Oscars Review: Oscar's Pursuit of Popularity

Audience: Small Alternative arts Magazine read by mostly college students

Oscar’s Pursuit of Popularity

Ten best picture nominations, including an animated film and an overcoming-the-odds football flick. Two hosts for double the laughs. And Miley Cyrus. The eighty-second Academy Awards presentation was unmistakably manufactured to attract a widespread audience. On March 7th, 2010 Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin clumsily hosted a night complete with an in memoriam montage of John Hughes’ movies, an ode to horror films and a presenter panel full of fresh young faces with egos to match the red carpet veterans.

Due to the Oscars’ catering to the masses, it was pleasantly surprising that “The Hurt Locker,” a gritty Iraq war film, came out on top with six Oscars, including best picture. “The Hurt Locker” significantly trumped James Cameron’s mega high-grossing visual show off “Avatar.” However “Avatar” earned its due respect by pulling in three image-related awards: visual effects, art direction and cinematography.

Kathryn Bigelow, Cameron’s ex-wife and his chief award competitor, reeled in best director for “The Hurt Locker,” making history as the first woman to win the award. Directly following her win Bigelow was whisked back on stage when Tom Hanks hurriedly announced the award for best picture. Like Bigelow said, twice, it was “the moment of a lifetime.”

Sandra Bullock, the type-cast leading lady of romantic comedies claimed the award for best leading actress for her performance in "The Blind Side." Although movie connoisseurs were surprised and offended that a down home actress in an inspirational football movie snagged the prize, Bullock’s win was as sincere and heart-warming as the girl-next-door character she usually plays.

In contrast, Jeff Bridges won best actor title with universal enthusiasm from critics and the general public alike for his performance in "Crazy Heart.” His excruciatingly realistic portrayal of a washed up country singer undoubtedly deserved the gold. With giddy shout outs during his acceptance speech and “man” at the end of every sentence, Bridges seemed under the influence of more than just the adrenalin of his win. Or maybe his sober personality naturally resembles the whiskey-laden Bad Blake character.

Similar to the harsh, flaw riddled character that won the gold for Bridges, Mo’Nique won best actress in a supporting role for her performance as an abusive mother in "Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire." Christoph Waltz won best supporting actor for his Nazi character in "Inglourious Basterds." Both Waltz and Mo’Nique deserved the traditional Oscar praise for excelling as an unlikable character.

Unfortunately for the animated film enthusiasts and elementary children, “Up” only soared to win best animated feature film and best original music score, failing to follow through on its best picture nomination. It had as good a run as an animated film can have, but the Academy (fortunately) was unwilling to let the film go the distance against quality live action dramas.

And, on the topic of films full of hot air, “Up in the Air” failed to earn an award, despite all of its nominations and George Clooney’s charming good looks. At least the Academy itself does not play the popularity game.