous, the glow and the weight gain have done wonders for her.
I thought Reese Witherspoon looked absolutely stunning (my favorite of the evening).
And, even though I don't believe I am saying this, Gwyneth Paltrow looked exquisite.

[bigpassport]

I didn't watch the whole thing. Mostly the beginning and the end. What other posters are saying about Anne Hathaway trying too hard, I interpreted as bad acting. I mean, she's an actress! Couldn't she be more a little more natural? I was totally turned off by Melissa Leo's acceptance, it was completely unconvincing and tacky. Colin Firth and Natalie Portman were wonderful.

Thought the kids singing at the end was a waste of time. They cut short the acceptance speech for the best picture...something I'm sure these people have strived nearly their whole lives for...to have a gratuitous and irrelevant performance by public school children. I didn't get it at all.

[TwinFoxes]

Sad that they skipped Corey Haim and Brittney Murphy. Not great actors, maybe, but they each appeared in iconic films.

I am surprised Corey Haim wasn't in there. Brittney Murphy died two years ago, she made the cut last year. The worst last year was not having Farrah Fawcett, but they did have Michael Jackson. That seemed tacky.

I liked that Natalie Portman's fiance escorted her to the stage.

[Melaine]

I only watched parts. Was it Anne doing the "woo hoos" for every winner? It was a woman with a mike. Very annoying.


I thought the same thing! Anne, you are on a mike and you are the host, quit acting like a cheerleader.

[mom2binsd]

I agree with almost everything except Kirk Douglas, but maybe that's becasue I'm a speech therapist and know how much courage it takes someone who is very aware of their impaired speech to speak in public like this. I thought for a 94 year old he was great.

Watched Fashion Police last night, my goodness Joan Rivers is funny, you have to be ok with her style of humor but I love how she shocks the others on the panel....nobody else could get away with her comments! I agree with her, I hated Cate Blanchett's lavender dress with the circle cut out and the structured style...but Jennifer Lawrence was stunning in the Calvin Klein red simple dress, wow!

[lcarlson90]

I thought it was a total snooze fest this year. I know they were trying to appeal to a younger demographic with James Franco and Anne Hathaway but I think they missed the mark. They should have had Neil Patrick Harris or Justin Timberlake host.

[Globetrotter]

I like Anne Hathaway, but she was clearly nervous. James Franco shouldn't have agreed to do it if he wasn't totally into it - this is not a small gig!

I loved Natalie Portman - from speech to stunning dress and gorgeous hair. wow! I thought Hayley Seinfeld looked sweet and age appropriate. When i saw Annette Benning, my first thought was that she looks real -that was refreshing!

Also loved Colin Firth and the screenwriter for King's Speech, as far as speeches go.