The Oscar After Party 2009

Well, that does it for another Academy Awards extravaganza. This year's show looked absolutely outstanding and had some of the best production values in recent memory. Hugh Jackman was an elegant and graceful host, the men were dressed in their finest tuxedos, and the women looked wonderful. Since I'm rather caught up in the moment right now, I would like to offer 8 things I loved and 8 things I hated.

Loved

1. Heath Ledger winning the Oscar for best Supporting Actor. His family's speech brought the entire house to tears. Beautiful stuff.
2. Hugh Jackman as one of the best hosts in years.
3. Danny Boyle's lovely speech and gracious behavior throughout the night.

4. Freida Pinto.
5. The recognition for Slumdog Millionaire, a truly brilliant film. Nearly every aspect of the film was recognized, and I am overjoyed that it won Best Picture. With a total of 8 Oscars, I hope America is ready to see what all the fuss is about.
6. Man on Wire won the award for Best Documentary (Long Form). It was a brilliant show.
7. Most of the young actors from Slumdog Millionaire on stage at the end of the night. It was a touching moment to see all those happy faces.
8. Anne Hathaway's dress... it was a stunner.

Hated

1. How much Kate Winslet loves herself. Simply unbelievable. This woman stole the award from Anne Hathaway who was far better in Rachel Getting Married and then congratulated herself like she was the best thing since sliced bread. Get over yourself.
2. Meryl Streep's quote when graciously complimented on being nominated for 15 Oscars. She turned to the person next to her and said "it's still not enough." Wow. You just lost my respect forever. Way to pull a Kate Winslet.
3. Will Smith wearing the cross of the Church of Scientology. Good job, Will. Now I find you creepy and sad.
4. Sean Penn.
5. Sean Penn's speech. This man is unquestionably the worst person in Hollywood since Michael Moore. He abuses his position of social prominence to talk about issues that he knows nothing about. No, people will not "be ashamed" of thinking differently than you. What an insufferable idiot.
6. Sean Penn winning the Oscar that Mickey Rourke should have won. There is absolutely NO QUESTION about this one, Mickey deserved this award almost as much as Heath deserved his. This was an incredible miscalculation on the part of the Academy.
7. Gus Van Sant. This guy looked snarky and bitter the entire night. Way not to be a gracious loser, loser.

8. Let the Right One In did not get nominated for best Foreign Language Film.

Well, there you have it. Congratulations to this year's fine films, especially Slumdog Millionaire.

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