Live Coverage of the 78th Academy Awards
Jen Chaney
washingtonpost.com Movies Editor
Sunday, March 5, 2006
7:00 PM
Bring the wine, cheese and snarky comments: You're invited to the annual Oscars party on washingtonpost.com, hosted by movies editor and awards show junkie Jen Chaney . She'll serve as your guide to all the red carpet missteps, surprise winners and witty quips delivered by Oscar host Jon Stewart. The fun begins Sunday, March 5 at 7 p.m. ET .
A transcript follows.
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Jen Chaney: Welcome to our Web version of an Oscar party. This is my third year hosting one of these discussions and, thanks to the wonders of technology, I'm typing from my couch this time, watching the red carpet action on my high-definition TV. So it's almost as good as being at the Kodak Theatre, plus I don't have to wear a gown and uncomfortable shoes.
Speaking of fashion, I'm decked out in a lovely little frock from Nordstrom Rack, a pair of Aerosole pumps from DSW and jewelry by Mervis Diamond Importers. I'll be joined periodically by my beagle Casey, who looks simply stunning in an Armani tuxedo. (He loves to copy George Clooney. That, and lick himself.)
Take you first sip of wine, warm up your typing fingers and start thinking of catty comments to make about the celebs as we take this evening-long journey into high fashion and phony acceptance speeches.
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Tinseltown: What are people saying about that Best Film Editing award? Pretty hot stuff, eh? Seriously, shouldn't more attention be given to the people who work hard hours at less pay and notice in producing films?
Jen Chaney: Hey, Tinseltown. I have filled out my Oscar ballot and I have "Crash" winning for film editing, which is based on nothing other than the fact that I think it was a pretty complicated story to piece together.
I agree with your second point. The people who work on the technical side are often seen as extraneous or "nerdy," but they are vital to making these movies what they are. I recently interviewed Andy Nelson, a sound mixer who is nominated tonight to "War of the Worlds," and I was fascinated by what he does. He made the point that his work, contrary to what many may think, truly is creative and I would agree.
Now, a side note: I'm watching E! and Ludacris just made a reference to Chris Bridges, which is his actual name. Isaac Mizrahi, of course, had no clue what he was talking about it. Is anyone else finding Mizrahi utterly intolerable? I didn't think anyone could be more annoying than Star Jones, but I stand corrected. They need to get Ryan Seacrest down on the carpet, stat. He's sort of cheesy sometimes, but he's really good on his feet and can at least ask semi-smart questions.
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Washington, D.C.: Keira Knightly looks HOT. Too bad I'm a straight female.
Jen Chaney: Well, tonight -- according to some media outlets -- is all about gay themes. So maybe you can switch teams temporarily.
(And there go my editors, pulling the plug on this discussion for being too risque.)
She does look nice. Love that wine color. But she does look like she's having a little trouble moving around in that dress; she's snug in there pretty tight.
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Fortaleza, Brazil: One of the few times I've seen all of the pics nominated for best picture. I'd rate 'em: Good Night/Good Luck, Capote, Munich, Brokeback (tie for those two), Crash. But who will listen? One question: was the German film "The Fall: Last Hours of Hitler" nominated for Best Foreign Language Film last year? I saw it last year and wondered why it wasn't on the nominee list, but perhaps it was a 2004 flick.
Jen Chaney: Interesting ranking. I think I'd go: "Brokeback," "Capote," "Munich," "Crash" and "Good Night." I like all of the films, though, which is a rarity.
Re: "The Fall," I think you mean "Downfall" and it was nominated last year. I need to catch up with that one.
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Silver Spring, Md.: Serious question: Do the "cool kids" watch the Oscars?
Jen Chaney: Yes. The cool kids watch and make fun of the lame elements. The uncool kids watch and cry during the acceptance speeches. (Not that I have ever done that.) The really uncool kids don't watch and don't know when the Oscars even are.
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Indianapolis, Ind.: I'm SO pleased that Ryan Seacrest learned the word "vintage" tonight ... now he's ready to work the red carpet on a regular basis. Maybe next year he'll try to pronounce "Cavalli"!!
Jen Chaney: Hey, vintage is not an easy word to say.
Speaking of fashion-speak, I'd like to issue an official ban on the word bling and all of its derivations. No bling, no blinged-out, no bling bling.
The whole bling concept has passed its prime. It's all very Puff Daddy and that dude has changed his name at least three times since the word bling came into vogue.
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Leesville, S.C.: Who has had more "work" done, Joan Rivers or Dolly Parton?
Jen Chaney: Below the neck? Dolly. Above the neck? I say Joan. At least both of them are candid about it. I give them credit for that.
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Charlotte, N.C.: Every year the producers of the Oscars vow to make the show shorter and more interesting, and every year it seems that it's about the same -- musical numbers, tributes, long-winded thank yous. Why can't they distill this thing down to a watchable length?
Jen Chaney: Because it's tradition, baby! (Sorry. I thought I was Dick Vitale for a second.)
As Whoopi Goldberg told me recently (pretentious name-drop alert!), the show is never going to get shorter so everyone should stop kvetching about it. I just want the show to be better and more spontaneous, which depends a lot on who wins. And the host. I'm very excited to see how Jon Stewart does.
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Washintgon, D.C.: How has won the most Oscars? How many would that be? Also, have discussions by the Academy to determine the nominees and the winners ever been published?Thank you.
Jen Chaney: Walt Disney has won the most Oscars in Oscar history. I believe the number is 26, if memory serves. Pretty impressive.
And no, for obvious reasons, the Academy doesn't reveal their internal discussions. But the general process isn't a secret. Academy members nominate in their specialized fields (so actors nominate actors) but everyone votes for the winners. It's sort of like the difference between a primary and a general election.
But as far as how the final votes shake out, no one knows. Would be fascinating to find out.
Okay, it's almost 7:30 and mydog is already snoring. A bad omen?
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Anonymous: I can't believe that I just switched channels to Joan and Melissa because the coverage on ABC was too vapid ...
Jen Chaney: I kind of miss Melissa and Joan on E! They were goofy sometimes, but they tossed in a good zinger every now and then.
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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: My husband says the only way he can get through the Oscars is with a good Oscars drinking game. Any suggestions??
Jen Chaney: Do a shot for every "Brokeback Mountain" joke. Or how about a shot for every winner who either reads from a piece of paper or thanks his agent? He will be wasted by 8:15.
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Follow-up re: cool kids: Why will I be the only guy at my office tomorrow who knows everything that happened at the Oscars tonight, and the other guys will get the scoop from girls in the office? And why do I care? Why can't I just be happy knowing what I know? Why do I feel like I have to know anything about March Madness?
Jen Chaney: Because we all must compare ourselves to others. It's the same reason many women around the world right now probably think they're too fat after watching the red carpet parade.
(Aside: Jennifer Aniston looks pretty fab. And I really don't like Reese Witherspoon's dress. See? I'm part of the problem.)
I'm one of the few people who loves March Madness as much as the Oscars. This is one of my favorite times of the year for just that reason.
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Smithtown, N.Y.: I know nobody ever talks about 'men's' fashion on the red carpet, but how did it come about that the actors are all wearing long neckties with their tuxes and the journalists are still almost all in bowties?
Jen Chaney: Not everyone is doing the long tie. Matt Dillon, who is on the tube as we write, is rocking the bow tie. He looks pretty good. He has aged rather nicely, hasn't he?
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Arlington, Va.: I hate to sound catty but I will. Why does Jennifer Aniston change her dress and designer each year but still manage to have the same darn look?!
Jen Chaney: Oh, don't hate to sound catty. It's why we're here.
I kind of like her look, but I'm a big fan of basic black. I would agree that she doesn't do much in the way of fashion risk-taking. But that also means she doesn't make a colossal error either.
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Washington, D.C.: Downfall? I think you mean "der Unterdang". Am I not the only one whose boyfriend dragged them to this film? It won all kinds of international awards last year, but it seems like American moviegoers have a hard time getting on the subtitle train.
Jen Chaney: Yes, same movie, no? I have no problem with subtitles, but some people do, which I totally don't get. It's not so hard to read and watch at the same time. We're all doing right now, with our TVs and this chat, right?
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McLean, Va.: Why do you think people are constantly calling it a Brokeback a Gay Cowboy movie? It is anything but.
Jen Chaney: Seriously, I am so sick of all the gay cowboy jokes. The wonderful thing about that movie, I think, is that it's not a gay movie. It's an honest love story about two people who happen to be in a gay relationship and -- shocker -- aren't that different from people in straight relationships.
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Sunnyvale, Calif.: I like March Madness a little more than the Oscars but it's very close. I'm also someone who is not bothered at all by the length of the show. I don't think they should ever cut someone off. Let the show go four or five hours if they want. I mean, it's only on once a year, I think if we're interested in watching the show then we can live with the length.
By the way, I can't look at William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman without thinking about how Steven Colbert, in the spirit of Bennifer, has dubbed them Filliam H. Muffman.
Jen Chaney: I hadn't heard that Colbert reference. I like it.
Speaking of Felicity, what do we think? Was she really moved to tears or just "acting"?
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Anonymous: Felicity Huffman is out of character with the dress she's wearing tonight ... no self-respecting drag queen would ever be caught dead in it!
Jen Chaney: I don't know, I think she looks pretty darn good in it.
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College Park, Md.: My predictions: Best Picture -- Brokeback Mountain; Best Director -- Ang Lee; Best Actor -- Philip Seymour Hoffman; Best Actress -- Reese Witherspoon; Best Supp. Actor - Matt Dillon; Best Actress -- Michele Williams. What do you all think?
Jen Chaney: 'Sup, CP? I'm with you on all of those, except I have Clooney and Weisz instead of Dillon and Williams. I would be really excited if Michelle Williams won because I loved her performance. Those two categories are the toughest to call.
Only a few minutes til showtime ... here come the dorks with the briefcases.
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Chevy Chase, Md.: Why is it that Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was doing more of an impersonation, is getting more props than Heath Ledger, who created his character from scratch?
Jen Chaney: I thought Hoffman's performance went well beyond impersonation. He really became the guy, to the point where I barely paid attention to that super-high voice.
Having said that, I thought Ledger did an amazing job, too. In another year without such tight competition, Heath could have won very easily.
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Washington, D.C.: These critics on the red carpet are hacks. Put Stephen, Desson and Ann out there.
Jen Chaney: I'm thinkin' Stephen, Ann and Desson wouldn't want to be out there. But I could be wrong.
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Anonymous: They're already trotting out the film-clips-set-to-"meaningful" --music, can't they just show the purty people walking around in their outfits that cost more than I spend on my mortgage payment each month? I'm with your dog, I'm getting sleepy.
Jen Chaney: Yes, and can't they tell us who made each dress? Some of us are desperately trying to take notes for a photo gallery we have to do later. Geez!
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North Bethesda, Md.: Like many women, I think George Clooney is adorable, but is it me or in the past year has he become just plain annoying? And it's not neccessarily his politics, since I tend to agree with them. Maybe it's over-exposure, but I'm honestly routing against the guy tonight!
Jen Chaney: I have met Mr. Clooney (pretentious name-dropping incident number two) and he is incredibly engaging. He's hard not to like. Because of that, I don't mind the over-exposure, though I can see why it might be irritating.
Has anyone noticed that Mr. Clooney has been wearing the same black-on-black in every media interview for the past several months?
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Washington, D.C.: The movies seem pretty lame this year. It looks like a film about homosexual cowboys might actually win Best Picture, which is a really odd outcome in my opinion. What film in the last five years that was overlooked at the Oscars could have won had it been released this year?
Jen Chaney: I don't think the movies are lame, they're just smaller films. No big Hollywood blockbusters in the lot, which is sort of refreshing, if not a ratings-grabber.
We're about to start. Hold onto your cowboy hats.
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Sunnyvale, Calif.: Jen, you're slacking on your Colbert obviously.
They starred in the little known film "The Splendiforous Zeppelin Adventures of Filliam H. Muffman"
Jen Chaney: I hav been missing "Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show" way too much lately. Stupid work. Always gets in the way of TV watching.
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Capitol Hill: Am I the only one who thinks award shows have jumped the shark? Much like ice skating. But I still watch 7th Heaven, so I may be the lone wolf on this one.
Jen Chaney: Award shows can't jump the shark because they'll never go away. Unlike "Love Monkey," they'll never cancel the Oscars.
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My Friend Flicka: Felicity's tears were real. I've met her, and I know several people who know her well, and she's a genuinely smart, sweet, and animated. I've never heard anyone speak ill of her, as a friend or as a colleague. She's worked hard for years and I think she's a stunning actress. I dearly hope she wins, because I imagine she'll be the most excited winner since Cuba Gooding, Jr. Go Flicka!
Jen Chaney: I'm glad to hear that. She does seem really genuine in interviews and I really like her, too. Not sure she can beat Reese tonight, though.
Oh, here we go!
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Jen Chaney: This animated movie montage opening is kind of cool. In HD it looks 3-D.
You know, sometimes I really want to marry my television.
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Olney, Md.: Am I out of the loop? Why didn't Barbara Walters do her pre-Oscar show tonight rather than last week?
Jen Chaney: Because ABC extended its red carpet coverage to knock off the E!, et al coverage and, hopefully, grab more ratings.
Hence, Barbra was bumped to the post-"Lost" slot.
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Jen Chaney: This beginning, with all of the old hosts turning down the offer to serve as this year's host, is pretty amusing. Well, it was until Mel Gibson showed up and started to promote his upcoming movie.
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Jen Chaney: Jon's on. I like the set, which is designed to resemble an old movie palace.
First joke: "Tonight is the night we celebrate excellence in film. With me. The fourth lead in 'Death to Smoochy.'"
Didn't pan to Aniston during the Angelina Jolie reference. Classy. A missed opportunity, but classy.
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Henderson, N.C.: Do the stars and starlets get their gowns on loan? How are they going to take care of the penguins if they win?
Jen Chaney: Yes, many of them borrow the dresses so the designers can get publicity. The penguins don't need to borrow obviously.
Jon Stewart has awakened my dog. What do we think of how he's doing so far? He's doing well, but not killing just yet.
Oh wait, that joke about Dick Cheney shooting Bjork in her Oscar dress was pretty good.
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Jen Chaney: Here we go with the old-Westerns-as-gay-pics montage. Pretty funny, even if am sick of the "Brokeback" jokes.
Jon Stewart seems pretty at ease up there, doesn't he? Feels like he's warming up a bit.
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Carbondale, Colo.: A rule against extreme cleavage by starstruck commentators should be enforced, as well as the featuring of more time on the "guide" than dresses -- more shots of more dresses, with subtitles would be far better than Cynthia's sequined corset, or the various slip dresses, or (yuck) the comments of that fashion designer with no brain on E!.
Jen Chaney: I'm with you, Colorado.
Get out your ballots, kids. Supporting Actor is about to be presented.
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Jen Chaney: I don't like Kidman in white so much. She looks a bit washed-out. And the gown seems a bit prommy. Her make-up looks nice, though.
And the Best Supporting Actor is ... George Clooney. All right, I'm one for one!
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Chicago, Ill.: Nicole Kidman = beautiful!
Jen Chaney: She does even if I'm not a fan of white.
Why is there music playing during Clooney's speech?
Liked his quip: Guess I'm not winning Best Director. A really nice speech by Clooney. Respectful reference to Hattie McDaniel, and he kept it short and didn't try to thank everyone under the sun. In fact, he didn't thank anyone, just tried to make a statement.
So I'm thinking the aforementioned overexposure will continue...
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Silver Spring, Md.: What's with the music during the acceptance speech?
Jen Chaney: I just asked the same thing. Found it distracting as hell.
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Arlington, Va.: Hey Jen, are you looking forward to the George Clooney presidency in a decade or so? I am!
Jen Chaney: Yes, right after Bono becomes a U.S. citizen and ends up being Speaker of the House.
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Paris, Still in France: Anywhere I can see this simulcast on the Web? BTW, the descriptions are getting better!
Jen Chaney: Don't know of a Web simulcast anywhere, but this is sort of like a simulcast in texty form.
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Arlington, Va.: Looks like we're in for another night of predictable camera cutaways. Every time there's a gay cowboy reference, we see Heath.
Re: Best Supporting Actor. I've always liked the practice of showing clips of each person's performance. But I've always wondered who decides which clips to use?
Jen Chaney: I'm thinking the studios. I have these clips memorized, as they are on all the studio EPKs.
Tom Hanks is demonstrating how not to make an acceptance speech, complete with "DaVinci Code" 'do.
Is it me, or does the Oscar logo on the set resembles the logo for the Baltimore Orioles?
And now, Ben Stiller in h
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Arlington, Va.: Is it me, or did George Clooney seem totally unprepared for his Oscar? I loved his speech, it seemed very from the heart.
Jen Chaney: I agree, excellent speech.
Don't kid yourself, he was prepared.
My last post went out preemptively. Meant to say Ben Stiller in green jammies, who is about to present visual effects.
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Chapel Hill, N.C.: Jen, thanks so much for doing this! For the first time in billions of years, I can't watch the Oscars, but this chat is the next best thing to being there. My question: why is Jennifer Aniston there? Neither she nor that empty suit she's dating ever came remotely close to being in anything that might get an Oscar nod. Not that I'm not always happy to see her, but still ...
Jen Chaney: Aniston is presenting tonight, and promoting some upcoming films, of course.
If people who had never been in Oscar-worthy films were banned from this event, half of the place would empty out.
Not to suggest that Jessica Alba didn't deserve a nod for "Fantastic Four." I really believed she had a medical background in that movie.
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Alexandria, Va.: I hate the cheesy music in the background for the acceptance speeches!
Jen Chaney: Dear Lord, I can't take it either. It adds an unnecessary sense of schmaltz, when acceptance speeches are already drowning in it.
"Kong" just won for Visual Effects.
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Ben Stiller: Eh. Too gimmicky.
Jen Chaney: Here comes Reese Witherspoon to the strains of "Walk the Line." Actually her dress looks prettier here than it did on the carpet. Has a nice silvery shimmer to it.
She's presenting Best Animated Feature. And the winner is ... "Wallace and Gromit."
Those big bow ties on the "Wallace" guys are pretty goofy, but cute.
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Toronto, Canada: Jon Stewart so far reminds me of David Letterman eleven years ago. Very funny to me and probably a lot of other people, but the room isn't laughing that hard. Which is a shame.
Jen Chaney: I loved Letterman. I really did. He brought his sensibility to the show, and I appreciated that.
Okay, I really don't care for Naomi Watts' dress. Looks like she has a mix of tulle and a basketball hoop on her chest.
Speaking of chests ... it's Dolly Parton!
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Tokyo, Japan: For those of us overseas and can't actually see the program, you are our only Oscar lifeline! Can you please let us know who the winners are as soon as the envelopes open?
Jen Chaney: I'm trying, Tokyo.
So far it's been Clooney for supporting actor, "King Kong" for visual effects and "Wallace and Gromit" for animated feature.
So how's your ballot looking so far?
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Hideous!: Hideous! Naomi Watt's dress is hideous! Actually I think I dislike flesh-toned dresses in general. (See also Reese Witherspoon.)
And Dolly is a skinny-minnie!
Jen Chaney: You know what? Even if Dolly has had some work done, I still think she looks pretty fantastic.
I'm with you on Naomi's dress. What the heck happened? It's like a floral arrangement gone horribly wrong.
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McLean, Va.: Naomi Watts's dress looks like it's from the Miss Havisham collection.
Jen Chaney: Meow.
And kudos. You win best catty comment of the night so far.
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Bethesda, Md.: Stiller was really funny. The music during the speeches is really distracting, and Helena Bonham Carter's hair looks crazy!
Jen Chaney: She's with Tim Burton. She is required to have crazy hair.
I love that they tease to commercial by promoting the fact that they'll give out three whole more Oscars during the next segment.
Come 10 p.m., I start sucking down nothing but caffeinated beverages.
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Washington, D.C.: Dolly kicked a- -!
Jen Chaney: She sounded pretty great. I have her marked as the winner in that category. We'll see.
Owen and Luke Wilson are presenting Live Action Short. And the winner is ... "Six Shooter." Dang! I got that wrong.
Oh boy, again with the lite rock during the acceptance speech.
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Takoma Park, Md.: OK, folks. Dolly is 60. There's not a bone left from her original body.
Jen Chaney: So? Are you saying wax museum replicas of people can't look good?
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Arlington, Va.: I loved Nick Parks's wacky tie! I'm always pleased when the creator of Wallace and Gromit wins. But on to Luke and Owen Wilson being cute ...
Jen Chaney: Yes, I prefer them to this lame "Chicken Little" gag.
Love my "Chicken Little" 3-D glasses, but hated the movie.
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Arlington, Va.: Interesting that they did that Munich clip right before the commercials. Is that the official Best Picture bit or just an extra look? If it's the official thing, then it's a departure from past years when someone introduced each Best Picture film.
I love the Wilson brothers ... Oh and I rock. Because I blindly chose Six Shooter as the winner. Another great speech!
Jen Chaney: I think they're -- believe it or not -- trying to save time by showing Best Pic clips before commercial, rather than having someone make a speech about each one.
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Washington, D.C.: At least they aren't presenting awards in the aisle this year. Thanks for doing this fun chat!
Jen Chaney: Yes. If it were in the aisle with this lame-o music, I might have to stop watching. "The Moon and the Sun" just won best animated feature. Man, my ballot is imploding.
Jennifer Aniston is presenting best costume. Don't see how this isn't going to "Geisha"...
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Takoma Park, Md.: Ditto on dislike of flesh-colored dresses. Contrast, people! Esp. for the fair-complected.
Jen Chaney: Yes, we know best. Forget all those stylists, we should be giving advice.
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Arlington, Va.: You're all right, the music during the the speeches is very distracting. I've noticed this trend on E as well, during Style Police deconstructions.
Boy, Jen Aniston looks very classic in that black dress.
Jen Chaney: Yes. With people standing up there alone and with that music, the whole thing feels like a ride in an elevator.
"Geisha" just won best costume ... and yes, Aniston looks pretty darn classy.
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Takoma, Md.: Keira Knightly (2006) = Julie Christie (1965)
Jen Chaney: Interesting.
Who does Reese Witherspoon equal?
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Arlington, Va.: Yikes, I may sound petty, but Dolly's voice sounds weak! The acoustics in the theater are making her sound reedy.
Jen Chaney: I thought she sounded all right, though she looked a little out of breath.
Here comes Russell Crowe ... duck! (Oh come on, I had to make that joke.)
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Indianapolis, Ind.: Oooh. Jon Stewart seems a little out of place. He's funny, but something's missing. And I hate how they cut to a close-up of him and telegraph that he's about to say a punchline. Bring back ... Chris Rock maybe?
Jen Chaney: Give him a chance, man. We're not even an hour into the show.
And now a look at actors playing real people, in montage form. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love me some good montage.
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Paris, France: Wow, I must admit, I feel quite left out, as here in France not all the films nominated have even been released yet, and I can't even watch the show ... For all intents and purposes this IS my show, so ... Describe it for me, would you, folks?
P.S.: Name drop: Ran into Angelina Jolie in the grocery store day before yesterday and she asked me to hand her some toilet paper (in French!) Did you know she was here in Paris? I'm NOT lying!
Jen Chaney: I had heard she was in France recently. Are you saying you touched the toilet paper that would eventually touch the bottom of Miss Jolie and Mr. Pitt? You do realize how huge that is, don't you?
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Bethesda, Md.: Crowe, straight from a bar fight. He looks a mess.
Jen Chaney: Come, come now. He doesn't get into bar fights. He saves his rage for hotel lobbies.
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Philadelphia, Pa.: That curl on Russell Crowe's forehead is killing me ... That's a bad look -- way overstyled.
Jen Chaney: I suspect it was understyled. He doesn't strike me as someone with much patience for all the red carpet stuff, which I respect to some extent. But at the same time, you know, why look like Bob's Big Boy or Agent Cooper after a dwarf-dancing nightmare?
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Arlington, Va.: So I didn't get to see the pre-show. Who was the best dressed? Who looked hot?
Jen Chaney: Jessica Alba looked pretty great. So did Felicity Huffman, I thought. Other than that, everyone looked nice but not many people out and out blew me away.
What do you think, chatters?
Here are Steve Carell and Will Ferrell wearing purposely bad make-up to present ... Best Makeup. It's all so meta.
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Arlington, Va.: Oh, that clip from Pride of the Yankees always makes me cry. I love that movie.
Jen Chaney: It's 9 p.m. and the first tears have been shed. The Oscar ceremony has now officially been baptized.
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Re: Real People montage: Re: Make-up joke with Will Farrell and Steve Carrell. Hilarious!
Jen Chaney: I dig Carel's eyelashes.
And the winner for makeup is ... "The Chronic -- WHAT? -- cles of Narnia."
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Washington, D.C.: Ben Stiller was very funny.
I love George Clooney and am definitely with him politically, but couldn't his speech be seen as a little bit much? I mean, is he thanking Hollywood for taking the lead in solving racism in America? How diverse were the Oscars really before the year Denzel and Halle won? George always seems like one of the down to earth celebrities, but his speech seemed a little deluded, even to me.
Jen Chaney: I didn't think it was deluded. I certainly see your point, but I think he was just making the point that movies sometimes address important social issues.
Nice Jon Stewart joke about how "Cinderella Man" should have won for makeup because it must have been so difficult to make Russell Crowe look like he had been in a fight.
Hilarious that they just showed Kidman's uncomfortable react during the Crowe joke.
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Logan Circle: Rachel McAdams looked terrible, where is she Vegas?!
Jen Chaney: No, she's on "Solid Gold." Duh.
Morgan Freeman is now presenting Best Supporting Actress.
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San Luis Obispo, CA: I learned to my horror a few hours ago that we don't get ABC on our satellite TV, so I'm relying on this chat to watch the Oscars. Thanks to everybody who's writing in. I can just see Russell Crowe "straight from a bar fight" with the curl on his forehead and the women in their dresses, hot and not. Also, thanks for giving us the awards as they are presented.
Jen Chaney: Are you sure you have a satellite dish and not just, like, a regular dish that you eat off of? How weird not to have ABC. Glad we can help.
Rachel Weisz just won Best Supporting Actress. And the lack of surprises in major categories continue.
Let's try to think of songs we'd rather hear during the speeches than the cheesy music they keep playing. How about "Constant Craving" since Weisz is from "The Constant Gardener"?
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Washington, D.C.: Heath and Michelle are the cutest couple ... they seem so much in love.
Jen Chaney: They really do. I interviewed him once (I swear I don't mean to be name-dropping, it just keeps happening!) and he genuinely sounded so happy about being with her and having a child together. Very sweet.
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Silver Spring, Md.: ok i just cried
Jen Chaney: What put you over the top? Was it the women who was crying when the "Narnia" people won?
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Arlington, Va.: Why don't songs that people have actually heard of ever get nominated anymore? Where are radio hits such as "What a Feeling" or "Time of my Life" or even "Lose Yourself"?
Jen Chaney: Excellent question. Where are the "Power of Loves" and "Purple Rains" of today?
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Anonymous: I think it is all over for Brokeback, what a shame ... gutless voters.
Jen Chaney: Oh, I don't think so. Ang Lee is a shoo-in, I think.
Here comes Lauren Bacall in an all-black pantsuit. She looks pretty good, having some trouble reading the teleprompter, though.
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Washington, D.C.: So who did Jake "Toothy Tile" Gyllenhaal come with?
Jen Chaney: Wow, Lauren Bacall really can't read her remarks. Is it a technical problem? She's doing her best to cover, but man.
Now we're in the midst of a salute to film noir, for those not watching at home.
I don't recognize the woman sitting next to Jake G. But I think he looks pretty sharp.
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Takoma Park, Md.: No, seriously! Who do we complain to 'right now' to get relief from three more hours of music during the speeches. C'mon bloggers! Get me a name!
Jen Chaney: Call Gil Cates. Or start playing your own music at home.
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Washington, D.C.: Michelle Williams looks like a young Lauren Bacall -- intentional?
Jen Chaney: I'm not sure how I feel about her dress. Not crazy about all the rufflage, but I think the color suits her. And the dark lipstick is pretty stunning.
Maybe Michelle can help Lauren read the teleprompter next time. Not sure what the deal was there.
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Bethesda, Md.: Lauren Bacall is having a stroke up on stage .. .what is going on? That was kind of weird and painful!
Jen Chaney: I'm thinking it was a technical problem.
Hey! Steve Colbert is doing voice-over on a silly ad by Citizens for Keira Knightley for Best Actress.
This is hysterical.
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Rockville, Md.: Seriously, I am astounded that people keep predicting all the trophies for Brokeback -- from what I have been reading and seeing thus far, Ang Lee might be the only nominee to get a trophy for the movie -- it's almost a conspiracy to make sure Brokeback doesn't get any accolades that would make people uncomfortable -- counterpoint?
Jen Chaney: I can't make a call until the ceremony is over. I still think it will win Best Picture, so the fact that it hasn't won anything yet isn't that significant. Let's see what happens before developing conspiracy theories.
After that, we can develop as many as we want. (First attempt: It all has something to do with the numbers from "Lost.") Terrence Howard just presented Best Documentary Short to the makers of "A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin."
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Bethesda, Md.: Really funny montage by Rob Cordry ... esp. funny the part about Keira Knightly acting with cheekbones full of God Dust. Hahaaa.
Jen Chaney: That was Colbert, I think. But hilarious nonetheless.
Charlize Theron -- who would look fab if she would lose the huge bow on her left shoulder -- is presenting Best Documentary. Winner is ... "March of the Penguins." Here come all these guys with plush penguins. Another cute prop.
I don't mean to be a buzzkill, but I really don't think this was the best doc. "Murderball" was better and more of a true documentary.
Cute comment from one of the filmmaker: "I like seeing all these tuxedos tonight. It's like making the movie again."
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Centreville, Va.: What was that bling on Terrence Howard's lapel?
Is George Clooney the new Jack Nicholson? I've only seen one Jack cutaway shot, and yet Clooney seems omnipresent. (Not that it's a bad thing -- I lurve me some Clooney.)
Jen Chaney: Did or did I not ban the word bling? Come on, people, work with me.
Actually, I'm not sure.
Yes, Clooney is the new Nicholson. I think you're right.
Good golly, is it me or does J. Lo look freaking amazing? That green is a terrific color on her.
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Arlington, Va.: I can't remember the use of props (such as the bowties and penguins) in past years, can you? It's a cute touch. I advocate the use of more props!
Eek! Jennifer Lopez has just appeared. What's going on with her skin tone?
Jen Chaney: No, I don't recall that either. Definitely makes you remember those winners.
Skin tone was a little Mystic Tan, but she still looked pretty great.
Now "In the Deep" from "Crash" is being performed. Not a bad song. It's no "Ghostbusters," but really, what is?
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Arlington, Va.: Yikes, what is Charlize Theron wearing. She's beautiful, but that thing on her shoulder? Has got to go.
Jen Chaney: The first of much hating on Charlize's shoulder bow...
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Washington, D.C.: How does Charlize Theron balance that dead cat on her shoulder? Is it tied down? Glued on? She's not going to be any fun to be around at the after parties.
Jen Chaney: Here comes more...
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Washington, D.C.: Charlize Theron's dress looks like the one I wore to my Junior Prom in 1984.
Jen Chaney: And still more. Like I said, lose the bow and you have a relatively elegant gown. With it, you're on the way to the "Pretty in Pink" prom with Steff and Blaine.
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Arlington, Va.: I loved the movie Crash (although I do not think it should win best picture), but what is with the slo-mo recreation of the uncomfortable scenes in the movie while this woman sings? It is awful.
Jen Chaney: Would have been better if Rob Lowe and Snow White had acted out those scenes.
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Washington, D.C.: The singer for the Crash song is the chick from West Wing -- Toby's ex wife?!
Jen Chaney: Good call, D.C. Yes, that's Kathleen York, also a singer-songwriter, apparently.
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Nicholson: I've seen Jack quite a bit -- he's seated next to Keira Knightley.
Jen Chaney: Yes. Funny how he gets seated next to the only Best Actress nominee who is under 21.
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Paris, Still in France: Is Brad Pitt here too? I didn't know. Are they shooting something? It wasn't a very fancy grocery srore, I can tell you. Or toilet paper either, for that matter. Cheap recycled, same as I use. (more than you need to know? Sorry.)
Jen Chaney: Are you kidding? We need to know more.
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Colorado Springs, Colo.: Charlize's dress is divine and that thing on her shoulder is perfect to stash her car keys.
Jen Chaney: Man, you guys are good.
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Tasteless Charlize comment: Me: Look at that horrible bow.BF: What? You mean her conjoined twin's head on her shoulder?
Jen Chaney: Seriously, you're really good.
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Morgantown, W.Va.: Are Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy together?
Jen Chaney: Very much so. They seem quite happily married.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" just won for art direction. And here I crossed that out on my ballot. What a moron I am.
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Washington, D.C.: And the most dated pairing goes to ... Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves! When did Speed come out? 10 years ago?
Jen Chaney: Yes, but they're in a new movie together. It's coming in July. Start making plans to see it now ... or just watch "Speed" again and call it a day.
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Rockville, M.D.: Welcome back, Keanu Reeves! Looks adorable escorting his former costar, Ms. Bullock. What do we think of her dress? There have been a couple interesting shades of blue (in addition to Sandra, Jada Pinkett Smith).
Jen Chaney: And Salma Hayek, in electric turquoise.
Like the shade, think the dress is fine but not a stunner.
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D.C.: I am less concerned about Charlize's unfortunate gigantic bow that is about to eat her head and more concerned about her orange glowing skin -- Mystic Tan gone awry, I think.
Jen Chaney: On my TV she looked less orangy than last year.
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J. Lo: The green was flattering, but her hair was too severe.
Jen Chaney: I don't know, I was impressed. She hasn't looked that good on a red carpet in a while.
Right now: A montage on movies that have changed American perceptions of important social issues. Still thinking "Brokeback" won't win, kids?
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: Printable Oscar Ballot (pdf)
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Ft. Washington, Md.: Is it me, or does this show get more and more predictable every year? It's like a rehash of the Golden Globes, SAG, and 30 other awards shows earlier in the season. Maybe the AA's need to be earlier in the season. Do you forsee any surprises coming tonight?
Jen Chaney: The only surprise I foresee is a possible Best Picture upset, even though I'm sticking with "Brokeback" as my pick.
I think part of the reason it seems more redundant is because there is more and more media coverage of each award show ever year. The SAG Awards didn't used to be televised. And there weren't thousands of people blogging about every little detail about the race. So it was always kind of predictable, but I think mainstream America was less aware of it.
Stewart, after "important movie" montage: "And none of those issues was ever a problem again."
Love that man.
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Washington, D.C.: Did I just become the ultimate publicist's consumer by buying Bird York's CD online? If I'm disappointed, I blame all ya'll.
Jen Chaney: Yes, you did. You have proved that the Oscars really do work.
In the future, you'll be able to click on the singer on your screen and upload the CD straight to a hard drive on your TV. You think I'm kidding.
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" ... movies that have changed American perceptions of important social issues ...": Did "Animal House" win an Oscar?
Jen Chaney: No. Neither did "Caddyshack," and that movie changed my perceptions of gophers forever.
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Atlantic City, N.J.: "and none of those issues were ever a problem again."
Jon Stewart's first funny line all night.
Jen Chaney: He's had some funny lines. Not a ton, but some.
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Takoma Park, Md.: Finally! Finally! Sam Jackson looks sharp at an awards show.
Jen Chaney: He did look good. Dig the glasses.
Salma Hayek, presenting conductor Bill Conti. She looks pretty incredible ... now we get to hear portions of best score noms, as presented by Itzhak Perlman.
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As Good as It Gets?: What perceptions did that movie shatter? That incredibly attractive older people have sex?
Jen Chaney: No, that crazy people can win the hearts of Jamie from "Mad About You." No one thought that was possible until that movie came out.
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Springfield, Va.: You're right, the color of Salma Hayek's dress is stunning ... but man, it looks like it hurts!
Jen Chaney: Yes, she's got a teeny waist, doesn't she?
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Congressman? : What is Ed Markey (D-Mass.) doing at the Academy Awards?
Several times the camera has lingered on him and the lady sitting next to him (his wife?)
Is Hollywood aware of the the E and C telecom subcommittee? Or am I trying too hard?
Jen Chaney: He's a Rep. from California. Not surprised that he's nominated. You've lost me with the subcommitte stuff. I used to work on the Hill and gave up tracking hearing schedules cold turkey.
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Stockholm, Sweden: Too much Hollywood back-patting now. I mean, come on ... it's the epicenter of the MememeWorld.
Jen Chaney: Awards are meant for back-patting. That's why it's important to watch with a barf bag handy.
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Anonymous: Salma Hayak wins my vote for most gorgeous ... wow!
Jen Chaney: She does look pretty hot, I have to say.
Hey, a surprise! "Brokeback" won best score. I thought for sure John Williams would win, being as how he was nominated twice.
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West Palm Beach, Fla.: Does anyone know who designed Reese's dress? What about Uma's?
Jen Chaney: Not sure who designed Reese's and I haven't even seen Uma? Did I miss her?
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Nantong, China: I just watched Memoirs of a Geisha. Cool stuff. Why did it not enter the Oscar nomination? What a pity!
Jen Chaney: I thought the movie looked beautiful, but thought it was far too syrupy and overdone. It seemed like it was made for the purpose of winning Oscars, which turned me off a little.
It certainly deserved to win for its costumes, which were pretty amazing.
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D.C.: Actually, Markey is from Massachusetts ... Not sure why he's be there, other than he's a huge liberal ...
Jen Chaney: Oops, you're right. See, told you I went cold turkey.
Someone out there must know why he's there. Come on Washington wonks, fill us in.
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Washington, D.C.: It is not that Jon Stewart isn't funny, it is that the audience is uptight, self-congratulatory and full of themselves. They should just do away with hosts and just have presenters like the Emmys.
Jen Chaney: I think the Oscars audience is much more focused on who's going to win. And the people they show a lot are usually nominees, who are nervous and not thinking about Jon Stewart's rapier wit.
I think he's doing fine. Not hitting it out of the park, but fine.
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Phoenix, Ariz.: The song from Crash had a nice melody but unfortunately I couldn't understand one word of the lyrics. Are there no competent singers around?
Jen Chaney: Jake Gyllenhaal is coming to the stage. Wake up your teenage daughters, people.
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Washington, D.C.: Any idea when 3-6 Mafia is set to perform? That's the only reason I'm watching.
Jen Chaney: It must be soon. They're the last of the three nominees. I'm eager to see that, too.
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Minneapolis, Minn.: "thought for sure John Williams would win, being as how ...." Gee, I don't even use that language in the midwest! Or were you just testing us?
Jen Chaney: I'm writing quickly, folks, and trying to watch. So I may use some improper English or misidentify a Congressman now and then. You'll have to forgive me for it.
I'm already feeling a bit exhausted and it's just now 10 p.m. Oy.
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Washington, D.C.: RE: award shows, I thought the Independent Spirit Awards were great. No one got cut off, it was very relaxed, Sarah Silverman was hilarious as host ... and there was CURSING! I'm always up for some good cursing, darnit.
Jen Chaney: I don't get IFC, so I didn't see them. Stupid Comcast digital cable.
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Indianapolis, Ind.: NO MORE MONTAGES!
Jen Chaney: Jon Stewart agrees. He just said he can't wait for the next montage, a tribue to montages.
Here comes Jessica Alba (also in a skintight number) and Eric Bana.
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Anonymous: Excuse me. I need a moment. Jake Gyllenhaal just walked onto the stage. Mmm. I thought he was good in Brokeback, but I thought he was fantastic in Jarhead. Did that many people really not like that film?
Jen Chaney: I also thought he was great in that. "Jarhead" sort of fizzled out buzz-wise, but I liked it myself.
Now, Best Sound Mixing.
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Takoma Park, Md.: Jessica! Whoa! Skin, dress, makeup, accessories. It's all go.
Jen Chaney: Yes, green lights all around. Her stylist has been on her game lately.
"King Kong" just won for best sound mixing.
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Washington, D.C.: Do you get to submit receipts for reimbursement of your Oscar snacks? Planning to get some $$ back for the dog's milk bones?
Jen Chaney: You know, that never occurred to me. You are wily. Will you do my taxes?
Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep are doing a funny job of seguing into the honorary award for Robert Altman. Streep looks lovely. Really like her dress.
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Capitol Hill: Why is Lily Tomlin so strange?
Jen Chaney: Because she's awesome.
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Lollipop heads: Even my boyfriend, usually Jessica Alba's biggest fan, commented that she's looking a bit emaciated tonight.
Jen Chaney: That's a given. Emaciated is a synonym for normal in Hollywood. You're not considered anorexic until you drop dead.
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Oklahoma City: Tomlin and Streep doing Who's on First is brilliant!
Jen Chaney: I agree, especially since it was in context of Robert Altman, who is all about meandering and overlapping plots.
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Columbia, Md.: Gretchen Rau sent the note to be read in case she won an award. Her co-winner wished her well in a way which indicated she is sick. Is she?
Jen Chaney: I'm not sure, but that was my inference, too. How much of a bummer would it be to miss accepting an Oscar because you're ill.
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Joshua Tree, Calif.: Kathleen Bird York was wearing $3 million dollah shoes by Stuart Weitzman. Bejeweled with collection from Rita Hayworth's estate.
Poor Manolo the Shoeblogger (I'm double-teaming the live-bloggage) almost died when fog obscured the shoes!
Jen Chaney: Thanks for the info. I'll try not to be offended that you're two-timing this discussion.
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Takoma Park, Md.: How great is it to see two pros like Meryl and Lily make everyone else look simple-minded? And the overlapping dialog tribute to Altman is pretty clever.
Jen Chaney: Speaking of Altman, here he is now getting a huge standing ovation.
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Anonymous: Honorary Oscar winners get as long as they want for a speech, so ...
POTTY BREAK!
Jen Chaney: Don't diss Robert Altman, dude.
He's getting a bit dewey-eyed. Now he's talking about his heart transplant and suggesting that because he got a young woman's heart, he has at least 30 more years left in him.
Decent speech.
And now, a commercial for Am Ex by M. Night Shyamalan. "I see selling-out people."
Wow, that was a really long ad.
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Washington, D.C.: The movie MASH is on AMC. Honor Mr. Altman by channel surfing during the commercials.
Jen Chaney: All right, point well taken.
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Columbus, Ohio: Why is Jessica Alba famous again?
Jen Chaney: Because she's been in Maxim. And she has a hell of a publicist.
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Arlington, Va.: The M. Night Shamalan commercial pulled me in more than his last several movies.
Jen Chaney: That wouldn't be hard, would it? He has so much untapped potential as a filmmaker?
Ooh, here comes Ludacris, which means Three 6 Mafia is on momentarily. Get ready to hear the b-word.
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Pimp?: What's the delay on this show? I think we heard our first "bleep", although the blank air is better than an actual noise.
Jen Chaney: So much for the b-word. They changed the word to witches.
You know, leave it to the Oscars to take a rap song and turn it into a horrifying show tune. That was embarassing. Why couldn't the guys just come on stage and do their thing without dance performances by Hooray for Everything?
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Philadelphia, Pa.: I'm not the only one amused by the Hustle and Flow musical number, right?
Jen Chaney: No. Hip-hop lovers across America just spit up.
Holy bleep! "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" just won for Best Song. What an awesome surprise. John Singleton is on his feet.
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Stockholm, Sweden: The Mafia...not really their house, is it? That felt kind of awkward. I would have liked to see some audience reactions on that one...
Jen Chaney: The speech was hardly, um, eloquent.
But points for Jon Stewart who asked why Three 6 Mafia are the most excited people there.
Yikes. Jennifer Garner almost slipped and fell as she walked on stage.
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Phoenix, Ariz.: Gershwin is turning over in his grave.
Jen Chaney: Oh come on. I'm happy to see the Academy rewarding a song that isn't a boring standard.
"King Kong" just won for sound editing. Mark your ballots, accordingly.
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Jennifer Garner: Nice almost slip up there! Has there ever been anyone who's fallen before? I know if I were up there, I'd be down so fast you'd think I was walking on butter ...
Jen Chaney: I don't remember seeing a fall. She recovered nicely, and looks pretty good for a new mom.
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Arlington, Va.: The Kodak commercial made me cry.
Ludacris on the stage! He was amazing in Crash. His speech about song titles is great. Finally hip-hop at the Oscars! And the first bleep!
Jen Chaney: Eminem won a couple of years ago, so it's not the first hip-hop win. But it was the first hip-hop performance. (Em didn't show up.)
Now we're in the midst of In Memoriam. If you haven't cried yet, put in your time now.
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Washington, D.C.: Who do we email at the post to tell them how awesome you are for doing this after-hours post on a Sunday night?
Jen Chaney: Let's see ... um, everyone. You can start with Don Graham.
No, seriously, that's very kind and glad you're enjoying it.
I always find In Memoriam so depressing, especially the older you get because everyone of the people actually means something to you. When I was a kid, most of the names were unfamiliar.
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Lansing, Mich.: Maybe it's just me, but I enjoyed 3-6 Mafia's performance. I'm sorry, but the Academy Awards are a snoozefest and that was a much needed jolt.
Jen Chaney: Agreed. They just needed to do away with the dance element. Would have been more powerful without all that extra jazz.
All right, time to start my caffeine IV.
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Washington, D.C.: Is it normal that some of the categories have less than 5 nominees?
Jen Chaney: The song category did because they only ruled that three were worthy of nominating. I think -- and someone can correct me if I am wrong -- that this is due to some crazy numerical system involved in how nominees are determined. And some -- like the Emmylou Harris song from "Brokeback" -- were ineligible because they were played solely over the credits.
"Tsotsi" just won Best Foreign Film. Now Ziyi Zhang is presenting the award for film editing.
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Stockholm, Sweden: Go Jon!
I loved the Scorsese crack!
And that thought really sticks in your mind, doesn't it?
Jen Chaney: That was quite funny. Number of Oscars for Scorsese: None. Number of Oscars for Three 6 Mafia: One.
Wow, I love Ziyi Zhang's dress. Just got a good look at the skirt. It's beautiful.
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Washington, D.C.: Am I the only one fascinated by the geographic diversity of your questioners? Who would think people would come to the WP for Oscar stuff? The power of the Web, and all that jazz I suppose. Congrats.
Jen Chaney: It has been like that every year, and it fascinates me, too. Hope more people realize that we cover the Oscars just as thoroughly as other media outlets.
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Only 9:40 in Chicago, Ill.: It is times like these that I am happy to be on Central Time.
Jen Chaney: Sure, rub it in.
Hilary Swank is presenting Best Actor. Upset? No upset? Can't you smell the excitement?
I'm thinking Three 6 Mafia might take it.
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Don Knots: Did I miss him?
Jen Chaney: Maybe he doesn't count for the montage, since I think they focus on last year's deaths.
Just guessing. I miss him, and Darren McGavin.
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Takoma Park, Md.: Finally someone wears enough low-cut to make up for the rest of a staid evening. I guess Hillary Swank didn't want us to look at her hair.
Jen Chaney: Or ask her about Chad Lowe.
Philip Seymour Hoffman just won the Oscar. So, so well-deserved in my opinion.
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Washington, D.C.: Did someone at the Academy realize how insulting it was to make certain winners give their speeches from their seats as they did last year, and decide to correct their mistake? Or did the union people threaten the producers?
Jen Chaney: I assume they realize it was a mistake. And I realize now why they keep playing music during speeches. It's so the winners will get so irritated they'll just want to get the heck off of the stage.
Hoffman seems nervous and is rambling a bit, much as I love him.
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Chicago, Ill.: Was Joaquin Phoenix crying!?
Jen Chaney: It sure looked like it. Poor Joaquin, maybe he really wanted it. I suspect he'll get another chance.
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Portland, Ore.: It looked like Joaquin Phoenix mouthed, "I love you, River". Did you see that?
Jen Chaney: Through the wonders of the DVR, I am rewinding to confirm ... yes, it does look like that's what he said. Maybe that's what prompted the tears. It's been said, but what a shame that River Phoenix died. He probably would have had an Oscar by now had he lived.
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Hoffman's speech: I LOVED how he gave a shoutout to his single mom. She certainly deserves it.
Jen Chaney: Yes, that was nice. And I liked that he wasn't just reading off a card. But he seemed nervous, perhaps understandably.
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Arlington, Va.: Don Knotts and Darin McGavin are more Emmys than Oscars
Jen Chaney: True, but they were both in movies and that makes them eligible for the montage. "A Christmas Story" is a classic.
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Baltimore, Md.: Okay, here I am working again this year and have the pleasure of enjoying this Oscar chat -- again. Don't worry, Jen, I'm taking a break from my patients for a minute.
So, is there a category for "Best Soundtrack?" Seriously, Dianne Reeves cover of jazz standards through the length of Good Night, and Good Luck was absolutely amazing!
Jen Chaney: Oh, is this the woman who works at the hospital? This is like a little reunion.
No, there is no such category. Just Best Song and Score.
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NoVA: No Don Knotts or Darren McGavin, but they show Chris Penn. What gives?
Jen Chaney: Good point. They just died, maybe the montage was already finished?
I'm just spitballing...
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Vienna, Va.: So is this turning out to be a flop night for "Brokeback Mountain"? Can it be saved with Best Director and Best Film?
Jen Chaney: Yes. And it's still got a good shot at screenplay, too.
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Richmond, Va.: Hoffman seemed overwhelmed.
Jen Chaney: Agreed, even though he had to see this coming. Guess it's different when it actually happens.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" just won for cinematography. That movie has cleaned up in its categories, for the most part.
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Markus : Any comment for why Jon Stewart finds it okay to belittle the art of Three Six Mafia by saying, "Scocese, zero Oscars ... Three Six Mafia, One."
Jen Chaney: He was just making a joke, don't think he was belittling. To be honest, I think it was more a jab at the Academy than anything else.
Now Jamie Foxx is on with Best Actress. Get ready for Reese to weep.
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Have I had too much wine, or : did Travolta say the Oscar went to the "Marmars of a Geisha"?
Jen Chaney: Sorta came out sounding that way. Barbarino sometimes has trouble pronouncing things. "What? Where? Who?"
Ah, I love that bit.
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Arlington, Va.: I'm 12 for 18 - not bad. I missed all the Sound and the various Shorts. How are you doing?
Jen Chaney: I'm 13 for 19 now. Not too bad. And not too bad yourself. Hope you entered a pool.
Reese Witherspoon just won for Best Actress.
Man, Joaquin Phoenix is crying again.
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Stockholm, Sweden: Is it just me or is anyone else baffled by the repeated comments about how brave it was to make the Geisha movie? Brave? How?
Jen Chaney: I certainly don't know.
Reese is getting weepy. She's going all Gwyneth.
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In Memoriam: They do, in fact, only include people who died during the past year, so Knotts and McGavin aren't eligible.
Jen Chaney: Well, then why Chris Penn? That's where I'm confused.
Reese ended the speech nicely with some words about June Carter. Saved herself from a complete breakdown. Was it me, or did her accent sound a little more Southern than usual?
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Gaithersburg, Md.: is anyone else just bored with these Oscars? I don't think I've ever been so bored watching the Oscars. The only highlight so far was Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin.
Jen Chaney: It gets harder and harder for me to gauge how boring they are because I'm just concentrating on trying to keep up. For my money, the most interesting Oscars in recent memory was the one where Moore made the "Shame on you, Mr. Bush" speech and Roman Polanski and Adrien Brody won. All were such surprises, which is what you want from a live event.
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Brooklyn, N.Y.: I have three blogs going --- yours, LA Times, and ninemsm --- and yours is the best because it has a conversation going with watchers, a group that doesn't include me because I have no TV at the moment. Am piggybacking on a neighbor's wifi and clinging like a barnacle to the cruise ship of pop culture. Thanks for the assist.
Jen Chaney: I like that: clinging like a barnacle to the cruise ship of pop culture.
Glad to be of service, Brooklyn.
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Washington, D.C.: Wait, June Carter Cash was real? I had no idea!
Jen Chaney: Evidently so was Truman Capote. Who knew?
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Trying to do work that matters: You mean, like, "Legally Blonde?" Jeesh. I think Reese just had a Sally Field moment...
Jen Chaney: Well, she said she was trying. She didn't say she always succeeded.
Okay, it's 11:10 and by my count, we have four more categories. Stick it out just a little longer everyone, it will all be over soon.
Here's Dustin Hoffman, presenting Adapted Screenplay.
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Arlington, Va.: It is 5 a.m. in Stockholm. That is dedication!
Jen Chaney: It is indeed. Bravo, Stockholm.
What time is in Tokyo? Still with us in Japan?
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Detroit, Mich.: Think Reese's 'multiple' mentions about what makes a 'real woman' were a comment about fellow nominee Felicity or TransAmerica?
Jen Chaney: No, I don't think that's what she meant. I didn't take it that way at least.
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Takoma Park, Md.: I think Travolta was trying to say "Malomars of a Geisha". I don't know why.
Jen Chaney: Ouch.
"Brokeback Mountain" just won screenplay. Larry McMurtry is wearing jeans, in a nod to cowboys, I guess.
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Centreville, Va.: Didn't Dustin Hoffman used to be all against the idea of the Oscars? And now he's presenting. Go figure.
Jen Chaney: They all come around eventually, don't they? Even Sean Penn.
They keep showing Michelle Williams and Ledger, and I can't get over how pretty her face looks. Her make-up is just perfect.
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Columbus, Ohio: McMurtry's wearing jeans?!
Jen Chaney: Telling you, it's a cowboy thing.
Uma Thurman, also in the much-maligned nude, is presenting Best Original Screenplay. She wears it well, I think.
"Crash" just won.
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I cannot tell a lie: Stole the barnicle line from Michael Kimmelmann at the N.Y. Times.
Jen Chaney: You can't steal from the Times on a Post chat. Come on!
Actually atribution is important in journalism, so thanks for maintaining the credibility of this discussion.
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Iowa City, Iowa: You HAVE to be kidding me. When Diana Ossana gives the shout-out to Annie Proulx, the cameras don't find her in the audience? Way to diss the woman who came up with the brilliant short story that inspired the great film.
Stupid show producers ...
Jen Chaney: That's because they need to pan to Clooney. I hadn't seen him for a few minutes, so I forgot what he looked like.
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Chevy Chase: Despite the flesh-colored dress (what is with these this year??) i think uma looks great -- she is pulling off the color better than the others.
Jen Chaney: Agreed. I don't love that look either, but she pulled it off.
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Champaign, Ill.: It's starting to seem that if the acceptance speeches are long enough, we lose the music for about 15 seconds. It could become a contest between the speakers and the pit orchestra.(Seriously, it's too bad we can't send instant feedback to the Oscar producers and lose the music under the acceptance speeches completely.)
Jen Chaney: That is a fascinating idea. There should be instand feedback and response on the Oscars.
We could vote and get the music changed, or Jon Stewart's jokes changed or even push for a new slate of nominees.
This could revolutionize the Oscars.
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Suburbia: So, was the lady who won for Brokeback Moutnain adapted screenplay on valium? She seemed like she didn't care at all that she had just won the Oscar!
Jen Chaney: You say on valium. I saw she knew she would win.
Tom Hanks just presented Best Director .... and it goes to Ang Lee.
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Arlington, Va.: I miss the really awful outfits of the past. The giant bow on Charlize does not measure up to the backwards suit of Celine Dion or anything ever worn by Cher.
Jen Chaney: Or Bjork's swan outfit.
Did Ang Lee just make an "I wish I knew how to quit you" joke? Yikes.
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Japan: It's about 1:20 in the afternoon here ... tomorrow.
Jen Chaney: Wow, crazy. Talking to you makes me feel like Marty McFly.
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Sydney, Australia: It's Monday afternoon here in Australia. The Oscars are going to be on Australian TV later tonight, but it's not like our friends in the U.S. won't have already plastered the winners list all over the place, by the time it plays here. (This is par for the course, for Hollywood. We usually see movies months after the excitement has already come and gone in the U.S.)
Thanks for the fantastic coverage! It's been great fun.
Jen Chaney: Really, I am astounded by the variety of locations you all are writing from. How cool that you're in Australia. Sorry about the Russell Crowe comments.
Jack Nicholson is about to present Best Picture...
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Jen Chaney: Holy hell. The buzz was right. "Crash" has won Best Picture.
Finally, at 11:25, a true shock.
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Re: In Memoriam: I think the cut-off is February 1 and Chris Penn died in January. Don Knotts and Darren McGavin both died in February.
Jen Chaney: That makes sense to me. Thanks for the info.
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Arlington, Va.: CRASH! Upset of the night!
Jen Chaney: Totally. "Three 6 Mafia" and now this.
Best Picture and Director rarely split, so it's even more interesting. They're playing them off the stage. Ouch.
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Richmond, Va.: Crash -- Awesome!
Jen Chaney: I'm not sure if it's awesome. I appreciate the element of surprise but I thought "Brokeback" was the better movie, at least from an emotionally affecting standpoint.
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Stockholm, Sweden: Geez ... Crash is overrated. Some of the leading performances were rather poor, re Brendan Fraser, Ryan, Matt ...
Jen Chaney: I thought all the performances were strong, but some of the situations were a bit contrived. I thought both "Brokeback" and "Capote" were stronger.
But most of the voters live in L.A. and "Crash" is an L.A. movie.
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Rock Hill, S.C.: Crash was a fine film but I'm really disappointed that Brokeback Mountain didn't get the Oscar. But I think people voted AGAINST it rather than for other films. And that music MUST GO!
Jen Chaney: This is interesting: Do others think this reflects a backlash against a gay film? Or fear of supporting a film with gay themes?
I'm not sure what to make of it honestly.
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Re: Re: In Memoriam:: "I think the cut-off is February 1 and Chris Penn died in January. Don Knotts and Darren McGavin both died in February."
Right, and if Jack Nicholson had died in February he wouldn't have been mentioned? Gimme a break.
Jen Chaney: Touche.
Okay, the Oscars have officially ended, but I'll chat for a few more minutes. Then I'm off to do my other work, along with the rest of our post.com Oscar crew.
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Huntingtown, Md.: I wonder how many nanoseconds will pass before someone accuses the Academy of homophobia for passing on "Brokeback Mountain?"
Jen Chaney: Too late. Someone already raised the specter of that question. I think it's a valid question to ask, even though that may have nothing at all to do with it.
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Fairfax, Va.: Was it rude for them not to thank the Actors when Crash won for best film? I think without those actors ... they would not have won.
Jen Chaney: They got cut off before they could finish, so maybe they meant to. Agreed, the actors were vital.
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Re Crash: Looks like Stephen Hunter, who said in the Post that a movie about men kissing wouldn't win, was right!
Jen Chaney: True, but he also said it would be "Capote." So he was half right.
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Sydney, Australia: The only thing that bothered me about your Russell Crowe jokes was that you stole all my best lines!
Thanks for the coverage, it's been neat, if a total spoiler.
Jen Chaney: No one else in Australia is reading this. Just repeat them tomorrow. They'll never know.
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Louisville, Ky.: Did it appear as though Jack Nicholson never even opened the envelope? Maybe "Crash" was just his favorite movie so he said it.
Jen Chaney: Yes. And Marisa Tomei didn't really win for "My Cousin Vinny."
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In memoriam ...: I didn't see Ossie Davis in the In Memoriam -- anyone else? He died in February.
Jen Chaney: I believe he died the year before, no? That's what memory tells me.
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Howze Casey: How did the dog do?
Jen Chaney: He's upstairs asleep. He couldn't make it. But he's only three, so this is a little overwhelming for him.
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Suburbia: Re: Brokeback not winning ... is it perhaps less about homophobia than it is about avoiding controversy? There are already too many who think that Hollywood is too left-leaning and liberal. A win for Brokeback would confirm that (ridiculus) view.
Syriana really deserved a best picture nomination ... but the academy avoided that as well.
Jen Chaney: That's what I'm inclined to believe, rather than homophobia. I think it's a concern about perception. Or the Academy members genuinely thought "Crash" was a better movie. There's always that.
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Re: Crash: Your take on Crash winning because it takes place in LA is lame. That movie is based in LA because the city's racial tension is the perfect back drop for the message that story conveys.
Jen Chaney: I don't mean they set it there to win an Oscar. I agree that it makes sense for the story. I just mean that it may have resonated with voter since many of them live there.
I thought "Crash" was a very good movie, just not sure it deserved Best Picture.
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Rock Hill, S.C.: I don't know if votes against "Brokeback" were against it being a 'gay film;' but I do think a lot of the voters were looking at the so-called lack of appeal of pictures to the mainstream audience, the declining grosses, and so sensitive to the charges that Hollywood is "out of touch" with mainstream America. "Brokeback" never even showed here -- I had to drive 35 miles to see it. I think that the older, more conservative members of the Academy were reacting to that trend.
Jen Chaney: That makes me sad, that you have to drive so far to see these sorts of films. Everyone accused the Oscars of being out of touch with middle America because of the nominees. But the studios don't circulate these movies to certain parts of the country, so of course they seem out of touch.
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Huntingtown, Md.: Some of the sentiment for or against "Brokeback" may boil down to the distinction between tolerance and acceptance, which has become blurred in today's society. "Mainstream" America, whatever that means to you, may be willing to tolerate homosexuality (which, by definition, means you have to find the behavior disagreeable to begin with), but aren't willing to jump on the "Brokeback" bandwagon and declare it totally acceptable. That's my amateur sociologist's take on it, anyway.
Jen Chaney: Interesting point. This might be too heavy and complex to dissect tonight, but I appreciate all of your insights.
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Vienna, Va.: Did you get something backward? What "work" has Dolly Parton done "below the neck"? I may be a bit older than you, but I can tell you -- she's always had those.
Jen Chaney: Maybe so, but I never thought they were real. Maybe I'm wrong.
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Rockville, Md.: Crash is incredibly overrated. Contrived and preachy, Crash no way has the emotional impact of Brokeback Mountain. Homophobic backlash? Who knows ... The victory of shrewd marketing and liberal guilt? Definitely!
Jen Chaney: More theories.
I'm sticking with the numbers from "Lost" concept I posited before.
Answer to a previous question: Reese is wearing a Christian Dior that she says she found at a vintage shop in Paris and owns herself. Translation: Kirsten Dunst never wore it to a Golden Globes party.
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Arlington, Va.: It seems to me they had an opportunity to choose a movie that will be remembered for years and possibly forever (Brokeback) and one that meant so much to a large part of the population. Also, a movie that beat all predictions and became a commercial success.
Instead, they chose a rather formulaic, predictable, and poorly plotted film that will be forgotten in a year. It's no wonder why Hollywood is the subject of so many jokes.
Jen Chaney: I don't know if "Crash" will be forgotten, but I agree that "Brokeback" really seeped into the culture.
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Huntingtown, Md.: Jen, one of your previous correspondents called the view of Hollywood as left-leaning and liberal "ridiculous." I don't think it's ridiculous at all; artists, especially those surrounded by like-minded people in major metropolitan areas, are quite likely to be to the left of middle America. What do you think?
Jen Chaney: Can only take a couple more, and then I've got to go.
I think Hollywood does skew liberal. But I also don't believe every movie has a liberal agenda that it's trying to foist on the public.
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Little Rock, Ark.: I've seen all five nominated movies, and I've been telling people for weeks that Crash was the best movie. It had nothing to do with "LA" or "homophobia". To me, Crash was just the better movie. Months later I'm still thinking about it, and recommending it to friends. Maybe that's why it won ... it was the best movie?
Jen Chaney: Maybe so. This is, after all, a subjective medium.
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Washington, D.C.: Your thoughts on the Original Score category. Are they kidding?
Jen Chaney: I love the "Brokeback" score. Was very happy it won. It really does stick with you.
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South Hadley, Mass.: That was the worst Oscar show I have ever seen. The music behind the acceptance speeches was appalling, disrespectful and distracting. pushing the winners off stage and then spending all that time on film clips to make a pitch for people to go to theaters to see movies was gross. Obviously, the show isn't about the winners at all but an exercise to drum up more business for films. I suppose it always is but please let me enjoy the winners a bit by letting them speak.
Jen Chaney: Probably not the worst Oscars. But it felt long to me even though it was no longer than last year. Maybe I'm just getting old.
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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: Of course it was homophobia. I mean ... even if you say that they want to avoid controversy, that's homophobia. You even say yourself that Crash is a good movie, but not the best movie of the year.
I think it came down to Academy voters who didn't even bother to watch Brokeback because they didn't want to see it.
I think you have be required to watch the all nominated movies if you're going to vote.
Jen Chaney: It's so hard to know what made the voters go the way they did. I guarantee that these questions will be asked and discussed for at least the next week, if not longer.
I'm fascinated to hear what some of the voters have to say, if any are willing to speak on the record.
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MD: Clearly, based on your comments about "Crash," you are unaffected by racial commentary. The movie was a very honest portrayal of racial sterotypes in America and shows that because all people go through many of the same things in life, that racism is ignorant and stupid. It's easy to see why, in a response to an earlier post, you felt John Stewart was joking when he made fun of Three Six Mafia. No wonder racial biases will never go away.
Jen Chaney: Oh, come on now. I was really affected by "Crash," just didn't think it was quite as emotional as "Brokeback." Not thinking "Crash" deserved to win Best Pic doesn't mean you're a racist. That's just silly.
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Washington, D.C.: Your thoughts on the Pimp song. I have a hard time understanding that won out over Dolly Parton or the song from "Crash."
Jen Chaney: I love that song. I really thought it deserved to win. Sue me, but I did.
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Huntingtown, Md.: Thank you for being an excellent host! You accommodated a lot of views and opinions, and gave very gracious answers. My hat is off to you!
Jen Chaney: And thank you, Huntingtown. And the rest of you, too. Appreciate all of your candid insights and great questions.
Now I'm off to work -- we'll have lots more stuff on the Web tonight so check back later or tomorrow morning. We also have three more Oscar chats tomorrow, starting with fashion at 11 a.m. And I'll be on Channel 9's 5 p.m. news tomorrow, assuming I can stay awake that long.
Good night everyone. And, of course, good luck.
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