Xixax Film Forum

Taking cbrad's idea...

Quote from: ©brad
what do you guys think about organizing an oscar poll? remember now, in doing this, you would be voting for what you think will win, not what you want to win.

...and combining the two, from the list below, post your picks: Who you want to win and who you think will win. Not necessary to do the whole (unless you'd like), just the ones you want.


BEST PICTURE
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
LOST IN TRANSLATION
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
MYSTIC RIVER
SEABISCUIT

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Keisha Castle-Hughes - WHALE RIDER
Diane Keaton - SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
Samantha Morton - IN AMERICA
Charlize Theron - MONSTER
Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Johnny Depp - PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
Ben Kingsley - HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
Jude Law - COLD MOUNTAIN
Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION
Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Shohreh Aghdashloo - HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
Patricia Clarkson - PIECES OF APRIL
Marcia Gay Harden - MYSTIC RIVER
Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN
Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Alec Baldwin - THE COOLER
Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS
Djimon Hounsou - IN AMERICA
Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER
Ken Watanabe - THE LAST SAMURAI

DIRECTING
CITY OF GOD
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
LOST IN TRANSLATION
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
AMERICAN SPLENDOR
CITY OF GOD
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MYSTIC RIVER
SEABISCUIT

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
FINDING NEMO
IN AMERICA
LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
BROTHER BEAR
FINDING NEMO
THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE

ART DIRECTION
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT

CINEMATOGRAPHY
CITY OF GOD
COLD MOUNTAIN
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT

COSTUME DESIGN
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
BALSEROS
CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS
THE FOG OF WAR
MY ARCHITECT
THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND

FILM EDITING
CITY OF GOD
COLD MOUNTAIN
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS
EVIL
THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI
TWIN SISTERS
ŽELARY

MAKEUP
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

MUSIC (SCORE)
BIG FISH
COLD MOUNTAIN
FINDING NEMO
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SONG)
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)
"A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" - A MIGHTY WIND
(Music and Lyric by Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole)
"Scarlet Tide" - COLD MOUNTAIN
(Music and Lyric by T Bone Burnett and Elvis Costello)
"The Triplets of Belleville" - THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE
(Music by Benoit Charest. Lyric by Sylvain Chomet)
"You Will Be My Ain True Love" - COLD MOUNTAIN
(Music and Lyric by Sting)

SOUND
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
SEABISCUIT

SOUND EDITING
FINDING NEMO
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

The African American denomination will sweep the Oscars.

BEST PICTURE
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS
THINK: Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Johnny Depp - PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
THINK: Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN
THINK: Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS
THINK: Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
WANT: CITY OF GOD
THINK: MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
WANT: FINDING NEMO
THINK: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
WANT: FINDING NEMO
THINK: FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

CINEMATOGRAPHY
WANT: COLD MOUNTAIN

COSTUME DESIGN
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

FILM EDITING
WANT: CITY OF GOD

MAKEUP
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
WANT: FINDING NEMO

VISUAL EFFECTS
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

I want LiT to sweep, but I have a sick feeling LotR will dominate.

I really want Hounsou and Castle-Hughes to win their respective categories, but they are huge underdogs as well.  I wonder about the Best Lead Actor category.  Bill Murray should win, though I haven't seen Mystic River, so I can't be sure.  From what I've heard Robbins is a lock for the supporting role, so that ruins it for Hounsou.  And the Theron hype is in overkill so that ruins chances for Castle-Hughes and even Watts, who deserves it, too.

And 82 seems to be trapped in two years ago.  :-D

Quote from: OnomatopoeiaI want LiT to sweep, but I have a sick feeling LotR will dominate.

its funny because i liked LiT better than Rotk, but i want Rotk to win.  i think the trilogy deserves it, and certainly jackson.  i'm up to my ears in lit overhype.  let the backlash begin!

BEST PICTURE
will.......THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
want....MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
will....Charlize Theron - MONSTER
want....Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
want/will.....Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
want...Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN
will....Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
want....Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS
will...Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
want/will.....THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
want....AMERICAN SPLENDOR
will...MYSTIC RIVER


thats about all.....

My picks for who I believe will win. Not necessarily who I'd like to see win. First things first though..

Oscar will make this the Lord of the Rings year. It'll win basically anything it's up for.

BEST PICTURE
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN (This makes me sick. But she will.)

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS (Either him,
Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER (or him.)

DIRECTING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
MYSTIC RIVER (I really have no idea here, but I'll venture a guess.)

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
MASTER AND COMMANDER (Either this,
SEABISCUIT (or this.)

CINEMATOGRAPHY
SEABISCUIT

COSTUME DESIGN
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
THE FOG OF WAR (Election year. This is a lock.)

FILM EDITING
SEABISCUIT (How sad that 21 Grams wasn't at least nominated.)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS (No idea. I've heard a lot about this though.)

MAKEUP
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SONG)
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)

SOUND
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

So, what is that, 8 Oscars for LOTR? That sounds about right.

The first one listed for each category is what I'd like to win. The second is what I think will win.

BEST PICTURE
LOST IN TRANSLATION; THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS; Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION;
Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER or Bill Murray

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN; Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS or Tim Robbins or Alec Baldwin;
Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
LOST IN TRANSLATION; THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
CITY OF GOD; MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
LOST IN TRANSLATION; LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE; FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING; THE RETURN OF THE KING

CINEMATOGRAPHY
CITY OF GOD or GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING; SEABISCUIT

COSTUME DESIGN
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING; MASTER AND COMMANDER

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS; FOG OF WAR

FILM EDITING
CITY OF GOD; CITY OF GOD

BEST FOREIGN FILM
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS; THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS

MAKEUP
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN; RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
FINDING NEMO; THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SONG)
"The Triplets of Belleville" - THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE
(Music by Benoit Charest. Lyric by Sylvain Chomet);
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)

SOUND
MASTER AND COMMANDER; RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
FINDING NEMO; MASTER AND COMMANDER

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE RETURN OF THE KING; THE RETURN OF THE KING

BEST PICTURE
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS
THINK: Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Johnny Depp - PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
THINK: Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN
THINK: Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS
THINK: Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
WANT: LOST IN TRANSLATION
THINK: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
WANT: FINDING NEMO
THINK: FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

CINEMATOGRAPHY
WANT: MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
THINK: MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

COSTUME DESIGN
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

FILM EDITING
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

MAKEUP
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
WANT: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
THINK: MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

VISUAL EFFECTS
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SONG)
MUSIC (SONG)
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)

BEST PICTURE
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS
THINK: Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
WANT: Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER
THINK: Sean Penn- MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Marcia Gay Harden - MYSTIC RIVER
THINK: Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WANT: Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER
THINK: Tim Robbins- MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
THINK: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
WANT: CITY OF GOD
THINK: MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
WANT: LOST IN TRANSLATION
THINK: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
WANT: FINDING NEMO
THINK: FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

CINEMATOGRAPHY
WANT: COLD MOUNTAIN

COSTUME DESIGN
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

FILM EDITING
WANT: CITY OF GOD

MAKEUP
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
WANT: FINDING NEMO

VISUAL EFFECTS
WANT: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

I don't know if this is too hard to figure out... but if your predictions take up double the space because you're putting the same film for 'want' and 'will', here's an idea: Put "WANT & WILL" on the SAME line. It's amazing, I know. Andyk can especially take note with a whopping 11 nominations with the repeated titles.
Anyway, it looks like shit.

Is it save to put all my money on Return of the King as best picture?
the odds are:

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King    1.08
Mystic River                                                       7.00
Lost In Translation                                             9.00
Master And Commander                                     30.00
Seabiscuit                                                         50.00

My only prediction is that there will be one absolute jaw-dropping stunner, because almost everything seems TOO easy right now.

Best bets to be victims of a stunner: Renee Zellweger, Charlize Theron

That's all I have to say about that....

Of the main categories, italicized are the ones I think will win.

BEST PICTURE
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
LOST IN TRANSLATION
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
MYSTIC RIVER
SEABISCUIT

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Keisha Castle-Hughes - WHALE RIDER
Diane Keaton - SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE
Samantha Morton - IN AMERICA
Charlize Theron - MONSTER
Naomi Watts - 21 GRAMS

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Johnny Depp - PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
Ben Kingsley - HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
Jude Law - COLD MOUNTAIN
Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION
Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Shohreh Aghdashloo - HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
Patricia Clarkson - PIECES OF APRIL
Marcia Gay Harden - MYSTIC RIVER
Holly Hunter - THIRTEEN
Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Alec Baldwin - THE COOLER
Benicio Del Toro - 21 GRAMS
Djimon Hounsou - IN AMERICA
Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER
Ken Watanabe - THE LAST SAMURAI

DIRECTING
CITY OF GOD
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
LOST IN TRANSLATION
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
AMERICAN SPLENDOR
CITY OF GOD
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MYSTIC RIVER
SEABISCUIT

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
FINDING NEMO
IN AMERICA
LOST IN TRANSLATION

Mine's the same as your's, GT. Only we know LOTR is winning Best Picture and LIT winning is a nice little pipe dream.

I have a feeling GT is going to be wrong about a lot of them, though...

HERE'S MY PREDICTIONS...

BEST PICTURE
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE  
Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE  
Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE  
Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
MYSTIC RIVER

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM  
FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

CINEMATOGRAPHY
COLD MOUNTAIN

COSTUME DESIGN  
THE LAST SAMURAI

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
THE FOG OF WAR

FILM EDITING
CITY OF GOD

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS

MAKEUP
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

MUSIC (SCORE)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SONG)
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)

SOUND
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING


Overall, I think LOTR will get pretty much everything it's nominated for. It's the perfect time to honor the trilogy particularly since the second one was kinda overlooked last year.

Think is for them.
Want is for me

BEST PICTURE
Think: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
Want: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Think: Charlize Theron - MONSTER
Want: Keisha Castle-Hughes - WHALE RIDER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Think: Sean Penn - MYSTIC RIVER
Want: Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Think: Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN
Want: Patricia Clarkson - PIECES OF APRIL

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Think: Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER
Want: Alec Baldwin - THE COOLER

DIRECTING
Think/Want: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
Think: MYSTIC RIVER
Want: AMERICAN SPLENDOR  

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
Think/Want: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Think/Want: FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
Think: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
Want: THE LAST SAMURAI

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Think: SEABISCUIT
Want: GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING

COSTUME DESIGN
Think: GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
Want: THE LAST SAMURAI

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Think: THE FOG OF WAR
Want: CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS  

FILM EDITING
Think: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING  
Want: CITY OF GOD

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Think/Want: THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS

MAKEUP
Think/Want: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
Think: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING  
Want: FINDING NEMO

MUSIC (SONG)
Think: "Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
Want: "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" - A MIGHTY WIND

SOUND
Think/Want: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

SOUND EDITING
Think: MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
Want: FINDING NEMO

VISUAL EFFECTS
Think/Want: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

ok i guess i'll get into this

BEST PICTURE
want: LOST IN TRANSLATION
think: LOST IN TRANSLATION (if lotr didn't get it in 2001 when they gave it to a beautiful mind, something tells me it won't win this year either... although i could be wrong, in which case i wouldn't be disappointed... also see 1977)

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
want: Charlize Theron - MONSTER (although i have not yet seen 21 grams for some strange reason)
think: Charlize Theron - MONSTER

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
want: Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION
think: Bill Murray - LOST IN TRANSLATION

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
want: Patricia Clarkson - PIECES OF APRIL
think: Renée Zellweger - COLD MOUNTAIN

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
want: Djimon Hounsou - IN AMERICA
think: Tim Robbins - MYSTIC RIVER

DIRECTING
want: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
think: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
want: CITY OF GOD
think: MYSTIC RIVER  

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
want: LOST IN TRANSLATION
think: LOST IN TRANSLATION

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
want: THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE
think: FINDING NEMO

lotr will get most of the tech awards

Quote from: Zigur RózIs it save to put all my money on Return of the King as best picture?

:?  :?
When will you learn....?
you'll loose your house and car soon.

Quote from: CinephileMine's the same as your's, GT. Only we know LOTR is winning Best Picture and LIT winning is a nice little pipe dream.

I keep hearing about LOTR being a lock for best picture, but I think its more gloss buzz. The film is the money maker and fan favorite of the bunch, but its also disliked by a lot by of film people. I think the Oscars are mainstream, but I also think they nicely overlook big blockbusters enough to guess (and hope) that the critical hit Lost in Translation will win. Its the only other film that seems to be major competition to LOTR in the public eye.

On second thought, the only one I picked I am second guessing is Bill Muarry for Best Actor. Some thought he was great, some thought he was just carrying over a personality. Of the likelies, I think Penn could get it too because his praise of acting is the most consistent and there is a feeling he missed out by not winning any of his previous nominations. Of course, Kingsley is going almost unnoticed when I think he was miles beyond everyone else in competition because his film has no press. Supporting Actress is the category of surprise winner so I think the female lead will get it there. Also, Charlize Theron is the closest thing to a lock in the whole bunch.

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetLost In Translation's the only other film that seems to be major competition to LOTR in the public eye.

i would imagine a Mystic River upset 1000 times before i imagine Lost in Translation.

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetLost In Translation's the only other film that seems to be major competition to LOTR in the public eye.

i would imagine a Mystic River upset 1000 times before i imagine Lost in Translation.

I would be ecstatic if Lost in Translation actually won.

i dont think it has a chance in hell at best picture, but i guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

Seabiscuit will win and I will be happy and I will laugh in all your faces.  :yabbse-tongue:

yeah for some reason i have a feeling that if anything beats LOTR it will be seabiscuit

Seabiscuit as spoiler, hmm?

I think the biggest possibility of an upset remains Mystic River. ... Never underestimate the power of beloved Clint Eastwood director an actors' movie full of big stars.

I really don't think Lord of the Rings will win.  Oscars don't really tend to like fantasy films.  (E.T. and Star Wars both lost).

It won't be Lost in Translation either... I think it's very possible it's going to be Seabiscuit or Mystic River, though I've had a really strong feeling that Master in Comander would win for a long time, I'm going against that feeling.

Other Predictions:

Theron gets Oscar and makes terrible acceptance speech.

Billy Crystal tries too hard

Kingsley beats Bill Murray and America cries

Brother Bear will win Best Animated film and Steve Jobs will climb on the rafters and start screaming

Shrek 2 will suck

Joan Rivers gets depressed, realized no one likes her, commits suicide, Johnyy Depp wins.

the Oscars haven't even started yet and already Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are stealing the show.

Last minute predictions all what I think will win:

BEST PICTURE
MYSTIC RIVER

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Charlize Theron

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Bill Murray

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Renée Zellweger


ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Djimon Hounsou

DIRECTING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING


WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
SEABISCUIT



WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
LOST IN TRANSLATION


ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
FINDING NEMO

ART DIRECTION
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING


CINEMATOGRAPHY
COLD MOUNTAIN


COSTUME DESIGN
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING


DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS

FILM EDITING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS

MAKEUP
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

MUSIC (SCORE)
COLD MOUNTAIN

MUSIC (SONG)
"Into the West" - THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
(Music and Lyric by Fran Walsh and Howard Shore and Annie Lennox)


SOUND

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING


SOUND EDITING
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

VISUAL EFFECTS
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING

OHH GOD WHAT I ASK YOU WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE RENEE ZELWEGGER ??!?

Quote from: phil marloweOHH GOD WHAT I ASK YOU WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE RENEE ZELWEGGER ??!?

She is the worst thing invented since Lisa Kudrow.

Quote from: SHAFTRShe is the worst thing invented since Lisa Kudrow.

truer words have never been spoken

Lisa kudrow does not deserve such harsh words.

I didn't see Cold Mountain... is her entire performance as bad as that clip?

JOIN XIXAX CHAT and we can all talk about the awards during commercials and after the show!!!

Quote from: RegularKarateLisa kudrow does not deserve such harsh words.

The entire cast of Friends must be held accountable for their crimes... except Jennifer Aniston.  She was in Office Space.

Kudrow was in Opposite of Sex... and did quite a good job, I might add.

EDIT: Sean Penn Winning = Bullshit
        Sean Penn's speech = More retarded than I am Sam

agreed

and rotk winning best film is bullshit

Best Picture
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Best Actor
Sean Penn, "Mystic River"

Best Actress
Charlize Theron, "Monster"

Best Director
Peter Jackson, "LOTR: The Return of the King"

Adapted Screenplay
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Original Screenplay
Sofia Coppola, "Lost in Translation"

Cinematography
"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World"

Foreign Language Film
"The Barbarian Invasions"
Canada

Original Song
"Into the West" from "LOTR: The Return of the King"
Fran Walsh, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox

Film Editing
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Original Score
Howard Shore, "LOTR: The Return of the King"

Documentary Feature
"The Fog of War"

Documentary Short Subject
"Chernobyl Heart"

Sound Editing
"Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World"

Sound Mixing
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Makeup
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Visual Effects
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Animated Short Film
"Harvie Krumpet"

Live Action Short Film
"Two Soldiers"

Best Supporting Actress
Renée Zellweger, "Cold Mountain"

Costume Design
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Animated Feature Film
"Finding Nemo"

Art Direction
"LOTR: The Return of the King"

Best Supporting Actor
Tim Robbins, "Mystic River"

Quote from: hacksparrowThe entire cast of Friends must be held accountable for their crimes...

what crimes?

I haven't seen this movie but why, why should we see this lame trailer bit time after time i believe a comment to this oscar show should be

sea biscuit whatever

I'm very very happy with the result of this night... I think I missed at 2 of my predictions... but the rest was predictable and OK... GO LOTR!!!

And for all the fuckers who didnt like the movie... screw you!!

Well I suppose I should have figured this would happen: RotK wins all of its 11 nominations.

Lost in Translation won Original Screenplay, which is what I'm happy about. Sean Penn won Best Actor, which I'm happy about despite how much I wanted Bill to win.

Murray certainly had a sourpuss look on his face from the moment his clip was shown to the moment Sean Penn was announced.

Poor guy. Comedians are so rarely honored.

This Just In...

The Academy has given the Best Director Prize to Apple Computers, the true creators of LotR.

What happened to NW she was of my perspective fantastic in 21 grams I now she didn't get ugly and didn't became ugly but does niples they shure needed to be given some kind af award meyby the commity should consider to make a new award for partly nudity.

Quote from: Find Your MagaliMurray certainly had a sourpuss look on his face from the moment his clip was shown to the moment Sean Penn was announced.

Poor guy. Comedians are so rarely honored.

Next time I see him I'll make sure to tell him, "Yea, well Sean wasn't even nominated for the Independent Spirit Award"

+[/size]
blake edwards tribute (what an entrance! hah)
jack black/will farrell singing (breathing sum much needed life into this tiresome show)
billy crystal's beginning (although not his best)
LOTR (i'm glad they all finally won)
sofia w/ best screenplay (she always looks so uncomfortable and out of place-- give us a smile or something)
the return of michael moore  :shock:
the mighty wind performance
using the billy madison score to segue into commercials (please don't tell me i'm the only one who noticed)
adrian brody freshinin' his breath- classic.

-[/size]
too tame-- fear of another nipple= no fun for anyone
pretty predictable
too much time devoted to best song (really, who cares)
best animated short/short doc./sound editing need to be taken off (through them w/ the other awards that don't matter during the science/technology show)
unmoving tributes/montages
playing the same cue from the LoTR score all 11 times (it got annoying- so many more inspired pieces of music they coulda used)
people who are nominated for awards should not be presenters. they do this every year. it's stupid to have fucking renee zellwegger up there presenting only to bring her back 5 seconds later for her award. it takes away some of the uhh.... glamour of going up there in the first place.

all in all[/size]
meh

i dunno, there will inevitably be a ton of trash talkin on the LoTR sweep (esp. on this board) but i'm glad it won. i just wished the show had a bit more...juicy juice.

I think the word "sweep" has been redefined...

:yabbse-angry:

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Frids%2F20040301%2Fs%2Fr652948264.jpg&hash=1753b99b907d6cbf358ce17fb2a98256d6141b77)(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Frids%2F20040301%2Fs%2Fr3789322660.jpg&hash=c39269b83f70c5f3a3f555c0dcd8837a2d408a96)
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Frids%2F20040301%2Fs%2Fr835062026.jpg&hash=3347b0c6ca8dfba36fd88c7f3163507b15d6137c)(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news1.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Frids%2F20040301%2Fs%2Fr2973557737.jpg&hash=e6604627ed328f946e30584d083780038197a1c2)
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news2.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Fap%2F20040301%2Flthumb.kdk24603010517.oscars_kdk246.jpg&hash=85526f6eaa7dc11603628d5fd2bab12810571b71)(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.news2.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fp%2Fap%2F20040301%2Fcapt.kdk26803010511.oscars_kdk268.jpg&hash=0204f8609c0db4baddc6057e1b6bca6d4ae3279e)

I can't believe LOTR won Best Picture.  The films were good, but not profound in my opinion.

Quote from: RaviI can't believe LOTR won Best Picture.  The films were good, but not profound in my opinion.

Well, it's not exactly like there's a long history of truly "profound" Best Picture winners.

But, all things considered, I certainly think ROTK, as the wildly entertaining capper of an unparalleled trilogy, was as "deserving" as just about any Best Picture winner ever.

©brad spoke my thoughts.  Great for Sofia, but poor Bill.  He deserves it, and won't get a shot for a long while, barring a miracle.  And the sweep sucked.  Jack and Will were the highlight of the show.  The opening speeches were corny, though that changed.  Renee winning sucked, but how dare you speak ill of Lisa Kudrow, who has true talent which hasn't really been realized all too much.

a few notes/thoughts from myself....

1. the oscars dont neccesarily mean shit.  sometimes they get it right and award the right movie/person, and in those cases its icing on the cake.  a lot of times they dont, and the person/film is soon forgotten.  oscar worthless to anyone but them.  

that having been said

2. charlize theron, unfortunately, will soon join a list of people who won oscars for standout performances, the likes of which they will never repeat.  adrien brody, hilary swank, charlize theron, etc.  these are not names anyone will remember in 50 years time.  tom cruise, if the bastard never gets one, will be.  the worst thing that could've happened to theron was to win tonite.  all the buzz/notice the nomination got her could've put her safely on a list of actresses continuing to do good work, but unfortunately i doubt it will happen.  this is the high point of her career/life, and its all downhill from here.  i feel sorry for her.  

3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.  for her to have an oscar and stanley kubrick to be without one is like a fucking joke.  its her second film, its goals were small and they were mostly accomplished.  unfortunately now comes the worst: trying to follow up a huge unexpected success with another one.  even if her next film is 'as good' as LiT, it wont be lookd at the same way, because then expectations were none and we were wowed more easily.  now shes an oscar winner and all eyes are on her next project or two.  if it runs in the family, she'll freeze up and probably never get this level of success again.  so again, her career/life is downhill from here.

4. lord of the rings, even though i am not a HUGE fan of the series, and the latest is possibly my least favorite with the most problems, i'm really glad they won and i think they deserved every one.  its almost ridiculous to even have to compare a movie that probably took 6 months from idea to final cut, to one that took 6 years.  one that took 1 month to film, or 1 1/2 years.  so sure, it wasnt perfect, but the goals were real fucking high, and you have to A. give them credit for trying and B. award them for getting most of the way there.  lost in translation is a beautiful sketch on a piece of paper.  lord of the rings is a 30 foot painting.  the figures arent perfect but shit, they went for it.  so good job to peter jackson for doing his part in helping to legitimize the fantasy genre and for the second sequel EVER to win best picture, (the FIRST where the predecessor didnt win).  wow, i never would've expected this a year ago.

highlight of the show was the ferrell/black song.  hilarious.  they need to work together.  heres my dream cast for a new comedy...
ben stiller, jack black, owen wilson, will ferrell, vince vaughn.  they've all worked together in multiples of a few, but never ALL in one movie.  THAT would be funny.

lowpoint, although i dont think murray deserved to win for this performance, i wanted him to win because he'll probably never be up again and i know HE wanted to win.  penn will be up 100 more times and now that depps in the club he probably will too.  poor bill, maybe by some long shot he'll be up for Life Aquatic if its really good (since the academy is usually ALWAYS a year or two late awarding people.)

I really felt bad for Bill. I think he should have won (although I haven't seen Mystic River so I can't compare). I think he should have been nominated for Rushmore and now that he lost for LIT I just don't think the academy will ever recognize a true comedian giving an excellent performance. Its such irony that  Zellweger won because her performance was so bad. I didn't for one second believe that she was that real character. She seemed so out of place in Cold Mountain IMO. These oscars were really boring IMO. I hate sweeps of awards. One Bright spot for me was the gorgeous Scarlett. She looked stunning.  :lol:

Quote from: themodernage02
3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.

i'm sorry but she really did

Quote from: themodernage02
4. lord of the rings, even though i am not a HUGE fan of the series, and the latest is possibly my least favorite with the most problems, i'm really glad they won and i think they deserved every one.  its almost ridiculous to even have to compare a movie that probably took 6 months from idea to final cut, to one that took 6 years.  one that took 1 month to film, or 1 1/2 years.  so sure, it wasnt perfect, but the goals were real fucking high, and you have to A. give them credit for trying and B. award them for getting most of the way there.  lost in translation is a beautiful sketch on a piece of paper.  lord of the rings is a 30 foot painting.  the figures arent perfect but shit, they went for it.  so good job to peter jackson for doing his part in helping to legitimize the fantasy genre and for the second sequel EVER to win best picture, (the FIRST where the predecessor didnt win).  wow, i never would've expected this a year ago.

I don't really care too much how long it took to make the film.  Didn't Waterworld and Heaven's Gate take a long time to make?  The LOTR films were entertaining to me, but they didn't move me.  I haven't seen Mystic River, which is supposed to be terrific, or Seabiscuit, which is supposed to be very good.

Quotehighlight of the show was the ferrell/black song.  hilarious.  they need to work together.  heres my dream cast for a new comedy...
ben stiller, jack black, owen wilson, will ferrell, vince vaughn.  they've all worked together in multiples of a few, but never ALL in one movie.  THAT would be funny.

That song was pretty good in an otherwise blah show, though I did like the opener with Billy Crystal in the nominated films.  I think I'll hop on over to the Scarlett thread and witness all the fawning.

Quote from: xerxes

Quote from: themodernage02
3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.

i'm sorry but she really did

well i guess we'll see about that.  but i have a feeling she wont live up to deserving that oscar.  (and keep in mind, this is coming from someone who saw virgin suicides on opening weekend and ranked it among his top 5 that year and Lost in Translation at a sneak preview and ranked it in his top 3.)  i liked it, but i still dont think it deserves it.  time will tell if she can deliver such 'great' writing to film after film, because i think she's gonna choke.  she cant handle this pressure, and she's gonna freeze up (because secretly she knows she doesnt deserve it either  its too much too fast too young).  i hope she can prove me wrong.

Quote from: RaviI don't really care too much how long it took to make the film.  Didn't Waterworld and Heaven's Gate take a long time to make?  The LOTR films were entertaining to me, but they didn't move me.  I haven't seen Mystic River, which is supposed to be terrific, or Seabiscuit, which is supposed to be very good.

yeah but you're missing my point.  waterworld and heavens gate were overblown pieces of shit.  disasters with critcs/audiences.  lord of the rings is (even if its not your taste) atleast decent/good films regardless of whether they're the deepest moving pieces of work you've seen.  they aimed really REALLY high and got a lot of the way there.  thats more than most.  its easier to set your sights on a mystic river and come away a winner than a lotr.  its more of a challenge and i think that should be taken into consideration.

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: xerxes

Quote from: themodernage02
3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.

i'm sorry but she really did

well i guess we'll see about that.  but i have a feeling she wont live up to deserving that oscar.  (and keep in mind, this is coming from someone who saw virgin suicides on opening weekend and ranked it among his top 5 that year and Lost in Translation at a sneak preview and ranked it in his top 3.)  i liked it, but i still dont think it deserves it.  time will tell if she can deliver such 'great' writing to film after film, because i think she's gonna choke.  she cant handle this pressure, and she's gonna freeze up (because secretly she knows she doesnt deserve it either  its too much too fast too young).  i hope she can prove me wrong.

even if you're right in your assumption that she will "freeze up" and never write another good film, the award she got was not a lifetime achievement award.  her future success has no bearing on this award.  the film she made, and was nominated for, was amazingly beautiful, amazingly well written and probably deserved best picture as well.  


and bill murray was robbed

I look forward to Sofia Coppola's next film, whatever it may be, more than Peter Jackson's next film, which is a remake of King Kong.

I don't equate scale with quality.  Lost in Translation was an intimate character sketch, whereas Lord of the Rings was like a gigantic landscape painting.  But I'll take Picasso's pencil drawings over an 8-foot tall Thomas Kincade painting.

I get the feeling that Lord of the Rings will not wear well with time, as its CGI effects will seem dated in 10 years.  Keep in mind, in 1959 everyone thought Ben-Hur was the greatest film ever made, now it plays like camp.

At the end of the day, Lord of the Rings is dependent upon effects that will seem antiquated as technology continues its relentless march.  Lost in Translation will hold up better with time, as it relates a more human experience that isn't beholden to cinematic gimmicks.  It simply tells a simple (but not simplistic) story about a life-altering love affair -- who cares if they consummate or not.  Sometimes the smallest, most intimate things that happen to us have the greatest significance.  What this film captures is something that might seem unimportant, like a glance or a casual conversation in a bar -- little moments in life that we'll remember on our deathbed.   When Bill Murray whispers in Scarlett Johannson's ear at the end, this has more dramatic impact than 100,000 CGI soldiers arrayed in picturesque columns.

I thought it was really cool that Sofia Coppola mentioned Godard, Fosse and Antonioni as influences in her acceptance speech.

And then Sean Penn mentioned not only the other nominees in his category, but he gave props to un-nominated actors like Paul Giammati.

So, I had to be at fucking work tonight, so I missed the Oscars live and settled for an EP tape.  And boy oh boy, what a perfect way to end up watching them.  After fastforwarding through speeches, tributes to the future zombies, and other blah blah, I blew through the show in under an hour.  I'm happy for ROTK, Jackson and the posse, they put their collective balls on the table and it paid off.  I'm not enthusiastic or anything, but better this then say... Gladiator, Shakespeare in Love, Titanic, etc.  A couple thoughts:

- Okay, I haven't seen Mystic River, so I can't necessarily say Sean Penn did/did not deserve the award, but god-fucking-dammit I so wanted Murray to win.  It just blows.  I couldn't help but laugh when Penn was taking the stage and the announcer mentioned he was nominated for 'i am sam.'  The most extraordinarily lame thing about Penn winning is that it was the ONLY time the whole night I was *surprised*.

- Three Cheers for Errol and finally getting his dues!

- Will this clean sweep stick in the sheep's minds long enough, so that when next year's awards roll around,  we get some diversity and surprises to the show?  Again, I love Rings, but I shudder at the thought of Academy Members just checking off the same movie in every box.

- Renee Zellweger is evil.  Evil evil evil.

This had to be one of the most boooorrring Oscars ever.

Two thumbs down.

I thought the awards were OK. I really do hate sweeps, and while RotK probably deserved all the technical awards coming for it, I don't think it should have won namely Best Adapted Screenplay. Probably not Best Picture either, but I'd be fine giving Jackson the Directing award. The only reason driving me to give it any of those awards is just the fact that a lot of work went into the trilogy, which I feel is a lame excuse. There were MUCH better films this year, obviously Lost in Translation being top of my list, and though they may have taken only a few months to complete and only a few million to fund, they should be rewarded moreso than the big gigantic picture that wasn't as good.

I'm sad too that Bill didn't win, but I bet this won't be his last chance at the podium. His career has taken a new turn with this film and also the Anderson films, and I think he prefers doing those films now as opposed to Osmosis Jones. I think Sean should have won it sometime before this year, or else sometime after (as he'll probably be nominated many more times). It's just a tragedy the Academy snubbed the comedic performance, though.

But on a side not, yes, Scarlett was simply beautiful. I thought Naomi was, too.

Is Bill's role in Life Aquatic gonna be good enough for a return visit, maybe? I just felt so sad for him but apart from that I enjoyed the show very very much. If Billy Crystals opening video and song turn up on the internet I'll be extremely pleased.

Good points, soixante.

In like 20 years, LOTR will be looked upon as a cheesy classic "a la Star Wars", fun but dated.

About Sofia's winning, I agree with it. Who should have got it if not her ? And the thing about Kubrick never having one and her yes being stupid is irrelevant, since anyone getting an oscar and Kubrick none is stupid.

Anyway to get some speeches on the net, I feel asleep during the LOTR song or another one of these new age thingy I don't recall.

Edit : Oh, and YESSSS for Denys Arcand !!!

You can get all the speeches here:
http://www.oscar.com/oscarnight/winners/

"Thank you. If there's one thing that actors know, other than that there weren't any wmds -- it's that there is no such thing as best in acting. And That's proven by these great actors that I was nominated with as well as the -- as well as the Giamattis, Cages, Downey Jrs., Nicholsons, etc. that were not nominated. We know how great all of you were. My daughter Dylan and son Hopper find it presumptuous and embarrassing to write a speech, and so I'm gonna give it a go without. God, I really thank Clint Eastwood professionally and humanly for coming into my life. The great, great cast that I had to work with, my friends. Where do you go? Dennis Lehane, Brian Helgeland, Ma. Dad. Robin, for being an undying emotional inspiration on this roller coaster I'm learning to enjoy. Thank you all very much. "

Quote from: themodernage02a few notes/thoughts from myself....

1. the oscars dont neccesarily mean shit.  sometimes they get it right and award the right movie/person, and in those cases its icing on the cake.  a lot of times they dont, and the person/film is soon forgotten.  oscar worthless to anyone but them.  

that having been said

2. charlize theron, unfortunately, will soon join a list of people who won oscars for standout performances, the likes of which they will never repeat.  adrien brody, hilary swank, charlize theron, etc.  these are not names anyone will remember in 50 years time.  tom cruise, if the bastard never gets one, will be.  the worst thing that could've happened to theron was to win tonite.  all the buzz/notice the nomination got her could've put her safely on a list of actresses continuing to do good work, but unfortunately i doubt it will happen.  this is the high point of her career/life, and its all downhill from here.  i feel sorry for her.  

3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.  for her to have an oscar and stanley kubrick to be without one is like a fucking joke.  its her second film, its goals were small and they were mostly accomplished.  unfortunately now comes the worst: trying to follow up a huge unexpected success with another one.  even if her next film is 'as good' as LiT, it wont be lookd at the same way, because then expectations were none and we were wowed more easily.  now shes an oscar winner and all eyes are on her next project or two.  if it runs in the family, she'll freeze up and probably never get this level of success again.  so again, her career/life is downhill from here.

4. lord of the rings, even though i am not a HUGE fan of the series, and the latest is possibly my least favorite with the most problems, i'm really glad they won and i think they deserved every one.  its almost ridiculous to even have to compare a movie that probably took 6 months from idea to final cut, to one that took 6 years.  one that took 1 month to film, or 1 1/2 years.  so sure, it wasnt perfect, but the goals were real fucking high, and you have to A. give them credit for trying and B. award them for getting most of the way there.  lost in translation is a beautiful sketch on a piece of paper.  lord of the rings is a 30 foot painting.  the figures arent perfect but shit, they went for it.  so good job to peter jackson for doing his part in helping to legitimize the fantasy genre and for the second sequel EVER to win best picture, (the FIRST where the predecessor didnt win).  wow, i never would've expected this a year ago.

highlight of the show was the ferrell/black song.  hilarious.  they need to work together.  heres my dream cast for a new comedy...
ben stiller, jack black, owen wilson, will ferrell, vince vaughn.  they've all worked together in multiples of a few, but never ALL in one movie.  THAT would be funny.

lowpoint, although i dont think murray deserved to win for this performance, i wanted him to win because he'll probably never be up again and i know HE wanted to win.  penn will be up 100 more times and now that depps in the club he probably will too.  poor bill, maybe by some long shot he'll be up for Life Aquatic if its really good (since the academy is usually ALWAYS a year or two late awarding people.)

Cheers. A really really really good post!!

Quote from: themodernage02a few notes/thoughts from myself....

1. the oscars dont neccesarily mean shit.  sometimes they get it right and award the right movie/person, and in those cases its icing on the cake.  a lot of times they dont, and the person/film is soon forgotten.  oscar worthless to anyone but them.  

that having been said

2. charlize theron, unfortunately, will soon join a list of people who won oscars for standout performances, the likes of which they will never repeat.  adrien brody, hilary swank, charlize theron, etc.  these are not names anyone will remember in 50 years time.  tom cruise, if the bastard never gets one, will be.  the worst thing that could've happened to theron was to win tonite.  all the buzz/notice the nomination got her could've put her safely on a list of actresses continuing to do good work, but unfortunately i doubt it will happen.  this is the high point of her career/life, and its all downhill from here.  i feel sorry for her.  

3.  sofia coppola is a similar situation.  she's too young, and she just doesnt deserve it.  for her to have an oscar and stanley kubrick to be without one is like a fucking joke.  its her second film, its goals were small and they were mostly accomplished.  unfortunately now comes the worst: trying to follow up a huge unexpected success with another one.  even if her next film is 'as good' as LiT, it wont be lookd at the same way, because then expectations were none and we were wowed more easily.  now shes an oscar winner and all eyes are on her next project or two.  if it runs in the family, she'll freeze up and probably never get this level of success again.  so again, her career/life is downhill from here.

4. lord of the rings, even though i am not a HUGE fan of the series, and the latest is possibly my least favorite with the most problems, i'm really glad they won and i think they deserved every one.  its almost ridiculous to even have to compare a movie that probably took 6 months from idea to final cut, to one that took 6 years.  one that took 1 month to film, or 1 1/2 years.  so sure, it wasnt perfect, but the goals were real fucking high, and you have to A. give them credit for trying and B. award them for getting most of the way there.  lost in translation is a beautiful sketch on a piece of paper.  lord of the rings is a 30 foot painting.  the figures arent perfect but shit, they went for it.  so good job to peter jackson for doing his part in helping to legitimize the fantasy genre and for the second sequel EVER to win best picture, (the FIRST where the predecessor didnt win).  wow, i never would've expected this a year ago.

highlight of the show was the ferrell/black song.  hilarious.  they need to work together.  heres my dream cast for a new comedy...
ben stiller, jack black, owen wilson, will ferrell, vince vaughn.  they've all worked together in multiples of a few, but never ALL in one movie.  THAT would be funny.

lowpoint, although i dont think murray deserved to win for this performance, i wanted him to win because he'll probably never be up again and i know HE wanted to win.  penn will be up 100 more times and now that depps in the club he probably will too.  poor bill, maybe by some long shot he'll be up for Life Aquatic if its really good (since the academy is usually ALWAYS a year or two late awarding people.)

You want to get a beer and go bowling sometime?  You summed up my own thoughts about the show just about perfectly.

The funniest Oscar moment for me was when the announcer called out Johnny Depp's name as one of the nominated actors and he turned and said "What?" to the camera thinking there was someone there.

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.  :)

my oscar night was waking up at 4:00 am (7:00 pm, california time) and watching the boring categories like best fluffer or something. so i switched over at another channel where they showed the best little whorehouse in texas. that was fun for about 5 minutes or so. and i switched over and it was pretty awful, i don't mind dedication to people who died and so. but the oscars makes it so vomit inducing that i nearly had enough. it's like: clap at the actor who meant a lot to you. we'll miss em for sho but i don't like the oscars way. i was shocked to see that sean penn was present at the oscars. that lead me to believe that he was going to win after all. i feel a bit sorry for murray but what ya gonna do? tough competition this year with depp and other dudes. so i was kinda glad that sean penn didn't look pissed off.

Actually, Stanley Kubrick has won an Oscar, for Best Special Effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey.  It is the Best Director trophy that forever eluded his grasp.  But he is in good company -- Welles, Scorsese, Kurosawa, Bergman, Fellini, Godard never won Best Director either.  Does that put things in perspective?

At least the Academy saw fit to give Lost in Translation something.  Best Original Screenplay is a de facto "Best Indie Film" award -- Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Crying Game, Good Will Hunting, Usual Suspects and The Piano.

On to the 2005 Awards, and Martin Scorsese's long-delayed Oscar acceptance speech..."I'd like to thank Harvey."

Quote from: soixanteActually, Stanley Kubrick has won an Oscar, for Best Special Effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey.  It is the Best Director trophy that forever eluded his grasp.  But he is in good company -- Welles, Scorsese, Kurosawa, Bergman, Fellini, Godard never won Best Director either.  Does that put things in perspective?

At least the Academy saw fit to give Lost in Translation something.  Best Original Screenplay is a de facto "Best Indie Film" award -- Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Crying Game, Good Will Hunting, Usual Suspects and The Piano.

On to the 2005 Awards, and Martin Scorsese's long-delayed Oscar acceptance speech..."I'd like to thank Harvey."

Good lord, I hope Marty never winds one, because he deserves to stay in that company.

And Good Will Hunting is a joke. Besides being a cookie-cutter script, it beat out Boogie Nights. BOOGIE NIGHTS!!!! Forever proving that every non-technical award is a total sham...

Quote from: soixanteActually, Stanley Kubrick has won an Oscar, for Best Special Effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey.  It is the Best Director trophy that forever eluded his grasp.  But he is in good company -- Welles, Scorsese, Kurosawa, Bergman, Fellini, Godard never won Best Director either.  Does that put things in perspective?

At least the Academy saw fit to give Lost in Translation something.  Best Original Screenplay is a de facto "Best Indie Film" award -- Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Crying Game, Good Will Hunting, Usual Suspects and The Piano.

On to the 2005 Awards, and Martin Scorsese's long-delayed Oscar acceptance speech..."I'd like to thank Harvey."

well here's the question.  and both ways could be considered wrong, but do you

A. award the movie/actor that TRULY is the best in that catagory regardless of what they have previously done or will do?  (meaning great actors who are consistently great could go their whole lives without oscar recognition because they are constantly beat by flashier (possibly better) performances by actors who may never do that well again.)

or B. award the movie/actor that deserves it for the body of work.  sure Gangs may not be scorsese's best, but he should have an oscar so should we give it to him?  i dont think penn was his BEST in mystic or murray in lit, should we give it to them for their bodies of work (highlighted by a recent great performance)?  

either way sort of seems wrong, but i'd almost want to side with B, because its better late than never.  and like i said, it just seems wrong what respected actors/directors/films did not win an oscar and what flashes in the pan have.  but i guess thats just my opinion.  

Quote from: Chest RockwellThe only reason driving me to give it any of those awards is just the fact that a lot of work went into the trilogy, which I feel is a lame excuse. There were MUCH better films this year, obviously Lost in Translation being top of my list, and though they may have taken only a few months to complete and only a few million to fund, they should be rewarded moreso than the big gigantic picture that wasn't as good.

no, lost in translation is a fucking thimble they had to fill.  lord of the rings is a fucking swimming pool.  peter jackson could make a lost in translation in his sleep over the weekend.  sofia coppola couldnt make lord of the rings if she spent 100 years on it.  just because its not perfect doesnt mean its not MORE of an acomplishment.
look

--------------LOTR GOAL-----------------------------



----------------------LOTR ACHEIVED---------------
----------LIT GOAL-----------------------------------
------------------------------LIT ACHEIVED---------


________________________________________

I have to agree. It's common knowledge that I found both films to be vastly overrated. But in a certain sense, LOTR can be seen as one movie, and pts 1 & 2 were amazing, and should've won the other years. Not saying this is a makeup thing, but I think the academy decided that, yes, we will wait 'til it's all over to actually really award it.

And seriously, if you're watching the awards actually expecting anything of merit... I mean, c'mon...

If I was in the LIT camp, I'd be pretty ecstatic that the academy even bothered with a few noms. That was a surprise in itself.

the good:
-sean penn winning....everytime they showed a clip of him in mystic river it made me realize how badass he was in it and the film itself.....
-billy crystal
-diane lane......damn she is hot....
-brody
-LOTR's sweep......

the bad:
-bill murray.. :( .....that capturs it...he WILL have other chances
-jack black...i find him so annoying...if i was 15 i would think he's comedic genius..
-sandra bulluck and travolta.. :roll:
-the annoying ABC pre-show....

the ugly:
zellewegger...........i agree w/ phil...what did we do to deserve her..?..everytime i see her on screen i want to take both my hands and pull her cheeks down so see can open her eyes properly.....and her cold mouhntain clip was awful..

I was upset last night.  I was sick of watching LotR win everything.  The below the line awards, they deserved.  I don't think it should have got:  Best Song, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Director or Picture.

I don't care how long it took them or how big of a project it was, etc.  I still don't think it was as good as the majority of the other nominees, and that is what should matter.  I'm not a LotR hater, I enjoy the films; but I'm sick of the (over)praise.

Billy Crystal is getting old.

Quote from: SHAFTRI was upset last night.  I was sick of watching LotR win everything.  The below the line awards, they deserved.  I don't think it should have got:  Best Song, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Director or Picture.

I don't care how long it took them or how big of a project it was, etc.  I still don't think it was as good as the majority of the other nominees, and that is what should matter.  I'm not a LotR hater, I enjoy the films; but I'm sick of the (over)praise.

I agree with this post.

Quote from: A Matter Of Chance

Quote from: SHAFTRI was upset last night.  I was sick of watching LotR win everything.  The below the line awards, they deserved.  I don't think it should have got:  Best Song, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Director or Picture.

I don't care how long it took them or how big of a project it was, etc.  I still don't think it was as good as the majority of the other nominees, and that is what should matter.  I'm not a LotR hater, I enjoy the films; but I'm sick of the (over)praise.

I agree with this post.

I agree with it too since it doesn't include the "Billy Crystal is getting old" remark. I really enjoy a guy like Conan O'Brien, but I prefer Crystal over guys like him. I trust Crystal to carry the show with his jokes -- and he did it again last night.

If LOTR recieved nothing, you guys would be picketing barefoot. Just because having something to complain about is so much fun.

Quote from: meatballIf LOTR recieved nothing, you guys would be picketing barefoot. Just because having something to complain about is so much fun.

yep

Quote from: Cinephile

Quote from: A Matter Of Chance

Quote from: SHAFTRI was upset last night.  I was sick of watching LotR win everything.  The below the line awards, they deserved.  I don't think it should have got:  Best Song, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Director or Picture.

I don't care how long it took them or how big of a project it was, etc.  I still don't think it was as good as the majority of the other nominees, and that is what should matter.  I'm not a LotR hater, I enjoy the films; but I'm sick of the (over)praise.

I agree with this post.

I agree with it too since it doesn't include the "Billy Crystal is getting old" remark. I really enjoy a guy like Conan O'Brien, but I prefer Crystal over guys like him. I trust Crystal to carry the show with his jokes -- and he did it again last night.

My Crystal comment was directed at his age, not his routine.

Quote from: SHAFTRMy Crystal comment was directed at his age, not his routine.

Oh, thank god. I always figured you knew good comedy.  :wink:

the show sucked. crystal sucked. i thought i'd finally watch the oscars and cos of the time differance i had to give up a nights sleep for this. bloody hell

Quote from: phil marlowe on the oscars(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xixax.com%2Fimages%2Favatars%2F136444616403280ca926a5.gif&hash=211f59e5c8b56c87a0b31995059ddb6346fc2a7f)

ha ha very true





i'll go to bed now

I don't think Scorsese should have won for Gangs.  If anyone has done great work for decades and not been recognized, it is Roman Polanski.  Scorsese's my favorite director, but I don't mind Polanski winning, because he's a truly great filmmaker.  If Scorsese wins, I hope it is based on merit, not sentiment.

I think directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy is logistically more difficult than directing a smaller film like Lost in Translation, but what matters is the end result.  Peter Jackson had more time, money and people at his disposal than Sofia Coppola had for her film.  Also, all the CGI at Jackson's disposal did some of the work for him.  It is arguable to say what's harder, directing enormous battle scenes or getting nuanced, layered performances from actors.  It is really hard to get the right moment from actors to make a scene play, but Sofia Coppola has that ability.  

I even question the notion that LOTK is more ambitious than Lost in Translation.  From a budgetary and logistic standpoint it is, but maybe not from an aesthetic one.  Who's to say that the small, intimate, relatable moments in Lost in Translation aren't a greater achievement than LOTK's sound and fury?  As I have indicated before, advances in special effects will make LOTK look dated in time, whereas Lost in Translation, a film about recognizable human emotions, will always be relevant because human nature doesn't change.

Quote from: soixanteI think directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy is logistically more difficult than directing a smaller film like Lost in Translation, but what matters is the end result.  Peter Jackson had more time, money and people at his disposal than Sofia Coppola had for her film.  Also, all the CGI at Jackson's disposal did some of the work for him.  It is arguable to say what's harder, directing enormous battle scenes or getting nuanced, layered performances from actors.  It is really hard to get the right moment from actors to make a scene play, but Sofia Coppola has that ability.  

I even question the notion that LOTK is more ambitious than Lost in Translation.  From a budgetary and logistic standpoint it is, but maybe not from an aesthetic one.  Who's to say that the small, intimate, relatable moments in Lost in Translation aren't a greater achievement than LOTK's sound and fury?  As I have indicated before, advances in special effects will make LOTK look dated in time, whereas Lost in Translation, a film about recognizable human emotions, will always be relevant because human nature doesn't change.

a few things: 1. like i mentioned Jackson could make a small human film (see: Heavenly Creatures) if he wanted to and Sofia couldnt make 4 minutes of LoTr if she spent her whole life on it.  if she had won best director over jackson it would have been pitiful.  
2. lord of the rings isnt a landmark for special effects (with the exception of possibly gollum, the best CGI creation to date), some of the effects are kinda poor.  what makes lotr connect and what will continue to make it connect years from now (even when effects are miles beyond what they are now) is the small intimate relatable moments throughout the trilogy.  the human emotions will be relevant because human nature doesnt change.

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: soixanteI think directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy is logistically more difficult than directing a smaller film like Lost in Translation, but what matters is the end result.  Peter Jackson had more time, money and people at his disposal than Sofia Coppola had for her film.  Also, all the CGI at Jackson's disposal did some of the work for him.  It is arguable to say what's harder, directing enormous battle scenes or getting nuanced, layered performances from actors.  It is really hard to get the right moment from actors to make a scene play, but Sofia Coppola has that ability.  

I even question the notion that LOTK is more ambitious than Lost in Translation.  From a budgetary and logistic standpoint it is, but maybe not from an aesthetic one.  Who's to say that the small, intimate, relatable moments in Lost in Translation aren't a greater achievement than LOTK's sound and fury?  As I have indicated before, advances in special effects will make LOTK look dated in time, whereas Lost in Translation, a film about recognizable human emotions, will always be relevant because human nature doesn't change.

a few things: 1. like i mentioned Jackson could make a small human film (see: Heavenly Creatures) if he wanted to and Sofia couldnt make 4 minutes of LoTr if she spent her whole life on it.  if she had won best director over jackson it would have been pitiful.  
2. lord of the rings isnt a landmark for special effects (with the exception of possibly gollum, the best CGI creation to date), some of the effects are kinda poor.  what makes lotr connect and what will continue to make it connect years from now (even when effects are miles beyond what they are now) is the small intimate relatable moments throughout the trilogy.  the human emotions will be relevant because human nature doesnt change.

1.  Lost in Translation is a beautifully made art film.
2.  Lord of the Rings:  Return of the King is a big dumb epic.

Quote from: themodernage02
A. award the movie/actor that TRULY is the best in that catagory regardless of what they have previously done or will do?  (meaning great actors who are consistently great could go their whole lives without oscar recognition because they are constantly beat by flashier (possibly better) performances by actors who may never do that well again.)

or B. award the movie/actor that deserves it for the body of work.  sure Gangs may not be scorsese's best, but he should have an oscar so should we give it to him?  i dont think penn was his BEST in mystic or murray in lit, should we give it to them for their bodies of work (highlighted by a recent great performance)?

i'd go with A. considering the structure of the awards, it really is the way it should be.

Quote from: themodernage02no, lost in translation is a fucking thimble they had to fill.  lord of the rings is a fucking swimming pool.  peter jackson could make a lost in translation in his sleep over the weekend.  sofia coppola couldnt make lord of the rings if she spent 100 years on it.  just because its not perfect doesnt mean its not MORE of an acomplishment.
look

this is a really ignorant comment. i'm a big fan of lotr and think that what jackson did was really amazing, but to completely disregard what sofia coppola did just because her film was smaller in scale is just wrong (or bitter?). now i don't really think jackson's somewhat campy style would lend itself well to a film like lost in translation. that's not to say that he couldn't make a small, quiet film that has all the power of lotr (which i think sofia has done). he could have it in him. but do you have such as grasp on the talents of sofia coppola to know that she could never make a good big budget film?

Quote from: SHAFTR1.  Lost in Translation is a beautifully made art film.
2.  Lord of the Rings:  Return of the King is a big dumb epic.

And the people say, "Amen."  Amen!

Quote from: SHAFTR1.  Lost in Translation is a beautifully made art film.
2.  Lord of the Rings:  Return of the King is a big dumb epic.

Quote from: themodernage02keep in mind, this is coming from someone who saw virgin suicides on opening weekend and ranked it among his top 5 that year and Lost in Translation at a sneak preview and ranked it in his top 3.

Quote from: themodernage02 on Sept. 15 2003just saw Lost In Translation.  wow.  this is one of those movies i just cant get out of my head.  been home for an hour, but the feeling of the movie is still hanging with me.  (i guess playing the soundtrack is helping with that too), but still.  this movie isnt a story so much as it is a feeling.  and you really feel something watching these people together.  and when it ends, its really sad to have to leave them.  this movie was my favorite of this year so far.  finally something worth watching.  fall is here.

Quote from: themodernage02 on December 17 2003i thought it was good, but i dont know if i was just tired or what but i didnt enjoy it any more than either of the first two.  i also thought the ending, ending, ending, ending was just terrible.  good for the extended dvd, but really who gives a shit?  it just went on for far too long i thought.  could've ended really as soon as the damn eagles picked up Frodo and Sam or any of the closest endings to that.  i dunno, i need to see it again. i was really tired.  the battles were pretty cool.  i also kinda felt like (as in matrix 3) a lot of the middle of the film i was watching the 'secondary characters' and not frodo or aragorn or anyone i really cared about.  also, liv tyler was in the film about 3 minutes, why does she have her own poster? also, i was under the impression from the talk about the film being powerful and everyone watching with tears in their eyes and some major players not living, that some of the MAIN characters were going to die.  but everybody really important survived.  i hadnt read the books so i thought it was possible frodo would bite it, or maybe one of the other hobbits or legolas, or shit SOMEBODY in the fellowship.  i liked it a lot, but the structure seemed to be too slavish to the book to cram in all this stuff and not enough of a movie plot.  i dunno.  i need to see it again.

well i dont really want to keep repeating my opnion over and over here against 10 other people, but i think i've said what i had to say.  i dont think LiT is that noteworthy in the grand scheme of things and even with its flaws i think LotR is.  i dont think its dumb at all.

is it just me or did Bill Muray look really piss when he did not win best actor? i KNEW lord of the rings was going to clean up. it  kinda sucks that the last two lord of the rings movie did not win anything and yet this oscar they did. hrm...
anyway
peace

Even if I loved LIT, I would still not be surprised in the least that it didn't win any awards (except the one, the typical screenwriting "apology" award). Oscar likes his movies simple, with external conflict, preferably big, and REALLY REALLY rich. I coulda told you a year ago that ROTK would sweep everything -- in fact I've BEEN saying that to my friends for that long. I thought everyone could figure that out...

Why are you guys getting so bent out of shape over this? Do awards really mean that much to you that the movie is only truly complete when it wins something?

I dream of a world where people can like both LiT and LOTK because there'd be a lot more people like me.

Lost in Translation was a beautifully heartfelt movie that emitted emotion like it was air.

Lord of the Rings was meticulousness taken to the Nth degree and raised the bar to near Everest levels for epics.

They both were great movies.

Live with it.

Quote from: RaikusI dream of a world where people can like both LiT and LOTK because there'd be a lot more people like me.

Lost in Translation was a beautifully heartfelt movie that emitted emotion like it was air.

Lord of the Rings was meticulousness taken to the Nth degree and raised the bar to near Everest levels for epics.

They both were great movies.

Live with it.

:yabbse-thumbup:  :yabbse-thumbup:

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: RaikusI dream of a world where people can like both LiT and LOTK because there'd be a lot more people like me.

Lost in Translation was a beautifully heartfelt movie that emitted emotion like it was air.

Lord of the Rings was meticulousness taken to the Nth degree and raised the bar to near Everest levels for epics.

They both were great movies.

Live with it.

:yabbse-thumbup:  :yabbse-thumbup:

:yabbse-thumbup:  :yabbse-thumbup:

...and love both these films and still love watching the Oscars every year.

I think the start of Penns speech is applicable to every catergory. Most of the people at the awards are film-heroes of mine. And although obviously, success isnt measured by awards it means a helluva lot to the individual. When there are only 5 nominees per catergory and I see so many great movies every year there are always going to be people left out. Although it reeked of auto-cue cuteness there's still a lot of truth in Sean Connery's opening.

the truest thing said so far is NEON about zellwegger's eyes. i never understood the hate GT and others felt for her but in the last few weeks seeing her phony soulless eyes over and over... f*ck. horrendous.

on the less evil side, i think the LotR sweep is about as surprising as any upset would hav been. too bad theron's career is Swankified now, she's not even that hot anymore.

on the hot/cute side, i wanna see whale rider now, that keisha chick reminds me of sumone i went out with damn. haha fran walsh is ok too. poor scarlett got snubbed by buck-tooth-rabbit again.. i'm starting to think sofia's not all that interesting a person -- she's bombed at every talk show she's been on, and always looks like she's had a frontal lobotomy. anyway, i'd still hit it.

erroll morris looked ready to start shit, i think they kept cutting away in case he lunged at the audience. he was also classy about the war, i liked it.

good show, not boring at all.

i just want to stress again how much i loathe the pre-oscar red carpet show. and i blame it totally, 100% on chris (forgot last name) and the two other blatantly inexperienced, overly-enthusiastic, braindead reporters they through out there. they ask the stupidest, stupidest questions, they make everyone feel uncomfortable and weird, they always ask  questions and immediately cut to someone else before the person has a chance to answer, they aren't the least bit funny,... point being, they just suuuuuuuuck. grrr, it makes me so mad.

there's too much emphasis on the fashion, an industry that's so disposable and empty, it's sickening.

Quote from: ©bradand i blame it totally, 100% on chris (forgot last name) and the two other blatantly inexperienced, overly-enthusiastic, braindead reporters they through out there.there's too much emphasis on the fashion, an industry that's so disposable and empty, it's sickening.

yeah, i hate those guys, plus did you see what they were wearing!??!

When are they gonna stop cutting to Nicole Kidman everytime Tom Cruise is mentioned and/or shown, and vice versa? As Zellweger was giving her speech and she thanked Tom - CUT TO: Kidman's reaction.

Quote from: MacGuffinWhen are they gonna stop cutting to Nicole Kidman everytime Tom Cruise is mentioned and/or shown, and vice versa? As Zellweger was giving her speech and she thanked Tom - CUT TO: Kidman's reaction.

haha i forgot to mention that! and cutting to peter weir everytime they mentioned new zealand, i hope that was ironic.

kidman was giving the biggest Kubrick stares i've ever seen in my life. she was channelling his spirit or sumthing, it was intense.

Ebert and Roeper are gonna be on Leno in a few minutes, if anyone cares.

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: ©bradand i blame it totally, 100% on chris (forgot last name) and the two other blatantly inexperienced, overly-enthusiastic, braindead reporters they through out there.there's too much emphasis on the fashion, an industry that's so disposable and empty, it's sickening.

yeah, i hate those guys, plus did you see what they were wearing!??!

why is this reply funny to me, and ironic.

fuck the oscars, that Scorsese comercial was the best thing all night.

"When did I loose the narritive thread?!"

of the things not yet mentioned

the worst was the awkward moment when that interviewer forced Castle-Hughes to meet Depp.

the best was when Connery kept saying "the movieejsh."

and Travolta recaptured my heart. in the end, that's all that oscar.

Quote from: nixfuck the oscars, that Scorsese comercial was the best thing all night.

"When did I loose the narritive thread?!"

Haha yeah that was great. Am I mistaken or haven't I seen that commercial several years ago?

Quote from: Weirdo1769movieMike

Quote from: nixfuck the oscars, that Scorsese comercial was the best thing all night.

"When did I loose the narritive thread?!"

Haha yeah that was great. Am I mistaken or haven't I seen that commercial several years ago?

i saw it a while ago too

I saw it here:

http://xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=1262

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: soixanteI think directing the Lord of the Rings trilogy is logistically more difficult than directing a smaller film like Lost in Translation, but what matters is the end result.  Peter Jackson had more time, money and people at his disposal than Sofia Coppola had for her film.  Also, all the CGI at Jackson's disposal did some of the work for him.  It is arguable to say what's harder, directing enormous battle scenes or getting nuanced, layered performances from actors.  It is really hard to get the right moment from actors to make a scene play, but Sofia Coppola has that ability.  

I even question the notion that LOTK is more ambitious than Lost in Translation.  From a budgetary and logistic standpoint it is, but maybe not from an aesthetic one.  Who's to say that the small, intimate, relatable moments in Lost in Translation aren't a greater achievement than LOTK's sound and fury?  As I have indicated before, advances in special effects will make LOTK look dated in time, whereas Lost in Translation, a film about recognizable human emotions, will always be relevant because human nature doesn't change.

a few things: 1. like i mentioned Jackson could make a small human film (see: Heavenly Creatures) if he wanted to and Sofia couldnt make 4 minutes of LoTr if she spent her whole life on it.  if she had won best director over jackson it would have been pitiful.  
2. lord of the rings isnt a landmark for special effects (with the exception of possibly gollum, the best CGI creation to date), some of the effects are kinda poor.  what makes lotr connect and what will continue to make it connect years from now (even when effects are miles beyond what they are now) is the small intimate relatable moments throughout the trilogy.  the human emotions will be relevant because human nature doesnt change.

Heavenly Creatures is not exactly a small human film, as it has plenty of effects.  Can Jackson make a film that doesn't have creatures and effects?  Who knows what Sofia could do with Jackson's budget.  I don't think it would have been pitiful if she had beat Jackson for Best Director -- I would have been overjoyed, as it would represent the triumph of an art film defeating technology and commerce (as Annie Hall rightfully  trounced Star Wars 25 years ago at the Oscars).

Also, for such a young woman, Sofia Coppola makes mature films, unlike arrested adolescents like Peter Jackson (and those other twin pillars of the Peter Pan Syndrome, Spielberg and Lucas).  I hope Sofia Coppola's Oscar will help other women get the greenlight.  It seems like most directors are guys who grew up reading comic books and playing video games.  Ms. Coppola mentioned her inluences in her acceptance speech -- Godard, Fosse, Antonioni.  No wonder her films are so good.  Notice how she didn't mention comic books or Spielberg?

didnt anyone else think fernando meirielles truly deserved the best director award among everyone else??????? ok lets just say besides peter jackson since it seems everyone thought he really deserved the oscar?

Quote from: soixanteMs. Coppola mentioned her inluences in her acceptance speech -- Godard, Fosse, Antonioni.  No wonder her films are so good.

Mentioning good filmmakers and making movies as important/influential as they did are two different things.

this thread would be really boring to read if we all had the same opinions. i thought this was one of the best oscar shows in the last couple years. i dont always agree with the academy, but i look forward to the awards every year. i actually enjoy billy crystal hosting. who else would have the balls to say what he did to bill murray after he lost?
highpoints of the night for me....
-sean penn winning best actor (i have been waiting a long ass time for this and it finally happened. he deserves it. amazing, amazing performance.)  8)
-if nothing else peter jackson winning best director. he put his heart and soul into this massive undertaking. i am glad the academy took notice.
-jennifer garner looked amazing!
-tim robbins winning best supporting actor. he was fantastic in his performance. he gets extra points for not spewing politics. it was also a really classy move to talk about abuse and such.
-sofia coppola winning best original screenplay. i thought it was a wonderful story that she wrote. she may write better in the future, she may not. it was personal and heartfelt. without a good story you have no movie. she had a great story and made a great movie.
-johnny depp getting recognized. he should have been recognized years ago. i dont know that i personally would have voted him into the best actor category for this particular performance (dont get me wrong, i loved it) i do think he has had better work in the past that went unrecognized. heres to J.M. Barrie's Neverland. may he pull out an oscar worthy performance.
-ben stiller, owen wilson, jack black, and will ferrell.

low points for me.....
-did any of these oscar nominated songs even play during the films? besides A Mighty Wind? the songs just didnt do it for me.
-best cinematography...come on, City of God should have at least won SOMETHING.
-uma thurman looked horrible.
-bill murray has won numerous awards already for his work in Lost in Translation. i know he probably wanted to win an oscar really bad, but he didnt seem to be a very good sport when he didnt get it. at least he got recognized. before Rushmore he didnt have a chance in hell, except maybe for Ed Wood. it was as if he was pouting. that was just my impression. i know billy crystals comments didnt help any.

all in all a great show. i cant wait to see what films come out on top for next years award show. here is to film in 2004. may it be a HUGE improvement over a less than thrilling year in 2003.

What was it Billy Crystal said when Murray lost? I can't remember... :)

Quote from: filmboy70-uma thurman looked horrible.

I think I'm the only person who thought she didn't look that bad.  Sure, my fashion education doesn't go beyond flipping through InStyle magazine, but I think she was just going for something a little different with that dress.  She's the only actress that, I think, could get away with it. I even thought that Diane Keaton looked alright in that Charlie Chaplin-like getup as well.  Originality usually lacks on the red carpet, so its fun to see people try something different.

Quote from: kotteWhat was it Billy Crystal said when Murray lost? I can't remember... :)

"bill, donnn't gooooo, bill don't goooo. hehehehe  :twisted: "

fucking twat.

it's lame how ppl are talking about the red carpet, i didn't even see that shit.

Quote from: kotteWhat was it Billy Crystal said when Murray lost?

"don't go bill, we love u."

Quote from: soixanteMs. Coppola mentioned her inluences in her acceptance speech -- Godard, Fosse, Antonioni.  No wonder her films are so good.

Don't forget she mentioned Wong Kar-Wai, whose In the Mood For Love, LiT reminded me the most of.

Quote from: soixanteI don't think it would have been pitiful if she had beat Jackson for Best Director -- I would have been overjoyed, as it would represent the triumph of an art film defeating technology and commerce (as Annie Hall rightfully trounced Star Wars 25 years ago at the Oscars).

If I may put my two cents into this conversation, I'm a little distressed by this comment.  Not because I'm one of those people that wonders how anyone would dare not give Peter Jackson his due; I'm not.  I'm also not a huge Tolkien freak either.  I'm bothered by that because it leaves a lot open for interpretation.  

I'm not trying to nitpick your statement but to me, it seems like you're saying that all art films are good and anything with a budget over $5 million is worthless, or at least less worthy. That's also to say that the Lord of the Rings films, commercial juggernauts though they may be, are artless.  I just have to disagree.  

It's not like we're talking about Pearl Harbor or some CGI-driven spectacle.  LOTR is a spectacle, certainly, but no more or less so than Ben-Hur or The Ten Commandments (just to name 2 off the top of my head).  The characters are archetypes, not stereotypes, as Robert McKee would say.  That makes all the difference, I think.  To write something off simply because it's escapist entertainment or makes use of technology bothers me as much as people who don't bother seeing foreign language, independent, or otherwise classified as "artsy-fartsy" films.

I enjoyed Lost in Translation, maybe not as much as most other people, but I liked it.  However, I think that The Virgin Suicides was a stronger film.  My major complaint about Lost in Translation was that, though it was a character study, I didn't feel very much like I knew what they were about so much as I knew what they weren't about.  I'm not looking for closure or a happy ending.  I just feel like a more accomplished writer/director would have been able to plumb some sort of depths that LiT just didn't.  Maybe it wasn't supposed to and that's fine; maybe I have to see it again, but that's the best way for me to explain what I thought was wrong with it.  But I do think that Sofia Coppola is talented and I look forward to her next project.

Quote from: soixanteAlso, for such a young woman, Sofia Coppola makes mature films, unlike arrested adolescents like Peter Jackson (and those other twin pillars of the Peter Pan Syndrome, Spielberg and Lucas).

That's just falling into the trap of "artsy-fartsy," only the other way around.  What is the definition of a "mature" film?  Like the only good films ever made are the ones where people are just sitting around arranging flowers and sighing.  That's not true and again, I say, there's nothing wrong with escapist entertainment, provided that it's done well (just like any film).

Quote from: soixanteNo wonder her films are so good. Notice how she didn't mention comic books or Spielberg?

In all fairness, neither did Peter Jackson.  

And what's wrong with comic books or Spielberg, honestly?  If it's a question of maturity or immaturity, then explain folks like me who pay our bills on time, have steady jobs, don't live with our parents, and still know every line to Raiders of the Lost Ark.

It's all about balance: comics and Spielberg are fine, so long as you balance it out with Nabokov and Satyajit Ray.  The opposite is also true.

hacksparrow is right.

It is true, that mainstream films can be artistic, and "art" films can suck.  But in spite of all the obvious effort and talent that went into the Rings films, I prefer the low-key craftsmanship of Eastwood and Sofia Coppola to Peter Jackson's visually dazzling style.  I feel that getting the intimate emotional details of Mystic River right is harder than making something like LOTK.  LOTK is physically harder to pull off, but Mystic River is emotionally and intellectually more difficult.  Lost in Translation and Mystic River seem like they are easy to make, but they could have gone wrong if they weren't done with the right sense of delicacy, whereas LOTK can always fall back on its admittedly amazing set-piece sequences if the story doesn't work for you.

Also, isn't directing actors part of the Best Director package?  By that measure, the acting in Lost in Translation and Mystic River outstrips LOTK.

For the record, I do like the Rings films, it's just a matter of how much I like them.  I liked Heaveny Creatures quite a bit, and Jackson is obviously the only guy who could have pulled off this whole trilogy.  Ultimately, for me, I think Mystic River has more profound things to say about the world than LOTK.  Mystic River is not merely a gritty, kitchen sink exercise in realism.  It looks into the souls of its characters, and it explores such timeless themes as the sins of one generation infect the next generation, and the inevitability of fate, and the foolish cycle of vengeance that continues on and on.  For all these reasons, I think Mystic River is the best film of 2003, and will emerge as a classic years from now.

LOTK examines such timeless themes as Good vs Evil, Fathers and Sons, Coming Of Age.

And as to directing the actors: how much did Sophia actually do in LIT? Or did she let Bill and Scarlett just do their thing? Will we ever know? Can we really say who "directed" the actors better? Better acting does not always mean better directing...

Quote from: SoNowThenLOTK examines such timeless themes as Good vs Evil, Fathers and Sons, Coming Of Age.

And as to directing the actors: how much did Sophia actually do in LIT? Or did she let Bill and Scarlett just do their thing? Will we ever know? Can we really say who "directed" the actors better? Better acting does not always mean better directing...

Like PTA says...the directing lies in the writing. The actual directing on-set is more about watching the actors play...

For some.

In case of Fellini, he controlled virtually everything (maybe not so much for Marcello). Whereas other directors pride themselves on just letting the actors have total freedom (Altman, perhaps).

Has a lot to do with shooting style, too, really.


I'm just thinking that since Sophia had a much looser film (narrative wise), and was going for a more natural approach, she might have had to depend on the actors a lot more. Whereas Jackson, who had to supervise so many units, had to really keep tight control over his actors, especially since they shot soooo out of sequence. And in that case, it would seem like Jackson "did more" directing, in a purely literal sense, anyway.

Even if Jackson spent the better part of a decade making his films, I was touched more by LIT.  I don't think it was the best film of the year or anything, but the LOTR films for me were not much more than well made escapist entertainment.  I do admire his adapting and executing that large tome, though, so don't think I'm dismissing his hard work.

Peter Jackson this. Sofia Coppola that.

It should've went to Clint Eastwood.

Wow, for a second there I thought I'd open things up to a nice discussion of forms, formulas, and "what is directing" in accordance with this award...

and alas, we've gone down to __Versus__ again.

Fair enough.  

Quote from: soixanteI feel that getting the intimate emotional details of Mystic River right is harder than making something like LOTK.  LOTK is physically harder to pull off, but Mystic River is emotionally and intellectually more difficult.

I think of it as that there was a lot more at stake in getting Mystic River right than in doing LOTR, for the reasons you said before. Drama that sinks into melodrama can be just as awful as a poorly conceived special-effects odyssey but the special effects are an adequate substitute for story to some people.  Bad drama sticks out like a sore thumb.

Quote from: soixanteAlso, isn't directing actors part of the Best Director package?  By that measure, the acting in Lost in Translation and Mystic River outstrips LOTK.

You got me there.  But the performances in LOTR were a hell of a lot better than the ones in Titanic and they gave James Cameron a Best Director Oscar for that so...

But that brings me to what I noticed after I last posted.  It's not like the Oscars are based entirely on merit.  The nominations are but the awards show is just that - a show.  It's "how fun can we make this?"  I stuck to my picks from the day of the nominations and I got every one of them right (except Sean Penn but I know I'm not alone in that one).  It's a formula and all you need to know is who won what in the past and who didn't?

For example:

Al Pacino was nominated several times and never won until Scent of a Woman.  That year, he beat out Denzel Washington for Malcolm X (one of my favorite performances of all time).  Denzel won for Training Day (good performance but seriously...), beating out Russell Crowe for A Beautiful Mind (not the best movie but a good Crowe performance IMHO).  The reason Russell Crowe didn't win that year is because he won the year before for Gladiator, a lesser performance than both A Beautiful Mind and The Insider the year before that, which he lost to Kevin Spacey in American Beauty.  Crowe could have repeated but it was too soon after Tom Hanks' one-two punch in the early 90s.  (I don't know how these things get so complicated.)

And Mystic River got beat out by ROTK because Clint already won for Unforgiven in 93, best picture and director.  "Let's give it to the new guy Jackson who's made 2 good movies before this one and this one is the best of the bunch.  It'll be like rewarding him for all three movies."

They wouldn't give it to Sofia Coppola because she may be good but she hasn't quite paid her dues yet, as far as the Academy is concerned.  Someone might smell a rat if "Francis Ford Coppola's daughter" won best director her first time nominated.  So give her the screenplay award.

It's all about payoff for previous screwings.  That's why in recent years, my two favorite moments at the Oscars were when Almodovar won Best Original Screenplay last year for a foreign film and this year when Keisha Castle-Hughes met Johnny Depp before the ceremony.

I have yet to see Mystic River but it's on my list; regrettably I haven't been inside a movie theatre since Christmas day but I'll get to it.  In the long run, though, a lot of my favorite films were not major Oscar winners and I think it's more satisfying when a film doesn't win awards but it still manages to earn a place in cinema history.

I think better acting does mean better directing.  Bill Murray hit notes that he has never hit as an actor before, as did Scarlett Johansson.  Whatever Sofia Coppola did, whether it was giving them lots of freedom or giving them line readings, it turned out great.

I have noticed that actors are usually at their best working for directors like Altman and Scorsese.  If you want to see why Altman is so good, compare Donald Sutherland's work in MASH to his peformance in Backdraft or Lock Up.  Or look at Tom Skerrit in MASH vs. Tom Skerrit in Top Gun.

I think Kirsten Dunst and John Hartnett were at their best in Virgin Suicides.  Even James Woods hit some new, interesting, unexpected notes in that film.  I ascribe all this to Sofia Coppola's direction.

Fair enough. I can certainly agree with everything except Murray. I just found nothing spectacular about his character or performance in that movie. But that's just me...

Quote from: soixanteI think better acting does mean better directing.  Bill Murray hit notes that he has never hit as an actor before, as did Scarlett Johansson.  Whatever Sofia Coppola did, whether it was giving them lots of freedom or giving them line readings, it turned out great.

I have noticed that actors are usually at their best working for directors like Altman and Scorsese.  If you want to see why Altman is so good, compare Donald Sutherland's work in MASH to his peformance in Backdraft or Lock Up.  Or look at Tom Skerrit in MASH vs. Tom Skerrit in Top Gun.

I think Kirsten Dunst and John Hartnett were at their best in Virgin Suicides.  Even James Woods hit some new, interesting, unexpected notes in that film.  I ascribe all this to Sofia Coppola's direction.

I'm glad that you mention Altman because he is the best example I can come up to show that acting isn't everything.

Let me preface this by saying that I respect Altman and his contribution to cinema.  Without him, we wouldn't have the vast majority of the new crop of good directors. And I completely understand why he has the reputation he's got.  I think he is a smart man and I even met him once.

However...

I have been underwhelmed by much of his work.  I don't think he is a poor director; I just don't agree with his philosophy of filmmaking.  His desire to drop story and focus on the acting is just as irresponsible as Michael Bay's paper-thin character development smothered in CGI.  Occasionally, moments will spring up in Altman's films that are tremendous but a powerhouse performance in a misguided movie is no different from a giant metal spider in a misguided movie; Helen Mirren in Gosford Park (which I thought was a very overrated film with several great performances) is a perfect example.  

My greatest criticism of Altman's work is that he hasn't really grown as a filmmaker since the 70s.  Let's face it: visually, Altman is not the greatest and never has been; a lot of wide shots zooming into a medium or a closeup, he moves the camera like he's still in soaps.  But that's fine. It just gets a little exhausting.  Like I said, it's not that he's a bad filmmaker all around, but he's spent the last 25-30 years resting on his 70s laurels.

What I think of Altman can be best summed up by my thoughts after seeing Nashville, which I only saw for the first time in 2001 at a special screening.  The first thing I said was, "If I was around in 1975, this would be my favorite movie ever." That's to say that, years ago, he was the best around, but so many younger filmmakers that he has influenced have gone so far above and beyond him (The Andersons and Soderbergh among them) that they've rendered him obsolete as a filmmaker.

But that's me...

Going back to what you said about Lost in Translation, you're absolutely right about Murray and Johannsen; they were both phenomenal.  But acting is a device by which you can tell a story on film, as are special effects or stuntwork.  As it stands, acting is more essential to telling a story than FX and I hope it stays that way.  But acting is still only a part of telling a story and so the aesthetic success of a film cannot be judged solely, or even primarily, on the success of its acting.

Quote from: SoNowThenFair enough. I can certainly agree with everything except Murray. I just found nothing spectacular about his character or performance in that movie. But that's just me...

interesting you should say that, apparently he disagreed. this from the internet movie database...

Murray Upset at Oscar Result


Actor Bill Murray shocked guests at Sunday night's Academy Awards - when he refused to clap as rival nominee Sean Penn was named Best Actor. The Lost In Translation star looked annoyed when Nicole Kidman announced Penn had won for his performance in Mystic River. According to British newspaper The Sun, Murray later shouted at organizers, "If I knew this was going to happen, I wouldn't have bothered coming." The 53-year-old comedian has made no secret of his dislike of award ceremonies, and didn't show up to collect the Best Actor award at London's BAFTAs last month. Murray has said, "Awards are meaningless to me, and I have nothing but disdain for anyone who actively campaigns to get one. It's a really unattractive sight to see an actor or actress who really wants an Oscar. And you often see it on the show - you see their faces and the desperation is so ugly."

its like, why the fuck did he come then if he doesnt care. clearly he thought he was the best actor of the year and fully expected to win.  when george c. scott won for Patton, he didnt show up. neither did marlon brando when he won for The Godfather. both of them disagreed with the award for whatever reason. scott i beleive didnt come because he got snubbed in the past or something and was still pissed. murray is the biggest hipocryte of all. he says "its really unattractive sight to see an actor or actress who really wants an ocscar." well didnt he? thats why he showed up. he said he wouldnt have come if he thought he wouldnt win. i enjoy bill murray on film, but what a sore loser...my respect for him has diminished quite a bit. wow!  :shock:

filmboy, relax. read here.. http://xixax.com/viewtopic.php?p=124282#124282

damn...i thought i had the scoop. thanks.  :)

Per a previous post, I think Altman has a great visual style -- for example, McCabe and Mrs. Miller is visually stunning.  I can't see a great DP like Zsigmond working with Altman on a few movies if Altman didn't have a good visual sense.  Altman certainly has a nice sense of composition, but he also likes to "ruin" shots by panning or zooming, just to give a sense of immediacy to the drama at hand, or to make the audience aware they are watching a movie (something Godard does a lot).  A perfect example of this is the end of the Player, with a perfectly composed shot of Tim Robbins' house, then panning and zooming onto the top of a palm tree.  Why did Altman do that?  To make us aware that it is all artifice -- just as the voice-over announcer in MASH lists the cast names at the end of MASH.

As for Altman's ability to tell a story, many of his films are solidly structured but seem looser than they are.  MASH, for example, seems like it is tossed-off, but in fact it starts with Sutherland arriving and ends with him leaving for home.  Everything is seen through his character's eyes, which gives the audience a guide to follow through a chaotic environment.  McCabe and Mrs. Miller follows McCabe closely, and once he is established in Presbyterian Church, a series of "entrances" ratches up the drama -- first, Mrs. Miller comes to town and becomes his partner, then the company men arrive and offer to to buy out McCabe, then the hired killers arrive shortly thereafter.  Then, like all Westerns, there is a gunfight at the end.

Two of Altman's films, MASH and Gosford Park, have won Best Screenplay Oscars.  

Sometimes, storytelling is not Altman's strong suit (example: Ready to Wear), and in those cases all of Altman's stylistic devices don't work, just as any CGI trickery or Michael Bay-esque fast-cutting will not make a bad story into a good movie.  Like most directors, if Altman doesn't have a good script, he won't make a good movie.

But on that note, didn't Lardner say the finished product of Mash didn't contain any of his script (or something like that?), and Nashville was just a clump of pages with situations and character descriptions, but almost no dialogue, and that's argueably Altman's best film...

Quote from: soixanteAltman certainly has a nice sense of composition, but he also likes to "ruin" shots by panning or zooming

Take the quotation marks off of "ruin" and that more accurately expresses what I was trying to say about his visual style.

But like I said, he's got lots of admirers whom I admire so how can you not give him respect but I think that, especially now, he's let himself get way, way behind.

except in Short Cuts, where he did the best work of his career

Quote from: SoNowThenand Nashville ... that's argueably Altman's best film...

Quote from: SoNowThenexcept in Short Cuts, where he did the best work of his career

Quote from: RegularKarate

Quote from: SoNowThenand Nashville ... that's argueably Altman's best film...

Quote from: SoNowThenexcept in Short Cuts, where he did the best work of his career

To clarify:

Some may argue that Nashville is Altman's best film. I however, place Short Cuts above it. It seems that this is not a popular opinion, so in light of film history, Nashville is considered his pinnacle.

... It's funny scrolling up and down watching Trintignant's face go from no stache, to stache, and then back to no stache. And so on.

Quote from: Cinephile... It's funny scrolling up and down watching Trintignant's face go from no stache, to stache, and then back to no stache. And so on.

Better be careful. You could be the next to get stached...

wait. never mind.

Well if he starts a 'fan of the fro,' I'm fucked.

I'm behind, but some observations.

Some of the criticism levied at Altman are some of the exact same ones that were once said about Renoir.  Those two are very similiar directors, acting first and style comes along with it.

I agree with Cinephile on Eastwood, I was hoping he'd win.

To be honest, I tried to stache the T... it wasn't working... maybe I'll have to go fro further down the road.

am i dreaming or did they show Jason Schwartzman right before they announced Penn's win.......i could've swore that.....well, you know when the have the nominees in little boxes showing them live.........they showed showed Schwartzman and even had his name printed on there

i don't know why i would make this up........i did see the INdependent awards Sun afternoon, but i don't even think Schwartzman had any major roles this past year

does anyone have a tape so they can check real fast?

Quote from: bigideasam i dreaming or did they show Jason Schwartzman right before they announced Penn's win.......i could've swore that.....well, you know when the have the nominees in little boxes showing them live.........they showed showed Schwartzman and even had his name printed on there

i don't know why i would make this up........i did see the INdependent awards Sun afternoon, but i don't even think Schwartzman had any major roles this past year

does anyone have a tape so they can check real fast?

???

i remember seeing him in a commercial for a new ABC sitcom during the show. he wasn't nominated for anything, if that's what you're asking...

no, he's right.  during the cinematography award (i believe) the nominated "John Schwartzman" wasnt shown.  instead it was Jason.  i can only assume this was a huge mistake.  but i did a double take when it happened.

Quote from: themodernage02no, he's right.  during the cinematography award (i believe) the nominated "John Schwartzman" wasnt shown.  instead it was Jason.  i can only assume this was a huge mistake.  but i did a double take when it happened.

haha I noticed that too. Wasn't Jason laughing as soon as he noticed?

i figured it was his brother.  :?

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gothamist.com%2Fimages%2F2004_02_oschwartzman.jpg&hash=e589f97ced274579d02c4aaba0b6746f23067295)

Jason on left; John on right. They're half-brothers.

They look nothing alike. Isn't the kid from the princess diaries Jasons brother also? Are they full brothers or half also?

Quote from: StefenThey look nothing alike... Are they full brothers or half also?

*slaps forehead*

Quote from: MacGuffin

Quote from: StefenThey look nothing alike... Are they full brothers or half also?

*slaps forehead*

Yeah, seriously. That was the dumbest thing I ever heard.

mac, i believe the poor boy was talking about the dude from the princess diaries. NOT jason's half brother john. when you take a quote out of context like that, of course it sounds stupid. it's like if i said "i don't eat cock" and you quoted me as saying "i... eat cock."

You eat cock, Taz?

Quote from: taz.mac, i believe the poor boy was talking about the dude from the princess diaries. NOT jason's half brother john. when you take a quote out of context like that, of course it sounds stupid. it's like if i said "i don't eat cock" and you quoted me as saying "i... eat cock."

Hmmm..well he uses "also" which leads me to believe that it means, in addition to his first comment, like the use of also in the second sentence - "they look noting alike, but I'd also like to know if they're half-brothers.'"

But you can't deny the reason they look nothing alike is because they are half-brothers comment.

I didn't watch the Oscars this year. I actually didn't care about them at all, not even enough to try to spot the stars I like. Naomi didn't get best actress... meh.

Quotable, context-intact quote: "I eat cock." - Godardian

Quote from: godardian"I ... cock."

omg omg Godardian is a cock omg rofl !

Quote from: Pas Rapportomg omg... a cock omg rofl !

omg Pas is really excited by the thought of cock! omg! roflmfao!

Quote from: Cinephileomg     i  really excited by the thought of cock! omg! !

(taking things out of context is fun, I can see now why kids wanna become journalists)

Quote from: SoNowThenomg i  really excited by the thought of... kids

:lol:

Well, you know what they say, "if there's grass on the field, play ball. If there's no grass, it's artificial turf -- play ball anyway".




Tune in for the next episode of The Lost Honor Of Xixax Bloom.

Quote from: SoNowThen:lol:

Well, you know what they say, he Lost Honor Of Xixax Bloom.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Quote"We...made out...between two poles. a Philistine and an aesthete in...us... murder...a saint... recognize..."

~ Orson Welles ~

The truth will set you free.

ok. i knew i saw Jason on camera.
know how is he related to the boy in Virgin Suicides? he looks a little like him.......i'm talking about the one who goes to the party and gets punch and makes "eyes" at the mother

ok. i found out. he's also the one in Princess Diaries apparently:
http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:292865

yes, Robert Schwartzman who changed his name to Carmine presumably because he is singer for the band Rooney and didnt want the fact he is a coppola or the little brother band of phantom planet cropping up in every review, (not that it probably mattered).

I'd like to know how many Coppola's there are.

ok. i've heard of Rooney, but not HEARD Rooney.
when i looked them up in All Music Guide, they still mentioned Jason and Phantom Planet.......so the name change didn't work......now every article says he changed his name to avoid it.......but yeah, them Coppola's are everywhere!!!

Quote from: Chest RockwellI'd like to know how many Coppola's there are.

About 3 for every Wayans.