Oscar Comments and Scorecard

So, how did you do with your Oscar picks, dear reader? We'll get to my scorecard in a bit. First, I want to comment on a few things from last night's telecast.

I thought High Jackman did OK as the host. It's hard to replace Billy Crystal, but the past few hosts have been good. I liked Jon Stewart and Ellen DeGeneres as hosts. But, I know that's also probably a tough, nerve-wracking job, so kudos to anyone who does it.

I also really liked the break with tradition regarding presentations of acting awards. Instead of having last year's winner, the award was presented by 5 winners of the award. Great job, whoever thought of that!

OK, on to the big show. Here's how I scored:

Best Picture:

I was wrong on both accounts. I said "The Reader" should win, but that "Benjamin Button" would win. But, I am completely comfortable with "Slumdog Millionaire" as the winner.

Best Director:

I was right on both accounts. I picked Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) in both the should win and will win categories.

Best Actor:

I was half-right. I thought the one that would win was too close call between Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. Keep in mind, I posted that before actually seeing "Milk". After that, I had a feeling Sean Penn would take home the prize. I was still a bit skeptical, considering the money that could be made off saying "Academy Award winner Brad Pitt". And I was pulling for Mickey Rourke as the one who should win.

Best Actress:

Again, right of both accounts. I picked her as the should win and will win.

Best Supporting Actor:

Another case of being half-right. I was really pulling for Heath Ledger, and he won. However, I know that Philip Seymour Hoffman is an amazing actor, and I actually picked him as my will win choice, simply because, as science fiction films so rarely get the recognition they deserve, superhero films get even less.

Best Supporting Actress:

Another case of being half-right. I was pulling for Penelope Cruz, mostly because her role was in a Woody Allen film. And that's precisely why I didn't pick her as my will win choice. I think the Academy is still kind of sympathetic to Woody, but most of society is not. But she surprised me by winning.

That's one of things I like best about film: The wonderful debates and discussions that come from seeing and honoring them.