It's All HIS Fault....

Despite my best intentions to forego the Academy Awards and work tonight (since my fave 'Brothers & Sisters' isn't on), I got sucked in. One cannot simply ignore the melodious crooning, dapper style, smooth dance moves, and undeniable good looks of Hugh Jackman as host. Not THIS 'one', anyway...It's impossible.

SO, I sat. I watched that opening number and I.was.hooked. I Facebooked with friends who did the same. And now that Babawawa is interviewing the insipid Jonas Brothers, I am blogging. (I'll check back later for interviews with Anne Hathaway and the aforementioned Mr. Jackman, alias Wolverine. Caught Hugh, missed Anne. Darn.)

I wasn't into it, really, except for the killer drumline and the aforementioned Mr. Jackman's fancy footwork during the tribute to musicals. I was pleasantly surprised and am quite fond of the new way the Academy - or, rather, the production designer - has past winners coming out on stage to honor the current nominees. It's so positive, so affirming, so 'real' (though scripted), and I hope they continue this in future shows.

And then....Actor in a Supporting Role.

YES!!!!!!
Heath just had to win. It would have broken hearts if he hadn't. I've already shared that his death affected me in a way that surprised me. The tribute spoken by his family tonight moved me to tears. So tragic.

Kate's acceptance speech was heartfelt and yet so very deftly presented. This is a woman with a gift and a heart. I am so glad she won. And so glad she called out to her dad in the audience! What a sweet moment!

To quote a friend of mine, "I'm not really a big Sean Penn fan." Actually, I liked him as Spicoli. ;0) But I understand that his performance in MILK was amazing. I can say that his acceptance speech was that, as well as eloquent and moving. And thought-provoking. We live in a country that has elected, as he said, 'an elegant man' as our President. It is time for equal rights for all. Well spoken.

All in all, I thought this Oscars ceremony was better than anything in recent memory. I actually enjoyed it, and I thought the stage sets and visual effects were wonderful without being overwhelming. The actors took centerstage - as it should be. It felt simpler, more intimate, more personal. (um, as much as it can with that many famous wealthy people in attendance and us on our couches.....)

And, as the tabloids predicted, Brangelina got ignored. (Hey, they should have been honored just to be nominated...isn't that the line?!)

Lastly, just my own personal observation of one of the strangest moments tonight: Jennifer Anniston stood on that stage just feet in front of Brad & Angie, and she was the very best version of her charming, beautiful, smiling self. Absolute perfection. Way to go, Jen...put those tabloid rumors to rest.

We now return to your regularly scheduled lives.....