This past Sunday we witnessed the 78th Annual Academy Awards. And some aspects of the show were better than others.
First of all, there’s the nationally renowned red carpet where the stars get to strut their stuff. This part of the night is more about showing off their dresses and gowns than it is about showing off their movies.
Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see who makes it on the worst and best dressed list. Among my favorites were Reese Witherspoon’s 1950s vintage Christian Dior gown, Nicole Kidman’s stunning embroidered Balenciaga dress, Felicity Huffman’s sheer silk Zac Posen gown and Jessica Alba’s gold Versace gown.
And who can forget the weird and sometimes awkward interviews between the movie stars and the entertainment reporters?
Infamous for his annoying interviewing techniques is “American Idol” host and highlights-gone-bad Ryan Seacrest, who kept pestering Naomi Watts about fellow friend Nicole Kidman’s reported engagement.
Hmm, I thought we were talking about movies, but what do I know? At least at this red carpet, Isaac Mizrahi didn’t grope any of the actors he interviewed.
Then there is Jon Stewart, who hosted this year’s award show. He made some really great, hilarious and off-the-cuff comments that topped last year’s controversial host Chris Rock.
There were several other funny Oscar moments. One of my favorites included George Clooney’s speech when he won Best Supporting Actor, mentioning his 1997 Sexiest Man Alive title.
Another one of my favorite moments was when Ben Stiller presented the award for Visual Effects. He was dressed in a skin-tight green leotard pretending he was in front of a green screen doing special effects.
But one of the most memorable moments in this year’s Oscars, or even the history of the Oscars, was when Three 6 Mafia went home with Best Original Song. I didn’t think they had a chance considering how the Academy usually voted.
And although I am not a fan of rap or hip-hop, I love the fact that the Academy went outside of their comfort zone and made history by having Three 6 Mafia perform and win the little gold man for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” It shows that they kept an open mind, and it gives me hope on what’s to come for future Oscars.
Finally, the biggest winner of the night went to the cast of “Crash,” winning Best Picture. This was another nominee I was not expecting to win.
With Ang Lee taking home the statue for Best Director, I had no doubt the Oscar would go home with the cast of “Brokeback Mountain.” I was astonished to hear Jack Nicholson say that one word after he opened the envelope. But I am so excited that he did.
Although the underdog in this year’s Academy Awards, “Crash” is an impressive movie that takes an honest look at racism and brings up social issues of racial stereotypes.
It has a superb cast and superb writing. It definitely deserves the win. Plus, it’s one of my favorites.
And speaking of social issues, I’m glad the movies nominated this year were social documents, including “Transamerica,” “Capote,” “Crash,” “Munich” and “The Constant Gardener.”
The Academy Awards this year was by far one of the most entertaining. It didn’t drag out like it usually does and it had highlights that made Oscar history.
What more can you ask for at an awards show?
Nila Priyambodo, a senior journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at npriyambodo@ulv.edu.
