I really don't care that Melissa Leo dropped the f-bomb during last night's Oscars broadcast. It was bleeped in time and provided something of interest during a dull show. And to whether or not it was done intentionally, who cares? It was better than the tedious list of thank yous that dominate the winners' speeches.
As a telecast, last night was a snooze - no real upsets, no interesting speeches, and no dresses that looked like waterfowl. Kirk Douglas was fun to watch, even he went a little long at the end of his shtick, and was a nice counterpoint to the incredibly vapid "remembrance" that Halle Berry gave for Lena Horne. This also may have been the least competently directed shows in memory - how many times did you see people walking around in the back of a shot? - which was funny given the announcement that ABC will be the home of the Oscars through 2020.
I'll pass on commenting on the hosting, other than to say I think the best solution is to have no host at all. The time given over to an opening monologue and stupid bits in the middle could be put to better use.
Three things I could have done without:
1. The historical bits linking yesterday and today. If this ceremony was about making things younger, why keep referencing the past? Especially when it's done in a clunky way that doesn't really link things together. Take Tom Hanks talking about how Gone With the Wind was the first of a handful of films to win three specific artistic awards - only to have the chance of that happening this year dashed by the time he left the stage. Why bother with that factoid at all if there's no way to build up drama?
2. Presenters talking directly to nominees. Thinking here specifically of Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock's presentations. It was creepy.
3. Award winners presented without speaking. I don't particularly care if there's a separate ceremony for honorary Oscars and the Thalberg Award, but why then bring the winners out for an ovation? If they're going to be on stage, let them speak. I'd have much rather heard Coppola or Wallach speak than witness Franco and Hathaway's awkward opening.
Anyway, like most Oscar shows, it wasn't perfect. At least there's not so much talk about it being too long (though I'd prefer if it started at 8; I don't know why we need 90 minutes for the fatuous gasbags who work the red carpet).
