The 2013 Academy Awards: A Post Mortem

The 2013 Oscars telecast was a rather tedious affair, largely characterized by the awkward reaction of the audience at LA's Dolby Theatre to host Seth MacFarlane's borderline tasteless attempts at humor.  However, I wasn't too troubled as it was nice to see a fresh face.  On what it is considered our big night, our Super Bowl, gays were mentioned three times.

 

 

• The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles appeared on stage.

• After the chorus' appearance, MacFarlane told William Shatner (who was visiting from the future) that he wasn't a member of the chorus, to which Shatner replied, "Oh, trust me, in July 2015 you join the chorus".

• Later in the telecast MacFarlane announced that the musical Chicago was being honored for winning Best Picture 10 years ago, "because we're afraid the show wasn't gay enough yet."

• By far, the highlight of the night for me was Dame Shirley Bassey, who appeared at the end of a tribute to 50 years of James Bond movies and performed the theme from Gold Finger.  It was a very electric performance (such expressive use of her hands and arms!) and the audience gave her quite a reception.  Later, at the end of the "In Memoriam" tribute, Barbra Streisand came on stage and, in tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, sang The Way We Were.

 

 

• I loved hearing last year's Best Actor winner, French actor Jean Dujardin, pronouncing the names of the Best Actress nominees.

 

 

• Although it was a nice surprise to see the Gay Men's Chorus of LA on stage, unfortunately, it was during the frat boy number I Saw Your Boobs. (Whose sprightly melody I can't get out of my head.)  I don't know what the connection was between the two.  Mercifully, they were on screen just 15 seconds.  And Although I'm not certain, I believe they may also have provided background vocals for Adele later in the telecast. 

 

 

 

• Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum did a very nice Astaire/Rogers dance number at the beginning of the show, performed to The Way You Look Tonight.  And Catherine Zeta Jones killed during her All That Jazz number. 

 

 

• Beards (the facial hair type) were the look for men as evidenced by Ben Affleck, Hugh Jackman, Jean Dujardin, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Bryan Cranston, Chris Pine, Justin Theroux and Ann Hathaway's husband.  (I lost count at ten.)

 

 

• Melissa McCarthy's and Paul Rudd's banter fell embarrassingly flat (and like last year, her gown resembled a shapeless sack); Daniel Radcliffe and Kristin Stewart had no chemistry whatsoever; the usually stunning Nicole Kidman looked a bit wilted; and Rene Zelwegger looked uncomfortable when she appeared on stage with her fellow cast members from Chicago.

 

 

 

• Thankfully, 75-year-old Jane Fonda looked incredible because her gown was bound to draw attention due to its canary-yellow color.  And co-presenter, Michael Douglas (68 years old), also looked great.

 

 

In closing, one thing I'll say in Seth MacFarlane's favor is that he has a very nice speaking and singing voice.

 

To read my comments from last year's Oscar telecast, double click here.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Darrell]

I was expecting when the Gay Mens Chorus was announced during "I Saw Your Boobs" the song would end with some sort of line like "But we don't care." I thought that would be the humorous reason for having them appear, especially with MacFarlane's irreverant reputation. Otherwise, why?

[Rob]

I agree. Later on in the show I thought they might have been the group of singers providing back up for Adele, but I haven't been able to have that confirmed.

[tg]

"Daniel Radcliffe and Kristin Stewart had no chemistry whatsoever."

Kristin Stewart has no chemistry with anyone...even herself! She is the most untalented and overrated actress in Hollywood right now.

[Darrell]

Some further observations: The opening was too long (15 minutes) and featured William Shatner because? Although he's made films, he is primarily known for TV. Although I generally like Adele's music/performances, her voice, like Babs', sounded relatively weak. Shirley Bassey also started shakily, but built confidence and power as "Goldfinger" (great orchestration) progressed. I also was taken-aback by the house band not being in the house. I'm sure they were paid well, but to dress in a tux for a 30 second remote and not be invited to the party is an insult, especially since this year's focus was music.