Oscars v BAFTAs
Is it just me or was last night’s Oscars ceremony shite? Most of the exciting categories were carbon copies of last month’s BAFTA winners. At last, the British Academy comes of age, finally doing what it was supposed to do when the ceremony was moved to predate the Oscars… that is indicate who the Oscars winners will be. That said, how embarrassing were this years BAFTAs? The following made me squirm:
- The serious sound problems that dogged the event throughout.
- The lame turnout… particularly from the US. I mean how many times do we need to see another cutaway of Jeff “I haven’t done a decent movie in years” Goldblum. NB: The Oscars drops any nominee who can’t attend the ceremony.
- Jonathan Ross’s gags: A) go over the heads of all Americans and B) they don’t understand his accent anyway.
On the plus side at least that dodgy Odeon Leicester Square venue has been ditched… fare thee well leopard print seats… in favour of the Royal Opera House. Class.
And as I’ve already mentioned they got it right… all these categories had the same winner at both events:
- Best Supporting Actor - Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
- Best Supporting Actress - Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton
- Best Actor in a Leading Role - Daniel “Lose the ear-rings” Day Lewis - There Will Be Blood
- Best Actress in a Leading Role - Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose
- Directing - No Country for Old Men - Joel Cohen/Ethan Cohen
- Animated Film - Ratatouille - Brad Bird
- Best Original Screenplay - Diablo Cody - Juno
There’s been a lot of talk this year about the return of the golden age of cinema, which has apparently been missing since the 70s. But then the industry would say that wouldn’t it. It’s talking up its business. Box office numbers have been on a downward trend. People are seeking other forms of entertainment, mainly online and not always legal. In short, there’s trouble at mill. Now, don’t get me wrong, I thought this year was a good year for film. I enjoyed watching all the films that won awards. But, and it’s a big but, will I (or anyone) be talking about the timeless quality of No Country for Old Men in 10 or 20 years time? Only time will tell but I’d bet a lot of money that the answer will be a resounding NO!
As usual, I’m just bitter because deep down I’d love to attend the BAFTAs or the Oscars. I’d love the fancy tux, the full limo treatment, being ferried around to exclusive parties all night. And who doesn’t want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous? One day it will happen. My gorgeous wife is a serious talent. And of course when she’s up for an award or, dare I say it, wins one I’ll be the first to start ranting about the return of cinema’s golden age. Hypocrite? Moi? Don’t be absurd.
PS. It’s my first year in LA during Oscars season. Was there a buzz in the air? Not really. The only plus being that we managed to get one of the best tables at The Ivy because all the usual suspects were otherwise engaged at the Kodak Theatre.
