“The King’s Speech” was the big winner at the Academy Awards, but there were some surprises. And they didn’t just come from the movies.
I wasn’t certain that the idea of James Franco and Anne Hathaway as co-hosts was going to be a success, and it really wasn’t. James was a bit weak, and Anne was a little over the top, and the monologue was awkward. I’ve got three choices for next year’s hosts: Kirk Douglas, Kevin Spacey, and Billy Crystal. They were all funny, charming and confident when they were onstage. Exactly what you need in a host.
The first big win was Melissa Leo for Best Supporting Actress, and one of the first big surprises of the evening was her F-Bomb.
I was glad “Toy Story 3” won Best Animated Feature, but disappointed that the Best Original Song award went to the film’s “We Belong Together”. It’s not a bad song, just not the one I would’ve chosen. But I’m glad he and the other performers nominated got to sing live on stage for at least a minute. Great to get back to traditions.
The “In Memoriam” segment was well-made, and not having a 10 to 15-minute long icon tribute helped speed along the show.
I thought it was interesting that the award for Best Director came before Best Actor and Best Actress because it killed a more lot of the suspense, than if it had come right before Best Picture as it usually does.
Some of the presenters were oddly chosen. For example, Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis presenting Best Animated Feature. JT voiced in “Shrek the Third” and “Yogi Bear” and Mila is a regular on TV’s “Family Guy”, but they weren’t the ideal to present this category.
I also liked the big set design and tributes to classic films like “Titanic” and the old Oscar shows hosted by Bob Hope.
Overall the Academy may not have hit the mark with the hosts, but they got it right by choosing the correct film to win Best Picture. Geoffrey Rush says to King George VI that he has a voice, and so do his film.