Slumdog Millionaire dominated the
Oscars with 8 wins out of 10 nominations which include Best Picture and Best Directing. The movie's contemporary approach shows us that hope exists amidst the times of squalor. Despite of its worldwide success, the film has also spawned controversy from various members of the public stating that "that the title 'Slumdog millionaire" was offensive, demeaning and insulted their dignity."
Personally, I enjoyed that movie and I love the part on how the movie ended with a surprising dance number from the cast which I thought was a remarkable tribute to the movie's Bollywood heritage and to the rich culture of Mumbai and its people.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Slumdog's biggest contender, had previously led the Oscars with 13 nominations but ended up winning only 3 awards which include make-up, art direction and visual effects.
As I had previously blogged, I prefer Button over Slumdog. The movie I thought could stand the test of time and could turn out to be a classic which is the very essence of what a best picture should be. Maybe the members who comprise the Academy have finally gotten tired of epics created to be intellectually stimulating but with a tendency to bore the (not-so-intellectual) viewers. Slumdog is a breath of fresh air and is truly enjoyable.
This year's main event though was the Best Actor award. Maybe it's because of Brad Pitt. Hehe. Sean Penn won for his remarkable portrayal as Harvey Milk which will surely make every "homo-loving sons-of-guns" proud of him.
After 5 misses, Kate Winslet had finally won the Best Actress race. She's aging a bit though. I'm not really a fan of Kate and I haven't watch The Reader but I will... soon.
It was as well a posthomous award as Best Supporting Actor for Heath Ledger for his memorable portrayal as the psychotic Joker in The Dark Knight. Ledger's family accepted the award in behalf of him. He deserves that award more than any actors alive.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt graces the Oscars with an aura of a Hollywood royalty. Jolie wore a black gown with a large emerald that looks stunning on her. The couple, however, went home without their best actor and actress awards.
Hugh Jackman's hosting performance in the Academy is a rave and he nailed it without even trying so hard. Opening the awards night, Jackman declared that "Due to cutbacks, the Academy said they didn't have enough money for an opening number," But he otherwise did it himself with a musical tribute to the 5 best picture nominees complete with basement props brilliantly staged.
A.R. Rahman's Jai Ho won the Best Original Song award from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The buoyant song was also performed in the Oscars which I thought created an international appeal to the audience.
Enough na. hehe. Post-Oscar Excitement slash anxiety Syndrome has finally ended. xoxo eveyone! ;)