Well, the Academy Awards have come and gone, with the writer’s strike settled just in time for all the Red Carpet glamor. So, how did I do with my picks? In the major categories (the acting nods, screenplays, director and film), I did a more than respectable 6 of 8, missing on supporting actress (Tilda Swinton over Ruby Dee) and best actress (my preference, Marion Cotillard beat my prediction, Ellen Page). I wouldn’t call the Swinton and Cotillard wins upsets, since I figured the races would be tight. The biggest upset of the night was in the documentary category when No End In Sight and Michael Moore’s Sicko lost to Taxi to the Dark Side.
How was the show? I thought Jon Stewart was ok as the host but not outstanding. I do give him serious props, however, for making sure that songwriter Marketa Irglova was given a chance to make her heartfelt acceptance speech. Her co-star and co-writer from Once, Glen Hansard, went first and after he was done, they cut off her mic and went to a commercial. When the show returned Stewart reintroduced Irglova and she made her lovely speech.
My favorite win of the night was the expected victory for Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody. It is exceedingly rare that a writer wins an Oscar for a debut film, but she deserved the golden boy.
For a look at all the speeches, outfits and more go to the official site.