Oscars 2009: Perfect for Commie, Homo-Lovin' Sons of Guns

Last night, any attempts to revamp the Oscars into a sleeker production were foiled by the telecast's 3 hours and 30 minute running time. Sure, some of the show's pace seemed faster, but other decisions, like the five previous acting Oscar recipients presenting the acting awards helped draw out the evening (the NY Times' TV critic Alessandra Stanley said it "looked a little grim, less a movie-star moment than a Star Chamber"). However, there were some gratifying moments:

When Man on Wire won for Best Documentary Feature and tightrope walker Philippe Petit took to the stage to speak, do a magic trick and balance the Oscar on his chin.
Best Animated Short director Kunio Kato making us almost entirely forget Jack Black and Jennifer Aniston's horrible preceding banter by throwing in a "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto." Backstage, Kato was charming as well: When asked what the most exciting part of the evening had been for him, besides winning, his translator said, "Meeting Mr. Jack Black was the most exciting thing for him. He always wanted to be funny as he is."
James Franco and Seth Rogen's Judd Apatow-directed short film that preceded the Short Film Oscar, with special cameo from Janusz Kaminski.
Sean Penn's acceptance speech; it was no Mickey Rourke-style speech, but having Penn call out the Academy voters as "commie, homo-lovin' sons of guns" was great.
Kate Winslet asking her dad to whistle so she could locate him—and he did!
The genuine enthusiasm of the Slumdog Millionaire cast and crew. Sure, it wasn't much of a surprise that the little movie that could won, but those kids are pretty cute.
And say what you will about the production numbers, but Hugh Jackman works hard.

Overall, we're just relieved the awards season is over. And as much as we hate it, we'll be sucked into watching the Oscars next year.

More details on the nominees and winners and here's LAist's liveblog of the night.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on February 23, 2009 10:20 AM

Comments [rss]

Zyskandar A Jaimot

Who are you 'playing' next SEAN??? That stirling US REPREHENSIBLE BARNEY'play-with-my-schmeckle-get-a-loan'FRANK whereby you get a twofer - HOMO + COMMIE together???

NannyState

"What?...yes, I know. I know. Yeah, I'm grateful. Really. No, I'm not being sarcastic. Yeah, I'll pick it up next week...I'm losing bars. What? Yeah, I said I'll pick the fucking thing up next week. Yeah I'm happy. What...? Fuck it.

Dirk

The highlight was the James Franco/Seth Rogen/Pineapple Express skit.

That or Sophia Loren.

KiljoyWasHere

I always thought it was insulting that there are extraneous musicals during a show that perpetually runs over while certain awards are given out prior to the ceremony. Are those Oscars less important than Beyonce lip syching?

Automocar

Yes

JacqueMehoff

and you sit all the way in the back.

Think2wice

Wolverine does showtunes. I love it.

Polite New Yorker

Mickey Rourke was robbed.

icantsmell

And why in gods name was everyone but Jackman on autotune? Aren't these people (John Legend, Queen Latiffa, and the others) supposed to be able to sing?

DanielJ

Three words- WHERE WAS JACK???

stevec

The Oscars in three words: Obama was robbed.

ides_of_march

I actually appreciated Penn's remark. 'Homo-lovin' commies' are a little less annoying when they are at least honest about who they really are.

Felix Hoenikker

Commie lovin' homos sounds better.

jackdonaghy

Would it be too big of slap in the face to move the awards for best makeup, costumes, set design, etc. to the pre-Oscar ceremony. The second hour of the telecast is always the longest.

whitecastlerock

Queen Latifah's singing of "I'll Be Seeing You" over a dizzying montage of deceased Hollywood folks was all I could take

Jen Chung

I know -- for some reason, the Variety review said, "Queen Latifah niftily accompanied the necrology package," but I thought it sucked, as does the applause meter sensibility of that segment.

jackdonaghy

I figured they would have at least one big production number since the Academy chose Hugh Jackman to host, who did a very good job. I think most people like myself would have been satisfied with just the opening number. The later melody with Beyonce paying homage to past musicals was unnecessary, but the show's producers obviously wanted an old fashioned, indulgent telecast (a stage curtain made of crystals?) to cheer up America.

The highlights had to be Ben Stiller, Tina Fey's chemistry with Steve Martin ("Don't Fall in love with me"), and the acceptance speeches by Penelope Cruz and Sean Penn. I was also a fan of having past Oscar winners introduce the current candidates, although some big names were missing (Tom Hanks and Jack). Ben Kinsley introducing "Randy the Ram" was a bit odd.

TimSPC

The show stank on ice.

1. The having actors tell the other actors why they were so great bit was a terrible. It was like the worst of Inside the Actor's studio.

2. The second musical number, with Beyonce, was pathetic. A tribute to musicals medley? What is this, a cruise? That was worse than an actual high school musical.