When the Academy Awards announced that Anne Hathway and James Franco would co-host the Oscars, I was elated. It seemed as though the powers that be at the Academy wanted to embrace a younger audience which is usually non-existent when it comes to Oscar fare. But when I watched the actual live broadcast last night, I was bored to tears.
The production was a disjointed bevy of poorly put together vignettes that didn’t go over well. I have to give it to Anne Hathway—she shined and worked well with what she had. And her wardrobe throughout the program was divine! If the Oscars would’ve put just as much attention into the broadcast as they did in Anne Hathaway’s couture gowns, it would’ve been epic!
James Franco was definitely on that Pineapple Express last night as he fizzled each time he hit the stage. I embrace weirdness and vast creativity, but Franco lacked all of that last night. It seemed as though his live tweets were more entertaining than his actual stage presence.
The show’s winners were also obvious from the beginning, as there were no surprises or upsets. And what was with the supposed tribute to Lena Horne with Halle Berry? It was more of a footnote than a true tribute to a remarkable star that left us too soon.
Not to mention that there was a lack of color at the awards this year, which were boycotted by many of the Black Hollywood elite including last year’s winner, Mo’Nique. I must say, that in order for there to be minority nominees, there has to be roles for minorities in worthy films (not Tyler Perry shuck and jive). This year, there was no Precious, no Dreamgirls, and no major nominated films featuring Black actors.
The best part of the show? Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress Melissa Leo’s F bomb–yes, I know it may have been in poor taste, but I bet you more people will be talking about that today than any other part of the show. And her flirting with the crypt keeper Kirk Douglas made me love her even more. Only someone of her caliber could have pulled that off. And there was also the wonderful rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by PS22—giving us a reason to see why it’s important to keep music and arts in the school.
Next year, I urge the Oscars to get back to what we have come to expect. A long but well produced production that is lavish with an older, more seasoned host like Whoopi, Steve, or Billy. Leave the young stuff to the MTV Awards. Or perhaps the Globes.
And hopefully, Hollywood will produce stellar films with more people of color that will be represented at the awards next year.
What is your take on this year’s Academy Awards?
Here are a few pictures from last night’s Oscar telecast:
Co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco
Not sure what’s going on here between Oscar winners Sandra Bullock and Halle Berry
Oscar winner Melissa Leo bowing down to Kirk Douglas. Does she have on ballet flats?
Oprah presenting the award for Best Documentary
Best Actress winner Natalie Portman going backstage after she received her Oscar
Photo Credit: Wireimage/ Getty Images
I find the Oscars to be boring every year, but I thought Anne Hathaway did a really good job. I mostly just watch it to see what everyone is wearing, since I haven’t been much of a movie-goer lately, so I rarely see more than a few of the nominated movies. Now I’m watching Oprah’s after-Oscars special.
I didn’t watch the show this year. When the hosts were announced I thought wow, could they have pulled two more random names from a hat??? The show is a long, stiff, major yawn fest every year. If it is that painful to watch I can imagine sitting through it must be sheer agony.