Seth MacFarlane took a stab at hosting the Oscars Sunday night and everyone was ready for some off the cuff remarks and jokes that hit below the belt. Early on he didn’t disappoint but as the night went on the energy seemed to fizzle out. It started to feel like an awards show that was never going to end but was it Seth's fault? It would seem that there are just too many awards to squeeze into the allotted time.
"Argo" was nominated for seven categories and landed three wins which included the biggie, best picture. The Academy had their hands full with this decision but who could argue that this film wasn’t worthy? The film also won for best adapted screenplay and film editing. Ben Affleck’s rushed and somewhat lengthy speech at the end of the night was heartfelt. It was arguably one of the most moving moments of the evening.
"Life of Pi" rocked the house as they picked up a handful of golden statues during the live show which included nods for everything from directing to visual effects. Director Ang Lee was certainly pleased with the recognition the film received from the Academy.
Jennifer Lawrence won best actress in a leading role for her part in "Silver Linings Playbook." The actress managed to do the one thing that every star has got to be afraid of doing as she tripped going up the stairs to the stage to accept her award. It couldn’t have happened to a better person though because she shrugged it off with ease as expected.
Daniel Day Lewis grabbed the gold for top honors in the best actor in a leading role category for his portrayal as the sixteenth president in the film "Lincoln." Even though the actor opened his speech with, “I really don’t know how any of this happened,” his win was certainly no surprise to the general public and was expected by many.
The best supporting actor award could have gone to any of the nominees. Christoph Waltz walked away with it thanks to his performance in "Django Unchained." Waltz has once again proven that he can play with the big boys as Robert DeNiro, Tommy Lee Jones and the other nominees watched him claim his prize.
It was not a huge shocker that Anne Hathaway won the supporting actress Oscar. She is an amazing talent and her portrayal in "Les Misérables" has certainly broadened her fan base.
Quentin Tarantino accepted the Academy Award for best original screenplay and certainly delivered a captivating speech as he acknowledged that he chose the perfect cast for "Django Unchained."
Other notable portions of the evening included a glimpse back at some of the best musical motion pictures in the past decade, a 50th anniversary tribute to 007 and a final salute to industry greats who are no longer with us.
Catherine Zeta-Jones kicked off the musical tribute by re-enacting her "Chicago" performance of 'All That Jazz.’ The forty-three year old proved that she still has the goods. She looked fabulous.
Jennifer Hudson was next to grace the stage. She not only looked stunning and she blew everyone away with her rendition of ‘You’re Gonna Love Me’ from "Dreamgirls" gaining her a well deserved standing ovation.
The cast of "Les Misérables" led by Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman completed the musical treat of the Oscar presentation. For those who hadn’t seen the movie yet you can bet they have added the film to their bucket list after their powerful performance.
Halle Barry introduced a video footage tribute to James Bond. The film series celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Shirley Bassey, 76, serenaded the audience with her 1964 tune "Goldfinger." Bassey, like Hudson, received a much deserved standing ovation.
Adele performed the title track from the James Bond flick "Sky Fall." The new mom delivered and reminded fans that they still yearn for more from the star. She and co-writer, Paul Epworth, were honored for best original song by the Academy.
Barbara Streisand performed ‘The Way We Were’ in honor of the Hollywood talents who passed away in the past year which included composer/songwriter Marvin Hamlisch who co-wrote the song. Actors Ernest Borgnine, Jack Klugman, Charles Durning and Michael Clarke Duncan were among the actors who will certainly be missed.
Will Seth get the gig for next year’s show? The jury is still out on that one. What do you think?
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