The 2009 Oscars brought a new, fresh feel to the old, worn-out award show format. There was still a musical opening number and a slew of "recognition speeches" that no one really watched - except this year we wanted to watch. The Oscars kept things interesting by maintaining a considerably fast pace and changing up the structure throughout the award presentations.
Hugh Jackman did an excellent job as host. The highlight of the show, a medley of songs from musicals, brought Jackman together with Beyoncé Knowles, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper.
The first award of the night, the award for best actress in a supporting role, was presented by the five previous winners of the award. The previous winners included Whoopie Goldberg and Goldie Hawn (both dressed tragically, as per usual) who voiced touching sentiments about the nominees that even brought "Doubt" star Viola Davis to tears.
Beyoncé donned a stunning sparkly red leotard as she bravely sang her version of "At Last," among many other songs. We all know how excited Etta James must be that Beyoncé once again sang "her song." Well we'll hear about it tomorrow, I'm sure.
The most touching moment of the night came when late actor Heath Ledger was awarded best performance by an actor in a supporting role. Ledger's role as The Joker in "The Dark Knight" was the best part of the most talked about film of the year. His mother Sally, father Kim and sister Kate accepted his award.
Amazingly Ledger's family kept it together while they graciously accepted Heath's award. I, of course, was a blabbering mess.
Queen Latifah provided another touching moment when she sang "I'll Be Seeing You" as a nod to the men and women of the film industry who passed away during the past year. Pictures of deceased actors like the eminent Paul Newman flashed across the screen as Latifah sang. Curiously, Heath Ledger was notably absent from the "in memoriam" dedication.
Serious moments such as these were broken up by comical pieces like the short film made by Seth Rogen and James Franco, who reprised their role as serial potheads in the 2008 comedy "Pineapple Express." The short was funny, entertaining and a little risky - the 2008 Oscars would have never shown a short such as this one. It's these kinds of improvements and risks that really made the 2009 show.
The presenters also brought an interesting flavor to the 2009 Oscars. They were actually entertaining. Jennifer Anniston and Jack Black had great onstage chemistry when they presented the awards for best animated feature film of the year and best animated short film. For some added drama, they were presenting directly in front of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Can you say awkward? Jen kept her cool, though, and did an amazing job.
Ben Stiller drew laughs as he gave his own portrayal of Joaquin Phoenix's now-infamous stint on "The Tonight Show with David Letterman," presenting the award for best achievement in cinematography with Natalie Portman. Portman was my pick for best dressed of the night; she wore a beautiful flowing pink gown and a gorgeous diamond bracelet.
But even if the Oscars weren't funny and were extremely boring, I could never condemn a show that brought Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson that close to one another. I'll embarrassingly admit I was a little giddy at first sight of the "Twilight" hottie, who appropriately presented a montage of the best romance movies of 2008.
But the show doesn't exist just to warm my heart with good-looking male actors - it's meant to honor the best films, actors and actresses of 2008, and it did that. Kate Winslet finally won an Oscar for best actress in a leading role. This was Winslet's first Academy Award, despite being nominated six times before. The nod for best actor in a leading role went to Sean Penn in "Milk."
The most important award of the night, film of the year, went to "Slumdog Millionaire." The film won six other awards at the ceremony, making it the most successful film of the night. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" scored three awards, including best achievement in art direction.
The Oscar makeover was much needed, but might not be able to make up for years of boring shows. No matter what the ratings say, the Academy did a great job of reviving an out-dated show stuck in a seemingly eternal downward spiral. The presentation was enjoyable and memorable, and that's all we can ask for.
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