The Kolog

Some Notes on This Year’s Oscars

First off: the screen setup onstage for the 83rd Academy Awards looked amazing in HD from my living room…I imagine it was breathtaking in person.

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Though I am attempting to make a living, partially, on my knowledge of film sound, I remain confused as to the exact difference between sound-mixing and sound-editing.  Perhaps I shouldn’t feel ashamed, considering the Oscar for each category went to the same film–Inception.  My best guess is that sound-mixing refers to the amalgamation of sounds represented at the same time, while sound-editing means the cut from one sound (or set of sounds) to another “scene” or set of sounds.

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I’d like to thank Anne Hathaway, who has a striking resemblance to my lovely sister-in-law, and James Franco for reminding me that Cate Blanchett performed (to perfection) as both the Queen of England and the bard of American music–Bob Dylan.  Not only is she the most beautiful actress in the industry but also the most talented.

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Randy Newman‘s live rendition of “We Belong Together” stole the show.  I know some of you parents (and nineteen year old’s who grew up with the series) will disagree when I say that his song may have single-handedly  catapulted Toy Story 3 to a best-picture nomination.

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Luke Matheny, winner of the best “Live Action Short Film,” donned the best hairdo, and perhaps the top opening-line to an acceptance speech: “uh…I should’ve gotten a haircut, uh…”

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“Three years after the financial collapse, no executive has gone to jail.”  Really?  WTF?!?

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The segment during which the academy memorializes the actors, directors and others who have passed away over the past year always moves me, as it did again this year.  Thank god for Leslie Nielsen, Patricia Neal, Lynn Redgrave, Arthur Penn, Dennis Hopper, and the glorious, not to mention trailblazing, Lena Horne.

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So far, both acceptance speeches for The King’s Speech (best screen play and best director) have employed the trope of listening.  According to the screenwriter, stutters around the world “have been heard,” and according to the director, “always listen to your mother.”  Those of you who know me in many circles will understand why those sentiments ring so true in my own life.

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What else is there to say: Natalie Portman seemed to be the right choice.  I’m waiting to screen Black Swan on dvd, but the clip aired during the announcement of best actress nearly moved me to tears.  Perhaps the only honor greater than winning the award is having it bestowed upon you by the great Jeff Bridges.  Colin Firth, it seemed the role of a lifetime and it would’ve been a grave disappointment had the award for best-male-in-a-leading-role gone to anyone else this year.

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And then, there’s the best picture: Steven Spielberg’s presentation was profound.  Many in the know were not surprised that the award went to The King’s Speech, but honestly, anyone watching, or I should say listening, could have seen the writing on the wall considering that Colin Firth’s voice over, during the montage leading up to Spielberg’s announcement, relegated the other nine nominees to second place.

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