“It wasn’t quite Billy Crystal, but it certainly wasn’t James Franco,” would perfectly describe Seth McFarlane’s performance as the host of the 85th Annual Academy Awards.
Although many of his jokes were misogynistic—we wouldn’t expect anything less—he kept the show moving. He also appeared to stay sober throughout the entire event, a difficult endeavor for any host.
His opening monologue included a couple trite jokes about Mel Gibson and Rihanna and Chris Brown—sucks to suck, Chris Brown. McFarlane’s controversial musical number directed at various actresses, “We Saw Your Boobs,” reminded everyone about one of the greatest parts of movies: nudity. However, it also brought to my attention the fact that there is just not enough male nudity in films. Time to change this? I think so.
A very deserving Ben Affleck won Best Picture for “Argo.” Affleck was humble and full of excitement as he thanked the Academy and his wife of 10 years, Jennifer Garner. Affleck’s happiness was reminiscent of when he won the prestigious Best Original Screenplay award for “Good Will Hunting” at the 70th Annual Academy Awards, at the tender age of 25 years old.
On a side-note, is anyone else confused as to why First Lady Michelle Obama presented the award for Best Picture? I guess being the leader of the free world’s right-hand woman has some unexpected perks. Nevertheless, she looked beautiful and elegant. No surprise there.
If you weren’t convinced before that Daniel Day-Lewis is the man, his hilarious acceptance speech for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role in which he joked about originally wanting Meryl Streep’s role of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” would certainly sway your vote. His chiseled face, sexy British accent and ability to capture the essence of any character, has secured Day-Lewis’ place within the movie industry for life.
Ang Lee won Best Director for “Life of Pi,” shocking viewers everywhere. The film incredulously took home four Oscars – the most awards any one film received that evening, including the Oscars for Best Visual Effect, Cinematography and Best Original Score. Personally, I have never felt compelled to see this film, but after its big win, I’ll probably watch it On Demand.
Representing the ladies of the cinematic world, Jennifer Lawrence won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook.” This was her first Oscar, and she looked elated as she accepted her award. All I have to say about her minor tumble is this: Girl, I fell this weekend too.
The Oscar for Best Supporting Actress went to Anne Hathaway, making it her first ever Oscar win. There’s no arguing that the award was well-deserved. Hathaway graciously accepted the award, thanking her fellow actresses and actors. She has truly grown into one of the leading ladies of Hollywood and will only improve with age.
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride – I was happy to see that veteran Quentin Tarantino won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for “Django Unchained.” The last time he took home an Oscar, hip-hop was getting big and Bill Clinton was our president. It’s about time.
Tarantino glowed while giving his charismatic speech, which he ended by saying, “peace out”—reminding us why we love Tarantino.
All the starlets were dressed to impress. However, the men of the cinematic world seemed to misunderstand that the Academy Awards are one of the year’s most prestigious events. In addition to wearing a tuxedo, one is expected to be have a nice, closely shaven beard and possibly get a haircut—I am talking to you, George Clooney and Ben Affleck.
After such a great year for films, it is hard to be disappointed with this year’s Academy Awards. Overall: B+.