Oscars 2005

There is nothing better on an Oscar night than having your favorite(s) win the most important categories, and it can get even better if your picks knock the critics favorites down! That was what happened last night! Million Dollar Baby, which was one of my favorite films of 2004, kicked some ass in the most important categories, such as best picture, best directing- Clint Eastwood, best actress – Hillary Swank and best actor in a supporting role – Morgan freeman. The Aviator, one of my big disappointments of 2004 was able to win 5 awards, the ones considered technical. Martin Scorcese is a great filmmaker and, therefore, has a super team behind him, which explains all the “technical” awards. I am glad it didn’t get the most important awards cause I believe this award is still to come for Scorcese, but no for The Aviator, not his best piece.
The celebration that starts from the glamorous Red Carpet was a bit different this year, some awards were given at middle of the audience, i.e. best Make-up (won by Lemony Snickets) and some contestants were brought to the stage before the result was read, i.e. Best Documentary – Born into Brothels. This new format was very controversial, some people found it to be a bit embarrassing for all the runner-ups.
The host, Chris Rock, in my opinion didn’t rock. He did have some good and funny comments but overshadowed by his exaggerated racial jokes… Unnecessary! I‘ve heard that he had stated before the ceremonies that most of the audience (on TV) were gays. If this is true, nobody better than Ellen to host the Oscars, which would break one more paradigm, the first gay person (out) to host the Oscar. I truly believe she would do an awesome job.
The musical performances this year were not very touching in my opinion… Using Beyonce, who is in my opinion a beautiful woman as well as a great singer to perform 3 of the 5 indicated songs did not work for me, besides all of the songs were very mellow, not fun. Coincidentally, none of the songs she performed won the award, but the sang by Antonio Banderas, who, honestly, should limit himself on acting.
Overall I am glad with the event. People were beautiful and elegant. The speeches were sweet and funny for most part. I am happy I spent my February 27th, Sunday night, watching the program.