The list of films that might get nominated for Oscar's Best Documentary prize have been announced and I have some very exciting news, both Food, Inc andThe Cove are on it! The shortlist consists of 15 films and will eventually be whittled down to the five actual Oscar nominees.
I am so happy that both The Cove and Food, Inc are on the list. They are easily two of my favorite docs of the year and they have both helped to create major awareness in the arenas of food and dolphin slaughter.
Go below for the entire shortlist and my personal picks (and trailers for them) for the five nominees. More
Last week I wrote about Joaquin Phoenix's bizarre behavior and last night Ben Stiller used his Oscar appearance to mock Phoenix. Watch the video:
Okay yes Phoenix is acting weird, but does an Academy Award nominated actor deserve to be made fun of on the Academy Awards? I found this to be pretty lame. I also think if Phoenix's whole wacked-out act is indeed a hoax, that's also pretty lame. I guess I just prefer the Oscars stick to honoring artists rather than making fun of them, especially if they are in the midst of a genuine mental breakdown. And I emphasize the If .
I didn't think I was going to watch the Academy Awards last night. as I have mentioned many times on this blog, award shows have become somewhat tiresome to me. But when my friend invited me to her Oscar party to eat sliders and watch the show on her new projection screen, I couldn't resist. I also couldn't resist getting teary eyed at "Milk" screenwriter Dustin Lance Black's acceptance speech for Best Original Screenplay. I sadly haven't yet seen "Milk" (like most movies, where does one find the time?) but I really want to see it soon especially after hearing Black's (who who doesn't look a day older than 18 and he's 34!) beautiful speech: "...No matter what anyone tells you, God does love you" Indeed. That part especially made my heart melt. takepart and visit outproud.org for great resources available for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender youth and educators.
First off, let me say that I'm glad that, this year, the producers tried to streamline the production and make the whole ceremony go faster and make the telecast shorter. Unfortunately, it didn't work, what with all the long speeches, even for the tech awards that everyone gets bored with pretty quickly, even if they ARE quite important.
Next, I thought the song and/or skit done at the beginning by the host was rather good - s/he did a very good job, and effectively made fun of many of the movies in contention for awards! And the celebrity cameos in the video/onstage during the routine! Classic. Of course, the whole time, we all were thinking, "It's no Billy Crystal intro. But luckily, it's no Letterman intro, either."
And how about that foreign guy that did something out of line for a black-tie affair! More
In honor of the 81st annual Academy Awards® , we compiled a list of 81 films that inspired dialog on important social issues and exemplify the transformative power of movies. Here are our 81 choices, in no particular order:
For my last 81 for 81, I chose my number 1 personal favorite film that I think pushed the envelope in terms of content and message. I first saw this Oscar® winner (based on the story by Harper Lee)as a child, as many people do, and it changed the way I looked at the world, as I’m sure it does for many people. The story of a daughter recollecting her father’s defense of a black man who has been wrongly accused of rape is a true testament to doing what’s right. A clear example of standing up against injustice and prejudice, Atticus Finch is every little girl’s hero (and should be!)
I distinctly remember watching the final court room scene where Atticus proves that Jim is innocent when he has him catch a ball to prove which hand is his dominant hand - and thus that he couldn't have committed the murder. Atticus Finch's closing argument has inspired many and will continue to do so for years to come. And because this is my last 81 for 81, I'm going to be a bit indulgent and go ahead and past the entirety of that speech. More
Spike Lee's Malcolm X follows the life and death of one of the most militant leaders and charismatic spokesmen of the black liberation movement. Denzel Washington's career defining portrayal of the controversial and influential leader, earned the actor a nomination for Best Actor.
takepart by learning more with Facing History and Ourselves. Oscar(s)® and Academy Award(s)® are registered trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
They should definitely fight against their rights and that in such a manner that their appeal has no other option other than giving the positive and the approval for the overall rights as they have to take care of everything and they have the capability to get the things done in a best way.
First off, let me say that I'm glad that, this year, the producers tried to streamline the production and make the whole ceremony go faster and make the telecast shorter. Unfortunately, it didn't work, what with all the long speeches, even for the tech awards that everyone gets bored with pretty quickly, even if they ARE quite important.
