This may be due to the return of our favorite host, Billy Crystal. Making his ninth performance as Oscar host, he entertained the crowd with wit and humor once again. Although some felt a few of his jokes lacked timeliness, most of the audience was pleased with his performance.
Taking the win for “Best Picture” this year was “The Artist”. This was first silent film to take home an Oscar for best picture in 83 years! The black and white romantic comedy from France is about the relationship between an old silent film star and a rising young actress. The story depicts how silent cinema has fallen off the bandwagon and has been replaced by the birth of the talkies. This unique film also held the “Best Actor” award was given to the star, Jean Dujardin, for his outstanding performance. It also picked up the win for “Best Director”, Michel Hazanavicius.
The most nominated performer in the history of Oscars, finally scored her third victory. Who other than the talented Meryl Streep? We are constantly hearing her as a runner up each year but she hasn’t been granted an award since “Sophie’s Choice” in 1983. This year she received her well deserved win for “Best Actress” in “The Iron Lady”. In this film, she plays a former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
Christopher Plummer, became the oldest actor to score the Oscar treasure, for “Best Supporting Actor” in “Beginners”. Gazing at his shiny gold reward the clever actor says, “You’re only two years older than me, darling. “Where have you been all my life?” As for “Best Supporting Actress”, Octavia Spencer snags it for her breathtaking role in “The Help”.
Woody Allen, who could not make the ceremony, took the award for “Best Original Screenplay”. He directed “Midnight in Paris”, which showcased his imaginative mind through a compelling script that took us back in time to discover the great literary figures in the 1920’s.
Other memorable awards were for “Best Adapted Screenplay”. This was received by the trio of writers behind “The Descendants,” based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings. “A Separation” won “Best Foreign Language Film”, “Rango” took the “Best Animated Feature” prize, and “Undefeated” collected the award for “Best Documentary”. Bret McKenzie, known for his role in “Flight of the Concords”, captured the award for “Best Original Song” in “The Muppets”, titled “Man or Muppet”.
The 84th Academy Awards show had some particular highlights. Not surprisingly, the opening act with Oscar pro, Billy Crystal. He began with his signature song and dance, following it with a hilarious montage of clips from the year’s favorite nominated films with him as the star. Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez caused a bit of a stir when showcasing their curvy assets to the audience as they presented the award for “Achievement in Costume Design”. There was some talk regarding J-Lo’s skimpy silhouette. However, nothing was ever confirmed so it seems like the possible nip slip is actually slipping everyone’s mind. Another highlight was Octavia Spencer’s standing ovation for winning “Best Supporting Actress” for “The Help”.
The night was full of memorable moments that will make the 84th Academy Awards go down in history for the 2012 ceremony. The imaginative world of film radiated the entire place and shone right through to our on TV sets at home. Cheers to a night of success and brilliance!