Every year it’s the same old thing.
I stay up way too late watching the Academy Awards, and groggily I rise the next morning, with pasty eyelids and weary steps and a slight, nauseous feeling of “Why did I do it?”
I’m hung-over, is what it is. Too much TV. Too much pomp and nonsense.
Yet I will do it all again next year.
You may or may not know this about me, but I do not watch much television. In fact, if you exclude the programming on PBS Kids, I don’t watch any. It’s just not where I’m at these days—and I am far too sidetracked as it is to add one more distraction to the pile.
The Oscars, however, I do not miss.
At first, this bothered my husband. He finds the entire show to be annoying—the glitz, the bravado, the liberal bent. He has since learned to indulge me, (really, I don’t ask for all that much in life), and knows to gather up the kids and head upstairs once those movie stars hit the red carpet.
He’s doing well, my husband. He’s maturing. Each year he grows in his love and acceptance of me, his much-loved spouse.
And plus he knows that any snide remarks made in passing will result in a bowl of popcorn hurled his way.
Perhaps you can’t be bothered by the Oscars and have already moved on to another blog by now. (If that’s the case, then what’s the point of that sentence?) Perhaps, like me, you are a movie buff and a former “stage person” who loves to watch the professionals in action. What will they wear? What will they say? Will they be ‘real’ or totally arrogant? Finally, you may find this all to be “old news” and that may be true, but I’ll remind you of my “Too much TV” hangover and ask your indulgence. I’ve one or two (or hang on a minute, let me count—eight) observations to make.
- Amy Adams is a sweetie-pie. I haven’t seen Enchanted—have you?—but think I’d like it. And how about her response to that “well-meaning” (I am sure) reporter who asked how it feels to perform in front of a billion people: “Why would you ask that?” Adams demanded, laughingly. “Are you trying to make me nervous?”
- Jack Nicholson is annoying. He should go away. Why is he given a front row seat Every. Single. Year?
- George Clooney is not annoying. He can stay.
- Glen Harsard and Marketa Irglova (winners of Best Original Song) are also not annoying. How cute and how “real” could they be? I rented the movie Once after Danielle recommended it. It took me a half an hour to get into it but once I did, I found it charming. (My husband had left the room by then, finding it far…. too….slow for his mood that evening.)
- Ellen Page did not win Best Actress for her role in the movie Juno. Sigh.
- Diablo Cody did win Best Original Screenplay for the movie Juno. I found her outfit and tattoo off-putting. Enough said.
- I noted that the people in front row—usually women, who should know that they’re high profile and respond accordingly—rarely applauded after the performances. What’s up with that? Can they not be bothered to even pretend? Are they bored? Are they asleep? Or are they wistful that it’s not about them just then?
- This brings me to my final observation. I found it ironic that my meditation the very next morning included these thoughts from The Imitation of Christ: “True vainglory is an evil plague, because it draws away from true glory, and robs us of heavenly grace. For, while a man takes complacency in himself, he displeases Thee; while he looks for human applause, he is deprived of true virtues. But true glory is to glory in Thee and not in one’s self; to rejoice in Thy Name, but not in one’s own strength.”
It occurred to me then—and only then—that not one of the award winners thanked God for his or her talents—not one. Some performers have the courage to do so, you know, but such was not the case on Sunday evening…and more’s the pity.
Ah well. There’s always next year!
Ad majorem Dei gloriam,
We saw Enchanted at Thanksgiving, and thought it great fun. My 15 yo son said it was the BEST PG movie he’d ever seen! It’s a Disney princess movie that also pokes fun at Disney princess movies. I think you’d really enjoy it.
My only miscalculation was bringing the 3 yo. At one point she was WEEPING over some of the cartoonish cruelty visited on the CG chipmunk (“It’s just pretend, honey.”). I also turned her head away during the dragon scene. The scariness would have less impact on dvd, especially if you’re ready for it.
My husband and I recently watched Once after reading about it on Danielle’s and your blogs. Yes, it wasn’t fast paced and the language was strong, but the arc of the story and messages of fidelity (or the pain when it’s absent) were refreshing. Thanks for the write-up.
Ah, The Imitation of Christ…really puts it all in perspective, doesn’t it?!
I’m looking forward to Enchanted. It’s in the Netflix cue. It looks like a lot of fun.
On the Oscars…I don’t watch network television–don’t have cable. BUT… if I did have cable, I’m sure I would’ve watched. I’m just that nostalgic and hopeful.
And I really, really like pretty dresses!
Lucy saw Enchanted at a party and LOVED it. The host said she laughed the entire movie. I think there is one song about lips being very important but I asked Lucy why lips were so important and she replied, “For talking or something.” 🙂 I can’t wait to watch it with her.
One correction: actually, The Princess Bride is my 15 yo’s favorite PG movie, and I can’t blame him–it’s definitely in my top 10 ever!
I love your last comment, from your meditation. Amazing. I don’t watch the oscars or any award show, too boring for me. BUT I do like to look at People Magazine at the checkouts for the same reasons you watch!
Nice! I tend to watch the Oscars too, but didn’t see much this year as it coincided with the night-time teen Mass that my daughter was singing at (and we were all very grateful for as we were out very late at a wedding reception the night before).
This year I only caught the memorial clips for those who have died in the past year and just a few awards. Ria’s old enough to watch with me now – it’s kind of fun. 🙂
I too tend to watch the Oscars each year. I had made the same comment to my husband that not ONE person thanked God! I was truly shocked. But then again, this is Hollywood and HE is not PC anymore. But it was sad to see.
I took my 14 yo daughter to see Enchanted with her cousin and my sister-in-law. We all laughed so hard through the movie and really enjoyed it. I do have to agree with Barbara that The Princess Bride is one of our all time favorite movies and better than Enchanted. It also has sentimental appeal as it was the movie I saw on the first date with my now husband.
After the opening scene of Once and enduring all the language, both my husband and I really enjoyed it – enough to purchase the CD and listen to the music.
But I keep holding out hope that the mainstream Hollywood will remember where all their talent comes from —God.
I like the Oscars every year as well, but managed to only catch the last hour this time around.
On Enchanted. No one mentioned this in the comments so I will. I took my 12-year-old and although I don’t consider myself prudish, I do like to warn parents who are very strict about content. Enchanted has a few issues on chastity. One, he’s already having relations with his girlfriend when Ella shows up; there’s a totally unnecesary bit where she’s in the shower and her towel (some suggestion); and, in the beauty parlor when Ella and McDreamy’s daughter are chatting, the daughter (who is maybe 6 or 8) says, “You don’t want to wear too much make up or they’ll expect something” and Ella asks what they’d expect (meaning going out with a man on a date) and the girl responds she doesn’t know because they won’t tell her.
Now, my daughter caught on to that comment and asked me what I thought about that being in a film targeted to much younger girls than herself. My daughter knew exactly what the scene was getting at, because we talk about these things (always in the manner of what the Church teaches in comparison to the world view).
Just a little “warning” that if your girl/kids are quick on the uptake, they may ask questions.
Plus, the film starts out with all this true love stuff and all the sudden she’s not in love with Prince any more, but with Dempsy’s character . . . over trivial feelings.
It was an enjoyable film and funny, but there are some areas where discussion may be important.
Jumping in to agree with Barbara & Anne–the opening scene of Once is indeed full of expletives. I guess they want to give you an accurate impression of a street-smart musician in Dublin! If you can plug your ears through that scene, however, the rest of the movie has little to no profanity. And as Barbara said, its message of fidelity is really beautiful.
I have to say, I too, love the Oscars. Your post got it exactly right…I don’t always agree with the politics, but I love the event and have watched for years. It is bloated and overdone and it does leave that hangover feel, but I can’t resist.I think it is the sense of dreams–like you said–especially having dabbled in theater long, long ago. There is something wonderful about the evening.
My two thoughts on this year’s…it was a bit dull to watch since all the acting winners were from abroad…hard to root for someone when you don’t really know their body of work. Even though Oscar is based on this particular role…one of these days I want George Clooney or Johnny Depp to win!!
And secondly, what was with all the ABC placement stuff? I realize that this was “their” show, but having Puffy/P-Diddy there to push his show and several other ABC acts on hand was tiring. Same as Macy’s and NBC does now. Let the Oscars be about Movie stars, not upcoming TV shows.
Anyway, thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one out there still watching!!
Gotta give it to The Imitation, huh? Whenever I read it, it really helps put things in perspective! I used to always watch the Oscars. Loved ’em. But, after awhile, they left a bad taste in my mouth. Plus, the lack of sleep the next morning was not worth it! I do love seeing all the dresses though. So pretty.
In Enchanted, I had a different take on chastity than journey of truth did. The girlfriend makes a remark about never staying over, which I took to mean they were chaste. I agree the towel scene was gratuitous. I think the beauty parlor scene was innocent. And I disagree about which “love” was trivial, but that could make for an interesting discussion with your child.
A good resource for current movie and dvd reviews is pluggedinonline.com, run by Focus on the Family. I’m actually one of the pickiest parents (about movies) I know (and my kids will agree!), and I find the site to be very helpful. Movies are reviewed with info in many categories: positive elements, negative elements, sexual content, spiritual content, violence, etc.
I’m with John.
Since I don’t have American television here, I obviously couldn’t watch the show. I was thinking of looking on-line to see a wrap-up of the night. But, this looks like a good enough summary for me! You never let me down. 😉
i love jack nicholson. does this mean our friendship (or however you’d like to label it) is over?