Oscar Recap

Yikes, 14 out of 24! Not too good this year. I knew there would be Slumdog love but not as much as there was. I guessed with my heart for most of the awards with The Dark Knight and I never get the short films right. I'm pretty satisfied with the winners for the most part. The Academy played it pretty safe as they always do. Here are some other quick thoughts:

* Could we not have given the Best Actor to Mickey Rourke? I would think the odds are good that he'll never be this close again. Also, not to take anything away from his performance in Milk as it was very good, but Sean Penn already has one and I would bet good money that Penn will be nominated again.

* I should have seen the Penelope Cruz win. Again I went with my heart as I loved The Wrestler and wanted to see Marisa Tomei get the win, and Penelope Cruz just irritates me so much. I can't put my finger on it...is it her voice or the way she carries herself...I'm just not sure. Plus, history shows that if you're in a Woody Allen film and are nominated for Supporting Actress there's a very good chance you'll win...past winners were Dianne Weist for Hannah and Her Sisters and Bullets over Broadway and Mira Sorvino for Mighty Aphrodite.

* I thought Dark Knight would at least get a bunch of the sound and editing awards but except for Sound Editing the rest went to Slumdog...wow the no love for Dark Knight is incredible.

* It was good to see Cuba Gooding Jr. is still alive and well. That was his best performance since he won his Oscar.

* I felt Hugh Jackman did a very good job hosting. His opening number was great!