Film Gecko: Live-Blogging the Oscars!

February 22, 2009 by Jane Boursaw

The Oscars are the place to be tonight, and I’m live-blogging the event right here on Film Gecko.

Who will take home those coveted statuettes? Will it be Mickey Rourke? The Slumdog Millionaire crowd? Kate Winslet? Heath Ledger? I’m betting all of the above will score big tonight.

For a schedule of tonight’s festivities, click here. Check out all the 2009 Oscar nominees, and print out your own ballot.

And click through to join in the discussion!

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=b034d08c63">Film Gecko: Live-Blogging the Oscars!</a>

Transcript:

Film Gecko: Live-Blogging the Oscars!

(02/22/2009)

5:44	Jane Boursaw: Welcome to Film Gecko’s Live-Blog for the 2009 Oscars!

6:03	Jane Boursaw: Can’t decide whether to watch E! coverage or Lisa and Joey on the TV Guide channel. I’m on E! at the moment because, well, Lisa Rinna’s lips are so distracting.

6:03	Jane Boursaw: Miley Cyrus’ dress: kind of a princess affair. Really pretty, though.

6:09	Jane Boursaw: Miley says her dress must weigh 100,000 lbs.

6:09	Jane Boursaw: And she says she’s stalking Angelina Jolie. I probably would be, too.

6:11	Jane Boursaw: Virginia Madsen has an awesome red dress on. I like her, because she looks like a real woman, not a waif.

6:15	Jane Boursaw: Switching to TV Guide channel… I’ve heard that the Oscars would be “toned down” because of the sorry economic state of the country, but I haven’t seen that on the red carpet yet. Everyone looks really regal and bejeweled.

6:16	Jane Boursaw: Four blocks of Hollywood is shut down with limos arriving at the Oscars

6:17	[Comment From rachel] I’m going to have to get all my coverage via you, Jane.

6:18	Jane Boursaw: Hey Rachel! Good to see ya. That’s why I’m here - providing Oscar coverage far and wide.

6:18	Jane Boursaw: I was just saying that the ceremony was supposed to be scaled down, but it sure doesn’t seem that way so far.

6:19	rachel: so have they revealed who the presenters are yet? I know that earlier today no one knew . . .

6:20	Jane Boursaw: Well, I know from my Twi-hard following that Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) is presenting. I’m sure the red carpet will go wild when he arrives

6:20	Jane Boursaw: And Zac Efron is presenting for Best Original Song, I believe

6:21	rachel: Pattinson is quite yummy and Efron is appropriate for song. Heard they weren’t performing all the songs this year.

6:22	Jane Boursaw: Seems like they should perform all the songs - or even a shortened version.

6:22	Jane Boursaw: Oh boy, I’m watching TV Guide Channel, and Lisa Rinna’s lips are so distracting. It’s ridiculous

6:24	[Comment From Nikki] I heard Rob wasn’t going to walk the red carpet. I’m very bummed!

6:24	rachel: What is it with her lips? I was so distracted by those when she was on Veronica Mars.

6:24	Jane Boursaw: Hey Nikki! Aw, that’s a bummer! Probably trying to keep things under control on the red carpet

6:24	Nikki: Yeah. I actually contemplated going up there to watch!!

6:25	Jane Boursaw: Rachel - I know. It’s like you think her lips can’t get any weirder, and then they do.

6:25	Jane Boursaw: Nikki - How far away are you?

6:25	rachel: I remember her from her soap opera days.

6:25	Jane Boursaw: Oh right - I forgot she was in the soaps

6:25	Nikki: I’m in San Diego - about a 2.5 hour drive most days

6:26	[Comment From Julie] No Rob? WHAT?!

6:26	Jane Boursaw: Hey Julie!

6:26	Nikki: Yeah, they’re supposedly taking in a lot of the celebs via the back door

6:26	rachel: I had heard that earlier — that they were keeping the presenters off the red carpet

6:26	Julie: Hi Jane and everyone else!

6:26	Nikki: Believe me, I’m on top of any Rob news!!

6:26	Nikki: With the MTV Music Video Awards, they had a main route and then a side route with all of us “lower list venues”

6:27	Jane Boursaw: I know! Disappointing. So now I wonder if Rob is even presenting, since they’ve been keeping everything so secretive.

6:27	Nikki: luckily Rob walked that one, but that was pre-Twilight

6:27	Julie: I’m addicted to Rob because of Nikki

6:27	Jane Boursaw: Me too. I’ve got such a thing for vampires lately. I’m watching Buffy right now. Just finished Moonlight.

6:27	Nikki: I’m pretty sure he’ll present, I saw a site talking about it - he’s not doing an award, it’s more of a “Romantic Overview” from movies

6:28	rachel: Ooo. I’m almost done with season one of Buffy. Pretty amazing stuff.

6:28	Nikki: someone’s posting on IMDB from the rehearsals

6:28	Jane Boursaw: I’ve got a huge crush on Angel. “Good” Angel. Not the bad one. Gee, I hope he comes back around!

6:28	Jane Boursaw: Ooh, Rob would be great for a romantic overview.

6:29	Nikki: Yep, definitely

6:29	Jane Boursaw: That’s cool about IMDB posting from the rehearsals

6:30	Nikki: Julie, there are Miley pics on Newscom right now - I’m adding one…

6:30	Jane Boursaw: So is anyone not expecting Mickey Rourke to win for best actor? He just won a Spirit Award last night. Hope he’s got a giant mantel somewhere to stash all the awards.

6:31	Jane Boursaw: Nikki - Post a link when they’re up.

6:31	Jane Boursaw: Aw, Zac and Vanessa Hudgens just arrived

6:32	Nikki: Will do

6:32	Jane Boursaw: They’re so cute together.

6:32	Jane Boursaw: I’ll try and do a post here and there w/some pics, too.

6:35	Jane Boursaw: Picapp is supposed to have fresh pics, though I don’t see any on there at the moment.

6:36	Nikki: http://www.juniorcelebs.com/miley-cyrus-stunning-at-the-oscars/

6:36	Nikki: Yeah, I don’t see any on Picapp yet!

6:36	Jane Boursaw: I really love Miley’s dress

6:38	Nikki: It’s beautiful. And if she walked the carpet, that gives me hope that Rob may too

6:38	Jane Boursaw: Ken Baker from E! News says they’re going to bring out some A-List stars who’ve won in the past to present awards.

6:39	Julie: I’m going to be in and out of the chat between trying to post pictures, cook dinner and everything else. Craziness!

6:39	Jane Boursaw: Cool, Julie. Stop in when you can! I’m here for the long haul!

6:39	Julie: Sounds good

6:40	Jane Boursaw: That’s so cool that Elton John uses his Oscar party to raise funds for AIDS awareness. Really, why not use these events to do some good in the world…

6:42	[Comment From Jen] Oh, darn it, I need to go start my Tivo!!

6:42	Jane Boursaw: Hey Jen!

6:42	Jen: Hey Jane!

6:43	Jen: It’s Jen from CliqueClack, btw

6:43	Jane Boursaw: Cool!

6:44	Jane Boursaw: So do you guys think the Oscars will be scaled back this year, like they’ve been saying? I haven’t really seen any indication of that so far.

6:44	Jen: Hey, stupid question: What channel are you watching?

6:44	Jen: I have heard that the Oscars is supposed to tell a story this year

6:45	Jane Boursaw: I’m sort of switching back and forth between E! (which I’m on now) and TV Guide Channel. I was saying that Lisa Rinna’s lips on TVG are too distracting.

6:45	Jen: ha!

6:46	Jen: Okay, now I just have to see if our cable has E!

6:47	Jane Boursaw: The Slumdog kids were just interviewed by Seacrest. So adorable (the kids, not Seacrest - ok, he’s sort of adorable, too).

6:47	Jen: My Facebook friends have been saying all day that they will be pissed if Slumdog wins

6:47	Jen: What do you think?

6:47	Julie: lol Jane, yeah those kids (and Seacrest) were adorable!

6:47	Jen: I just saw it last night

6:48	Jane Boursaw: I think it will probably be between Slumdog and Benjamin Button. I think Slumdog will win it, though. They’ve been winning way too many awards to not win

6:49	Jen: I am leaning toward Benjamin Button

6:49	Jen: Though, I would love it if MILK won.

6:49	Which film will win Best Picture? Slumdog Millionaire ( 33% ) Benjamin Button ( 67% ) Frost/Nixon ( 0% ) Milk ( 0% ) The Reader ( 0% )

6:50	Jane Boursaw: Milk would definitely be a dark horse to win

6:51	Jen: Does anybody know what Doubt’s chances are?

6:51	Jane Boursaw: I’m still kind of ticked that The Dark Knight wasn’t nominated for best picture

6:51	Jane Boursaw: Streep is up for Best Actress for Doubt. I think Winselt will win it, tho, for The Reader

6:52	Jen: Okay, my ignorance is really showing, but is Blanchett nominated for supporting for Button?

6:53	Jane Boursaw: No - Here’s the Best Supporting Nominees: Amy Adams for Doubt Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Jane’s Pick) Viola Davis for Doubt Taraji P. Henson for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler

6:54	Jane Boursaw: Here’s the full list of nominees: http://www.filmgecko.com/and-the-oscar-nominations-go-to/

6:54	[Comment From Laura Paquet] I haven’t seen Lisa’s lips (we don’t get the TVGuide channel), but the woman corralling guests for Ben Mulroney on CTV (Canadian channel) keeps falling out of her dress. SO distracting!

6:54	Jane Boursaw: Hey Laura!

6:55	Laura Paquet: Hi Jane! Taking a chat break before tackling the second of two stories due tonight…

6:55	Julie: There’s Rob!!

6:55	Jane Boursaw: Glad to see you!

6:55	Jane Boursaw: Yay - Rob! I’m such a vampire geek.

6:56	Julie: Me too

6:56	Laura Paquet: Have you seen Freida Pinto on the US channels yet? Her dress is gorgeous. (Probably helps that she is also gorgeous.)

6:57	Jane Boursaw: Anyone see Revolutionary Road? That’s one I haven’t seen.

6:57	Jane Boursaw: Laura - I’ll see if I can find her

6:57	Jane Boursaw: Ok, I think I just saw Freida - so gorgeous

7:00	Jane Boursaw: Heidi Klum has a red, red dress on - and lots of chunky jewelry

7:01	Jane Boursaw: Taraji was planning a garage sale when she got the call to play Brad Pitt’s mom in Benjamin Button. Loves those kinds of stories

7:03	Jane Boursaw: The ones who don’t prepare a speech - I’d have something prepared! I would not trust myself to remember even my own name if I found myself up on stage

7:05	Jane Boursaw: I love Seacrest because he knows absolutely everyone in the industry. Way better than someone who has to do a bunch of research to do the red carpet interviews

7:07	Jane Boursaw: Ok, now the Slumdog kids are on the TV Guide channel

7:08	Jane Boursaw: Sarah Jessica Parker - I’m worried for her popping out of her dress.

7:10	Laura Paquet: CTV must be closer to the street than TV Guide-they seem to be nabbing everyone about five minutes earlier.

7:11	Jane Boursaw: Oh that’s cool. Tell us if anything cool happens on CTV

7:12	Jane Boursaw: Frieda Pinto has a beautiful blue, sort of one-shouldered dress on. Really pretty. Kind of bollywood

7:14	Jane Boursaw: Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia) says she has a new movie coming out with Megan Fox. Working w/Diablo Cody

7:14	Jane Boursaw: Amy Adams is talking to Seacrest. I love her. I pretty much have a girl crush on her

7:16	Jane Boursaw: Ack! Rob Pattinson is talking to Seacrest

7:16	Nikki: AHHHHHH

7:16	Nikki: I just turned it back on!!!

7:16	Jane Boursaw: It must be so weird to be him right now!

7:16	Nikki: Swoon

7:16	Nikki: He shaved between yesterday and today

7:17	Jane Boursaw: He does look less scruffy than usual

7:17	Jane Boursaw: He says he came in and messed up the rehearsal “catastrophically.”

7:18	Jane Boursaw: Sarah Jessica Parker is talking to Seacrest.

7:18	Jane Boursaw: She says Sex and the City 2 looks “very promising.”

7:19	Laura Paquet: Right now CTV is talking to Sarah Jessica Parker. Her dress hydraulics are still looking dubious. Their commentators just pronounced it “too Disney.”

7:19	Laura Paquet: There must be some sort of time delay on CTV! I’m watching online.

7:19	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, SJP’s dress is a little Disney. It’s sort of like Miley’s dress

7:20	Jane Boursaw: Seth Rogen looks awesome. He must be on a serious fitness regimen.

7:21	Jane Boursaw: Anne Hathaway’s date looks really uncomfortable. I’m not even sure who it is. Will have to wait for an interview, I guess

7:23	Jane Boursaw: Laura - Do you have a link to that CTV coverage online?

7:24	Jane Boursaw: Ooh Beyonce just arrived - her dress is really interesting! And such a booty that girl has

7:25	Jane Boursaw: Mickey Rourke is wearing a white jacket. He looks pretty darn handsome tonight

7:26	Laura Paquet: Here’s the CTV link, Jane (it loads slowly): http://watch.ctv.ca/the-81st-annual-academy-awards/red-carpet/etalk-at-the-oscars-2009-live/clip142420#clip142420

7:26	Jane Boursaw: Natalie Portman’s dress is like sherbet ice cream - only vibrant

7:26	Jane Boursaw: Cool - I’ll go check it out

7:28	Jane Boursaw: Aw rats. It says the video isn’t available in my region. Why can’t the U.S. and Canada play nice together! I’m boycotting Hulu because of it

7:29	Laura Paquet: Aren’t rights limits a pain? I would SO love to get access to Hulu.

7:29	Jane Boursaw: Richard Jenkins says the “awards show circuit has been fun.”

7:29	Jane Boursaw: I know - a total pain.

7:31	Jane Boursaw: Queen Latifah is talking to Seacrest. She looks fabulous, as always. Says she’s singing a song dedicated to all the people we’ve lost this past year. I’m sure I’ll be bawling.

7:33	Jane Boursaw: Anne Hathaway has a glimmering white dress on that reminds me of a mermaid

7:34	Jane Boursaw: Ron Howard says he met Nixon back in the day, when Nixon was doing a book-signing tour. I wonder if Nixon had any idea Ron would make a movie about him

7:35	Jane Boursaw: Ron Howard says he’s making an Arrested Development movie, but can’ divulge any details!

7:35	Jane Boursaw: Peter Gabriel says they’re doing a medley of 3-4 minutes, with each of the 3 songs compressed. He didn’t want to do it because of that.

7:37	rachel: what a travesty — poor songwriters/performers

7:37	Jane Boursaw: Evan Rachel Wood says it’s been a “long, hard road,” but she’s glad “The Wrestler” made it to the Oscars

7:37	Jane Boursaw: Rachel - I know. It’s interesting that they’re cutting the time on those songs.

7:38	Jane Boursaw: What’s the world coming to?! And we’ll see what goofy thing they’ll spend time on instead of the songs!

7:39	Jane Boursaw: Brad and Angelina have arrived. Theyr’e both in black. Such Hollywood royalty. I heard that Jen Aniston was attending, too.

7:39	[Comment From Katelyn] Um. I guess someone’s a fan of Brad and Angie. Can you imagine being so famous that all of the people with microphones lose their cool?

7:40	Jane Boursaw: Hey Katelyn! I know - so weird. I get the feeling some of the announcers have been hitting the Red Bull (or something) pretty hard

7:41	Katelyn: The thing with Ryan Seacrest the other week should have gotten them to take it down a notch and play it just a bit cooler so they don’t embarrass themselves!

7:41	Jane Boursaw: What happened with Ryan?

7:42	Katelyn: He ran down onto the Red Carpet and looked like an idiot when he couldn’t talk to them because security was taking them inside.

7:42	Jane Boursaw: Oh geez. What a goof.

7:43	Jane Boursaw: Philip Seymour Hoffman has a ski cap on.

7:44	Laura Paquet: Doesn’t Philip SH’s hat look ridiculous? Fabulous actor, but a toque? Come on!

7:44	rachel: I love Hoffman. What’s with the hat (although it doesn’t surprise me).

7:44	Jane Boursaw: I know - what’s up with that?!

7:45	Jane Boursaw: I have to say, the dresses are really gorgeous this year. I haven’t seen one I’ve absolutely hated. Most of them I love.

7:46	Katelyn: I don’t absolutely love Jessica Biel’s dress, but Jay adores it.

7:46	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, I’m not crazy about Jessica B’s dress either. It’s too poofy or something

7:47	Jane Boursaw: Kate Winslet could not look more old-movie-star-ish. She’s so lovely.

7:47	Katelyn: Isn’t Jay the one who usually gripes about guys not taking a chance with fashion? He’s awfully conservative tonight.

7:48	Katelyn: Yes, Kate looks gorgeous.

7:48	Jane Boursaw: Is Jay the one with E’s Juliana Rancic? If so, he has blue hair. I wonder if he realizes that.

7:52	Jane Boursaw: Kate Winslet to Seacrest: “I’m extremely nervous.”

7:53	Jane Boursaw: Kate thinks it’s so crazy that she’s on Time Magazine.

7:56	Katelyn: She seems like a genuinely nice person. I saw her with Leo on some show - Leno, maybe? - and he couldn’t say enough nice stuff about her.

7:56	Laura Paquet: Kate just showed up on CTV. Wow, you’re right-she looks fab and classic, as always. I’m so glad she hasn’t given into the pressure to diet herself to stick-insect proportions.

7:56	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, I love that about Winslet. She looks like a real woman.

7:57	Jane Boursaw: Brad and Angie are stopping to do a little press. That’s nice. I guess they’d better scurry inside about now, though.

7:58	Jane Boursaw: No matter how old Ron Howard gets, he’ll always be Opie to me. He still sounds and acts like Opie.

7:59	Jane Boursaw: I keep thinking how weird it would be to be one of these giant stars and have a million cameras pointed at me. Definitely a learned skill, I think.

8:01	Jane Boursaw: Tim Gunn is on the red carpet on ABC. Love him.

8:01	Laura Paquet: Re milliions of cameras: I thought the same thing last week when Obama came to Ottawa and the whole city shut down for him. Airspace closed for 45 minutes, downtown sealed off, police helicopters hovering. Must be overwhelming.

8:01	Jane Boursaw: I can’t even imagine!

8:02	Jane Boursaw: Josh Brolin and Diane Lane - such a beautiful couple.

8:04	Jane Boursaw: Matthew Broderick’s hair is a little weird. Maybe he’s doing some stage play or something where his hair has to be freakishly long on top

8:06	Jane Boursaw: Frank Langella is talking about hanging with Anthony Hopkins. Fly on the Wall wish there!

8:10	Jane Boursaw: Tim Gunn is talking to Valentino. Must be a thrill for him! Valentino’s hair is a little weird, though. Who picked out the color. Yes, I’m having issues with guys’ hair tonight.

8:12	Katelyn: Mickey Rourke. Wow. Sparkly vest.

8:14	Jane Boursaw: Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan - cute. I guess I didn’t realize he was married (probably blocked it out, given my crush on him).

8:16	Jane Boursaw: Anne Hathaway says she’s “100% excited,” but the terror hasn’t set in yet.

8:16	Katelyn: Am I the only person who sees Anne Hathaway and thinks about a young Julia Roberts?

8:17	Jane Boursaw: yeah, definitely some similarities there. And I’m such a Julia Roberts fan. She has a movie coming out soon, and I actually bought “Allure” off the magazine rack today becasue she’s on the cover.

8:18	Jane Boursaw: Though my husband says he always thinks “joker” when he sees Anne Hathaway. I’m like, that’s just mean! Seriously, I love her and she seems really down to earth.

8:20	Jane Boursaw: I’m giddy over this movie, “Duplicity,” with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Here’s the trailer: http://www.filmgecko.com/julia-roberts-clive-owen-in-duplicity-trailer/

8:20	Jane Boursaw: Oh here come the Price Waterhouse accountants. They’re so funny. And seriously, must be the most famous accountants in the world.

8:21	Jane Boursaw: Meryl Streep is on the red carpet with her “baby,” Louisa. They both look fabulous.

8:21	Jane Boursaw: Penelope Cruz is wearing this divine chiffony dress. Vintage.

8:23	Jane Boursaw: Did anyone see “The Visitor”? That’s one I haven’t seen yet, but it looks like a great indie-type film. Richard Jenkins is up for an award.

8:23	Jane Boursaw: Jack Black is there with his wife, Tanya. What must it be like being married to him?!

8:24	Laura Paquet: I like Richard Jenkins. He was so good in Six Feet Under.

8:24	Jane Boursaw: Oh I LOVED Six Feet Under. Probably one of my favorite TV series of all time. And Best.Ending.Ever.

8:27	Jane Boursaw: Watching ABC: They’re talking about creating this year’s Oscars. And it sounds like they’re harking back to the 40s and 50s for music. Love that era for music.

8:30	Jane Boursaw: Yay - At last the awards are finally starting.

8:31	Jane Boursaw: And Hugh Jackman looks ultra sexy. Wonder if he’ll play off his Sexiest Man Alive thing.

8:32	Laura Paquet: Re the Six Feet Under ending-you’re right! Best ever. OK, logging off for now. Actually taping the show so that I can watch it later with my husband when he gets back from work!

8:32	Jane Boursaw: Thanks for stopping by, Laura!

8:33	Laura Paquet: Thanks for hosting this, Jane-it was fun!

8:33	Jane Boursaw: You bet!

8:33	Jane Boursaw: Ok, a guy who looks that good should not be able to sing and dance, too. That’s just crazy.

8:36	Jane Boursaw: This opening is pretty funny. Love that he grabbed Anne Hathaway out of the audience to play Richard Nixon.

8:39	Jane Boursaw: Oh, and of COURSE he had to end it by plugging his own movie, Wolverine! (which I can’t wait for, by the way)

8:40	Jane Boursaw: Ha - Jackman just told Mickey Rourke that they’d switch to 20 minute delay if he won

8:41	Jane Boursaw: 15 Oscar nominations for Meryl Streep. And she’s so down to earth, too.

8:45	[Comment From Deborah] Hello Jane, thought I’d log into the party for while! Um, Tilda’s dress is a little scary.

8:45	Jane Boursaw: Hey Deborah! Yeah, Tilda definitely has her own style going.

8:46	Deborah: Eva Marie Saint is still a class act though.

8:46	Jane Boursaw: And that dress doesn’t really do much for Goldie either.

8:46	Jane Boursaw: Love Eva Marie Saint. And Viola Davis just about burst into tears.

8:47	Jane Boursaw: So we’ve got Eva Marie Saint, Tilda Swinton, Whoopie Goldberg, Angelica Huston, and Goldie Hawn presenting for Best Supporting Actress

8:48	Jane Boursaw: And Penelope Cruz wins! Yay - I got my first prediction right! http://www.filmgecko.com/and-the-oscar-nominations-go-to/

8:48	Deborah: I really like the format they had of really honoring each nominee. They all looked a little overwhelmed.

8:48	Jane Boursaw: I know - awesome format so far.

8:49	Jane Boursaw: And they always find the most emotional person in the audience and zoom in on them.

8:51	Deborah: Penelope is just so adorable. Perhaps I should go ahead and check out Vicky Christina.

8:52	Deborah: Though I had to wonder if the censors were worried because they don’t speak Spanish.

8:52	Jane Boursaw: Between Cruz, Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson and one of my faves, Patricia Clarkson, Vicky Cristina is definitely worth checking out.

8:53	Deborah: Have you seen it yet?

8:53	Jane Boursaw: Yeah - you’d think they must have other-language-speaking people on staff for these awards.

8:53	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, it’s great. A sexy romantic comedy

8:54	Jane Boursaw: Oh Steve Martin and Tina Fey - great combo

8:54	Deborah: It’ll

8:54	Deborah: I’m

8:54	Deborah: I’m sure many people will be checking out these oscar movies over the next few weeks.

8:55	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, and I bet a lot of people haven’t seen some of them - like Frozen River, The Reader, Happy-Go-Lucky, even Slumdog Millionaire. We had each of these movies in Traverse City, Michigan for about 3 minutes

8:55	Jane Boursaw: ’Course, many of them are out on DVD now, which is cool

8:56	Deborah: Who would have thought that Sean Penn (in the audience) would be laughing so much at Steve Martin?

8:57	Jane Boursaw: Winner of Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for “Milk”

8:57	Jane Boursaw: I know - Sean Penn and Steve Martin. Complete opposites

8:58	Deborah: Again, the nominees were presented in a very original, very interesting way. So far, I”m really enjoying these new and improved Oscars.

8:58	Jane Boursaw: Me, too! This guy is giving an awesome speech.

8:59	Deborah: Well, you know writers!

8:59	Jane Boursaw:

9:01	Jane Boursaw: Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire

9:03	Deborah: Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black — another fascinating presenting combo.

9:03	Jane Boursaw: Jennifer Aniston and Jack Black. Wonder if they’ll zero in on Brad Pitt!

9:04	Jane Boursaw: Ah! Close shot of Angie smiling.

9:05	Deborah: Hmm, did Jen look just a little uncomfortable with Jack’s “always bet Pixar” joke?

9:05	Jane Boursaw: I hope Wall-E gets it. That was SUCH a good movie. I think we saw it at least 3 times, once at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In in Honor, Michigan.

9:05	Jane Boursaw: Yeah - you never know what’s going to come out of Jack Black’s mouth.

9:07	Jane Boursaw: Best Animated Feature: Wall-E - yay!

9:07	Jane Boursaw: I’d like to crack open Andrew Stanton’s head and look inside.

9:07	Deborah: This was a good movie. I enjoyed Kung Fu Panda, but this one was just great.

9:08	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, Kung Fu Panda was my next choice.

9:09	Deborah: Oooh, I’m hoping for Presto . It’s really fun. (And on Itunes)

9:10	Deborah: Awwwwww…..

9:10	Jane Boursaw: Oh cool! I’ve only seen a couple of these. Best Animated Short Film: La Maison en petite cubes

9:10	Jane Boursaw: Darn…

9:10	Jane Boursaw: Thanks for the tip - I’ll check out Presto on iTunes

9:11	Deborah: Ha! Loved his last line. Quoting the rock group Styx made me laugh out loud.

9:11	Jane Boursaw: That was a cute little speech.

9:11	Deborah: I forgot how much I used to love the song Mr. Roboto…

9:14	Deborah: (By the way, short aside during the commercial — I’m a fellow FLX’er.)

9:14	Jane Boursaw: I figured that was you.

9:15	Deborah: :-)

9:15	Jane Boursaw: So what do you think of the Oscars so far? I’m really liking it, although can’t say anything really jumps out at me. I like that they’re paying more attention to each individual category

9:15	Jane Boursaw: And of course, Hugh Jackman is always easy on the eyes

9:16	Jane Boursaw: Sarah Jessica Parker and Daniel Craig - another nice and unexpected combo

9:16	Deborah: I like that. It’s making each one seem very important. And speaking of easy on the eyes — gotta love the presenter now, Daniel Craig.

9:16	Jane Boursaw: Love Daniel Craig

9:16	Deborah: I really, really like the stage decorations. The props and camera work is making everything seem very rich and intimate.

9:17	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, it definitely seems more intimate, and the way they have the audience seated, too.

9:18	Jane Boursaw: Art Direction: Curious Case of Benjamin Button

9:19	Jane Boursaw: Geez, they kinda cut that guy off on his big moment. Hate it when that happens.

9:19	Jane Boursaw:

9:20

Deborah: Here’s an interesting comment I just heard from a friend who PM’d me. She said several in her group are a little confused with a few things, such as the way the screenplay nominees were presented (because they don’t understand scripts and how they really work.) It made me wonder, how is the normal audience liking this? I love it. But is it a little too “production insider”?

9:20	Jane Boursaw: Oh yeah, that’s a really good point. This DOES seem more insidery than the usual commercial Oscars

9:21	Jane Boursaw: Costume Design: The Duchess

9:21	Deborah: That’s funny. I’ve been wanting to see this movie specifically because of the costumes!

9:22	Jane Boursaw: Definitely a good call on that one. The Duchess had stunning costumes, and Keira Knightley is so good at the period movies. She’s like the go-to girl for period movies.

9:22	Deborah: I wonder if that’s why her movie as a bounty hunter didn’t do well. Maybe we all would much rather see her in the period movies.

9:23	Deborah: Sarah Jessica’s dress makes more sense now as a presenter for costume design.

9:23	Jane Boursaw: I think so. Maybe she just gave in and decided to do what she’s called to do!

9:23	Jane Boursaw: I’m concerned for her popping out of the top of it. I hope she doesn’t move the wrong way.

9:24	Deborah: As long as she moves slowwwllly and doesn’t jump up and down with excitement, we should be okay.

9:24	Jane Boursaw: Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

9:25	Jane Boursaw: Ha! So true! These stars are way braver than me at these things. I wouldn’t wear anything with even the slightest possibility of a wardrobe malfunction

9:25	Jane Boursaw: Ack! Rob Pattinson and Amanda Seyfried

9:26	Deborah: You’re a big fan of mumbles, right Jane?

9:26	Jane Boursaw: Ha - I have to say I am.

9:26	Deborah: Rob is very pretty, but I have a hard time understanding him sometimes.

9:27	Jane Boursaw: He said something earlier about really blowing it in the rehearsal, so he’s probably just glad to get through it.

9:27	Deborah: The Dustin Hoffman/Emma Thompson movie looks very good.

9:27	Jane Boursaw: I haven’t seen it, but heard it was really good. You don’t often get a movie about middle-aged romance.

9:28	Deborah: Swoon. The romance clips are mostly great.

9:29	Jane Boursaw: I think my favorite is Wall’E

9:30	Deborah: I wonder how many movies they just ruined, though, by showing that the main characters get together (with a big kiss!)

9:30	Jane Boursaw: Spoilers!

9:32	Jane Boursaw: Ha! Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix!

9:32	Deborah: Oh Joaquin. You’re such an easy target to make fun of!

9:32	Deborah: Natalie Portman looks amazing though. Of course it helps to be standing by such a mess!

9:33	Jane Boursaw: And Ben Stiller has him DOWN! Agree about Natalie - she just gets lovelier every year

9:34	Deborah: See this is why I always prefer Ben Stiller to other comedians. He doesn’t have to yell or be over the top to be hysterical.

9:35	Jane Boursaw: Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire, Anthony Dod Mantle

9:36	Deborah: Good movie. But he looks very rumpled.

9:36	Jane Boursaw: Totally agree. I mean, that’s what humor is really about. Finding something current that everyone is familiar with and riffing off it without being over the top

9:36	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, completely rumpled. Clearly, he has no stylist.

9:37	Deborah: True. If it was Will Farrell, it would have been COMPLETELY over the top. This was better because it was so quiet.

9:37	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, I’m hot and cold on Will Ferrell. Sometimes he’s really funny, but other times, not so much.

9:38	Deborah: Which movie are you hoping (not predicting) will will best picture?

9:39	Deborah: I’m still hoping The Dark Knight will win as a write-in!

9:39	Deborah: Jessica Biehl is a beautiful woman. But tonight, wow. What happened? Dress and hair look… kind of scary.

9:41	Jane Boursaw: Oh I agree on The Dark Knight - I’m still ticked it didn’t get a Best Picture nod! I bet Heath Ledger wins, tho

9:41	Jane Boursaw: I know - Jessica Biehl - not a fan of her style (or lack thereof) tonight.

9:42	Jane Boursaw: I think Slumdog Millionaire will win for best picture. The little movie that could

9:43	Jane Boursaw: But if I was in charge of the world: The Dark Knight (if it had been nominated, that is)

9:44	Jane Boursaw: Ok, this skit is a little weird

9:45	Deborah: The Pineapple Express parody on comedies is strange. But I loved their song to the tune of Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me.”

9:45	Deborah: Of course, I really enjoyed Mama Mia.

9:45	Jane Boursaw: That was a great movie. Meryl Streep just gives it her all, no matter what she’s doing

9:46	Deborah: And so versatile! From a hippie singing mom to a really scary mom. She can do no wrong.

9:46	Deborah: Back to this skit — I wish they’d just had another song from Hugh!

9:46	Deborah: I meant Meryl as a scary NUN of course.

9:47	Jane Boursaw: Yeah - she definitely does it all. When you think about her career - queen of hollywood for sure

9:47	Jane Boursaw: Live Action Short Film: Toyland

9:48	Deborah: Is it wrong that the nominee “The Pig” reminds me of how much I loved Babe?

9:48	Jane Boursaw: Not at all! Makes me want to see that movie again - so sweet.

9:49	Deborah: ”That’ll do pig.” I’m going to have to watch it again too.

9:49	Jane Boursaw: ”That’ll do.”

9:49	rachel: And who can forget the Song in Babe? That was a perfect little movie. I even liked the 2nd one

9:50	Jane Boursaw: Yeah, they were both great.

9:50	Jane Boursaw: So, if you had to pick a favorite movie of all time… what would it be?

9:50	rachel: I was just watching with some people who have been loving this so far; they like the more industry insider aspect.

9:51	rachel: Favorite movie for me would have to encompass about 10 movies because they represent different times and parts of my life. How about you?

9:51	Jane Boursaw: Oh that’s good to hear, Rachel. I wondered if people wouldn’t like the less-commercial aspect of it. There’s hope!

9:52	rachel: Did Goldie Hawn’s dress scare you as much as it did me?

9:52	Jane Boursaw: Same here - it’s really hard to pick a favorite when there are so many good films out there. “The Lives of Others” would rank right up there. A little subtitled german film

9:52	Deborah: Cool! The friend that PM’d me before said it’s completely split between those who really like it and those that are a little confused. He said that one said that it feels like “a jerky ride on the Carousel of Tomorrow at Disney world.”

9:52	Jane Boursaw: Yes! I was scared both for Goldie and OF Goldie.

9:52	rachel: I saw that, Jane! Wonderful little movie

9:53	Deborah: Yeah! More Hugh singing!

9:54	Jane Boursaw: The really great films, I think, are way understated, yet still manage to just grab you

9:54	Jane Boursaw: Yay! And with Beyonce, too. I’ve gotten to like her in the past year

9:55	rachel: I think films speak different things to different people and it’s hard to talk about “great” objectively (unless the movie really sucks in terms of writing or acting)

9:55	Deborah: My favorite movies of all time — Tombstone with Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer and Heat with Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, and… Val Kilmer.

9:55	Jane Boursaw: I’m seeing a Val Kilmer theme here.

9:55	Deborah: I wish Val was in better films now.

9:55	Deborah: And not just the voice of KITT the car.

9:55	Jane Boursaw: I know. Where has he been lately? He needs to make a comeback.

9:56	Deborah: I heard he’s thinking of running for mayor of Santa Fe. Come bak to us Val! We miss you!

9:57	Jane Boursaw: I don’t know if we need more politicians who used to be actors. Come back, Val!

9:57	Jane Boursaw: Tombstone was a GREAT movie. Right at the top of my list.

9:57	Jane Boursaw: I haven’t seen Heat - sadly! It’s going on my must-see list.

9:58	Deborah: What do you think of this song and dance number? It feels very old-school Hollywood, but again with Mama Mia songs!

9:59	Jane Boursaw: Definitely Old School. Kinda nice, though. My mom and I were just saying today that they just don’t make old-timey musicals like they used to.

9:59	Deborah: Of course I love musicals. Correction: I love GOOD musicals.