Across the Universe

"Across the Universe"in addition to being one of my new favorite films, is how I felt tonight watching the 80th Annual Academy Awards. I feel so far removed from Hollywood that I watched the show with a great deal of detachment.

Having seen only a small percentage of most of the films nominated, I was having to use my instinct to guess at the winners. It felt to me that most of the nods went to films or people who really merited the award versus a trend from years gone by where the Academy often gave the award to someone as a courtesy for their body of work, rather than for the film for which they were nominated. Tonight, Oscar could have gone to Ruby Dee and Hal Holbrook --both seasoned and talented actors-- for the fact that they have not earned the award before and their careers might be coming to a close.

Subjectively, I don't understand why "Hairspray" didn't garner some nominations-at least, for Production Designer. And the incredible film, "Across the Universe" was only able to squeak in a nomination for Visual Effects (of which, there were many. Eddie Izzard counts as one, doesn't he?)

The program itself felt very pedestrian. I wasn't bored but I wasn't wowed, either. I adore Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show" but he has not found his rhythm as host for this show...as yet. Johnny Carson is still my favorite host. And I don't really know if anyone could pull off what Mr. Carson (and Mr. Hope, for that matter) used to do because the times, they are a changed.

Red seemed to be the dress color preference for the ladies. God Save the Queen because everyone should watch and learn from Helen Mirren. What a class act. I personally would like the gown she wore and I would take one in at least two more colors. There were some gown duds but most everyone looked quite elegant. (OK, someone of fashion, explain to me the gown Daniel Day Lewis' partner wore. What was with the ginormous broaches and the red straps?)

My two favorite parts were when Jon Stewart brought back out Marketa Irglova to give her half of the acceptance speech she shared with co-writer, Glen Hansard for their Original Song, 'Slowly Falling" from the sweet little film, Once. And then getting to see a flashback clip of Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau together at the Oscars about to present an award for Best Director. Warmed the cockles of me Juno and the Paycock heart.

Marketa's speech reminded me that fairy tales can come true and dreams can be real. So I am setting a goal of winning an Academy Award for the 100th Centennial Academy Awards Show. Hey, if the older lady, Gloria Stuart from Titanic can resurrect her career and get a nomination, there is hope for me yet.

However, what I really want to do when I grow up is be Julie Taymor.