Why not write about the Oscars

That's the question I asked myself after a few minutes of catching up on activity in the financial markets and the comments of politicians today. Take a break. After all, for probably the first time in my life I watched the entire event, from red carpet to the end. This year's Oscar presentations were billed by the media as less than exciting as no "blockbusters" were centerstage. Precisely for that reason, I guess, my knowledge of the films was far beyond normal. Many of those involved in the nominations had been shown at the small theater less than a mile down the hill from our house, a venue that is preferable to training into Manhattan or driving to a mall multiplex.

With that explanation, what follows are the highlights from this purely personal perspective:

---Seeing most of the Slumdog cast gathered outside in a group during the red carpet segment was special. Even the adorable young children were there. They seemed like an unusually happy family.
---Hugh Jackman's opening was better than anticipated, the Frost Nixon bit with Anne Hathaway was a thumbs up.
---The format for presenting the lead and best supporting actors and actresses was a gem, with five former winners for each commenting on and complimenting each of the five nominees.
---Phillipe Petit's jaunt to the stage joining the producers of "Man on Wire" was unexpected. Much older of course, but still a spark plug of throwback showmanship, with a little magic trick and balancing the Oscar on his forehead.
---Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix; sunk into the sofa I was a little slow on the uptake but the gag was all the more entertaining because of it.
---Penelope Cruz's acceptance speech was an emotional tribute to the international communities of film and art.
---The awards to A.R. Rahman as composer of the best sound track and best song were my preferred picks, but what astonished me was that this composer was the lead singer on the performances of his two nominated songs. That seemed unusual.
---When Heath Ledger's family accepted his best supporting actor award, the camera panned the audience and the number of recognizable performers with choking back tears grimaces on their faces told a story.
---The distinct charm of Kate Winslet showed up in her acceptance speech when she thanked her "mum and dad, where are you out there, dad give a whistle" and the whistle came, she animatedly reacted, the camera found a big faced man almost buried in his seat, face almost covered by a broad brimmed station hat.
---Mickey Rourke was my out and out favorite for the best actor award as his was a once in a lifetime performance. "Wrestler" will be a cult film forever. Sean Penn, however, is a winner that's almost impossible to argue with. The only real disappointment of the evening came when Penn caught his breath and did some political soapboxing. In these difficult and fractious times, we almost made it through the entire program without an actor lecturing the world. I have no problem with his content, but it would have been refreshing for him to have toned down his intensity and let the event speak for itself.
---"Slumdog Millionaire" won, and the entire entourage ascended.