With inspiring performances like the ‘tribute to musicals,’ it’s no wonder the 81st Annual Academy Awards moved me. The top hat, cat-tail suit ensemble worn by Beyoncé and her partner in crime Hugh Jackman was somewhat outlandish, but other than that it was truly a stirring exploit.
I’m not sure what was worse; this eccentric routine of Hugh’s or Ben Stiller’s ridiculous goatee get-up. If Stiller was supposed to be funny, he was trying way too hard.
Aside from that, Hugh did an admirable job hosting. He’s not known as a comedian but his humor was as present as A-list actors and actresses. It helped that he donned a stunning black tux and bow tie, reminding us of why People named him the Sexiest Man Alive.
The biggest winner of the night was easily “Slumdog Millionaire” which took home eight of its 10 nominations, including Best Picture. I found myself wondering what was so bloody special about this movie. What is a ‘slumdog’ anyway? Then, I simply gave them congratulations because the show was running a little too long.
Not to be overlooked was Brad Pitt’s latest project “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” This one led the way in nominations with a whopping 13, including Best Picture. “Benjamin” came up short in several categories but it did pick up three awards, including Visual Effects.
An acceptance speech that stood out to me was Kate Winslet taking home Best Actress for her role in “The Reader.” She was practically hyperventilating while trying to thank every person who ever came across her career path, but I gave her credit because it was a remarkable feat to take home the Best Actress award. Especially since she beat out Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie.
Speaking of Angelina, she looked absolutely stunning in her strapless black gown and emerald jewelry. On Yahoo.com, she and her man Brad Pitt got an A+ for fashion. They looked like a million dollars — which probably hits the expensive outfit nail on the head.
The most emotional moment of the night was Heath Ledger’s Best Supporting Actor win for his role in “The Dark Knight.” As his family accepted the award, they looked honored to be there in the company of so many of Heath’s peers. The assured us that Heath’s young daughter Matilda will see the award soon.
Rivaling that were acceptance speeches that touched on gay rights. Admirable to say the least; I hope at least some people caught the inspiring messages like I did. The Oscars seem like an awkward place to bring this sort of thing up, but this show reaches almost everyone in America so it was appropriate. Some of us definitely needed to hear what they had to say.
I was pulling for Anne Hathaway to get a major Oscar (she was bested in the Best Actress category), but nominations count. Through the entire night, fashions flared and charm radiated. It was a night of glitz and glamor, and a time for accomplished actors to be recognized.
Even if Jackman had to mention Angelina and Brad five times.
The LG Blog 