So, of course, there is a lot to complain about post-Oscars (Slumdog Millionaire anyone?).   But I will try and spare you that (except for one major complaint that I will write about later) and instead focus on the things I liked from last night’s ceremony.

1) SEAN PENN WINS! - Not only do I personally think Sean Penn deserved this more than Mickey Rourke, I was also watching the show in a room full of people who were convinced that Mickey Rourke was going to win and told me so every time I said I thought Sean Penn would win.  So not only did I get the enjoyment of watching the actor that I thought deserved the award win but I also got the pride of being right!  Plus, I was glad to see Milk win a major award - for the issue of gay marriage and also because I adore Gus Van Sant.  Below is Sean Penn’s speech, which I thought was kind of perfect:

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2. The Reader moment during Hugh Jackman’s opening dance/song thing - Not only was the dancing great but he made fun of the fact that nobody has seen The Reader, which was hilarious and also a great dig at Harvey Weinstein.  And when Hugh almost laughed  it was kind of great. Also of note the Frost/Nixon part with Anne Hathaway and his ending in which he proclaims “I’m Wolverine”

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3. The Pineapple Express skit w/James Franco, Seth Rogen and Janusz Kaminski - This was ridiculously funny.  Again, the bit with The Reader killed me.  Also I kind of adore James Franco and the part when he is watching Milk is adorable.  (sorry the video is out of sync!)

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4. The way the acting awards were presented -  I was a little weirded out when Best Supporting Actress was presented but after that having 5 previous winners come out and read little speeches about the nominees was kind of great.  Not only did I love seeing the past winners but it was nice to really give the nominees a moment to be appreciated instead of seeing a clip that everyone probably saw included in a commercial at some point.  Also had this method not been employed we never would have been able to see Sophia Loren…

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5. Phillipe Petit wins, balances Oscar on his chin! -  He is kind of amazing, as was Man on Wire.  And not only does he do a magic trick, he does a magic trick with a Werner Herzog reference.

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Honorable Mention #1 : Steve Martin and Tina Fey - Hilarious!

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Honorable Mention  #2 : Seeing Werner Herzog and Michael Shannon at the Oscars - I love them

(I couldn’t find video or Werner yet, but here is Chris Walken introducing Michael)

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Also, be sure to takepart with Green Party Goods for your next Oscar party.