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Hugh Jackman's Oscar post-mortem is mixed
By April MacIntyre Feb 23, 2009, 12:41 GMT
Australian actor Hugh Jackman performs at the 81st Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA, 22 February 2009. EPA/Michael Yada / AMPAS
The Oscars seemed an exercise of going through the motions last night.
But it was this year's host Hugh Jackman who is getting the most mixed responses. His opening musical number fell flat for some, and Ben Stiller's Joaquin Phoenix bit felt out of place.
What was predictable was the big win for Kate Winslet, and "Slumdog Millionaire."
What was a bit of a surprise was the win for Sean Penn for "Milk", as the tide of Hollywood favor seemed to be washing over Mickey Rourke, who gave the most emotional (and profane) acceptance speech ever when he took the previous night's IFC Spirit Award for Best Actor in "The Wrestler."
The tone of the awards was all over the place, and the video montage that blended past and present nominated films was annoying; you want to see as much of an extended clip of each nominated film, not snips of similarly themed films interspersed when the Best Film noms were being presented. Also a trial was the far away screen shots of the Memoriam reel, where the camera kept focused of Queen Latifah singing on stage. I would have preferred to see the people who passed up close and in great scenes from their careers, not just the deeply missed Paul Newman.
But the show seemed to have no core to it, and even though Hugh Jackman is a great performer, his oeuvre is certainly not hosting. Will Smith, however, demonstrated some real stage presence with the swath of technical awards he doled out.
Perhaps the producers of the Oscars can channel some of that Danny Boyle "Tigger" spontaneity and let a real host run with the bulls and surprise us all next year.
COMMENT
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Older Talkback
page: 1
I think you are way off the mark. Jackman did a great job. He was so much better than any host in the last couple of years, except for maybe the last time Billy Crystal hosted. He was funny, entertaining, and kept the show moving along. What else are you looking for?
Hugh Jackman had a fantastic opening act but then disappeared for long intervals making this viewer wonder if he were coming back on stage or if the show would go on without him.
Ben Stiller's gag felt out of place? Come on man, it was hilarious.
I thought the show was fantastic. Hugh Jackman did a great job and was far more entertaining than previous shows in recent history. I liked the interspersal of the top pics for 2008 with previous winners with similar themes.
The awards for supporting and lead roles delivered by previous winners was brilliant.
The montage of the deceased could have been better. Did I miss Heath Ledger in that piece??
Best Oscars in years! It was indicative of how much the world has changed during the past year. It was not white bread America. It was the entertainment world, not just Hollywood. It was family - Heath Ledger and Kate Winslet and gay marriage. It was marijuana in the open. And it was loose without being undisciplined. And it was entertaining.
even though Hugh Jackman is a great performer, his oeuvre is certainly not hosting.
Right, because hosting the Tonys three times and having the ratings go up each year is demonstrative that he can't host.
Hugh Jackman was the BEST Oscar host in years, and I truly hope he's asked back every year hence because that's how you really do it.
I find it surprising that 'mixed' reviews have surrounded Hugh's hosting of the Oscars, he has easily given a superior performance to anyone since Billy Crystal! He entertained, even though the show format was not exactly perfect.
I thought it was a great show, with the exception of the Memoriam segment... how the heck did they screw that up so badly?
more like Hugh Jackoff
I was going to tape the Oscars this year but Hugh Jackman's opening number caught my attention right away. I loved that the whole 'Slumdog' cast was there to entertain and add a different flavour to the show. I also loved how winners from previous years talked about each nominee. I felt like the set was not a million miles away from the crowd but that the presenters were just having a conversion with us telling us how much they admire the five that were up for the award. I say good job to Hugh and all they creative minds that came up with such a great and different way to run the Oscars in 2009.
This oscar show was great. Hugh was the perfect host - they will have a hard time finding another even close to as talented as he is - I hope they keep him for a while. The opening number was adorable and hilarious - just like Hugh. And Queen Latifah was amazing. Well done, Academy. Except for your complete snub of Clint Eastwood and his amazing 'Gran Torino' (not ONE nomination??), I think the Oscar show was right on the money this year.
'his oeuvre is certainly not hosting'
Obviously you've never watched him host the Tony Awards, for which he's won one Emmy and was nominated for a second.
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Liz MFeb 23rd, 2009 - 13:51:59
I just want to say that Hugh Jackman is a true entertainer and his dancing and singing was superb! Don't believe anything else Hugh! I cannot believe that Micky Rourke was passed over for Sean Penn! This was a travesty. Also, another travesty is that Marisa Tomei was passed over for Penelope Cruz? There is no camparison. Tomei is definately the superior actress, without a doubt! These award shows are very bias and without merit and I truly believe the world agrees!
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