Unusual Oscar and a big day for India

This time the Oscar was entertaining… not because my favorite, Slumdog has won 8 out of the 8 categories it was nominated in. Hugh Jackman’s vision of a “more show less biz” Oscar turned this year’s Oscar as one of the best. Especially I liked it better than the normal version where comics try their old beaten comedy lines that are sometimes more disgusting than entertaining. Hugh’s theatrical talents were seen in couple of acts. Yes – As a host, Hugh Jackman is a big winner in this Oscar. I hope Academy will call him again the next year.

Another big winner is India and Bollywood. Even though it produces more movies and more viewers than Hollywood, it was never recognized. Yes  – I agree that many movies made in India are not Oscar material but there were many that has never got a nomination. AR Rahman’s talents got a big recognition when he bagged both the musical categories viz, the original score and the original song. Razul Pookutti got one for sound mixing. Above all the Slumdog Millionaire grabbed the coveted best director and the best film awards. Megan Mylan’s Smile Pinki fetches the Oscar for the Best Short Documentary. No wonder some say “Earth is flatter”.

Kate Winslet received her deserving best actress award for her role in the “The Reader”.  She got six nominations but this is her first Oscar. It is surprising that Kate did not win the best actress award for her role in Titanic even though she was nominated. I had a feeling that she may loose it this time too and Meryl Streep may win with her performance in “Doubt”. That is why Kate said “For you Meryl, you have to suck up to that”.  Keith Ledger was honored posthumously with his supporting actor role in Dark Knight. Sean Penn’s win of best actor is expected. Kate’s and Sean’s win will again start that usual question “Is it easier to win Oscar with a Holocaust or a Gay themed movie ?”.

Most other categories I cared was as expected except for the visual effects. I never thought the “Curious case of Benjamin Button” will win. My favorite for that category was the Dark Knight. But I have been wrong before too.