Like most people, I’ve been watching the Oscars since I was a kid. When I was younger, I was more obsessed with the Oscars in that I would even track the odds for the nominees. Oscar nominations morning I would hold my breath hoping that my favorite star would be nominated. This Oscars, I was most excited because one of my childhood greats, Will Smith, was the favorite to win Best Actor. And this time, it was finally time for Will Smith to win!
I think most people like myself who grew up in the 90’s and on Fresh Prince, Men In Black and Independence Day, it’s like seeing one of our generation’s icons finally moving into that legendary status.
So it was a huge shock and disappointment when another great icon, Chris Rock, came on stage and he did his usual acerbic schtick and Will slapped him hard in the face. I couldn’t believe what I just saw. I thought it was for sure a skit or something despite the audio being cut off. The slap didn’t look like it connected but you could sure hear it. And not only that, Will then screamed profanities from the comfort of his front row seat. Maybe one of the two could have been doable, but the one-two punch was probably too much.
This was not the coronation that most of us had in mind for our King Will on Hollywood’s big night. After that, it was like the fun was sucked out of the room and you just wanted the show to end. It reminded me of the time me and a few friends went to Italy and everything was great until one friend had a meltdown because they couldn’t find the stores they had wanted to go to. This friend also didn’t have a cell phone and for some reason didn’t write down the addresses, so we couldn’t help look them up. It was a really bizarre-o sudden turn in mood and it ruined the rest of the trip. That’s kind of what Will Smith did. He just sank everyone’s night at that moment. Right or wrong, he basically erased everyone’s headlines and highlights. However, I’m still a Will Smith fan. I’m still a Chris Rock fan. I hope everyone gets the help and care they need.
But up until then, the show was great!
The three co-hosts, Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes came through with the zingers. Their skits were so natural and funny. I loved the COVID test skit where Regina took it upon herself to call up some of the hottest actors right now to come for a private test. I loved how game Bradley Cooper, Timothee Chalamet, Simu Liu, Tyler Perry were as they all jumped up on stage after their names were called. Who knew Regina had such amazing comic timing? The all-female hosts were an excellent choice this year.
And I know some people didn’t like the In Memoriam segment, but I liked that it was a celebration of life. Oftentimes this part of any awards show is just somber and well, boring. This is Hollywood. The people sitting in the seats are fun and entertaining and captivating. Shouldn’t they be honored in a similar way when they pass on? There is dignity and respect in celebrating those who have passed on. However, they could have done a better job at ensuring the portraits and names were in view as the dancers and singers performed.
The music this year was also great. Whether we admit it or not, the Oscar nominated song performances are always a hundred times better when they are performed by an artist you know. And this year, we got Beyonce, Reba, and Billie all up on the stage. And, a special bonus performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” featuring Megan Thee Stallion.
There were also a great blend of old and young Hollywood presenters. I loved the random mini reunions of White Men Can’t Jump (Wesley Snipes, Rosie Perez, Woody Harrelson), Pulp Fiction (John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman), and The Godfather (Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola). The funny but scripted banter during the presentations were also all very funny. I loved the chemistry between Simu Liu and Tiffany Haddish. These two need to be in a movie.
It was also so moving to see so many deserving winners on the stage. Troy Katsur’s win for Best Supporting Actor for CODA was a first for a deaf male actor and the second overall after Marlee Matlin (who was also in the film). His speech paid tribute to his parents and in particular his father who unfortunately was hurt in an accident. Ariana DeBose won for Best Supporting Actress and is the first openly queer female woman of color to win.
The Oscars this year even before the slap was already going through some controversy because of several categories being pulled from the live broadcast. I’m certain if we cut down on the skits. Cut down on the speeches. Cut down on the performances and montages. There would be time for all of the categories.
The title card moment of silence for Ukraine was also disappointing. After September 11th, I remember there was a big speech from Tom Cruise, so the Oscars has dabbled in the political and what is weighing on everyone’s minds. They talked about COVID, so why not about Ukraine? Very disappointing considering the irony of the violence that was basically celebrated later in the evening.
Except for the assault on Chris Rock, I though this year’s ceremony felt a lot like the other ones from before pandemic times. I hope next year they will consider removing montages and just stick to the funny banter between presenters, the co-hosts, and the awards. We also don’t need full performances of each song. A medley can probably suffice if it means more categories can be held live.
Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners. Thanks again to everyone who makes movies for fans like myself!
Commentaires