There are more best than worst cause I am an optimist and I thought, for the most part, the show was great this year. Here goes:
Best- The Montages – Especially the action and comedy ones- I haven’t seen The Reader either, but putting it in the comedy section was inspired. Now I will probably laugh when I shouldn’t. The action montage just ruled- nuff said.
Worst- Irritating music playing while presenters were talking- While I like the idea of the throwback to a dinner club, etc. The extra music was distracting.
Best- The Stage and Seating design- They made it intimate and the old school club setting worked well.
Worst- Movie Musicals number- Yikes. I love musicals and I hated this. First of all, I’m not sure when the rule started that Beyonce isn’t allowed to wear pants, but it is time to change that. Girlfriend is hot as she can be, but it is getting old. The songs were too random and choppy sequencing just didn’t work. I would have been much happier to see the cast of Mamma Mia, period.
Best- Acting Award Presentations- It actually was an honor to be nominated because each nominee was given more than the obligatory name check.
Worst- Sophia Loren- I am all about the legends and older women owning their sexuality, but there comes a time, okay. The make up was bad, the wig was bad, the dress was reaaaaaaalllllly bad. Her delivery of her section seemed like it was done with eyes half way rolling. Meryl deserves better.
Best- Shirley MacLaine to Anne Hathaway- Even if it was written for her, Shirley made it feel like she was talking off the top of her head and Anne’s reactions were priceless.
Worst- Dark Knight doesn’t win much- I loved Slumdog Millionaire, but The Dark Knight got way snubbed. It was one of the best movies of last year, easily.
Best – Sean Penn’s speech- Mentioning in an honest way, as a friend would do, Mickey was gracious and touching. The opening line was classic and without being overly dark, he said exactly what he meant about prejudice.
Best- Danny Boyle’s smile- Effusive, genuine and contagious
Best- Dustin Lance Black- Whatever your opinion, there is never anything wrong with telling young people that they have value. He used his time up there to do something besides read a list of names. Good on him.
Worst- Cut to Angelina repeatedly during Jen’s stage time- It was in bad taste (but we knew it had to be done). It was like watching your divorced parents at a wedding and wondering how it is going to go. Surprise everybody! They are both grown ups so it was fine and a nice smile was exchanged.
Best- Kate Winslet’s dad- That whistle and her big wave to him was so adorable. It reminded you that she is just somebody’s kid and she wanted to wave to Mum and Dad.
