10 things on Oscar's 80th

I know it's overdue, but what the heck.

I actually liked this year's Oscars (and I began watching it I guess since late 90s or 2000). Probably because of the following:

1. Jon Stewart was really a blast. Think his one-liners on how Oscar, now 80 years old, is eligible for Republican nomination. And that punchline on "so vote your favorite Democrat!" How about that! I couldn't help but just laugh out loud at Hal Holbrook's dumbfounded face when he heard his name.

2. In the spirit of fun, I think everybody wanted to catch up on the mania. I loved that Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill take on Judi Dench-Halle Berry vibe, Cameron Diaz's cimenatography (which she corrected emphatically)... and what's up with the slippery floor that almost made the Colin Farell and John Travolta slip one of the most memorable moments for the next 80 years?

3. Once's very own Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova singing "Falling Slowly" (despite the inaudible voices) and winning the Best Original Song. That almost made up for Once being snubbed in the main categories. But still!

4. Marketa Irglova's make-up speech (can you believe the sound engineers cut her off). Laura Linney must really love Once. Did you see her beaming when Mar spoke about how the song was really about hope and all that? I must see The Savages.

5. Sorry Julie, you were devastating in Away From Her, but I just can't help but push my hopes for a Cotillard win. I think Marion was one for the covers that night. She really was beautiful and that speech sounds like you heard it from a classic Capra movie.

6. I dunno if it's mere gimmicky but I liked when the Coen brothers received their Adapted screenplay and Directorial trophies. And Ethan's seeming lost for words is really funny. And that what they are doing now is not necessarily remote and different when they were 11-year-olds playing with their Handycams.

7. The eloquence of Daniel Day Lewis. He seems to be really in it. First it was the SAG and then he capped it with something for the fathers-and-sons. Did the Brits once again prove they're better off even with the agonizing speeches?

8. The supporting wins are most truly deserved I think. Bardem's win and speech was a moment. He actually starred in almost (?) a hundred Spanish films (he was once nominated lead actor in Before Night Falls losing to Russel Crowe). For donning the mop-hair ("which will probably go down as one of the worst haircuts in history") and being Anton Chigurh, let's give it up for Jarvier, este, Javier Bardem (Jennifer Hudson, please check the spelling and put some thrill). Applause for Tilda Swinton's surprise look. That woman is monstrously tall. I sensed Alan Arkin was surprised himself. Swinton compared the statuette to his agent who looks almost exactly alike. Yes, even the buttocks.

9. Two records are worth noting: first-time nominated directors (don't worry PTA, you'll get your hands on that darn golden statue soon) and non-American acting wins since 1954 or 64?

10. As one of the sites pointed out, the price of honoring the good films need to be paid even for massive ratings plunge. The risk needed to be taken and thanks, the Academy put on with the show.