The Big Day is Here

Well, here it comes. The day this whole industry waits for and wants with a mixture of anticipation, excitement and self-serving  hype: Oscar night.

Every year, speculation is rife and blogs are filled with ‘insider tips’ on who’ll get a statue, but this year a lot of the mystery is already gone – Hugh Jackman will leave millions of women [and  a few gifted guys] in a state of humid confusion, “Slumdog” will win for ‘Best Picture,’ because it’s an intelligent movie and its opponents are mostly unbearable dross, and Heath Ledger will be named ‘Best Supporting Actor’ [at least] for his iconic performance  and untimely exit.

Of course, when you broadcast live to an audience guessed at 2-billion people, there is still huge potential for upset. This year’s ‘In Memoriam’ tribute will reportedly include a live performance by Queen Latifah; I like Ms. Latifah, but I would hope I’m not alone in regarding the idea to be as tacky as it is disrespectful. Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke will also be present, and the prospect of either of them being invited to speak must be causing some people some long, sleepless nights. On the upside, Ms. Winslet could take home the gold, and her reaction to this long-overdue validation could well be the high-point of the night.

Whatever occurs, you can bet that I, along with countless others who love, work in and live for this wonderful business will be glued to our TiVo’s from first frame to last. [Be honest - no intelligent being could watch this thing live??] If you have a nomination, leave a comment below and let’s see how close we can get. The party’s on Sunday. I’ll look for you there.