At least there was a surprise. When Billy Crystal appeared to a standing ovation, maybe the audience had the same fantasy I did: that he was about to take over as host. Only his few minutes of energy and humor weren’t enough to save the Titanic. You can read far better (actually, worse) Oscar reviews than mine; here’s just a few quick takes:
Best interviewer on the red carpet: Tim Gunn
Best color on the red carpet: red
Biggest controversy on the red carpet: Cate Blanchett’s dress (on Best-dressed and Worst- dressed lists)
Best line: Tom Hooper, Best Director for The King’s Speech: “Listen to your mother.”
Best switch: Christian Bale, famous for his x-rated rant, was the better-behaved Supporting Actor winner.
The Sally Field award to Melissa Leo who will be eternally remembered for dropping the f-bomb.
The Miley Cyrus Award for age appropriate attire and attitude: Hailee Steinfeld.
The Heidi Klum Award for body after baby: Penelope Cruz ( gave birth one month ago)
Best dresses of the night: were all on Anne Hathaway
No surprise she also handled most of the hosting duties– when you realize James Franco had to squeeze in Oscar rehearsals and performing while studying for a doctorate at Yale. They’re both adorable, both talented; but they were over their heads.
I’d be thrilled to see Billy Crystal come back. And of course I never get enough of Alec Baldwin. But it’s not all about the hosts—I think the show desperately needed better writing and pacing.
Go figure—For its biggest showcase, with an audience of a billion people— the entertainment industry produces a show that is not entertaining.
If you watched the pre-show, you know it took Justin Timberlake an hour to walk 500 yards of red carpet—while I calculated that it took the average TV viewer 109 hours to watch a 3 hour show.
As the show ended, as promised I created a Facebook page for Billy Crystal to host; and I wasn’t the only one with the same idea. On the other hand, no one knows better than Hollywood folks that today’s fame is fleeting. And it’s already tomorrow. Until next year, the Oscars are already history.
Unless you’re James Franco and you have to wake up and read the reviews. I hope he’s getting better grades at Yale.
Susan @ 2KoP says
For the first year since I was 9, I just had the Oscar’s on in the background as I did some work. I do think Anne Hathaway is stunning, and I thought her song was pretty good. Still, Anne and James were better than Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes.
marla wentner says
It is amazing that Hollywood, with all its talent, can’t produce three hours of entertainment that is actually entertaining, isn’t it? It was a terribly bland show. The red carpet interviews pre-show were much more fun to watch. Somehow I don’t think that James Franco really cares too much about reviews or press. He definitely marches to a different drummer. All in all, bring back Billy Cystal!
Stephanie says
Loved Cate Blanchett’s dress….
Loved all of Anne Hathaway’s dresses…..
Hated the necklace and bracelet with Amy Adam’s dress…
Hated Billy Crystal’s hair dye job and facelift…..
Liked Anne Hathaway……spunky/sweet….
Franco should stay in school…..
Loved Jennifer Hudson’s dress/hair…..
All the songs sucked….Randy Newman’s was the best of the worst…
No “Clap-o-Meter” for the dead people this year…..sort of missed it…
Have loved Christian Bale since “Empire of the Sun”….one of my favorite films…..
Always love Colin Firth……next to Clooney he is quite yummy….
Want to see the winning documentary about Wall Street…..Netflicks…
Thank you for your recap…
Back to reality….watching Libya….
Darryle Pollack says
I think maybe you had the right idea—and maybe next year I might also do the unthinkable–Tivo and scan through the boring parts, or even do something else at the same time. Unless of course they bring back Alec Baldwin or Billy Crystal.
Darryle Pollack says
I also think it’s amazing considering the wealth of talent—they manage to make some great film pieces and effects but the live show is almost painful to watch.
I think James Franco tried to be a good sport but definitely was a fish out of water. Bet he’s far more comfortable discussing literature at Yale—I’d sure love to be in one of his classes.
Darryle Pollack says
Agree with most of your comments—BUT:
You must be very fashion forward—first person I know who liked Cate’s dress.
Also adding Colin Firth to my list—AFTER Clooney and Alec Baldwin.
And I was happy to see Billy Crystal on the Oscars no matter what he looks like.
Still as you say, despite all my complaints, watching the Oscars is welcome relief from watching the news.
Darryle Pollack says
FYI I just read a great Oscar recap for anyone who’s interested:
http://dannymiller.typepad.com/blog/2011/02/2011-oscars-telecast-fail.html
Debbie Moore says
Yes, the chit chat between the two hosts were so unnatural, it was truly painful to watch. I decided then and there that there was a reason Bob Hope hosted the first show. A comedian is essential.
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks for the comment, I agree comedians are a must—or at least people who are fast on their feet. Actors are great as long as they have lines to read– but the best part of live shows is often the spontaneity —maybe especially when a joke tanks. This one had so spontaneity, 94 year old Kirk Douglas looked like a comedian by comparison. The banter between the hosts was painful, and often between the presenters, too. My favorite pairing of the whole night was Russell Brand and Helen Mirren.