I wasn’t particularly surprised by Oscar Night, except for the larger than usual number of awards to foreign artists – not a bad thing.
But about those documentaries…. For those who don’t know, unlike the fictional films, Academy members do not vote in the documentary category unless they have gone to a screening and signed in, proving they have seen the nominated films. Few do. Maybe a hundred or so people; I am not sure. This means that division is essentially corrupt, controlled by a small group with an ax to grind. You saw the results last night.
Meanwhile, I had some fun dreaming of a new Casablanca. Doubt it’s possible.





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7 Comments
1. Dark Unicorn:Thanks, Roger. I knew I’d read there was something wonky about the documentary category; now I know why!
Feb 25, 2008 - 7:59 am 2. promoguy:-Scene-Stealth bomber in background revving up and ready to go.
-George Clooney holding Susan Saradon in his arms and whispers
“We’ll always have Fallujah”
Feb 25, 2008 - 8:46 am 3. Lem:They did have some sort of doc disclaimer at the end, when they briefly attempted to show how they handle the vote.
Feb 25, 2008 - 8:57 am 4. Cinabar:My two cents about the Academy Awards.
I did not see all of the Best Picture flicks so I am at a disadvantage but I felt that No Country for Old Men was just not up to historic Academy standards. Heck, itís not even up to the Coen Brothers standards. I love their movies with their mixture of violence and quirky humor but this movie had almost no humor and sunk to just another non-plausible and cynically violent flick. Javier Bardem was excellent, however.
I did not see There Will be Blood but Daniel Day-Lewis always gives a stellar performance so I have no qualms on that award.
I predicted several months ago that Marion Cotillard would be a solid choice for Best Actress and was not disappointed with her award.
I really liked Atonement but I loved Juno. If she plays her cards right and is selective in picking her parts, Ellen Page could be a major force in the industry for years to come.
Feb 25, 2008 - 11:06 am 5. Lem:I’ve got a job to do, too. Where I’m going, you can’t follow. What I’ve got to do, you can’t be any part of.
I’m no good at being a terrorist, it doesn’t take much to see that the Israeli/Palestinian problem don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. Someday you’ll understand that.
Obama in a letter to his Iman
Feb 25, 2008 - 11:58 am 6. Buddy Larsen:to that doc winner’s speech:
“Splay it again, Sham.”
Feb 26, 2008 - 7:02 am 7. Buddy Larsen:rewrite:
“Don’t display it again, Sham.”
Feb 26, 2008 - 9:49 am