February 25, 2008: Quick Oscar Night Recap - Those Documentaries

I wasn't particularly surprised by Oscar Night, except for the larger than usual number of awards to foreign artists - not a bad thing.

But about those documentaries.... For those who don't know, unlike the fictional films, Academy members do not vote in the documentary category unless they have gone to a screening and signed in, proving they have seen the nominated films. Few do. Maybe a hundred or so people; I am not sure. This means that division is essentially corrupt, controlled by a small group with an ax to grind. You saw the results last night.

Meanwhile, I had some fun dreaming of a new Casablanca. Doubt it's possible.

Comments

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Thanks, Roger. I knew I'd read there was something wonky about the documentary category; now I know why!

Posted by: Dark Unicorn at February 25, 2008 7:59 AM

-Scene-Stealth bomber in background revving up and ready to go.

-George Clooney holding Susan Saradon in his arms and whispers

"We'll always have Fallujah"

Posted by: promoguy at February 25, 2008 8:46 AM

They did have some sort of doc disclaimer at the end, when they briefly attempted to show how they handle the vote.

Posted by: Lem at February 25, 2008 8:57 AM

My two cents about the Academy Awards.

I did not see all of the Best Picture flicks so I am at a disadvantage but I felt that No Country for Old Men was just not up to historic Academy standards. Heck, it’s not even up to the Coen Brothers standards. I love their movies with their mixture of violence and quirky humor but this movie had almost no humor and sunk to just another non-plausible and cynically violent flick. Javier Bardem was excellent, however.

I did not see There Will be Blood but Daniel Day-Lewis always gives a stellar performance so I have no qualms on that award.

I predicted several months ago that Marion Cotillard would be a solid choice for Best Actress and was not disappointed with her award.

I really liked Atonement but I loved Juno. If she plays her cards right and is selective in picking her parts, Ellen Page could be a major force in the industry for years to come.

Posted by: Cinabar at February 25, 2008 11:06 AM

I've got a job to do, too. Where I'm going, you can't follow. What I've got to do, you can't be any part of.
I'm no good at being a terrorist, it doesn't take much to see that the Israeli/Palestinian problem don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you'll understand that.

Obama in a letter to his Iman ;)

Posted by: Lem at February 25, 2008 11:58 AM

to that doc winner's speech:

"Splay it again, Sham."

Posted by: Buddy Larsen at February 26, 2008 7:02 AM

rewrite:

"Don't display it again, Sham."

Posted by: Buddy Larsen at February 26, 2008 9:49 AM

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