Final Podcast Is Up!

Just wanted to give a quick mention here that after the following written Recap comes our “live ” edition, so be sure to scroll down further, or simply hit the link on the right hand side. (And steady yourself for the sudden surprise ending.) My sincere thanks to Leo for all of his technical and emotional support, the diligence of the LAPD, and the makers of big felt pens. It’s really been quite a year, I thank you all for listening. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to prepare for my new job as Mickey Rourke’s ice maker…

-SSB.

“Surprise and Upset”, an Oscar 2009 Recap.

Ok, Ok, I’m still in one piece, you can call off the hounds; (although there’s still one person missing from the photo above…) but more of that in a minute.

Oscars 2009…..What the HELL I say??!

It was indeed a night full of Surprise and Upsets, but no surprise at all was the nights big winner of Slumdog Millionaire taking home 8 coveted awards for the rags to riches story that has taken the world by storm. It was a night solidified by the power of hope, and that even in a sorted world such as Hollywood dreams really do come true.

Lead actor Dev Patel was interviewed shortly after the nights big event and said of the films great success “It’s changed my life, I mean it’s made my life. Before this I don’t know where I would have ended up, and now I’m at the Academy Awards; it’s amazing!”. Yes Dev it truely is.

There was more than just a little trepidation going into this years Oscars, most of which involved this years host, Hugh Jackman, and whether or not he could pull off such a sizeable feat. But I’d have to say that he did better than I expected. An opening musical number which saluted many of the nominees was quirky to say the best, but proved that this man does indeed have talent, and is a hell of a showman when it’s all said and done. Props should be given to Anne Hathaway as well who “reluctantly” joined Hugh on stage for a bit of Frost/Nixon fun, and showed that this gal has her own merits when it comes to stealing center stage. (The jury is still out on that Benjamin Button thing though…), but a killer plug for “Wolverine” definitely left it’s mark. Atta boy Hugh.

The set itself was a resplendent Art Deco design complete with intricate lighting that continued it’s way into the audience seating as well, (nice touch there) and created a new informal, semi circle approach that brought the actors closer to the stage. However I felt this took away a bit of the reverance that is needed to solidify the importance of the show. But hey, it’s all about change isn’t it?

One of the nights biggest reveals was the absolute cavalcade of Stars as each of the acting catagories had no less than five previous winners show up to acknowledge each of the nominees in their chosen roles. What a wonderful new addition, and a brilliant way to give each single person the dedication that they’re due. (By the way…Alan Arkin, the man’s name is Philip Seymour Hoffman, not “Seymour Philip” you daft git, just for future record…) And to think this is what all the secrecy was about! All this Star Power ushered in thru the back door. No Academy, No. Everybody should be given the grand entrance, (just like an Oscar Rambling host who walks thru the door of a pub.)

And who were the big winners you say?

Little Spanish loo loo, sorry, Penelope Cruz claimed her award for best supporting actress in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona“, and almost fainted on the spot. Thankfully she regained composure long enough to salute both Pedro Almodovar for making her the actress that she is today, and Harvey Weinstein because, well, you just never want to press your luck when it comes to Harvey. (That and he was probably giving her the evil eye from the wings…) Smiling and gracious she then miraculously exclaimed, albeit in broken english, that “art is a universal language, and we should do everything we can to protect it”, followed by what sounded like ordering a round of burritos in Spanish to sum it all up. Oh Penelope…

As many expected Heath Ledger was crowned as best supporting actor for his unforgettable role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight“. The award was accepted by his mother, sister, and father; the latter of which stated “this award tonight validates Heath’s quiet determination to be truely accepted by you all here, his peers, in an industry that he so loved”. And with myself included, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

 

And finally after being so close for so long, Kate Winslet can now call herself an “Oscar Winning Actress”! Greeted with a huge standing ovation she claimed her golden statue at last for her work in “the Reader“. She said how she had often rehearsed this scene with a shampoo bottle as a young girl, but “it’s not a shampoo bottle now! I’m very fortunate to have made it from there to here.” With the love and admiration of her parents, who she singled out in the crowd, she dedicted the award to both Anthony Mingella and Sydney Pollack who previously passed away, as well as giving special recognition to Meryl Streep who she couldn’t believe was in the same catagory. “Thank you so much!” she said as she ended her speech, and darling Kate was finally given the recognition she was due.

But then the massive upset. (You just knew I would have to go here). After what had been the tightest race in the entire Oscar season, in a moment which I called a “grave dissapointment”, a moment which up till then had made me a raving lunatic fraught with anticipation, Sean Penn scoops the Best Actor award away from Mickey Rourke! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! How could this happen? After all my personal campaigning, why Mickey Why??!

It would appear that the Academy has a little more affection for Sean Penn, (even if Mickey did win the night before at the Independant Spirit Awards,) and gave him the coveted honor for his work in “Milk“. I’m still in shock. It appears that Sean himself was too. “You commie homo lovin sons of guns! I did not expect this.” And then with a bit of toungue in cheek he replied “I know how hard it is to appreciate me at times”, you got that right bucko. But with a very eloquent acceptance he made a point of reminding everyone of the importance of “equal rights for everyone” which garnered the nights biggest applause, and then ended his speech with a very special dedication.

As I sat there, still uncertain of what just happened to my “Oscar” celebration, (and wondering how much rum it would take me to survive) he announced “I’m very proud to live in a country, who for all it’s toughness creates courageous artists who despite a sensitivity that sometimes has brought enormous challenges, Mickey Rourke rises again, and he is my Brother.” Well you coulda knocked me flat! Mr. Penn, I have a whole new level of respect for you.

Mickey! Still getting his recognition for a comeback that will not soon be forgotten. You the man Mick, you the man! I always said so.

But…. if you at the Academy think this over, you better think twice. I will not be denied my “Angry Sign” campaign. Not a chance in hell. In the spirit of “Mickey” one insane man will march out his decree around the now vacant Kodak Theatre where no one will seem to care less. One man in loud clothing and an Angry Angry Sign.

For another year we bring to a close the shining glory of the Academy Awards, and on behalf of myself, (and my fellow host who creates his own bizzare sound affects), we thank you. But for you Kodak Theatre, this is only the beginning…

Over and Out,

-SEB.

Oscar Night Recap Podcast

Well it’s the last podcast of the Oscar season. I finally located Sebastain with a little help from the LAPD. They were very helpful and all charges against Seb have been dropped. So we were able to record our thoughts on Sunday’s Academy Awards and Sebastian now has time to heal in peace. Thanks for everyone listening to Oscar Ramblings 2009 and we look forward to next year at the Oscars. 

 

You can listen to the podcast here.

Or go to our podcast web page.

Or subscribe to iTunes.

Luckily Seb’s friends convinced the police that it was just a fake gun.

Slumdog! Slumdog!! Slumdog!!!

  It was a Slumdog Millionaire night at the Academy Awards yesterday. Picking up 8 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Upon winning Best Picture most of the cast and crew from the film leaped onto to the stage to celebrate.

 In the Acting categories Kate Winslet finally won an Oscar after being nominated 6 times for her role in The Reader. Penélope Cruz won for Best Supporting Actress. The Spanish beauty commenting on Oscars diversity of late said “We are all mixed together and it has to be reflected in cinema.” And not surprisingly  the Best Supporting Actor went to the late Heath Ledger for his performance as the Joker in Dark Night. His father received the award for him giving a restrained yet touching speech.

 One of the best acceptance speeches came when Man On Wire won for Best Documentary. The makers of the film called up tight rope artist and magician Philippe Petit to the stage. Philippe performed a little magic and then balanced the Oscar on his chin.

 One of the few upsets last night was for Best Foreign Film. It was won by Okuribito from Japan. Many pundits (me included) presumed Waltzing with Bashir would take the prize.

 The extremely close race for Best Actor reveled to be just that as Sean Penn beat out tough competition from Mickey Rourke. Penn reflected this when he called Rourke his “Brother” on stage. While talking to to the press right after his win he said ”I’ve known Mickey for over 25 years,” smiled Penn. “He’s an excellent bridge burner at times, but we’ve had for the most part a very close friendship.” Seb did you hear that? Seb? Does anyone in L.A. know were Sebastian is? He left a rather in-cohort message last night à la Richard Nixon. He was saying something about balconies and angry, angry signs and pigeons. Seb, Mickey will have another chance. Don’t do anything you’ll regret and legally bind you not  to be allowed to come within 500  feet of the Kodak theatre next year.

 As for the Academy Awards as entertainment;  Hugh Jackman put on a good if not spectacular show. While somethings worked, like the categories as building blocks to making a movie and  5 former actor winners present each of the Acting awards, somethings didn’t like the “spoke too soon” celebration of musicals’ comeback in the movies. And the less said about Ben Steller the better. All in all it was a good Oscar night but the problem with getting rid of many traditions of the Academy Awards is that you have to reinvent them every year. What will they do next year? Have the Oscar shoot down from a wire to the winner sitting in the audience? We will see.

 As it is lets just be happy for the cast and crew of  Slumdog Millionaire and all the other winners last night. 

Best Picture Show

Here’s the last Oscar Ramblings Podcast before Oscar night. Now there’s nothing else to do but to re-check your Oscar pool and make sure you have enough cocktail wieners and cheese dip.  It’s all about the full feature movie categories for this podcast. Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Foreign, and the last but not least Best Picture. There are only a couple of  days left till the big night so start downloading the podcast soonest. There is no turning back now!

You can listen to the podcast here.

Or go to our podcast web page.

Or subscribe to iTunes.

Mickey To Win.

It’s coming down to the wire, and I feel tense. And I tell ya, I’ dont like feeling tense.

With the head to head combat between Rourke and Penn, my main man Mick stands atop what appears to be icy ground. And I don’t like it. At last check he has a 74% chance of winning the big award, and even he feels like he might be losing ground.

He went on record as saying that Sean Penn’s portrayal of California’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, in “Milk” was, “Brilliant, remarkable.” But don’t you give that a second thought I say. He’s come too far, and stuggled too long to let it all go empty handed.

“Life is good,” says Rourke. “I’ve come to peace with anger and issues from long ago. I don’t want to label myself a victim, but now, I can understand the armor I wore for so long was hiding issues of abandonment and shame. I was a proud man, and pride and honor can bite you in the ass.”

And it’s time my Rebel Brother that you reap your just rewards.

“Movie pundits say Penn may have the edge because he is respected — if not loved — in the industry. He already won one best actor Oscar for playing a grieving father in the 2003 movie Mystic River. But Rourke is far from down and out.”

“This may be a case where Academy voters love the story of a comeback,” said Pete Hammond, movie critic with Hollywood.com. “This movie has been sold as the resurrection of Mickey Rourke and I think that has taken hold.”

 

And yet they still try and knock him back down. One reporter thought it insightful to say “his recent award acceptance speeches have been littered with curse words, he raised eyebrows by thanking his dogs for his Golden Globe, smoked on the BAFTA red carpet in London and slugged champagne from the bottle backstage.” Ya right buddy, like any of us wouldn’t have done the same.

When it’s all said and done, this man is a damn fine actor, (something I’ve been saying for years…), and with his persona comes a measure of individuality matched with a mountain of clout. (I myself had the rare chance of standing a mere 3 feet away from the man, and I knew right then that he was definitely in a league of his own. Mickey plays by Mickey’s rules, the rest of you will just have to deal with that.)

The final word goes to the man who said as follows:  

“Rourke’s performance reminds you why he once was mentioned in the same breath with Brando. Before his wayward years, Rourke did bravura work in “Diner,” “Barfly,” and “Angel Heart.” Here he is after 15 years in the wilderness, aiming to turn his career around with a display of real showmanship. His acting is deep, quiet and low-key, an unostentatious merging of performer and part.”

Unlike this reporter who has never been “quiet and low-key” in his life.

For my money it’s Mickey to win. For me, for you, for every unsigned rebel who’s been told he’s not good enough, or slick enough, or has the right stuff in him. Oscar needs to know that the rights to gold don’t always go to those with the perfect “shine”. Prove ‘em wrong Mickey, or there will indeed be one “Angry, Angry Sign”. 

-SSB.

“Hunger” Gets Recognition.

From a gang of cinefiles relatively new to the Award giving scene, came top honors to a certain film that I have mentioned here before. Saturday night saw the mere 6th annual Irish Film and Television Awards, and a masterful production that I consider to be one of the best found itself at the center of recognition.

“”Hunger” was named best film, and also picked up commendations for actor Michael Fassbender, supporting actor Liam Cunningham, original score, production design and sound.  Fassbender also won the Irish Film Board Rising Star award.”

Finally! I just knew this film was too good to be forgotten. Now I can drink that bottle of Murphy’s stout I’ve been saving! (I wonder if it’s still good? Ahh well, what’s the worst that can happen….)

Steve McQueen has had his day at last. And you can’t say you never heard it here first.

-SSB.

Are “British” Films Getting the Shaft From Oscar?

Really Hollywood, what gives?? Why is there such a lack of attention when it comes to saluting the “Brits”? (I should clarify here that I’m speaking mainly of the independent / arthouse projects); many, many of which seem to have been forgotten. For every “English Patient“, “Atonement“, or “Elizabeth” there are scores of others which are simply thrown under the bus. We all saw what happened to Mike Leigh’s “Happy Go Lucky” this year, not to mention not a single nod of any kind for “Hunger“, which is a film that topped my own personal best of films to see for 2008. So how does this fall into place?

Unless you’re lucky enough to garner rave reviews for one of your stars, like Ben Kingsley did for “Sexy Beast“, you just never seem to stand a chance. But how does this figure for people like Sam Riley from “Control” or Michael Fassbender from the aforementioned “Hunger“? If you’re not a big enough star, then you’re lost in the shuffle? How can this make sense?

And obviously the films themselves can’t qualify for the Foreign division, due to the fact that it’s manditory to use a “foreign” language to be included, so what other options are there to get? Many, if not all of them have storylines that would put our own to shame, not to mention the work of qualified Directors who often make their way across the pond. And alot of these productions have gone on to be heralded by the likes of BAFTA, the London Critics Circle, and even many Critics here at home, but just not it seems when it comes to mighty mighty Oscar.

 

Makes me angry it does, (and if I spill my highball there will indeed be Hell to pay…) It’s all just another reason that the Academy should take another look restructuring the regulations when it comes to their “foreign” film catagory, because something is defintely wrong here. And those who fly the Union Jack are far from thrilled to say the least.

-SSB.

Expect the Unexpected: Oscars Big Night

We’ve been going on for weeks now about the big decision to keep this year’s show under wraps, as well as the announcement by the President of the Academy, (Sid Ganis) who said that the special night would be full of many surprises. But enough already, just what the Hell is going on?

Still reluctant to name any of the presenters, there is now a rumor circulating that they may even want certain celebrities to stay off the red carpet so as not to spoil the show. You’ve got to be kidding me. The “Red Carpet Showdown” is half the action of the big night! What on earth will Joan Rivers do with herself?

“A US report claims that publicists for some of the ceremony’s presenters have been asked to instruct their clients to enter the ceremony’s venue through an ‘off camera’ entrance.

According to the LA Times, organisers hope that the element of surprise may help to resuscitate viewing figures for the February 22nd telecast, and that strategy to save more ’star power’ for the ceremony will add to the big event.”

What a ridiculous notion. Not to mention what this does for the fashion industry itself, and the livelihood of all our good friends in the paparazzi. Who’s going to pose for the photo ops? An Oscar Rambling host?? (Now wait a minute here…)

Beyond that its also been said that “The Oscars ceremony is undergoing a dramatic makeover because of fears that what was once the glitziest movie event of the year is turning into a box office flop. Low-budget films, irrelevant presenters, inane banter and limp pre-recorded segments are being blamed for reducing Tinseltown’s annual glamour showcase to a predictable and bloated bore.”

Professional Oscar watcher Tom O’Neil, author of the book Movie Awards, said: “The problem the Oscars face is that the films that are up for best picture are not generating a lot of gee whiz. No one is dancing jigs over the prospect of seeing Frost/Nixon.”

(Calm down buddy, I don’t think anybody uses the term “gee whiz” anymore, so watch your dad gum language…)

And even Bill Condon, one of the head Producers, promises a show that will “shake things up” by changing the way in which the show is presented; and by far the most controversial decision which is “not to follow the tradition whereby last year’s acting winners hand out this year’s awards”.

WHAT!? (Damn, do I need a drink.)

Well as ol’ Sid said “”It’s going to be a show that takes some risks.”

You just be watching out for that Oscar Rambling host when you leave the theatre doors; (something tells me I’m gonna need a much bigger bottle of Captain Morgan…)

-SSB.

The Votes Are In!

As of  Tuesday 5 p.m. Pacific time balloting for the Academy Awards has expired. And now it’s up to Pricewaterhouse to add up the results and put the winners names into those big red envelopes. Now Mickey Rourke can fight in the WWF without any worries of retribution.