Social Friday: Are you looking forward to the Oscars? Do you care? (updates)
Posted Friday, February 20, 2009 at 9:21 AM Central
by John Couture
This morning I had to go to Oscars.com just to make sure that the Academy Awards show was still set for Sunday. Don't worry, it is.
But, it seems that for whatever reason this year's awards show is one of the quietest in recent memory including last year's festivities dampened by the ongoing writers' strike. I'm not sure if it's the dour mood that the eroding economy has put us in or if it's the lackluster list of movies being honored, but something is just taking the sheen off this year's little gold statuettes.
Or, am I painfully out of touch with the pulse of the nation? I really don't think so. I work in this industry and I don't ever remember a day when the Friday before the big show was this quiet. What do you think?
In case you need help with an Oscars primer (I know I did), you can check out our nomination story to get an idea about what to expect.
Update #1
This year's feel good Oscar story after Heath Ledger naturally would be the unlikely rise of Slumdog Millionaire from movie set in India to Academy Awards front-runner, the rags-to-riches ascent mirrors the plot of the movie that many are expecting to take home the Oscar for Best Picture.What you might not know though is that Slumdog Millionaire almost lost its theatrical distribution deal in the United States which would have meant a direct-to-DVD release and no chance at Oscar glory. It really makes you think twice before passing up those direct-to-DVD movies at your local video store, eh?
Time Magazine and Johnny Avello have listed their current Oscar odds and it's an interesting read.
Update #2
Hey Guys. I haven't seen any updates today, which is great, because it is completely reflective of how little interest there is in the oscars these days. There would be interest, if only they picked the five best movies each year for best picture, instead of the five movies that fit right into the elitest attitude that the Academy's voters take. Where is Dark Knight or Wall-E for best picture? Or stop the presses, how about a comedy in the running, and not some boring trash masquerading as a comedy, but something that actually makes you laugh. Last year I saw the highly acclaimed "There Will Be Blood" starring the equally acclaimed Daniel Day Lewis. I was looking forward to it when it arrived via Netflix, and I was planning on buying it, once I enjoyed it as much as I was sure I was going to. Two and a half hours later, I sat dumbfounded that any sane human being could have enjoyed that piece of shit, featuring the hammiest performance put on film since anything by Charlton Heston. Are you kidding me? Is the only thing that determines what gets nominated these days set design and how well the dp shoots it? Otherwise, how about nominating a movie that actually reaches a bigger audience than the 75 year-old white guys that head the Academy? I'll get off my soap box now guys, but I really don't care about Slumdog, The Reader (aka statuatory rape, the okay kind) or any other winners, until a better cross section of the year's movies are nominated. Have a great weekend and skip the oscars(the lowercase is on purpose).
--Eric, Shawnee Mission, KS
I guess I now know what the Internet equivalent is to crickets chirping. While you are right that the emails haven't been flowing in today as they normally do, some of the lack of updating is my fault as a big project hit my desk this morning.
But, I couldn't agree with you more. There is a general apathy here that is hard to explain. I disagree slightly with you that it's all a result of the proverbial "white hairs" of the Academy because I'm pretty sure that Slumdog isn't their usual cup of tea.
Although all those Benjamin Button nominations make sense. The "white hairs" watched it and thought they had found the fountain of youth! Eat your heart out Ponce De Leon.
All things considered, I'll watch the beginning of the show to see Heath Ledger win his Oscar posthumously. They can't screw that one up too, can they?
Update #3
Does the Oscar deserve our time and attention?These are the facts:
Film.com Story
--Alex, Parts Unknown
I could rehash all the points in the linked story, but I think it's a great read and worth the click-through. Don't worry, we'll still be here.
Thanks for sharing that Alex!
Update #4
I could really care less about this year's Oscar's. The main reason is because Christopher Nolan was not nominated and Ron Howard was. Frost/Nixon was nominated for best picture and not Dark Knight. This is a complete joke and an insult. The Dark Knight was a clear masterpeice, I think I am going to watch the Dark Knight again on dvd instead of watching the Oscars. The oscars made themselves look good by nominating the Dark Knight for the sound and effect categories. But Dark Knight was snubbed big time. I saw Slumdog Millionarie and it was really good, but Dark Knight is a lot more deserving for Best Picture. The only thing I am interested in is Mickey Rourke winning and Dark Knight sweeping the oscars up.
--Brad, Pittsburgh, PA
I think Brad sums up the general sentiment succinctly.
This year's show might become known as the The Dark Knight backlash. I don't think you're alone in your assessment and I have to amend my earlier statement, I also can't wait to see Mickey Rourke.
I am really pulling for him to win.
Update #5
I for one will not be watching the Oscars for the fact that the good Movies (The Dark Knight, Wall-E) didn't get nominated for best picture. Yet A movie that i will never see (Slumdog Millionaire) Did. I have never missed an Oscar before this year because They nominate movie that i have never heard of or have no interest in. Last Year "No Country For old Men won Best Picture and it turned out to be the most boring movie up too Date. Word to the wise to all the Academy old folks pick movies that people did enjoy and are interested in to be nominated.
--Jeff, Muskegon, MI
Jeff, you certainly represent pretty much every response that we've gotten today on this subject. Doesn't anyone out there want to stick up for the Oscars?
I thought for sure someone would come down on that side of the argument.
Update #6
I have never sat down to watch the Oscars before, but I am tempted to do so this year. Hugh Jackman as a host seems a heck of a lot more interesting than some of the past hosts. And I did not anticipate loving Slumdog Millionaire as much as I did. It has instantly become one of my favorite movies - it was so beautiful! I hope it takes home a lot of awards. I am, however, disappointed that some great movies were overlooked (The Dark Knight..) but when is that something new for the Oscars?
--Jade, Parts Unknown
Jade you bring up a good point that I meant to hit on earlier. Usually, the secondary presenters were only presenting because they had upcoming projects coming out and it was free publicity, but I think they've gone too far with Hugh Jackman as the host.
Don't get me wrong, I like Hugh and all, but why do I fear that it's going to turn into a 3 hour advertisement for Wolverine?
Well folks, have a great weekend and chime in next week and tell us what you thought of the Oscars or the results if you didn't watch them.