Here in the Hills

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

80th academy awards

It is now official. I have turned into a crotchety old person. I never thought that would happen to me...but, this years Oscars are proof to me that, indeed, I am a certified crotchety old person.

To begin with, there was not one surprising 'win' this year. Not one. As far as I am concerned, it all could have been phoned in, sort of..... Even Las Vegas got it wrong, which is astounding.....! But....let me do this. First I'll tell you who I wanted to win....and then I'll tell you who did win, in case there is anyone out there on this planet who does not know....

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: HAL HOLBROOK This was a true 'supporting actor' performance and nominee. He was superb in "Into The Wild". Aside from the fact that he is in his early 80's.....this was a beautiful, nuanced 'actorly' performance. Hal Holbrook should have won.....but, he didn't. Javier Bardem from "No Country For Old Men" took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in a performance that was truly a 'lead' actor. This was not a supporting performance, at all. He was in the wrong category...But, his chances of winning were so very much better in the 'supporting' category. The Academy ought to look into their ground rules here.....This seems to be happening more and more so that the true 'Supporting' performances do not get the recognition they should......Just my opinion...but then, this whole post is just my opinion. There is no question that Bardem is a wonderful wonderful actor.....but he was in the wrong category....! And it was predictable that he would win. No surprise there, at all......plus, I personally have a lot of problems with this film, "No Country....." It is about a lot of horrible people. It is filled with violence....and it is an irresponsible film in many ways, as well as not really 'tracking', for me. I had BIG problems with my suspension of disbelief....plus....I did not understand one word of the ending....not one! (More about this later....)

Are you getting the 'crotchety' part yet??

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: RUBY DEE..... The fabulous, wonderful, sublime, brilliant Ruby Dee.....Not only was she fantastic in "American Gangster" but she has never been bad in anything she has ever done throughout her entire career....Ms. Dee is 83 years old. If she had won, she would have been the oldest person to win an Oscar, ever, plus, she would have been only the fourth black woman to win an Oscar in any category, in 80 years....! I really wanted her to win....
This is the only Oscar that was not completely predictable.....I figured it would be either Tilda Swinton or Cate Blanchett.....and it was the very talented Tilda Swinton. She was terrific and deserving, in "Michael Clayton"....a film that was, sad to say, overlooked completely, other than this Award.....But I wanted Ruby Dee to win for many different reasons, not the least of which is how wonderfully talented she is, and just how many more chances will she have to win an Oscar?

On to BEST ACTRESS: JULIE CHRISTIE The picture? "Away From Her". You may recall I wrote a whole post about this film and said then, I thought Julie Christie should win. In all honesty, I did not think she would because of the astounding performance by Marion Cotillard in "La Vie En Rose".....I hoped that Julie Christie would win, and even Las Vegas was betting that she would, but honestly, I did not think that Julie Christie had a chance with that very complex and stunning performance by Ms. Cotillard. She certainly deserved this Award and her excitement at winning it was one of the Highlights in a rather subdued 80th Oscar year....(Where were all the older stars? Where were all the previous winners----still alive??? A missed opportunity to honor those who belong to this rather limited, by-it's-very-nature, and select group....Admittedly this was a tough year to plan, what with the Writer's Strike....but still....this was the 80th year....., I mean....Come on, people....!)

BEST ACTOR: JOHNNY DEPP A magnificent performance in a "gem" of a film, "Sweeney Todd". Johnny Depp, never ceases to surprise....His range seems completely without bounds. He can do anything! And, once again, he proved this in this very special film.....That Daniel Day Lewis was going to win was a 'given'. Lewis has won every other Best Actor Award that is around so far this year, so why would The Oscars be any different?....And so, it seemed that there was 'no contest'...Once again, utterly predictable, with no surprise. Grrrrrrrrr. (Crotchety enough, yet?) Daniel Day Lewis is always wonderful in anything he does...but, I am never surprised by him. Never. I feel I already know the performance I am going to see before I see the film. In this case, I have not seen the film---The only one I didn't see---But I have seen some clips...as I'm sure most of you have, too....Particularly that one where he is screaming about abandoning his boy....! He is a very very talented classy actor!

The only 'win' that I wanted to happen that actually did happen was for Best Original Score....by Dario Marianelli. The movie: "Atonement". This is a beautiful classical score. I was very taken with it when I saw the film and thought at the time, 'I hope this man gets a nomination'. Well he did, and he also got to take home the Oscar....! Hooray!

For me personally, I always love when the Academy gives out a "special" Award. This year was particularly moving because the honoree was so incredibly deserving----his career spanning over sixty years... first, as an Art Director and second as a Production Designer....An Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to 98 year old Robert Boyle. It was really wonderful that the Academy, in it's wisdom, honored such a talented and deserving man. His credits are astounding: A host of Alfred Hitchcock film, (who, by the way never won an Oscar)---to name a few---"Saboteur' (1942), "Shadow Of A Doubt" (1943), "North By Northwest" (1959), "The Birds" (1959) and "Marnie" (1964). And then, there are almost 100 other films to which Bob Boyle made a significant contribution in his capacity as Production Designer....earning him four Oscar Nominations, "North By Northwest" , "Gaily Gaily"(1969), "Fiddler On The Roof" (1971), and "The Shootist" (1976). What made it particularly sweet to me is that Bob Boyle is a neighbor of mine. I think he has lived up here as long as I have...maybe even longer....I have never known him well, but would see him every Christmas at another neighbors Christmas Party, and I would see him at The Academy screenings, when I would go with my friend Hanna....Here is something Bob Boyle said about what working in movies has meant to him: "I found that movies were an extraordinary expression of an artistic endeavor. It was a business that seemed to be more interested in creation---in a world that was very interested in destroying itself..."

I realize that these parts of The Awards Ceremony are probably pretty boring to most of the country who would rather just see 'the Stars' and 'the Clothes'....But, we must never forget that without men like Bob Boyle, there would be no movies....there would be no believability; things we just take for granted while viewing a film. What Bob Boyle did to create the illusion of a place and a time, etc., is one of the important elements that makes films what they are.....A Lovely man. A Smart, Bright, Creative man. And still very much with it at 98 years young---and so incredibly talented....! Congratulations, dear Bob! This couldn't happen to a more serving person.....!

Part two will be forthcoming......Stay tuned.

More Crotchety To Come.....

42 Comments:

Girl About Town had this to say:: Great post! Bravo!! And here's to being "crochety" because I agreed wholeheartedly with most of what you said. And being the 80th and what did they make of that??? Not much, very dissapointing.

I soooo desperately wanted Johnny Depp to win...I have been such a huge fan of his since the early, early days...he is such a natural talent, has such a range, always brilliant in all he does - and like you, I felt Daniel Day Lewis such a stale choice for the Oscar. When you said "I feel I already know the performance I am going to see before I see the film" - that's exactly how I feel about him!!

Still, it's the Oscars, and so worth watching (have always loved the real thing more than the 'red carpet' which, sadly, seems to get most of the attention these days).

Can't wait for part 2!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 2:21:00 AM PST
craziequeen had this to say:: Hello, my darling crotchety friend... :-)

I have to say, I didn't see most of the films mentioned in this year's Oscars - not even Michael Clayton (whisper: can I say I am not a fan of Mr Clooney?).

I would like to say I was stunned that JD didn't pull a statuette for yet another departure from the norm to be the most beguiling, yet despicable, Mr Todd.
But I can't - because we know the Academy are not appreciative of his diverse talents and his skills are often overlooked.
When I saw Daniel D-L was up for the oscar, I knew he'd get it - irrespective of his performanc, probably.

Tilda - oodles of respect. Cool lady. Deserving? Obviously, in some eyes.

btw - I noticed a news item that said the TV audience was the lowest ever for the Oscars.

cq

ps - your take on 'No Country' reminds me of my reaction to 'Monsters Ball' and 'History of Violence'. Horrible, horrible.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:40:00 AM PST
kenju had this to say:: Well, then, I am crochety too, Naomi, because I agree with everything you say here. I noticed that there were few actors of real stature there, except maybe Jack Nicholson (who always goes). I realize now that I must have slept through more of it than I realized, but it was not a really good show for me at all.

I am interested to know what you thought of the host. One thing I did notice was that most of the winners were a bit more more subdued in their thank you speeches. Ms. Cotillard's was refreshing!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:52:00 AM PST
rashbre had this to say:: I expected more to be made of it being the 80th. Maybe insufficient time since the strike ended?

The awards were almost identical to the BAFTAs in UK, so it became easy to guess the outcomes. I haven't seen American Gangster, but the clip with Ruby Dee looked very strong indeed. I shall stay tuned for more of your commentary- we had it in two pieces on UK TV.

Red Carpet was 'live' and then highlights was 24 hours later.

rashbre; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 6:05:00 AM PST
Sara had this to say:: I enjoyed your view of the what went on at the Oscars...and I have to agree with you on most of it.

The fact that the people nominated for Supporting roles are not really supporting roles is something that is totally unfair to the "true" supporting role actors. I think the guy who won for BSA was in every scene and when I've seen the previews (which have been over and over) - it appears that he is the "lead" actor. That was the impression I got just from previews. I don't want to see it...have no desire - and I hated that it won so many awards.

The only movie I want to see out of the ones where there was a winner is Le Vie En Rose...Sad isn't it???; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 6:58:00 AM PST
Lucy Stern had this to say:: I hate to tell you this Naomi, but I did not watch the Oscars on Sunday night, I had a church thing to go to. I appreciate your review so that I know what happened. I loved the movies North by Northwest and Fiddler on the Roof. It is really nice when they honor the deserving people.

Looking forward to part two.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:11:00 AM PST
awareness had this to say:: This was the first year that my daughter was "pumped" to watch it all and take it in....I loved watching it with her this year. It's on so late here that its past 1 am when it's over...!

I was glad that it wasn't so glitzy this year....i'm presuming it's because they had less time to put the glitz in. Instead, it seemed to run smoothly and i found the speeches etc more heartfelt and funny. I am a big Jon Stewart fan and more so after watching him bring the lovely woman who won best song out to give her acceptance speech. it made me well up! (btw......the other nominated songs from that movie enchanted?? They were unbelievably horrid! There must be other songs out there more worthy!)

I too was hoping for Julie Christie and for Sarah Polley to win. My goodness Christie looked absolutely stunning.

What I did enjoy was seeing the wide range of international actors and talented people being recognized. That was a treat to see....

I have no interest whatsoever in seeing the Coen film, though i have seen and enjoyed every other film they have done. It just seems WAY too violent for my taste. it seems to me that violence in movies is much easier to do than filming tender vulnerability (and acting it) as shown in Away From Her.

I don't know what Johnny Depp has to do to win one of those things!! He's brilliant!

Great post, Naomi........I was so looking forward to it.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 8:43:00 AM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: Your review is more fun than the Oscars themselves. I don't find you crotchety at all. It was, by all counts, a sub par event!

Can't wait for part 2!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 9:28:00 AM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: Great revue of Oscar Night!

As usual, the awards were not given to the actors that I feel deserved them most.

Ruby Dee certainly should have been recognized for her lifetime of achievement. I was disappointed.

I really thought the very best part of the whole night was the sincere speech by Robert Boyle. He was wonderful and certainly taught all of us a little about movie making. How many of us really knew what Production Design meant until the Academy recognized Robert Boyle's talent and introduced us to him and his work. Certainly we had all seen Cary Grant run down that road being chased by an airplane, but who even wondered who selected that particular place to film that fantastic scene?

I am so glad that I know now who Robert Boyle is and what he has done to make the pictures I love much more enjoyable......

Jon Stewart was a good Emcee. Best ever Bob Hope! Second best, Billy Crystal...; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 12:48:00 PM PST
DesLily had this to say:: lol ..love the "more crochety to come" lol.. but it didn't sound crochety at all Naomi !

I did find it an odd group of movies and winners. I wouldn't have minded seeing Tommy Lee Jones winning for a change...but that's just me lol; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 12:59:00 PM PST
sonia a. mascaro had this to say:: Great, fabulous post, Naomi!

I have to say, unfortunately I didn't see none of these films...yet... but I would like to see someday!

Wow! Bob Boyle is your neighbor and you know him! With 98 years old he is very well! And his speech was great!

Thanks for this wonderful review, Naomi!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 1:12:00 PM PST
sonia a. mascaro had this to say:: Hi Naomi! Yes, I get mangos from this tree. It's at my backyard and those fruits are delicious, very succulents!

Have a nice day my dear!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 2:15:00 PM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: Hi Naomi: Good recap of the Oscars. I went to bed early but did see the Red Carpet. To me that is the most interesting part of the show, but this year was a disappointment.

I didn't think much of the nominated movies. Next Oscars should be more interesting because of the movies that are out now. Hopefully some good nominations will come out of this crop.

Looking forward to part 2,
Anne; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 3:26:00 PM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: I knew it has been academy award time so then I just had to check your blog - and as always: I got what I was looking for: Your personal touch and description makes it even more interesting - thanks for sharing this yearly event from your point of view Naomi!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 3:29:00 PM PST
Scarlet had this to say:: I thought of you when they showed the clip of Julie Christie and I made a note to pick up that (sad) movie, "Away From Her," you reviewed a while back.

I wanted Johnny Depp to win but figured DDL would get the award and did. That was the only predictable moment for me; however, I didn't feel the excitement I've felt in the past over this show. Is Jack Nicholson the only one who shows up faithfully every year??; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:54:00 PM PST
OldHorsetailSnake had this to say:: I was able to predict the Bob Boyle award on account of it was in the newspaper about three days before the event. So I am pretty sharp.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:56:00 PM PST
J C had this to say:: So, crotchety ol' lady, I didn't watch them and didn't know, and now I do. Thanks! But even if you are crotchety, you're still kewl in my book! You deserve an award just for being you! :); Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 4:57:00 PM PST
Teena in Toronto had this to say:: I just caught pieces of it. The only movie I saw that mattered was "Juno" so all the rest were mysteries to me.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 6:44:00 PM PST
Lydia had this to say:: Bravo. I enjoy reading how someone who has the industry vantage point.
I loved Atonement. It was so layered. The sound, the characters, the characters, the story. The ending was a surprise, yet logical, so fulfilling.
Most of the other pictures I have not seen. I am more a reader than a watcher. But some I will from the clips and comments.
I don't expect the Awards themselves will get better ratings uniess they become more relevant to the general audience. For example: most of Jon Stewart's jokes fell flat. I generally enjoy political humor: but his repertoire for the evening seemed rather slanted to a particular viewpoint and to the audience in the auditorium rather than the audience at home. The "joke" about offending the audience for 100 years... a "take" on one of the candidates comments re: Iraq. Totally inappropriate except it points to the ratings drop. The customer doesn't feel either loved or respected. Doesn't make for the audience to either go see the movies or give up an entire evening to watch something irrelevant to our daily lives.
The special award stood out because that fabulous gentlemen seemed to revere the art and the audience.
I am finding that the best reason to watch the Oscar's is for the fashions, which can be much more efficiently done on recap and in print.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:00:00 PM PST
WendyWings had this to say:: Great review, I actually DID get to see it this year as they repeated it twice. As I said watching it live is not usually an option for me because of the bad timing with it being dinner hell hour etc lol.
I needed to clarify that with you because my other post made it seem like I only cared about the Red carpet stuff and that is not the case.
I was not really at all invested this year as I have not seen a single one of the movies so was pretty clueless.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:09:00 PM PST
Chickie had this to say:: For what it's worth, you're my favorite crotchety old person! :)

There - don't you feel better?; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 8:49:00 PM PST
Melody had this to say:: You know what? This was the first year since, well, who knows, that I didn't actually watch the Oscars. I don't know why - maybe because there were a lot of actors/films I didn't see etc., (the shame, the shame!) I did look at who wore what and who won what via the internet, but that's just about it. Thanks for filling in the gaps and I look forward to reading part II...; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 9:15:00 PM PST
MaR had this to say:: I was waiting for your Oscar post, only yesterday was a busy day away from my pc and now I found out the keyboard is acting funny, the signs are mixed up and cannot find them ...

The big news in Spain was of course Bardem, who comes from a family of actors beginning with his great grandparents. I won't see his film because I do not like that kind of movies. I didn't know about the wrong category, Naomi, of course nobody has said in that direction here, the country is biased having an Oscar winner for the first time ever. You have a very good point here. Enjoyed reading your post / as always!

Wish I would have watched the ceremony but it was from 1am until 5 am our time ... looking forward to your part 2!; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:47:00 PM PST
geewits had this to say:: I have a bunch of points here where I will agree and disagree with you:

1: I totally agree about "category switching." Last year Jennifer Hudson won as Best Supporting Actress when her role is obviously the lead.

2: I thought the very small Ruby Dee role was way overhyped although I adore her. She's Mother Abigail in "The Stand" and I can quote her every line.

3: Marion Cotillard was a lock from the get go. If you look at Oscar's history, the academy just drools over biographies and people being aged.

4: Johnny Depp? When he does a brilliant moving performance without all the special effect make-up and odd characterizations, THEN I'll be impressed.

5: I think it's crazy Boyle didn't win best art direction for North by Northwest. Ben-Hur? Really? I guess that was quantity winning out over quality.

Okay, I'm done. Just some food for thought.; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:53:00 PM PST
Pat had this to say:: It was great to read your thoughts - many of which I share. I know you didn't like 'No country' and I felt the same about 'There will be blood'. Like you I can admire Dan DL's performances but, as yet, he hasn't touched my heart. Maybe it's just me but I felt the same about Olivier. I was really disappointed about Julie and have yet to see it. Thank you for shining a light on the Oscars for me.xoxoxo; Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:54:00 PM PST
joared had this to say:: Appreciated your comments re this awards show. Now we've learned it was the lowest rated Oscar show ever, but then most TV seems to be on a viewer downhill trend. Wonder how the future Oscars will manifest itself in media?

Cates, Producer and Horvitz, Director were having to prepare for two shows simultaneously, not knowing until the last minute (in show production time) which one would be needed. I do agree though that surely does seem there could have been more of the still living older stars on this special 80th show. Wonder if there were complications to prevent that from happening?

I wanted to see Ruby Dee (perhaps a few more scenes with her would have done the trick) and Hal Holbrook win, too. Wouldn't have been the first time actors received awards not so much for the role for which they were nominated, but the influence of their previous work, too.

I certainly agree about DDL. Also, Bardem's character was, indeed, far more than just a supporting role.

I haven't yet seen the Piaff movie, but thought Julie Christie was every bit as excellent as the movie in which she appeared. I've seen those spousal relationships as with the character Julie portrayed -- so real, so challenging for family to experience.

Was glad to see the best musical score go to Atonement music.

I do like Johnny Depp, and can recall a movie or two without all the costumes and make-up. Agree with Geewits -- time, past time, for Depp to demonstrate his acting skills in other type roles than these recent ones. Perhaps finding a good role is a problem for him.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 12:31:00 AM PST
Diane J Standiford had this to say:: Your post was more interesting than most of the awards show. My favorites went down. I LOVE Falling Slowly.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 1:00:00 AM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: A wonderful Oscar recap indeed! I was a bit disappointed that Johnny Depp didnt win since I bet on him. Tilda Swinton is indeed talented but that dress she wore on the Oscars is atrocious!; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 1:34:00 AM PST
dena had this to say:: Great post. I agree with so much of what you wrote, particularly Javier's role not being a supporting role. It was so NOT a supporting role, and I think it was unfair to place him in that arena.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 6:20:00 AM PST
Diane Vogel Ferri had this to say:: Here's my 2 cents - I too noticed that hardly anyone was there! Where WERE all the former winners? The media showed the same 7-8 people all evening - one of them being Heidi Klum who isn't even an actress! I really don't care much who wins - I like the fashion show - but it's SO boring - so predictable! Is everyone afraid that some "Fashion expert" will make fun of them on some cable show the next day? Be daring! They're supposed to be creative people! I was disappointed. I'm crotchety too. Diane; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 7:28:00 AM PST
Deana had this to say:: I just got bored with it all and didn't watch other than the red carpet dresses coming in. That is awful isn't it? I just didn't really have anyone to pull for because I haven't seen the movies that were up for anything.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 8:56:00 AM PST
TorAa had this to say:: It's so great to read your comments, 'cause it's a very valuable advice, when the movies at last comes over here.

I agree with you, the most touching moment was when Ms. Cotillard were handled over her award - and yes, more or less speechless. That's what's I call to be humble to the art and own performance.

PS. Did you know a Norwegian studio was part of Best animated?; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 9:03:00 AM PST
Charles William ( "Butchie" ) Olmstead had this to say:: I'd chime-in and say I was "crotchety" too... but I'm afraid that would possibly require being awake! Quite honestly- I simply forgot they were on and had fallen asleep anyway. I think when I 'came-to' an episode of "Family Guy" was on. Had me a few grins then hit the sack- never realizing I was missing the 80th anything! In any case- no matter what, or how many of these things I manage to miss... it still seems I'd just seen a recent awards show of one kind or other!... arriving as they seem, on a conveyor belt!!

Am I qualifying at all for "crotchety"???

But you must also realize that such small goings-on were being utterly ECLIPSED by the PRODUCTION, release, and my own reciept of the newly released NAOMI CARYL CD containing 4 of her exquisitely rendered songs while recording for 'Vamp' and the 'Ember' & 'Cambria' labels in the 1950's!

"If"... "Before you say goodbye"... "Alexanders Ragtime Band"... and my smoldering favorite- "No other love can ever do." Whew!!!

Ms. Caryl... thank you SO much for so small your offerings to the music world- simply one more gleaming facet of the creative jewel you are! Why the fates would leave us so few examples of such a naturally beautiful voice as yours- and why your home is not filled with Grammy's?... one is only left to wonder after hearing you sing!

Oscars?

Lord hug you tight... - Butchie

PS- How will we get your CD here in your blog so all may hear? Also- I will begin presenting your songs in my next upcoming "Diner" shows on our "Rock-it Radio" internet broadcast ( www.rockitradio.net ) I'll let you know when you're "on"!; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 10:45:00 AM PST
JR had this to say:: I think that predictability is why the Oscars had such a low viewing audience. Why watch when you already know who's going to win. Oh, and I really think Julie Christie deserved to win. _Away from Her_ hit me in the chest so hard. Her acting was top rate.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 12:11:00 PM PST
Shephard had this to say:: I don't think you're crotchety at all, Naomi. lol I totally understand every thing you said... except Sweeney Todd. I can forgive some of the adequate singing just fine... but they ruined this musical with excessive, outlandish splashing of blood and by putting the focus on the violence instead of character development. They removed ALL of the humor in the piece, except the Barber contest scene, and the casting was uneven at best. Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett was gross miscasting... Mrs. Lovett is a complex character, a sweet motherly lady whose exterior masks her dark capabilities and selfishness. I see no proof of any real character development in this film, and little if any contrasts remain. I do agree with you that Depp made a nice Sweeney. I also thought the cinematography was rich and stunning. But overall... a sadly missed (messed up) opportunity. Just my crotchety two cents, I guess! lol

I really liked what you said about Boyle and also Dee. I was a bit in awe of any 98 year old man who's still so lucid and eloquent. And that was preserved with that broadcast. And he's a neighbor of yours!

Thanks for the heads up on No Country too.. I think I'll pass on it based on your concise review. :)

Off topic, but I thought I remembered you saying you knew Ron Rifkin? We saw him in a play this weekend. Very good actor.
~S; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 1:05:00 PM PST
Jamie Dawn had this to say:: You said this post is just your opinion.
Well... WHY do you think we read your blog???
We WANT your opinion, especially on all things theater or Hollywood.
:-)
I thought Tilda Swinton looked like a corpse. She was so pale and needed some blush or something! She is pretty, but she needed some color that night!
I watched some of The Oscars. I think Ellen DeGeneres is a better host than Jon Stewart.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 2:26:00 PM PST
Shionge had this to say:: Hiya Noami, I was overwhelmed by your insightful comments and no you are definitely not crotchety old person, to me you are just one wise person who gaves your comments :D; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 5:34:00 PM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: Was it really necessary for Stewart to make a crack about "knowing where the Jews were sitting"? I thought we had gotten past that kind of humor years ago! No--I'm not Jewish, just respectful of other people's religious beliefs.
ABC's red carpet--make that "crappit"--coverage was awful, and incredibly boring. Michele Twozi used to be so vibrant. She looked and sounded dead and rained on. The jerk with her was just plain offensive. There was too much phony posing, which undercut the beauty of the gowns, which were the best in many years.; Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 9:24:00 PM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: I agree agree agree. I was disappointed in the best picture award. I've only seen clips but I know I don't want to see such a senselessly violent film. A young man in our community reviewed it for the Museletter and that was all I needed to hear (he thought it was the Coen brothers most violent film with no hope involved). I loved John's joke referring to all the violent films up for awards, 'does this town need a hug.' And "thank God for teen pregnancy (Juno).; Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 9:43:00 AM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: What a great commentary, Naomi. Since I didn't watch the Awards, but had to depend on the news Mon. morning, I really enjoyed your take on it.
I have La Vi En Rose on my Netflix list and it will be coming next. Dying to see it!
I saw on the national news the other night....There could be a housing development going up in your Hollywood Hills...where the sign is. Do you have any update on that?
I've been rather busy here this week and on Cloud Nine...my reason for not popping by any blogs. My blog entry from yesterday will tell you all about it.
Best to you,
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net; Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 4:43:00 PM PST
Rachel had this to say:: I enjoyed your review Naomi! I think it's great that you watch all these films and are so "in the know" so to speak!!

I do know who Hal Holbrook is and I've always liked him. I just recently found out that Johnny Depp is from KY.

So you are a crotchety old person!!! LOL; Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 6:15:00 PM PST
Charles William ( "Butchie" ) Olmstead had this to say:: Not a THING to do with 'Oscars' - but with dazzling stardom nonetheless! Finally figured out "Blogger's" instructions as to how to place/embed/ensconce Naomi's singing & 'Vamp' recordings into any given blog-site. I have the html "code" ( or whatever in blazes its called! ) that results in the appearance of an audio player of Naomis 4 songs... but am having trouble explaining how Naomi may now install her songs on her site for you all to hear! I spent most of yesterday morning & afternoon getting this figured out- but now am doing a poor job at a "walk-thru" for Naomi! ANYone think they might help?? IN THE MEANTIME: Those of you longing to "hear" this wonderful voice- please be welcomed to listen to her on my own blog-site where I also installed her songs!

Lord hug you tight... - Butchie; Friday, February 29, 2008 at 11:12:00 AM PST