Academy Awards

Flawless! 4 million more viewers than last year’s record low watchers. Hugh Jackman did an incredible job as the host. He kept it classy, he kept it witty, he kept it funny. Better than ones in the past. I’ve never noticed what a hotty he is.

My favorite part was the performance in the middle with Beyonce & the compilation of hits from the 20s and 30s. GORGEOUS!

Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black’s presentation was too awkward though, not sure if she was nervous Brangelina was there, or maybe she’s just not funny.

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Go SLUMDOG Millionaire!!!! Nominated for 10 Oscars, wins 8. There has only been 7 other films in Oscar’s history (81 years) to have won 8 or more awards!

(2nd from right is Anil Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most famous actors, played the host of Who wants to be a millionaire)

The director Danny Boyle (also directed The Beach, 28 days later, Transpotting) with the child stars:

-Best Picture
-Best Director – Danny Boyle
-Best Screenplay – Simon Beaufoy
-Best Cinematography
-Best Sound Mixing
-Best Film Editing
-Best Original Score for composer AR Rahman
-Best Song “Jai Ho” – Rahman & Lyricist Gulzar

Slumdog Millionaire was about to go straight to film! Warner Independent pictures who was financing it dropped it, but immediately picked up wisely by Fox Searchlight and released in selected theaters November. SMART MOVE! This movie took 15 million to make, an incredibly low figure considering the turn-out. Out on DVD this week, but still in the theaters

World Love

With this Bollywood setting/story – meets British director/actor - meets Hollywood audience phenomenon.. rises incredible high promises for more international appreciated films for audiences everywhere. Now a Globalization in Cinema & Art, and not just in the Economy. Almost an oxymoron of a declining international economy market depressing individuals, but a incline in world cinema lightening the people’s mood. Now the focus shifting from money to love, hope, knowledge, experiences regardless of class.

It was too adorable to see the whole cast of Slumdog on Stage at the end for best picture! The little boy Jamal I am sooo in love with.

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[ Neighbors of Azharuddin Ismail, an actor in Slumdog, watch the Oscars outside of their home in Mumbai, India ]

Dev Patel (main character) and the 2 kid actors of Slumdog eat Pizza at the after party Governor’s Ball:

Mohammed Ismail, father of actor Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, the little boy character of Salim (Jamal’s older brother) is interviewed by a journalist in his home in a slum in Bandra, suburban Mumbai, India. It is said that the little boy was not an actor, but a random kid they cast from the slums to play the character. THATS TRUE TALENT! And what a fate…

A.R. Rahman performs “Oh Saya”

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Another surprising favorite moment for me was when the 5 female presenters (Sophia Loren, Shirley McLain, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry), and 5 male presenters stood before the audience and gave a personal speech to each of the nominees.

Anne Hathaway, best actress nominee was spoken to for her performance in “Rachel Getting Married”. The next Julia Roberts.

Best Actress – Kate Winslet for “The Reader”

Always so classy and beautiful. Genuine speech, announcing she might have practiced this speech when she was 8 in front of her mirror with a Shampoo bottle.

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Best Actor – Sean Penn for “Milk”

Another outstanding speech. Penn was not shy AT ALL about pleading the audience of their support for Gay rights and equal marriage. It was said that he was very blunt to anti-gay activists outside the Oscars. GO SEAN PENN!

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Best supporting actor – Heather Ledger for “The Dark Knight”

2nd actor to win an Oscar after death. His mother, father, sister accepting the award on behalf:

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A lot of attention was focused on Mickey Rourke, best actor nominee for “The Wrestler”, being applauded for his major come back/clean up after battling drug addiction for years.

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Fashion

I guess the Oscars fashion trend this year for women were the tube top look and big flowy bottom. Reminds me of my prom dress 10 years ago! Now I feel like Paula Abdul in this post, with nothing but good to say of the dresses our favorite actresses wore.. but they were truly unbelievably beautiful!

Best Dressed Women

Natalie Portman in stunning pink:

Halle Berry presenting: (FLAWLESS)

Freida Pinto, main actress Latika of Slumdog. She’s an upcoming model/actress star in Mumbai, and comes from a creditable family with a background in Entertainment:

Penelope Cruz, winning Best Supporting actress as Marie Elena in Vicky Christina Barcelona, as the mentally unstable genius artist lover:

Angelina Jolie, in a fitted black glamorous dress. The magic touch was the emerald jade matching over sized earrings and ring:

Although Jennifer Aniston sucked as a presenter, she’s still adorable and had on a pretty dress & great hair:

Heidi Klum, always cheerful, stunning, never anything less:

Alicia Keys presenting:

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Not that into it…

Jessica Biel‘s messy hair, pale makeup and odd ribbon dress:

Nor Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown: