My Oscar Commentary

I think I racked up an entire year's worth of television viewing while laid up in bed this weekend. Last night, I turned on the red carpet around 4:00, and I kept watching the Academy Awards straight through 'til the bitter end at 9:00. I really liked this year's show, especially:

• The opening act. I loved the whole "created in my garage" tribute to the nominated movies. Hugh Jackman was goofy and funny, and when he pulled Anne Hathaway on stage to portray Nixon - hilarious!

• The way the acting awards were presented, with 5 former winners coming out onstage and talking about the five nominees. What a cool and unique method of presenting an award.
  

• Steve Martin and Tina Fey's banter. They made me laugh out loud several times.

• The poise that Jennifer Aniston maintained. It could not have been easy for her to be on stage presenting while being stared down Brad and Angelina in the front row. I would have folded, for sure. Jen looked great.

• Ben Stiller parodying Joaquin Phoenix. Hysterical.

• Seth Rogen and James Franco in their short movie. More laughs!

• Heath winning the Best Supporting award. Besides his very composed famiy, was there a dry eye in the house? Not in this house.

• Natalie Portman, Alicia Keyes, and Freida Pinto: absolutely gorgeous.

• Kate Winslet's acceptance speech, especially when she had her dad whistle from the audience.
  

And because everyone likes to get in on the not-so-constructive criticism when it comes to the Oscars, here are the parts of the show that didn't really do it for me:

• Sarah Jessica Parker and Daniel Craig. They seemed really awkward together onstage.

• The whole "the musical is back" dance number. Kinda silly.

• Bill Maher's tuxedo jacket - was that leather?
  

• That Jimmy Kimmel/Tom Cruise commercial. Kinda creepy.

• Zac Efron's hair. You can't slick down a shaggy mop like that and still expect it to look good. Messy cool or smooth and classy - can't have it both ways Zac.

• I never really understand the whole production with the nominees for Best Original Song. This year was no exception. Kinda uncomfortable.

• Reese Witherspoons dress, hair, makeup. She's such an adorable woman, but I couldn't help thinking she looked like a bruise.

• Sean Penn's acceptance speech. He is so pompous. For goodness sake, thank your beautiful wife man!
  

Questions:

• What was the significance of Will Smith's lapel pin?

• Is Etta James more bothered by Beyonce singing "At Last" or by the same song being used in a Hoover vacuum commercial?