Behind the Screen: Oscar Special

Hollywood and Indie Offerings

Washington Post film critic Desson Thomson was online Friday, March 3, at 12:30 p.m. ET to discuss the Academy Awards.

Thomson, a movie critic at The Washington Post for 15 years, was raised in England where he was entranced, like most, by Hollywood movies. And it was a visit to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

A transcript follows.

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Desson Thomson: Hmmm, wonder what could be on everyone's mind today? Could it be THE OSCARS?

Let's dig in. Let's be wise, let's be flippant, let's dish, let's whatever. And just to save about 100 questions asking the same thing: Yes it was a surprise that CRASH won best picture.

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Arlington, Va.: Why is Jon Stewart getting such a bad rap? I thought much of his subtle humor was spot on. He seemed to tick off some of the Hollywood elite, and I loved it. I found myself laughing at many of his comments moments after he spoke. In other words, it took some thought, but when I got it, it was hilarious.

His performance wasn't laugh out loud funny like Chris Rock's (who also got unjustly slammed), but in true 'Daily Show' fashion, it was subtle, smart humor. What's the matter? Are most people --Hollywood -- just not smart enough to understand?

Desson Thomson: I think this first posting is right on the money. He was perfectly fine. In fact, I feel as though he was more restrained than I expected. But what he did say was funny. I wanted more, more more. And I think my beloved colleague Tom Shales was a grumpus about him in the paper today.

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Portsmouth, Va.: After all the jokes, movie mash-ups and other jabs aimed at Brokeback Mountain, it's amazing that the funniest joke about the movie was actually done eight years ago on an episode of South Park. Cartman says all arthouse films are about "gay cowboys eating pudding."

Desson Thomson: Hahaha!

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Bowie, Ma.: Why were so many people surprised by the movie "Crash". I thought it was a very good movie that most people could relate [to].

Desson Thomson: Yes, a fine movie indeed.

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NW D.C.: Am I the only person who thought the smear campaign ads were great? The Dame Judi Dench: "She vomited on my petticoat" line ... ilarious!

Desson Thomson: I enjoyed them myself.

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Rockville, Md.: Wouldn't you say that in the category of Oscar upsets, that 'Saving Private Ryan' losing to 'Shakespeare in Love' was a far bigger shock than last night's win by 'Crash'?

Desson Thomson: Almost any year you look at, you could ask: how come this one was the winner over that..

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Georgetown, D.C.: Didn't Crash come and go here in just a couple weeks? Though presumably it will now return. I saw it but pretty much forgot about it, even not can't remember much except that it was hard to follow. I would have replaced Crash and Munich with Syriana and The Constant Gardener on the best pictures list. Shows what I know!

Desson Thomson: Well, all of the films you mention are good pictures in their own right. And I find it interesting you found Crash hard to follow but not Syriana. I liked both films but didn't hear the end of people saying they couldn't follow Syriana!

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Bethesda, Md.: Am I mistaken or did Tom Hanks looked really, really ticked off when he walked onstage to award the Oscar? Could he have been mad at Jon Stewart or at having so few lines? He had absolutely no ad-libs and he looked constipated.

Desson Thomson: What was with his Grecian Formula hair too?

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Truckee, Calif.: It must be interesting being Don Cheadle today. I thought his performance was the only Oscar-worthy aspect of Crash, and he wasn't even nominated!

Desson Thomson: Yes he had a great performance in that, and should have had a nod, it seems.

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Hollywood, Calif.: Yay George Clooney! How classy is this guy anyway? And gracious ... in most of the post-Oscar interviews, he was very polite and patient, unlike a lot of the other winners.

And yippee for Crash! Wish that I had done the Office pool after all.

Desson Thomson: Hey Hollywood. (Just wanted to write that). I thought GC redeemed himself after that sophomoric joke he made at the Globes.

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Washington, D.C.: I just want to voice my praise for Jon Stewart. I watched the Oscars with a small crowd of 20-somethings, and when he delivered this line, "For those of you keeping score at home. Martin Scorsese: 0 Oscars. Mafia 360 1."

We fell over laughing.

Desson Thomson: I've heard a lot of folks laughing about that in the office too.

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Perry Hall, Md.: I thought Brokeback Mountain, Capote and Good Night, and Good Luck were all much better movies than Crash, which to me seemed formulaic, disjointed, and contrived. The only possible Oscar I saw coming to it would have gone to Don Cheadle, who wasn't even nominated. Am I off-base, or is the Academy? Friends are saying we should see it again to see what we missed.

Desson Thomson: Of course no one sees reality differently, let alone a movie. So it's impossible really to discount yours or others' takes on films, especially one like Crash which is a provocatively written piece. I happened to think highly of it. You didn't. I also liked the other films nominated too, in their own ways.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Desson,

I am beyond disappointed that Crash won for Best Picture. Out of the five nominated films, this was the weakest entry and I am curious to get your thoughts on this. I am happy that Ang Lee was recognized for his work on Brokeback Mountain as he is a wonderful filmmaker, but just feel let down that the Academy would be so cowardly as to choose a film that was clearly not deserving of the award. Very disappointing.

Thanks.

Desson Thomson: Okay, I understand your take on the film is not too positive. I felt it was a strong picture in that it started with stereotypes and began to deepen them.

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Washington, D.C.: I normally respect your opinions, but Crash was typically Hollywood garbage. I could contrive a formulaic, controversial script like this in 20 minutes ...

Desson Thomson: Okay, well, sorry to disappoint you. But I don't think you can dismiss a film like Crash so effortlessly if you really paid attention and looked past the superficial aspect of its seemingly formulaic surface. But that's my take.

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Pennsylvania Ave.: Desson:

I am so happy to have you available today ... the day after that abomination of an Oscar award show. What is wrong with those people? Those moronic ads, clips, skits and montages? Awards for best documentary short in a foreign language? WHO CARES?

There are 5 or so awards we are interested in. And then they cut the acceptance speeches! I repeat. What is wrong with these people? I think I have watched my last Oscar broadcast.

Desson Thomson: Rant accepted. I guess you shouldn't watch those Oscars any more. It's scaring the children.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: For any future Best Actress wannabees -- just take a part where you portray a Real Person:

Julia Roberts -- Erin Brockovich

Sally Field -- Norma Rae

Sissy Spacek -- Coal Miner's Daughter

Nicole Kidman -- The Hours

Charlize Theron -- Monster

Reese Witherspoon -- Walk the Line

And I'm sure I've missed many more.

Desson Thomson: Interesting point.

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Bethesda, Md.: Was there anyone who was nominated for an award, or won, who you think was nominated for reasons other than their actual performance? Anyone who got a sympathy nomination because they lost out in a previous year when they should have won.

Desson Thomson: It's so hard to know what's in someone's mind about their decision--even THEY don't know what's in their mind when they make decisions.

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Arlington, Va.: Stewart was parsley on the plate, to quote 'The Fabulous Baker Boys'. He added, but not much. The problem is that he is not a stand-up comedian. When his jokes bombed, he stood there like he was expecting the laugh to come. Stand-ups know how to read a crowd and adjust and ad-lib. His lack of ad-lib expertise was reinforced by the show's writers who had hired guns in the seats writing lines and feeding them so that Jon could give us these 'off the cuff' remarks. He wasn't offensive, as was Rock. He wasn't terrible, as was Letterman. But you would hope that the biggest night in Hollywood could do better.

Desson Thomson: Okay, not so positive on Stewart, or in fact anyone who ever hosted, it sounds like. But I think it was a difficult room to be funny in. His comedy is about long pauses, too. I think he was being very relaxed. He didn't bring down the house, it's true. But there were some great lines, I thought.

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Denver, Colo.: Hi Desson!

There were a lot of shockers IMHO, but to what do you attribute them? Was it just a lackluster year in which individual performances outshone the movies themselves? Is it a testament to the power of independent films?

I also wanted to say that I disagreed with Tom Shales. I actually enjoyed the hosting by Mr. Stewart, but I also enjoy that type of intellectual (smart) humor. I was laughing out loud this year when in the past the hosts really worked too hard to make an impression and whatever comedic content came off as over the top -- like Ben Stiller's too long and overdone green suit piece.

Desson Thomson: Yes, there are often cases where the performance was better than the movie. I would put Walk the Line and Monster in this category--both of which earned their actress the top acting prize.

The fact is, indie movies are often (not always of course) better than Hollywood films because they have to sell themselves to their (small) investors and the actors (who are often working for nothing) on the merits of the story. They answer to a higher power--making a good film --- as opposed to making a successful one that the public will flock to because there are big stars and 12 dinosaurs in it.

And yes, I disagreed with Shales as I mentioned. I mean, what's "wrong" with smart humor?

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John, Baltimore: To correct 'Arlington, Va.' -- Jon Stewart got his start as a stand-up comedian. He even had an HBO special.

Desson Thomson: Gotcha. Thanks.

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Alexandria, Va.: "Real" -- I'm not sure what Pittsburgh's point is. That is quite a diverse list, from Norma Rae to Eileen WhatsHerName (prostitute killer) to Virginia Woolf. And who else are actors supposed to portray? Fake people?

Desson Thomson: Haha. I think Pittsb is pointing out real versus fictional people. I think this strong of real people roles might have to do with sexism. It's no secret that few films feature women in central roles, fictional that is. But when a woman has shown herself to be dynamic in real life, maybe the money people and the studios agree begrudgingly that this particular woman was worth a story, and people will come see the film. I dunno.

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D.C.: What was up with Lauren Bacall? She seemed like she was tottering a little on her walk to the podium then barely made it through her intro. I hope she's okay!

Desson Thomson: Something was going on for sure with her. I figured she could n't read the Teleprompter or something.

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Yea Wallace! Yea Grommit! : Yea to the Academy! Everyone who likes sly British humor should go see this more than once.

But I was very disappointed in Crash. Dreadful movie, IMHO. Maybe I just don't get it.

Desson Thomson: Interesting that so many have posted their dislike of Crash. Perhaps it's more interesting to ask yourselves why so many people voted for it.

I hear you on the British humor.

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March of the Penguins: How come no one told those guys it might not be a good idea to bring stuffed penguins with them to the Oscars? I'm all for good fun, but that just seemed silly. I was shocked to see someone I used to work with here in D.C. nominated for Best Documentary Short (Kimberlee Acquaro for God Sleeps in Rwanda)! She didn't win, but it was pretty cool to see an old friend that I lost touch with sitting there looking drop-dead gorgeous in her dress.

Desson Thomson: Kimberlee, call your friend! Catch up!

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Washington, D.C.: Did you notice how the theme of the show was "Go to the movies, don't watch them on DVD?" It almost had a sense of desperation to it.

Desson Thomson: Yes, that message was there. Also: piracy is bad.

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Fairfax, Va.: Desson,

Did you catch the misspelling of Will Ferrell's name on the marquee above the stage?

Score one for quality control at the academy.

Desson Thomson: Funny.

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Bethesda, Md.: What was up with the Best Song category this year? First, there were only 3 nominated songs. And seriously ... the rap song? I couldn't understand a word of the rapping, the singing was terrible and the chorus was just the same thing repeated over and over again. I'll be the first to admit that I don't "get" rap ... so maybe you can explain why it was nominated.

Desson Thomson: If you dop't get rap, this is a nonstarter.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: Hi Desson! Longtime fan of your writing and wit.

This isn't a film question per se, but about last night's broadcast -- do you have any idea what Joaquin Phoenix mouthed to the camera when they cut to him as they announced the Best Actor nominee? It was "I love you" somebody.

Can you crack the case?

Desson Thomson: He said, Goll-durnit ah ain't gonna win, am I June?

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Mt. Pleasant, D.C.: I'm tired of biopics. Give me a smaller than life character anytime.

Desson Thomson: I agree with that --except where it's not true and real life bios are good. But for the most part, yes, invent characters darn it.

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Vienna, Va.: I thought Ben Stiller's green-screen bit was hilarious. Any idea who comes up with those ideas? The presenter or the Oscar show folks?

Desson Thomson: I expect Stiller did that. I thought it was quite funny.

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Arlington, Va.: Did you think they got it right on the best actress?I really wanted to love Felicity Huffman's performance in TransAmerica, but the whole film just didn't quite click for me. I thought Keira Knightley's performan in Pride & Prejudice was pretty thin. Didn't see Dame Judi.So was Reese the right choice?

Desson Thomson: I thought Dame Judi gave the best performance, despite the movie being very cheesy.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Everyone seemed so surprised last night when "Crash" won the award for Best Picture instead of "Brokeback Mountain". The theory is that old Hollywood, who votes for these awards, wouldn't vote for Brokeback because of it's gay themes. Do you think that's true, or do you think Brokeback won so many previous awards because the other awards/voters were patting themselves on the back for being so "brave" to make a movie like Brokeback?

Desson Thomson: I don't think people were gay-squeamish, especially in Hollywood. I suspect it had more to do with front runner resentment--people not wanting to vote for what was perceived as the runaway champ.

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Cheverly, Md.: Hi Desson -- what did you think of Jon Stewart's performance? I generally agree with Tom Shales, but re: Stewart I think he sounds mean-spirited and just plain wrong. My sweetie and I howled at the opening "dream sequence," and generally thought this was one of the best Oscarcasts we'd ever seen. My reaction: Make Stewart the permanent host -- I'd watch every single year.

Desson Thomson: Agreed! He was funny--but I think he could have been even funnier. He did it deftly. It was funny when he said, I think it's easier out there being a pimp now (after It's Hard out there as a Pimp won best song.)

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Silver Spring, Md.: What show was Tom Shales watching? We've been talking about it all morning at work and we loved Jon Stewart. He wasn't Billy Crystal, but then who is.

Desson Thomson: Tommy, Tommy, sorry about all these posts. But really, you were hard on a funny man.

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Silver Spring, Md.: How can Reese Witherspoon be considered an elite Hollywood actress?

Desson Thomson: After her great work in Election and Legally Blonde, I respect her greatly. And she was the best thing about Walk The Line. Elite actress? That's up to her in the coming years.

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Alexandria, Va.: Desson --

1. You're spot on regarding Crash. It is a great movie and certainly worth the award. I respect others opinions but to those who label it 'formulaic' I'd suggest they watch it again.

2. Does Tom Shales like anything any more?

Desson Thomson: Thanks for the support.

Poor Tom.

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I partly agree with Pennsylvania Avenue: There must be some happy medium -- fewer clips and montages, more acceptance speeches (without them dragging on tooooooo long.) One does want a bit more of the speeches than you got last night, with that annoying music playing in the background, and less of the dumb fillers.And I also thought Jon Stewart did a fine job.

Desson Thomson: That background music was INSANELY ANNOYING.

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D.C.: I'm with you, Desson, on Crash. I thought it had an intensity that the others lacked. Not to say that the others were bad in any way. They did have flaws, however. Brokeback had it's own formula (could see that ending a mile away); Good Night had some weak parts in the story, etc.

Can we talk about something else, please?

Desson Thomson: Sure we can talk about other things.

It's versus its, for example.

Just ribbing ya.

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Disappointed in, D.C.: Desson,

"It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp?" What? Come on! I'm surprised it was even nominated, and am floored that it actually won. I thought the original song was the only category that went to someone completely undeserving. I even thought the lovefest for King Kong was understandable ...

Desson Thomson: See? That's why it's so hard out there being a pimp.

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Arlington, Va.: Do you think Brokeback not getting "Best Picture" was a concerted effort by Academy voters? Could it be from their timidity, or overkill backlash, or -- contrary to their image -- homophobia?

Desson Thomson: Perhaps an unknowable question. Of course you wonder. But as I said, heck, if Hollywood can't 'fess up to loving a gay picture, who can?

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Silver Spring, Md.: What exactly is sound mixing? Once King Kong won sound editing, wasn't sound mixing just inevitable?

Desson Thomson: Sorry, I can't hear you above the traffic noise outside.

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Severna Park, Md.: At least they didn't force the lesser winners to accept their awards at their seats again this year.

Desson Thomson: Oh yeah, I remember that. Wasn't that weird? They looked like hostages.

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Concord, N.H.: Was that "pop" sound I heard about midnight Spike Lee's head coming off? "Crash" wins Best Picture, but the Academy wouldn't even nominate "Do The Right Thing"? Man, and I'll bet they thought Spike was angry before!

Desson Thomson: Spike would still be angry if his movies won every year.

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Re: Elite Reese Witherspoon: When you start getting paid close to $30 million a picture, that's elite.

Desson Thomson: Oh you mean money elite? Yeah I guess. It's a little more change than I make, I'll have to say. Just a little...

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Break out your crystal ball: Desson: Impossible question to answer but an easy one to ask. As you review this year's movies, is there one (Oscar-nominated or not) that you think will grow in stature in future years and be seen as the best movie of the year? Thanks.

Desson Thomson: Hmmm. I think Hustle & Flow, Walk the Line and Good Night and Good Luck will gain more stature over time. So will Brokeback.

I felt Capote should have had more love. It's a very fine picture.

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Arlington, Va.: Sure, we can talk about other things. How about Man U falling to third place this weekend?

I know, I know ... two games in hand ...

Desson Thomson: And only one point behind.

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Courthouse: Is it possible that just MAYBE people in Hollywood found "Crash" to be a much more compelling story with a much stronger message and much better acting than "Brokeback Mountain" (like I did) and that's why it won? I'm already overhearing that it was because we're not ready for a gay cowboy love story. I thought Brokeback was short on plot ... you could tell it developed from a 6-page short story.

Desson Thomson: I can understand all your points--and I did feel that Brokeback dragged a little, no pun intended.

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Fairfax, Va.: Count me as a vote for less montages. Why have them? Sure, maybe one. But three? On the other hand, keep the speeches short. Clooney's was great. The guy who thanked his lawyers, not so much.

Desson Thomson: I hate people who thank lawyers and agents and all the people in their big gain circle. I like it when they break out and say something deeply personal to their wives or husbands or something philosophical. Political speeches I like and I hate, depending on what they say.

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D.C.: I'll rib ya', too. It's "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp." Get that Oscar tune right!

Desson Thomson: Dang.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Things moved relatively smoothly last night. Was there a push to have it wrapped up by a certain time?

Desson Thomson: I think there always is. Some years are better than others.

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Critics of Hustle & Flow: Grrrr! All these people criticizing the movie and the song are bugging me! I thought the movie was wonderful (so did my husband and we are so far from the right demographic for the movie) and I was thrilled that the song one. Perhaps it won because in the movie it was portrayed as coming together kind of organically and it had a big part of the movie versus being a background song that is played for 20 seconds at some point in the film as is often the case. What do you think?

Desson Thomson: Agreed agreed.

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Chantilly, Va.: Yep, every day is full of bravery for George Clooney. The courage he exhibits in his $15 million-per-film paychecks, magazine covers, and attractive dates are nothing compared the rebellious fearlessness he evinces through producing, directing, and acting in vanity projects and star-filled blockbusters. Truly here is a man terribly oppressed by the fearsome weight of a government gone awry.

Desson Thomson: Chantilly mace.

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Re: Lauren Bacall: Reading the teleprompter was not her only difficulty. Her hands and head were shaking. Any word on her having some sort of illness? She is in her 80's ... (that said, would that I look that good when hit that age!)

Desson Thomson: I'm not sure. But it was saddening.

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Annapolis, Md.: This time last year, Shales did the same kind of rip job on Chris Rock. Bottom line, people keep expecting these hosts to be Johnny Carson or Billy Crystal. Well, Carson's dead and Crystal's schtick is tired. Shales needs to give these hosts a break -- Stewart did a great job.

Desson Thomson: I'll go with that.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Desson,

So glad you're responding today to questions and the like.

As someone in their 50s who has watched the Oscars since I can remember, I must say that the "star quality" is a thing of the past. Jessica Alba is not a "star." Neither is Jennifer Garner nor many of the other presenters. As to who gets an Oscar, well, it always has been kind of ludicrous, so why not "It's hard to be a pimp?" The other songs were juse as insipid. Maybe this long-time Oscar watcher will give up the 45 plus year addiction!

Desson Thomson: Yes, star quality has changed because it's so widespread. Anyone's a star these days. In the 1930s and 1940s when everyone went to the movies (and that was all there was--no ipods and TV), stars were gods.

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Bethesda, Md. : I don't know why everyone is so down on the stuffed penguins. I thought they were a cute touch, given the picture they represented. After all, they couldn't bring along the real actors!

Desson Thomson: Yeah, everyone. Stop huffin and puffin. Sorry.

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Joaquin Phoenix : I think it was "I love you River."

Desson Thomson: Aaaw.

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Raleigh, N.C.: I noticed Don Knotts was not a part of the "In Memorium" montage. Was it just too recent to include him, or is he considered just a TV guy? I was surprised, because I'm of an age where I saw him in The Apple Dumpling Gang movies before I saw my first Andy Griffith re-run.

Desson Thomson: He died in 2006. I think they were remembering all the 2005 folks.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Can the presenters possibly do a better job not making it so obvious they're reading a teleprompter? Maybe rehearsing their lines -- like it was a part -- a bit beforehand would make their words come out cleaner. Just a suggestion.

Desson Thomson: You know, I don't get it. These people are actors and they're HOPELESS with a teleprompter. You and I could do a better job as presenters. Maybe that's why they're actors.

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Re: Courthouse (brokeback): Brokeback WAS based on a very short story (60-ish pages). Part of the beauty of the film was how captivating it was without the typical plot.

Desson Thomson: Nice point.

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Arlington, Va.: So, just because George Clooney is a rich movie star he's not allowed to have a social conscience? Not all rich people are Republicans who only care about the size of their capital gains tax bill.

Desson Thomson: Another good point. The powerful left has the same rights as the powerful right, last time I checked.

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N. Hollywood, Calif.: I think the problem with Jon Stewart was that his Daily Show gig is vastly different from hosting the Oscars.

1. A small number of people attend each Daily Show taping voluntarily. If you were getting an Oscar, (or wanted to be seen), you were a captive audience.

2. The people who attend the DS are willing to be entertained. The Oscar audience is defiantly saying, "Entertain Us, We Dare You".

3. JS holds forth best in small gatherings.

The Kodak theater is anything but small.

Overall, JS did OK, and it was only his first time. And the show ended earlier than usual.

Let's see if he is invited back next year.

Desson Thomson: All good points. Yes, let's see if he's invited back. I say he isn't. Unfortunately.

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Arlington, Va.: I liked the little mini bowties the Wallace and Gromit dudes happened to have at the ready for their statuettes!

Desson Thomson: Yes me too.

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Reese v. Rachel: I thought Rachel Weisz' thankyous were less self-involved than Reese's, yet Reese is the one who got kudos this morning.

Also, as much as I love Tom Shales, he was so wrong about Jon Stewart. I laughed so hard at the faux campaign ads.

Desson Thomson: Reese vs Rachel was like a blue state vs. red state throwdown.

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San Antonio, Tex.: Aside from the random and pointless montage sequences, the not-so-subtle hints that the only "correct" way to view a film is on the big screen were pathetic and reeked of desperation. The intro to the "Epic Films Montage" was especially egregious, and poor Jake G. knew it. What was the message there? If you feel like watching Jurassic Park, Ben Hur, or Lord of the Rings, you should pop down to your local cineplex and rent out a theater? Memo to Old Hollywood: Whether or not your opinions are valid, the world is changing. Embrace new media, or be left behind.

Desson Thomson: Sad and cruelly direct but true.

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Bethesda, Md.: "It's versus its"? Man, you should be hosting the Oscars. (And wasn't Larry McMurtry's plea for the culture of the book the intellectual high point of the night?)

Desson Thomson: Yes, I like his quaint, stirring flag waving. Good for him. He needs better hair though.

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Re:Teleprompters: As someone who's used a teleprompter, I can tell you that it's nothing like "acting". First of all, the writing is still going on up until the last minute, so rehearsing is often out of the question. Second, it's not always that easy to see the telepromter. Third, it all depends on who's running the telepromter. If you get someone too slow, or too fast, the pacing can be all off.

Desson Thomson: Good to know.

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Why so many people voted for Crash: I know why, Desson. Because it's a movie about life in L.A. (yes, it's a movie about racism and stereotypes, but it's an L.A. perspective on them), and most of the voters live and/or have huge portions of their lives attached to L.A.

I liked the movie, I really did. But I didn't love it, and I really believe it wasn't the best picture among the nominees.

Desson Thomson: I understand and appreciate your points.

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Ads: Desson,

Were the Oscar ads (such as Judi Dench smear campaign) done by Jon Stewart or another group of writers?

Thanks.

Desson Thomson: I think Stewart's writers did that.

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Washington, D.C.: I was sorry they had to dumb down the Hustle and Flow song and thought, other than Dolly and Perlman, the songs weren't represented well. I was glad that the awards seemed to be evenly spread between some pretty good films. Thought that Jon Stewart did an okay job but he definitely got better later when he was more relaxed. The best bit of the night was Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep for Altman, LOVE them! And why did Ryan Phillipe looks so annoyed that his wife won for best actress?

Desson Thomson: Yes, the Tomlin - Streep thing was good.

And how stupid was this? The Pimp song DID dumb down the lyrics. They subbed "witches" for "bitches". Hilarious.

So they sang about "witches jumping ship."

Yeah, my witch better have my money!

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Silver Spring, Md.: So do Merryl Streep and Lily Tomlin get an Emmy for Best Performance by an Awards Show Presenter?

Desson Thomson: Certainly contenders for it!

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D.C.: I think that was easily the WORST Oscars I've ever seen. I thought Crash was a ripoff of Magnolia, and not nearly as good (who can possilby believe all those people's lives would intersect!) Totally unbelievable. The rap song sucked. They should have nominated the song by Bernie Taupin that ALREADY won the Golden Globe. And I thought Jon Stewart was horrible. Just my 2 cents.

Desson Thomson: Okay. Thanks.

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Oscar Hosts: I thought Stewart was fine too, but maybe next year they can get Tony Kornheiser.

Desson Thomson: I'd rather watch Wilbon.

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Most Overlooked Film of 2005: The War Within. I just happened to find this browsing IMDB. Great story of a Pakistani man who turns radical, and his childhood friend who is living the American Dream in N.J. Wonderful photography that captures the "wasteland" effect of Jersey City/Elizabeth/Newark. And very timely, given that the main character arrives at a N.J. port in containerized freight. I would hope this small film gets some more distribution at the art houses.

Desson Thomson: It screened here in DC. Yes, a very strong film.

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McLean, Va.: What really disappointed me (although it certainly was no surprise) was the way they would cut off speeches to keep the show moving, then cut away to a zillion commercials. This looked especially tacky right after "Crash" won its screenplay award and the people in the control booth kicked in the music the second Paul Haggis stopped talking, not giving his co-winner a chance to mutter a syllable.

(But I loved how the camera shots of the audience showed their reactions to this "dis" and how Paul Haggis immediately ceded the microphone his next time up to the stage)

Desson Thomson: Thanks.

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Felicity ...: I was really impressed by Felicity Huffman's reaction when Reese Witherspoon was announced as the winner (you know the whole split screen thing) ... She seemed really genuinely excited, clapping really enthusiastically, etc. It was really noticeable compared to the usual polite smile and golfing applause.

I had heard an interview with her on NPR and she just seemed so genuine and down to earth, talking about her kids and all that. Her Oscar reaction just made me like her even more.

Desson Thomson: She seems like a class act.

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Fairfax, Va.: As much as I like Jon Stewart, I'm not sure that he was the right choice to host the Academy Awards. Don't get me wrong. I thought he was funny last night, but it seems like a lot of people, including the hard-to-please Shales, thought he wasn't. Doesn't the the Academy really want hosts in the mold of Bob Hope or Billy Crystal? The problem is, most of today's good comedians are either edgy (Chris Rock) or ironic (Stewart). And as we saw last night, Hollywood cannot laugh at itself.

Desson Thomson: Yes, it's true Hollywood gets absurdly stuffy on Oscar night. But I like edge in comedy. So I'm happy to have an emcee with an element of danger. I hate cheesy bosterism.

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Dunn Loring, Va.: Of course you jumped at the chance to post a response to the criticism of George Clooney and not that the left has the same rights as the right. It's too bad that you missed the point of the original commenter who was not attacking Clooney's political position but rather the idiocy of his statement that he's "out of touch" when he is a media darling whose liberal leanings are the same as almost everybody in his industry.

Desson Thomson: Allow me to jump at the chance to post your comments.

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Arlington, Va.: I think whatever inadequacies there were in Jon Stewart's performance (and I admit I wasn't thrilled w/it) are due to a lack of fit between the performer and the venue. His specialy is skewering people --- mainly politicians and the news media, but, more generally, people who take themselves too seriously. Two of his best lines (re Bjork and Dick Cheney and his "and none of those issues were ever a problem again" line after the self-congratulatory piece on Hollywood's focus on social issues) had to do w/politics and the self-importance of people in the movie biz.

Given that, I, too, thought Shales was way too tough on Stewart.

Desson Thomson: Yes, good points.

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Rockville, Md.: Jon Stewart ROCKED! He and his crew from "The Daily Show" did an awesome job. Satire is sorely needed in popular culture, and satire is sorely needed at the Academy Awards, and the satire yesterday made the show one of the freshest shows in years. He was certainly far better than Chris Rock's juvenile cruelty, Billy Crystal's tired old Borscht Belt schtick and Whoopi Goldberg's non-registering on any scale. He was the best host in years.

Desson Thomson: Okay, thanks!

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C'Ville, Va.: Hi Desson,I know some have done it, but who was the last woman to win best Actress that was over say 40?

And Jon Stewart Was HILARIOUS! The Bjork joke was genius.

Desson Thomson: Yes that was a good Bjork joke. Try saying that twice.

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Arlington, Va.: Ugh, I hated the video montages ... why include them it was the 78th Oscars -- not like the 80th. or 100th..

I actually liked how not one movie got all the wins, the awards show gets boring fast when that happens. I also read that Ebert was rooting for Crash to win best pick, which I thought was interesting. Who were you rooting for?

Desson Thomson: I guess I was rooting for Crash and Good Night since they seemed like the underdogs. But I thought Capote was the best picture of the ones nominated.

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Wheaton, Md.: There's been a lot of discussion about whether Hollywood is "out of touch" with mainstream America, because most of the pictures nominated for Oscars were not very successful at the box office. George Clooney touched on it in his speech last night. Do you think Hollywood is out of touch, or do you think mainstream America is out of touch with reality, preferring ridiculous comedies like Big Mommma's House 2 to movies dealing with real issues?

Desson Thomson: I think that Clooney was right that it's not always good to be "in touch with" mainstream America. Yes, there is a lot of weight to mainstream values and common sense. But you also have to push society in ever new directions and not necessarily reconfirm everyone's prejudices and ignorances.

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In Memoriam: Chris Penn died this year -- not in 2005. They didn't include the guy from a Christmas Story either.

Desson Thomson: That's true. So that messes up my theory about 2005/2006. So in fact they DID miss out on Knotts.

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Washington, D.C.: I caught the tail end of Oprah the other day and I swear I heard Emma Thompson eluding to the fact that she had not seen Brokeback Mountain, but voted for Ang Lee cause she "loves" his work. Okay -- now are these people not required to see the movies before they vote on them? This thought has really got me perturbed!

Desson Thomson: I'm not sure. But as I understand it, I believe they're supposed to watch everything when they vote on the single category, like acting. On the best pic, I know everyone votes on it, but not sure if they have to have seen them all. You'd think they'd have to.

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Gay Cowboy Movie: Would everyone please get with it and realize that there were no cows to be found in "Brokeback Mountain"? Ennis and Jack were shepherds. Shepherds! You know, sheep? The word "cowboy" implies that they worked with cows. They didn't. Sheep!

Thanks, I've wanted to get that off my chest for a while now.

Desson Thomson: Yes, and as I said in a previous session on this very subject, do they really want to walk into a bar and call themselves shepherd boys?

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D.C.: I have used a TelePrompTer, several times, and, point-blank: It is not easy. Reading off a TelePrompTer with little practice in a huge hall with bright lights in front of 3,300 people and a billion people worldwide is NOT EASY. Please do not criticize until you've been in that position. Again, for the back rows: Reading off a TelePrompTer, even for the best actors and directors in the world, is not easy at all. So please don't be critical until you've tried it. Thank you!

Desson Thomson: Someone made the same point earlier. Bears repeating though.

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Desson Thomson: Dudes and dudettes, I am way over the mark. Thanks for posting. See you soon at the next chat-in. Peace all.

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