A Night at the Oscars - Host Hugh Jackman Was a Delightful Surprise

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Mostly sunny, high 35 degrees.

Maybe it’s because last year’s Oscars were cancelled due to the Writers’ Strike, or maybe it’s because there was nothing better to watch on TV, but last night, for the first time in several years, I watched the Oscars. And I’m glad I did.

Host Hugh Jackman was a delightful surprise. Who knew he could sing and dance? Another plus; there seemed to be an emphasis on the efforts that go into the beginning of the creative process—the vision and hard work of writers and others whose stories and imaginations give life to motion pictures. Bravo for that!

Anyway, here are some random impressions of the event:

Hugh Jackman – charming, entertaining
Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) – joyous, caring, grateful
Slumdog Millionaire Cast - stunned, proud
Penelope Cruz – glamorous, graceful
Tina Fey and Steve Martin – humorous, clever, well-matched
Sophia Lauren – indescribable
Shirley McClain – sincere, encouraging
Will Smith – plastic, scripted (My granddaughter, who used to be a big fan of his, commented, “He’s not funny any more. He’s way too serious.”)
Jerry Stiller – hairy, lost
Sean Pen – preachy, predictable
Bill Maher – whiney, jealous, a wolf in a sharkskin suit
Kate Winslet – pompous
Mickey Rourke – brave, humble
Heath Ledger’s Family – classy, courageous

Please feel free to share your thoughts.