Oscars 2012 – The Show
There’s no business like show business . . . this is something that the Oscar’s is all about showing the world that there really is no business like show business. Billy Crystal was back to being our host again for the ninth time. It was always going to be a more traditional show after the poor attempt last year at having two young actors hosting in Anne Hathaway and James Franco, which really didn’t work. More because of Franco being so wooden than Hathaway, she didn’t really do anything wrong. But they went back to Crystal and you can’t really going too wrong with him as you know exactly what you’re going to get.
The opening monologue featured Crystal in some scenes from the nominated films and sharing a kiss with Geroge Clooney was among it. Also a small cameo from Justin Bieber which Crystal put it that it was to capture the younger audience! His opening speech also had songs about the nine best picture nominations which was actually rather clever due to the nature of some of the films.
We saw loads of different actors throughout the show hitting the stage to present the different awards. Some very charming and others relying on jokes. All of this is what we have come to expect from the ceremony, with a mixture of the current biggest selling actors along with previous Oscar winners and much-loved older actors.
The big four winners . . . aka the acting Oscar winners. These four awards are the most talked about and looked into with the Best Picture and Best Director. As they are the ones audiences pay the most attention to throughout the film going year. These are also the speeches we all want to hear! We want to see how they react and how they then act whilst holding the Oscar they have just won.
Christopher Plummer was my favorite with his “”You’re only two years older than me darling, where have you been all of my life?” that has to be my favorite quote of the night. Just fantastic from Captain Von Trapp! Who became the oldest ever Oscar winner. It makes me want to see The Beginners even more now, as my cinema didn’t screen it!
Obviously my other favorite was the ever fabulous Meryl Streep. Who I have grown to love so much over the past few years, yet I still haven’t managed to catch up on all of her films! I just thought her reaction when she won was so shocking and to be honest I was surprised that she had won as well. Her speech was then just lovely from start to finish and admitting she knows she will never be up there again! I am sure many more nominations will come her way, being the most nominated actress of all time!
The Artist was the big winner collecting best picture, actor and director. So pleased that I can say that I have seen this film as it really is a fantastic experience. As an earlier blog post stated I have only seen 2 of the films which were nominated therefore I am very pleased that I have seen the one that won. Especially that I loved it from start to finish and hope the win encourages people to go and see it!
So after the disappointed of last years Academy Awards, Oscar went back to being more basic and putting on a show that we all have been used to in the past. Therefore a winning formula and I found it very nice to watch, it flowed very well and we got to see a lot of the hottest acting talent around. Much better than last years! Helping me also see which films I now have to catch up with (ok I already knew, but the Oscar makes you want to see them more!). Until next year . . .
7 Best Picture Winning Films I Haven’t Seen Yet
These films must be on my to see list! But I want your opinions on whether they are worthy of wining the Best Picture Oscar? Let me know if they are must see’s or not!
All Quiet on the Western Front
It Happened One Night
On The Waterfront
Ben-Hur
Annie Hall
Driving Miss Daisy
Schindler’s List
Oscars 2011 – Best Actor – Colin Firth
King Firth rightly reigned at the Oscars this year! After being nominated for the second year in a role Colin Firth took home the gold statue. Very deserved, he must have some kind of record with the number of awards he has picked up for his role of King George VI in “The King’s Speech”. Doing the UK proud!
Oscars 2011 – Winners
The winners of the 2011 Academy Awards. The only big shock had to be Tom Hooper picking up the Best Direction Oscar for The King’s Speech ahead of big favorite David Fincher for The Social Network.
Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Best Director: Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech
Best Actor: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Best Original Song: We Belong Together, Toy Story 3
Best Editing: The Social Network
Best Visual Effects: Inception
Best Documentary: Inside Job
Best Live Action Short Film: God of Love
Best Documentary Short Subject: Strangers No More
Best Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland
Best Makeup: The Wolfman
Best Sound Editing: Inception
Best Sound Mixing: Inception
Best Original Score: The Social Network
Best Foreign Language Film: In A Better World
Best Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network
Best Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3
Best Animated Short Film: The Lost Thing
Best Cinematography: Inception
Best Art Direction: Alice in Wonderland
Oscars 2011 – The Show
Well this year the approach from the Academy was to have two young actors to host. This called upon nominee James Franco and Anne Hathaway to add a different edge to the Oscars ceremony.
The main theme of the evening seemed to be looking back at the past of the Oscars, taking into consideration how times have changed. Including music and some scenery from different Oscar winning films of the past. Obviously all eyes were on Franco and Hathaway, who in my opinion were very disappointing. Hathaway was given the over the top, in your face excited role while Franco just stood looking slightly upwards. Which made the audience feel awkward, he did not look comfortable on the stage at all!
The main part I actually thought was amusing from Hathaway had to be seeing “On My Own” claiming that Hugh Jackman would not do a duet with her this year. (After she done one with him when he was the host). Personally I would have liked to see Jackman host again! Or even Alec Baldwin who I thought was fantastic with Steve Martin last year. Baldwin was involved in the opening segment which poked fun at Inception and going into his dreams to steal hosting tips. This let us see Franco and Hathaway in many of the nominated films.
Yes whilst this opening was was amusing, it seemed to all go very downhill from that point. I didn’t even manage to stay up and watch all of the ceremony. The tiredness and boredness really did take over and I went to bed, didn’t think I would miss very much as no shocks had occurred with the supporting actor/actress awards. Have to mention Kirk Douglas who was rather heartbreaking to watch as he really struggled to get his words out, yet managed to still be so funny and likable.
In my opinion I found the show quite a flop.
What does everyone else think?
Oscars 2011 – Red Carpet
A trip down the red carpet before the Oscar ceremony. Often the red carpet is more important than the actually show for fashion reasons.
My favorite dress had to be Reese Witherspoons, so elegant.
Oscars 2011 – Live Blog
Live updates with my thoughts on the 2011 Oscars!
- Well I made the decision to watch E! for the red carpet coverage, which I have no idea if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Ready for the Oscar ceremony to start on Sky Movies.
- Alec Baldwin included in the opening scenes with James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Appearing in all the best picture nominees. Brilliant start!
- Ahhh Morgan Freeman making a little appearance too!
- Very clever editing Franco and Hathaway into the films!
- Hugh Jackman looked like he wanted to be back on the stage!
- Getting the parents and grandparents involved. Very funny! Especially Franco’s grandmother saying Marky Mark! Mark Wahlberg, love it!
- A look back at ‘Gone with the Wind’ the ultimate classic <3
- Tom Hanks presenting ART DIRECTION – WINNER - Alice in Wonderland
- CINEMATOGRAPHY – WINNER – Inception
- Credit given to Christopher Nolan!
- Awww Kirk Douglas! Standing ovation for him. He’s just incredible for his age. Very funny with both Franco and Hathaway. Struggling to speak bless him!
- BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – WINNER – MELISSA LEO for The Fighter
- Now for a very over the top speech . . . Or maybe not, she actually sounds very nervous. Just dropped the f-word too.
- Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis presenting. Timberlake claiming to be Banksy!
- BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM – WINNER – THE LOST THING
- BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – WINNER – Toy Story 3
- Hathaway talking about the very first Academy Awards
- Presenters Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem . . . wearing old school white tux’s.
- BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – WINNER – The Social Network – Aaron Sorkin
- BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – WINNER – The King’s Speech – David Seidler
- Oldest person to win that award, he hopes its broken quickly and often.
- Hathaway performing musical number, directed at Hugh Jackman . . . Using ‘On My Own’ from Les Mis. Franco comes on in a very pink dress. Charlie Sheen joke!
- Helen Mirren and Russell Brand presenting
- BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM – WINNER - IN A BETTER WORLD (DENMARK)
- Reese Witherspoon presenting. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – WINNER - CHRISTIAN BALE for The Fighter
- He actually sounds rather nervous with his speech, Dicky Eklund is there too
Very emotional in his speech, especially towards his wife and daughter. - Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman presenting . . . Aussie rules!
- BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – WINNER – THE SOCIAL NETWORK
- SOUND MIXING – WINNER – INCEPTION
- SOUND EDITING – WINNER – INCEPTION
Oscars 2011: 10 out of 10 for Best Pictures
I have managed to achieve what would seem impossible and watch all ten of the best picture nominations before the Oscar ceremony. Usually this is not possible due to UK release date. But this year a lot of the films seem to have been earlier than usual in the Oscar race. With the help of LOVEFiLM for a couple of Blu Ray’s to make sure I achieved the goal of seeing each film before the ceremony. I am still no further forward in being able to predict the winner the Academy will choose. I mean we know they have made some mistakes in the past.
This is the second year in row which has seen 1o films being nominated for Best Picture. Which allows a few films into the category which would not make the final 5 in the old format. I guess this is just a way to make some films more well-known. Or for the more seen films to receive a nomination. Who can really tell . . . but does that mean they have a better chance of winning? Probably not.
The ten films which have been nominated this year all bring something very different to the Oscar stage. I have to say out of them the ones I have enjoyed the most have to be Black Swan and Inception, with True Grit and The King’s Speech following them.
Black Swan and Inception both had very similar impacts on me as I was still thinking about them days after seeing them at the cinema. They really get into your head and stick in there too. Make you really think about the film, and keep you trying to figure out how you perceive them.
127 Hours (Review)
Stuck between a rock and a hard place. A man must keep himself alive by any means possible after having his arm trapped by a bolder.
Black Swan (Review)
A Ballet dancer trying to take on the difficult role in Swan Lake, whilst trying to deal with her life at the same time.
The Fighter (Review)
The rise of Micky Ward as a boxer, looking into his family life and relationships with his brother, mother and girlfriend.
Inception (Review – not yet written)
A very interesting look into what could happen if you could plant ideas or take them away, by entering someone’s dream.
The Kids are All Right (Review)
A look into how the family dynamics differ in a same sex marriage with children.
The King’s Speech (Review)
A look into how King George VI overcame his speech problems after his older brother abdicated the thrown.
The Social Network (Review)
A look back at how Facebook came into being during Zuckerberg’s time at Harvard and the lawsuits which followed.
Toy Story 3 (Review)
We go on another adventure with our favorite toys, when Andy is now leaving for college.
True Grit (Review)
A remake of the classic John Wayne film, but with the Coen Brothers edge on it. Brilliant story of retribution.
Winter’s Bone (Review)
A young woman trying to find out what exactly happened to her father, leads her into very dangerous territory.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
Oscars 2011 – Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in ‘True Grit’
Bridges is just incredible as Cogburn, he really is just incredible. After his win last year, he has followed it up with another nomination. He mumbles and acts drunk brilliantly. Manages to be so likeable at the same time!
Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network’
Exhausting is the word I find best to describe this performance. Eisenberg is brilliant as Zuckerberg who is just way too smart for his own good, and likes to use an incredible amount of words in his general conversations. Must have been very difficult to really nail this character but that was more than achieved.
Colin Firth as King George VI in ‘The King’s Speech’
We keep hearing that it is Firth’s time, well I thought that should have come for his role in ‘A Single Man’ last year! But his performance in this film really is just incredible, we feel sorry for him, we want to help him. All just so incredible!
James Franco as Aron Ralston in ’127 Hours’
Possibly the most difficult performance from all of the nominee’s considering it is just Franco in the film for about 80% of the time. He really takes us on the journey with him and the emotions to being trapped. Incredible performance, if it wasn’t for Firth I would have thought Franco would be walking away with the Oscar!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actress in a Leading Role
One last look at the five women nominated for best actress in a leading role. Team Portman for this one!
Annette Bening as Nic in “The Kids Are All Right”
Bening is Nic a woman trying to balance her working life, with the family she has with her longterm partner Jules. Who have two teenage children. Her world is turned upside down when the sperm donor is back in the picture, and Jules’ infidelity. Very well acted performance (as usual) from Bening.
Nicole Kidman as Becca in “Rabbit Hole”
I have not managed to see this film, so cannot comment on the performance. Only heard good things about it!
Jennifer Lawrence as Ree in “Winter’s Bone”
Brilliant performance from the young actress, in such a difficult role. Having to overcome so much and still manage to keep her heard held high, while searching for the truth from people she should not be mixing with.
Natalie Portman as Nina in “Black Swan”
Incredibly haunting performance in a film with exactly the same feel. She really does become both the white and black swan. That is Nina’s life and she must then transfer it onto the stage, feeling the pressure from everywhere. She is a very mixed up young woman who needs help more than anything!
Michelle Williams as Cindy in “Blue Valentine”
Unfortunately I have not seen this film either, has not been released here yet. Looking forward to seeing it, when we eventually get it!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
One last look at the actors and the roles they were nominated for best supporting! I guess I am Team Bale for this one!
Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund in “The Fighter”
The has-been who believes that he is making his boxing comeback, while attempting to help his younger brother train and do something he never did. Become champion, whilst battling with drug addiction which has taken over his life. We see him fight his demons and eventually help his brother out. Larger than life and totally crazy, brilliant performance from Bale.
John Hawkes as Teardrop in “Winter’s Bone”
A very haunting performance in a very haunting film. At times very difficult to watch but Hawkes put in a very good performance, eventually helping out his niece.
Jeremy Renner as James Coughlin in “The Town”
Missed seeing this film, so cannot comment on the performance.
Mark Ruffalo as Paul in “The Kids Are All Right”
I have to admit that when I found out Ruffalo was nominated for an Oscar I was very shocked as seeing his previous performances didn’t think it would be something he would ever achieve. But in this he does put in a very honest performance as Paul, managing to make us feel sorry for him when we really shouldn’t.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Louge in “The King’s Speech”
Rush gives a fantastic performance and helps Firth bring out his character. They have fantastic chemistry and bring out the very best in each other. If anyone is a threat to Bale I really think it’s Rush!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role
One last look at the five actresses up for the supporting role Oscar! I am Team Steinfeld for this one!
Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming in “The Fighter”
Tough talking girlfriend of boxer Mickey who is not afraid to stand up to his mother or sisters. Is very much behind Mickey is his fight to really make it as a boxer. The Academy seem to like Adams who has a few nominations to her name now.
Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth in “The King’s Speech”
A very good solid performance from Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth who is the rock to King George VI and really helps her husband when he becomes King, and must deliver the important speeches at a very difficult time for England.
Melissa Leo as Alice Ward in “The Fighter”
Melissa Leo has been picking awards up left, right and center for her role as Alice Ward in the Fighter. Being the pushy manager and of course mother to Mickey and Dicky. Not taking no for an answer from anyone, including her husband. She has been the front runner for this award from the start.
Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in “True Grit”
Incredible performance from the 14 year old in such a good film. She owns the film and should never been in the supporting role category after leading the film the way she did. But apparently the studio figured this the best approach! I really do hope that she picks this Oscar up tonight, fantastic performance.
Jacki Weaver as Janine Cody in “Animal Kingdom”
This film has not come out at my cinema yet. Therefore I cannot comment on the performance.
Oscar Moments 4
Tim Curry, Mara Wilson and Kathy Najimy perform make em laugh, with clips from loads of films from previous years.
Oscar Moments 3
Jack Black and Will Ferrell inform us of the lyrics that go with the “music” the winners do not want to hear!
Oscar Moments 2
11 days to go!
Billy Crystal informs us what the stars are thinking at the 2000 Oscars.
Oscar Moments 1
12 Days til 2011 ceremony!
Steve Martin tries to answer the question – what is a movie star? from the 2003 show!
Oscars 2011 – Luncheon
The annual Oscars Luncheon took place on Monday with a lot of the nominees showing up to be part of the event. As usual plenty of the nominee’s turned up and they had the usual photo with everyone squashed in. So squashed this year that Annette Bening had to sit on Jeff Bridges knee for the picture!
Oscars 2011 – Hosts: Franco & Hathaway
This years Academy Awards with the hosts being James Franco and Anne Hathaway are going to be taking a whole new approach. They have been giving the Oscars a revamp for the show for the past few years and continue to try something completely different this year too. I am actually really looking forward to how they will get on.
The promotional pictures were released last week and you have to admit they look good!
SAG Awards 2011 – Winners
Awards season really is in full swing, but it seems as though the same four actors are picking up the main awards for the films. Doesn’t even look close for the Oscars at all. I guess we could still get quite a surprise but not looking very likely. Quite a surprise for the SAG Awards has to be “The King’s Speech picking up the big award of the night for outstanding ensemble in a motion picture. Great to see a British film doing so well!
SAG Award Winner: Outstanding Ensemble In A Motion Picture
Outstanding Ensemble Motion Picture – Cast of “The King’s Speech”
Colin Firth – Hollywood Walk of Fame
Ahead of this Sunday’s Golden Globes and the up and coming Oscars, Colin Firth has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is tipped to be nominated and win the best actor Oscar at this years awards.
Firth has come along way since being Mr Darcy in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Over the years he has taken on some very different roles. The last couple of years the roles he has taken on have really helped to show what a fantastic actor he is. When it comes to the romantic comedy films such as Bridget Jones Diary and Love Actually he is always the nice guy. In real life he seems to be just as nice as he is in those roles.
It really is fantastic seeing a British actor going so far in Hollywood and getting a star on the Walk of Fame. The question now is will the Oscar be following for Mr Firth? Let’s hope so, he really does put in a brilliant performance in The King’s Speech. We don’t have much longer to wait, to see how many more awards Colin is going to pick up over awards season.
Anne Hathaway & James Franco to Host 2011 Oscars!
Anne Hathaway and James Franco have today been announced as the hosts of the 2011 Oscars. It seems as though the Academy have gone down the path to have two of the hottest young actors around at the moment as both of them are in very high demand. Days after news broke of James Franco’s appearance of inside the actors studio breaking records for the most requests for tickets, that bodes very well for the Oscars getting more viewers. Anne Hathaway had a small part in Hugh Jackman’s set up a couple of years ago as well, so it won’t be all new for her.
I think it’s very positive in trying to attract a younger audience to watch the ceremony and yes I do think Franco is very nice to look at. I am sure the men out there will be very happy with Hathaway for her good looks too. Yes as shallow as that all sounds, we all know we like to watch the beautiful people. Different approach from the past couple of years, going from the musical to the comedy and well I don’t know what to call 2011′s show. I guess we will just have to wait and see!
What do you make of this announcement?
Good choices?
For Your Consideration . . . Toy Story 3
It’s approaching that time of year when production companies put out the ‘For Your Consideration’ posters in order to get the attention of the academy and build up a claim for their film to win those little gold statues known as Oscars. Disney Pixar has started a massive shout for Toy Story 3, which must get nominated in the Best Picture category for the 2011 awards. It was a very emotional film for everyone who watched it, don’t think I have heard or read a bad word against this film . . . so not since Return of the King or Shakespeare in Love has there been a film like this. The best reviewed film of the year as the posters say! Surely an animated film is going to win the Best Picture Oscar . . . will it be 2011?
