By Christina Espinoza / Inscape Editor
“I’d just like to dedicate this to the women and men in the military who risk their lives on a daily basis in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. And may they come home safe.” ( The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
By Christina Espinoza / Inscape Editor
Audiences cheered as Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin graciously drifted down from the Kodak Theater sky March 7 to host the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, but it was Neil Patrick Harris who set the stage for the hosting duo with an impressive opening Broadway-style musical number which convinced viewers that two hosts are indeed better than one.
Demonstrating this, Martin and Baldwin were on a roll from the start, taking jabs left and right at one another with undoubted wit and class. The hosts then directed their punches to all the Oscar nominees of the night and one at a time, took turns roasting and recognizing each one.
As the first Academy award of the night went to Christoph Waltz for best supporting actor in “Inglorious Bastards,” audiences seemed to agree with the Academy’s pick. Being Waltz’s first nomination and win, he humbly thanked the Academy; unfortunately the night proved to be inglorious with the other seven nominations for the Tarantino film.
One might describe their experience surrounding this year’s Academy Awards as simple. Unlike past ceremonies, there were no over-the-top sketches or extravagant set-ups. Oscar winners paying tribute to the real history and morals found behind those films based on actual events, appeared to be the theme.
Making history this year was “The Hurt Locker,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow, which walked away with an astonishing six out of nine Oscar nominations, including best picture and best director. These awards made Bigelow the first woman to win an Academy award for best director and the film to become one of the lowest grossing winners of all time.
“The Hurt Locker” is a film which gives an authentic account of life in an elite US army bomb disposal unit. It depicts the true suffering each soldier must endure in the grips of war.
Bigelow dedicated her Oscar to all the men and woman around the world who wear a uniform, not just military, but all those who serve and dedicate their lives to the aid of others.
Best supporting actress went to actor/comedian, Mo’Nique, for her moving performance in “Precious,” a film based on a novel of a failed mother who unremorsefully abuses her daughter Precious in violent and sometimes horrific ways.
Mo’Nique is best known for her comedic roles and performances; now with an Oscar in her hand she stands among the brightest stars. She gave a truly heart filled thank you to the Academy and later addressed the world, asking it to start loving again.
During the middle of the star studded night, a special tribute was paid to all the actors, directors, writers, crew members and other film personalities who passed on over the past year. This year’s “In Memoriam” video was played showing some familiar and some unfamiliar faces while James Taylor gave a touching performance of his hit ballad, “In My Live.”
Those who love Sandra Bullock only loved her more after her role in the film “The Blind Side,” based on the true story of Michael Oher. Bullock’s supporting role can be described opposite Mo’Nique’s character in “Precious,” wherein Bullock plays a loving and nurturing mother who wholeheartedly adopts an underprivileged boy only to help guide him through life to realize his talent.
In her acceptance speech, Bullock gave gratitude to her own mother and all the mothers of the world for inspiration, motivation and support to their children no matter where they came from; Bullock explained that this is what the film was about. She finished her acceptance speech by reaching out to audiences with a message that everyone is deserving of love.
“. . . there’s no race, no religion, no class system, no color, nothing, no sexual orientation that makes us better than anyone else. We are all deserving of love,” she said.
Sadly, “Avatar,” directed by James Cameron was predicted by many to take home the most Oscars of the night but the film, nominated for nine Academy Awards, took home only three statues, including art direction, cinematography and visual effects.
Though the three awards are thought to be well deserved by the many fans of the film, it was unexpected and disappointing that the film did not win best picture; especially when broken box office records proved the films strength.
In all, the 82nd annual Academy Awards was a class act from beginning to end. Like every year before, the Oscars stands to recognize and represent the hard work of actors, directors, producers, crew members, writers, music directors and other members involved in the tedious process of creating an art which captivates millions of people in a very real way across the world.
For a list of all the 82nd Academy Award winners, visit http://www.viewpointsonline.org.
“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for turning me on to such a groovy profession.” ( The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
“Did I earn this or did I just wear you guys down?” ( The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
“I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics.” ( The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)