Mon, March 6, 2006

Well, it's over and the results couldn't be more disappointing. Crash for Best Picture? Rachel Weisz for Best Supporting Actress? What's the world coming to?

But of course the important results weren't disappointing at all. I finally pulled off my first-ever victory in the onebee Oscar Pool, eking out a victory even after "squandering" ten points on the utterly deserving Amy Adams in a sympathy vote. Based on these results, I can certainly say that leaving emotion out of the voting process is the best way to get ahead. Of course, it probably helped that it was a night of loopy upsets in many categories, large and small.

Also, my family maintained an informal ranking of acceptance speeches. It was their first time hosting the official onebee Oscar Pool tabulation party, and they were excited to contribute. Here's our top five:

George Clooney, Best Supporting Actor

Concise and poignant, not too political and not too serious. Infused with humor and humility. No list of random names.

Gavin Hood, Best Foreign Language Film

Passionate and hopeful, with an endearing recognition of his young actors.

Robert Altman, Honorary Oscar

Humorous and insightful. Altman is always a hoot. Shame about the introduction; Tomlin and Streep would've done much better without a TelePrompTer.

Reese Witherspoon, Best Actress

Cheery and excited, without gushing too much. Very appreciative and uncynical – no matter what you think of her, you had to be happy for her. Would've scored higher if there had been fewer shots of Phillipe.

Three 6 Mafia, Best Original Song

Jon Stewart said it best: this is what an Oscar speech should sound like. These guys were thrilled (and as shocked as we all were) and their excitement exploded all over everywhere.

Also, what was the deal with that Shyamalan AmEx ad? Just fucking weird.