I am an absolute sucker for the Oscars. Yes, yes, I know they are over-commercialised and the best person doesn't always win and there are all sorts of politics involved, but I just don't care. I am unable to explain precisely why I enjoy them so much, it may be down to my love of Hollywood history - Bogart & Bacall, Bette Davis, Frank Capra, James Stewart, the studio system, silent movies et al - and the desire to one day look back on the 'classic' movies and stars of today in the way we revere the legends of old. It may partly be the frocks and cleavage. I really don't know. But that doesn't stop me staying up every year till 5 or 6 in the morning to watch them live.
This year is a rare one in that most of the nominated movies are already out on DVD here so the UK audience has had a decent chance to view them. Not that I have actually got round to that myself. I am a big fan of the Hong Kong movie Infernal Affairs, of which The Departed is a remake, so I would like to see Scorcese's film do well. It is always nice to see some Brits win a statuette and Helen Mirren looks a dead cert but the others may struggle to get a look in.
For a couple of long shots (i.e. they don't stand a chance but I am going to tip them anyway) I reckon Paul Greengrass could sneak Best Director for United 93 as it was a very brave movie to make and Little Miss Sunshine could walk away with Best Film. Although The Departed will probably win both.
But the nominee I will be rooting for more than any other tonight is Kevin O'Connell. He is a sound mixer who has been nominated this year for the 19th time but has yet to win once. Poor bugger. I will raise a bowl of popcorn and toast him warmly whatever the outcome.
The only negative aspect for a UK viewer watching the Oscars is the dire TV coverage. In the US, nation of the cheeseburger, they break for commercials every 33 seconds or something and the UK channel has to produce some filler for these moments. The erratic nature of these ad breaks means lots of C-list special guests being told that 'I must stop you there as we go back to...' and all that gubbins. Fingers crossed that Sky do a bit better this year.
Right, off to arrange my Pringles.
