The Best Moment of the Oscars

"…For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame, and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone. And there are these last two things. I’m very, very proud to live in a country that is willing to elect an elegant man President, and a country who, for all its toughness, creates courageous artists, and this is in great due respect to all the nominees, creates courageous artists who despite a sensitivity that sometimes has brought enormous challenge, Mickey Rourke rises again, and he is my brother."

Sean Penn's Acceptance Speech
2009 Oscar Ceremony

Milk: Or How I Learned to Stay Mad and Say "Fuck You, You Prop. 8 Biggots"

Saw Milk tonight.

I loved, loved, loved the movie.
That being said, my first draft of this post was almost nothing more than a rant about Proposition 8 (an anti-gay rights proposition recently passed in California) and those who supported it (a religious organization I used to be affiliated with).
Perhaps, one day, I'll get back to sharing my thoughts on Gus Van Zant's incredibly moving and socially poignant film.
But today, I'm too mad.

Unexcited.

The Oscars are usually one of the highlights of my year. This year, I'm throwing a party just to get myself excited. Part of the reason I'm underwhelmed by the ceremony is because I've hardly seen any of the nominated films. I doubt I will either.

Apparently, Slumdog Millionaire is the cinematic equivalent of Christ's second coming. My reaction to both events are the same: I'll get around to checking it out...probably.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: [INSERT STANDARD "I'VE ALREADY SEEN FORREST GUMP" JOKE] I just haven't been in the mood for a rehashing of an over-rated Oscar champ. Maybe that'll change after next year's Hindenburg, a moving tale about a poor naval officer who meets an upper-class debutante aboard a German rigid airship headed towards disaster.

I will see Milk before Sunday. Besides The Wrestler and Frozen River, Milk is the only Must-See nominee in my opinion. I knew an extra in the candlelight vigil scene. She said watching James Franco cry was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

Mark my words: Frost/Nixon is this year's Michael Clayton. In two months, no one will even remember it ever existed.

Somehow, I did end up watching The Reader. Haha. You can read my review here. I think it sums up my thoughts about this "Best Picture" nominee.

"An uncontrollable Meh."
That's how I feel about this year's Oscar's ceremony.

ALTHOUGH...
MICHAEL SHANNON
IS NOMINATED!