David Edelstein Live-Blogs the 2012 Oscars

Photo: MARK RALSTON/2011 AFP

As we go forward (you can read my Oscars preamble here), let me quote some of the predictions of the matchless comedy writer Nell Scovell (an old classmate and a cutie), who has written her share of patter over the years. She thinks Billy Crystal will appear in a baseball uniform and a maid’s outfit. Also: “Crystal will make a joke about a film that dealt with issues of black and white… but he’ll mean The Artist not The Help.� She has his number, alas. As I write this, a woman on the red carpet is asking Emma Stone which leading man was more charming, Ryan Gosling or the guy playing the new Spider-Man. What do you think she said? Right. I worry that that moment will be emblematic. Has this Oscar ceremony already happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away? I kind don’t care who wins. I just offer up a prayer: Please, Gods of Oscar, let us be surprised. And now, let’s watch together, shall we? (And also on Vulture, check out our red carpet gallery and the Fug Girls’ red carpet live blog.)

David Edelstein Live-Blogs the Oscars

(02/26/2012)

  

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8:20	Hey, going live. My face is a rictus now in the face of all the sucking-up on the red carpet. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:20

8:22	"Don't you feel great about Billy Crystal being the host?" Natalie Portman: "No, it's going to be boring '90s shtick written by the same campy hacks." Just kidding. She said, "Yeah, he's going to be great!" Sunday February 26, 2012 8:22

8:24	I like Brian Grazer's electrified hair. I am always looking for ways to draw attention from my stupid face. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:24

8:26	Other hosts brought on to ask about Crystal's coming performance. It has become sports commentary. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:26

8:30	I still can't get used to Jon Hamm narrating car commercials. Are we primed to find it Madison Ave. b.s. or does that appeal to our hip sense of irony? Sunday February 26, 2012 8:30

8:30	Morgan! I'm talking about the sixties movie with the gorilla which I suddenly remembered. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:30

8:32	Oh they are primed to deflect the age issue. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:32

8:35	Funny stuff... I guess. The timing seems off. Great production values. No jokes. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:35

8:37	If I took a slug of bourbon for every time I said, "Oy," I'd last ten minutes. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:37

8:37	what the hell is he talking about? I'm already zoning out? Sunday February 26, 2012 8:37

8:39	I feel there's something deeply wrong about my criticizing every Billy Crystal line and move. But it makes me feel so alive? Sunday February 26, 2012 8:39

8:40	Although he is the very model of a modern major generic stand-up. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:40

8:44	Hunh. War Horse was robbed. But I'd like his benzodiazepans. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:44

8:45	Hugo is on a roll, interestingly. This might be a contest since The Artist is graphically so strong. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:45

8:48	watching Ellen Degeneres in this commercial, I remember loving her hosting gig and her line, "Peter O'Toole! Nine nominations, no wins. Well, you know what they say, Peter. Third time's the charm!" Sunday February 26, 2012 8:48

8:52	Ellen was actually my favorite host of the last decade. I don't think Letterman was that bad either. Take away the Oprah Uma Uma Oprah Keanu thing and... Wait, the Oprah Uma Uma Oprah "joke" might be the worst ever uttered. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:52

8:52	montage montage montage. it's early for montages. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:52

8:56	Costumes always look better in black and white. Discuss. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:56

8:57	Prediction: Iron Lady for make-up. Because it didn't look like make-up. Or is that why it will lose? Sunday February 26, 2012 8:57

8:58	who just won? I was mesmerized by the rear view. Sunday February 26, 2012 8:58

9:00	Did Ben Stiller just use the word "spurious?" I'm impressed. No, actually I'm not. It's like make-up. You shouldn't notice big words. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:00

9:02	Pinocchio was the first movie I saw at age 2. At a drive-in. Changed my life. I'd just been toilet-trained, too, so I felt a little more worldly. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:02

9:03	Sorry. I'm seeing comments and they're very good. we have thousands of followers here. talk to me. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:03

9:04	Mostly negative responses on the whole. We are a critical bunch, aren't we? No wonder Brian Grazer's hair looked spooked. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:04

9:05	It has been said many times, the Tonys are the best show. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:05

9:08	A Separation. Only a surprise in that the Holocaust pic didn't win. Will he say something about his imprisoned colleagues? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:08

9:09	I forgive non-English speakers for reading--Jennifer Connelly not so much. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:09

9:09	Is anyone actually LISTENING to what people are saying? It all seems so disposable? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:09

9:10	First time I've seen Berenice Bejo in color. weird. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:10

9:10	Jessica, my love. Not her best performance of the year, though. But j'adore. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:10

9:11	I thought Melissa's chances were, uh, squat, but she has her fans. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:11

9:11	My favorite is Rachel Maddow. I mean, Janet McTeer. No chance but that performance thrilled me. The miracle of acting. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:11

9:13	Are we surprised? No. Are we happy? Of course. We know it's how it should be. But I think the stand O is for the racially-conscious message. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:13

9:14	"Please wrap up." To hell with the time limits. To hell with them. Fewer montages, more live-ness. Let the winners talk. I am furious. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:14

9:16

Saturday Night Live bugs me because it's the least live show on TV--you improv, you're fired. WHY WHY WHY don't Oscar producers understand that time needs to stop when a winner gets up there. Yes, Ally Sheedy went on for ten minutes once at the indie spirit awards but even that was a historic event in its way. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:16

9:17	[Comment From TonyG TonyG : ]  I think the standing O is for O(ctavia) herself. She's been amazing in awards season! Sunday February 26, 2012 9:17 TonyG

9:17	[Comment From Anni Anni : ]  I really believe the standing ovation was for the pc-ness of it all. Still, she is awesome. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:17 Anni

9:17	Two contrasting views about that standing O. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:17

9:18	Back to the live-ness question. Remember when Randy Newman told the orchestra members if they played him off he wouldn't hire them again? Bliss. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:18

9:20	This is a great sketch. Balaban, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard... worth the whole show so far!!! Sunday February 26, 2012 9:20

9:21	catherine o'hara, Chris guest, Catherine O'Hara, "all the little kids..." "I didn't particularly care for that rainbow song." Oh, I can die happy. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:21

9:21	Fred Willard in Best in Show... Why no Oscar????? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:21

9:22	Oh, shut up, Billy. I'm the one who's supposed to say they're hilarious--not you and your self-congratulatory writers. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:22

9:22	[Comment From newdeallsally newdeallsally : ]  sorry, but people who say spencer is touted for her oscar because of pc-nes are actually being plain racist. did you not see her outstanding performance? jesu. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:22 newdeallsally

9:23	May I say I think it was the confluence of actress and role? (Octavia, I mean) Sunday February 26, 2012 9:23

9:24	Interesting thing about Girl with Dragon tattoo--it was edited as if someone was standing over them with a stopwatch. and someone was. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:24

9:25	positively metronomical, dragon tattoo. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:25

9:26	I believe War Horse was robbed. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:26

9:27	One of the best thank yous ever. You're welcome, sir. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:27

9:30	So far, guys? Whaddya think? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:30

9:31	[Comment From TonyG TonyG : ]  It's either going to be a huge night for Hugo. Or, they are giving it a lot of technical awards because it won't get the biggies. Any thoughts? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:31 TonyG

9:31	[Comment From Kim Kim : ]  Snoozefest. Also, Drive was robbed. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:31 Kim

9:32	[Comment From Anni Anni : ]  I like the old-school appeal of this year. Here in Germany the Oscar's are not really that big of a deal (only in the press, but people don't tend to care), but maybe it will now be changing. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:32 Anni

9:32	[Comment From witjunkie witjunkie : ]  I've finally realized the reason it all seems so muddled is that I'm watching it without a drink STILL. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:32 witjunkie

9:33	Yeah, looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:33

9:34	My most exciting Oscar moment: For some reason my parents let me (11) and my brother (8) see the French Connection. When gene Hackman won the Oscar I went, "YEAHHHHH" and threw up my hands and nearly put his eye out. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:34

9:34	May I say, I cannot believe I am watching the Muppets on the Oscars. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:34

9:35	Pronoun trouble. My little brother. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:35

9:35	He cried for hours. There might still be a scar. But Hackman won. He's so great. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:35

9:36	[Comment From mark mark : ]  You nearly put Gene Hackman's eye out? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:36 mark

9:36	Pronoun trouble, to repeat. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:36

9:37	Meta question. Because we are all online, are we being too bitchy/critical? Is this a problem of concentration, of dividing ourselves? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:37

9:39	A great ad for Cirque de Soleil. The connection to the evening's theme I'm getting. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:39

9:39	"Wow, I pulled a hamstring just watching that." Oh, dear. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:39

9:40	I meant I'm not getting the connection. Sorry. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:40

9:40	"Wow, I pulled a hamstring just watching that." Oh, dear. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:40

9:42	This is a sketch that would have been cut out of the first SNL dress rehearsal. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:42

9:42	Dead air. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:42

9:43	I love ALL those docs, but Undefeated seems to me the most conventional. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:43

9:44	Bleep Sunday February 26, 2012 9:44

9:44	Do we love Chris Rock? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:44

9:45	Now THIS is right. He's the Zebra in Madagascar. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:45

9:46	See, he gets a rhythm going and that's what it's about. Beyond what he's saying, which is fun, he sweeps you up. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:46

9:46	[Comment From mark mark : ]  I wish Chris Rock were hosting Sunday February 26, 2012 9:46 mark

9:47	[Comment From newdeallsally newdeallsally : ]  i'm jus gonna say it. Chris Rock has GOOD HAIR Sunday February 26, 2012 9:47 newdeallsally

9:47	No surprise. I liked Rango but it went on. Gore Verbinski has a thing for clutter. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:47

9:47	No, Rango isn't a film for kids. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:47

9:47	They didn't get 75% of it. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:47

9:48	Needless to say, I'm a Tintin man. I have to duck tomatoes. Why are people hating on my Spielberg love? Sunday February 26, 2012 9:48

9:49	Chris Rock did host once, remember. His Jude Law joke went on and he alienated people. But he's an amazingly vital comedian. So, by the way, is Russell Brand. Together, they would blow the roof off that place--if they were given free rein. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:49

9:50	[Comment From newdeallsally newdeallsally : ]  TINTIN was grand and wildly overlooked, j'agree Sunday February 26, 2012 9:50 newdeallsally

9:50	[Comment From Lucy Lucy : ]  HEY DAD! Sunday February 26, 2012 9:50 Lucy

9:51	Go to bed. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:51

9:51	[Comment From Knockout Zed Knockout Zed : ]  About Chris Rock hosting: He alienated one person, the most humorless person in Hollywood. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:51 Knockout Zed

9:51	[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  This show probably isnt as bad as it seems here. The basic concept of a live blog primes us for snark/bitchery. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:51 Guest

9:51	[Comment From newdeallsally newdeallsally : ]  Rock's Law joke did do Baby Jude the service of redirecting his career so he became the character actor he was better suited to be (good looks aside) Sunday February 26, 2012 9:51 newdeallsally

9:53	It will take me a few hours to figure out Emma Stone's dress and Ben Stiller's pancake make-up. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:53

9:54	The meta- stuff is less funny than the straight shtick. Or maybe what you'e watching is the worst. She is working hard--like Ann Hathaway. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:54

9:54	Dead air. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:54

9:56	So Harry Potter has won no Oscars... Seems sad, somehow. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:56

9:56	And may I say at the risk of tomatoes, the FX in Transformers 3 were breathtaking. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:56

9:57	[Comment From Matthew V. in Charlotte Matthew V. in Charlotte : ]  Careful. Emma's got the populist vote. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:57 Matthew V. in Charlotte

9:57	[Comment From Guest Guest : ]  I thought Emma Stone was oddly refreshing Sunday February 26, 2012 9:57 Guest

9:57	[Comment From newdeallsally newdeallsally : ]  dear g-d, EMMA STONE is my favorite contemporary screwball dame. lerve/luff/love Sunday February 26, 2012 9:57 newdeallsally

9:58	Yes, I share the love for Emma Stone--only not here. She seemed less vivacious when it was forced down our throats. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:58

9:59	Christopher Plummer. Christopher Plummer. Christopher Plummer. Sorry. The man should be knighted, even though he's Canadian. Sunday February 26, 2012 9:59

10:01

He said womb. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:01

10:02

I love people who thank their fellow nominees. And yes, Michael Mills is wonderful. And Ewan McGregor. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:02

10:04

I've met Plummer's wife Elaine, a former actress. She really is wonderful. She told Plummer 40 years ago that brown liquor was killing him and it was. He now drinks only wine and look at the man. Sleek, buoyant, conviviality itself. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:04

10:05

[Comment From NP NP : ]  How lovely it is when they let the winners finish their speeches! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:05 NP

10:06

They wouldn't have DARED cut him off. Best Lear I've ever seen. HOWL HOWL HOWL O YOU ARE MEN OF STONES!!!! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:06

10:07

[Comment From CJ CJ : ]  I thought I'd grown past all that, but no, you can bet 'll be seeing Titanic again in the theaters. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:07 CJ

10:07

The dialogue will sound better in 3-D. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:07

10:07

But you didn't see iThe Phantom Menace in 3-D, did you? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:07

10:10

OK, this is Crystal's best material. Except for the dog joke. Oh, for a better button. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:10

10:10

Why does everyone in L.A. not have skin cancer? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:10

10:10

"The common thread" is a meme, isn't it? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:10

10:11

Discuss. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:11

10:11

Making jokes about the dullness of the evening somehow doesn't let them off the hook. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:11

10:12

Hamanahamanahamahaman Sunday February 26, 2012 10:12

10:14

Penelope Cruz really stopped the show just then. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:14

10:14

I wonder if Academy members believe that the best part of the Artist score was from Vertigo. The other parts sounded like Captain Kangaroo music. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:14

10:15

[Comment From Michelle Michelle : ]  David, I must say, I love your comments, and I agree with all of them!! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:15 Michelle

10:15

[Comment From Rachel Rachel : ]  Lazy sack of fatness Sunday February 26, 2012 10:15 Rachel

10:15

Let's split the difference. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:15

10:16

I have just discovered that my 13-year-old daughter wrote both the preceding messages. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:16

10:16

This is BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT comedy. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:16

10:17

Ferrell makes every move count. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:17

10:18

I think what I love about Ferrell is that he doesn't LOOK like someone with that kind of precision. But the timing is gorgeous. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:18

10:19

Brett McKenzie!!!! I didn't KNOW. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:19

10:19

Did you? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:19

10:19

[Comment From MissAmynae MissAmynae : ]  A Conchord wins an Oscar!! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:19 MissAmynae

10:19

He has two kids? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:19

10:19

See, I was suckered into thinking Conchords was real. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:19

10:20

[Comment From CJ CJ : ]  catch up on your NPR interviews my friend. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:20 CJ

10:22

I'm stunned I missed something on NPR. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:22

10:23

Oh, man, it was on Fresh Air? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:23

10:25

[Comment From Matthew V. in Charlotte Matthew V. in Charlotte : ]  Dave (can I call you Dave), really enjoying this format. Have a window open for Twitter and it's pretty overwhelming. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:25 Matthew V. in Charlotte

10:25

I'm a David guy, actually. But thanks. Angelina is the original Jessica Rabbit, isn't she? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:25

10:28

So far all, I mean all, the predictions are correct. Woody Allen next? I mean, someone else accepting for him... Sunday February 26, 2012 10:28

10:28

Who will accept for Woody? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:28

10:31

How dull. Couldn't Keaton have accepted? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:31

10:32

[Comment From Knockout Zed Knockout Zed : ]  Jessica Rabbit had hips. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:32 Knockout Zed

10:32

[Comment From Meghan Meghan : ]  Pretty sure Jessica Rabbit is the original Jessica Rabbit, actually. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:32 Meghan

10:32

[Comment From MissAmynae MissAmynae : ]  Oh honey, no. Kathleen Turner ftw. Angie's a cheap knock-off who needs a sandwich. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:32 MissAmynae

10:32

I don't like to ridicule peoples' appearances except in the case of forced emaciation. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:32

10:35

[Comment From TJ TJ : ]  I hate it when Google commercials are so emotionally manipulative. Why are they so good at it? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:35 TJ

10:36

I didn't see that commercial. It was directed only at you based on info they've compiled. I got my own which was only OK. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:36

10:40

It's weird about The Shore winning because Terry George is a feature director and it;s like a mini-feature film. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:40

10:41

But I do encourage feature filmmakers wedded to bloat to try their hands at shorts. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:41

10:41

The Shore was predicted by the way. STILL not a single surprise. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:41

10:42

[Comment From Peter Peter : ]  Editing was a surprise... Sunday February 26, 2012 10:42 Peter

10:43

Not to me. I am all knowing. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:43

10:45

[Comment From Jason Jason : ]  Your points about the lack of improv, looseness, and absurdity are interesting. I've been watching Oscar clips from years back, and, although there's no shortage of corn and pomposity, there's also a spirit of mischeviousness that's present as well. Particularly some of the clips where Sinatra was around...bring back Frank! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:45 Jason

10:46

[Comment From Sebastian Sebastian : ]  Interesting juxtaposition there of a film about rehabilitating women's faces who have suffered unthinkable injustices and Sandra Bullock's botox-y face Sunday February 26, 2012 10:46 Sebastian

10:46

That might be the comment of the night. Alas. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:46

10:47

Botox is such an easy target--and yet they keep doing it. And the expressiveness of their faces is what make us love them, yes? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:47

10:48

[Comment From ND ND : ]  Angie's right let has a twitter feed now....https://twitter.com/#!/AngiesRightLeg Sunday February 26, 2012 10:48 ND

10:48

Bye, guys. I'm switching over. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:48

10:48

No, kidding. Don't leave me! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:48

10:49

[Comment From quietcoyote quietcoyote : ]  the oscars just claimed "no clear win" on the upcoming categories. i believe that is a challenge. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:49 quietcoyote

10:49

And Gingrich worked for Fannie Mae as a historian Sunday February 26, 2012 10:49

10:49

[Comment From Juliana Juliana : ]  Sandra Bullock's botox-y face?? What about Billy Crystal's?! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:49 Juliana

10:50

Thank you. It's not just women. But it is much YOUNGER women. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:50

10:50

I LOVE the Jerry Goldsmith's score from Basic Instinct that they just played. Some of the most haunting noir music ever written. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:50

10:51

This is the category that will let you know how the rest of the evening will turn out. I think it's The Artist guy whose name I can't spell. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:51

10:53

OK, that's it. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:53

10:54

[Comment From Juliana Juliana : ]  At least they didn't have to subtitle his speech... Sunday February 26, 2012 10:54 Juliana

10:54

the dog doesn't understand what he says--join the club. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:54

10:54

[Comment From Tia Tia : ]  The artist is gonna win. Just wrap the show up Sunday February 26, 2012 10:54 Tia

10:55

No--Viola and Meryl is to come. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:55

10:56

There is still a trace of Thatcher in Meryl's diction. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:56

10:57

Dick Smith! I had his monster make-up book in the sixties and made three kids seriously break out when I practiced on them. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:57

10:57

Interesting how Oprah is always seen with Scientologists. Don't sue me! Sunday February 26, 2012 10:57

10:58

Where's Uma? Sunday February 26, 2012 10:58

10:58

Uh... worst joke I've made tonight. It's like a virus that joke. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:58

10:59

[Comment From ESC ESC : ]  I bet Uggie does understand. Rude. Sunday February 26, 2012 10:59 ESC

11:07

Nothing to say except it was a wonderful world with those people in it. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:07

11:07

[Comment From Matthew V. in Charlotte Matthew V. in Charlotte : ]  Any comments tonight about Senna? What a documentary, what editing, what a snub. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:07 Matthew V. in Charlotte

11:08

Yes, it was. But I could go on and on about the docs overlooked, from Buck to Into the Abyss to Project Nim. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:08

11:09

One always feels as the Oscars go on as if one has had to much to drink even if one is sober. That sodden feeling. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:09

11:09

Strangest macaroni commercial of all time. It has come down to this. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:09

11:11

One interesting thing about this year is that a French director wins for celebrating old American filmmaking, defeating an American director who celebrates old French filmmaking. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:11

11:12

Paula Poundstone writes on her twitter feed that there should be a nap app. I don't think we need one, frankly. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:12

11:13

More self-congratulation. But he's right that What a Wonderful World was lovely. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:13

11:13

I'm thinking Jean Dujardin but I hope I'm wrong. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:13

11:15

Damien B. got the nom because he went around Hollywood showing everyone how much slimmer and more glamorous he was in real life and how much he transformed. The purpose of those cocktail parties. (Also because he was very good.) Sunday February 26, 2012 11:15

11:16

Jean Dujardin's grin IS quite amazing. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:16

11:18

Not a surprise, alas. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:18

11:19

For the record, I liked Pitt, but Clooney triumphed over his own miscasting. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:19

11:19

[Comment From Peter Peter : ]  Grading on a steep curve there. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:19 Peter

11:20

Agreed. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:20

11:20

He speaks French really well, you know? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:20

11:21

[Comment From fractal girl fractal girl : ]  tres charmant Sunday February 26, 2012 11:21 fractal girl

11:21

[Comment From heylo heylo : ]  Clooney was robbed Sunday February 26, 2012 11:21 heylo

11:22

If I were a dictator, I would produce the Academy Awards and imprison industry pundits and odds-makers. Any speculation would be severely punished. Then and only then would we get a surprising Oscar ceremony! Sunday February 26, 2012 11:22

11:23

[Comment From Anni Anni : ]  I never believed Clooney in the dad role. Not even after his huge campaigning with that woman and his mention of how he could be a father someday... Still, great acting, but didn't fit like it should have. Oh, how I wished for Gary Oldman! Sunday February 26, 2012 11:23 Anni

11:23

[Comment From Anni Anni : ]  How nice it would have been for Natalie to give the Oscar to Gary after all these years after Léon? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:23 Anni

11:24

OK, here we go... I guess it's Viola. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:24

11:25

OK, I friggin' hate this, "Glenn..." "Meryl..." "Michelle..." There's something presumptuous about it even if he's a peer. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:25

11:26

Predix? Viola? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:26

11:26

Such b.s. about our cinemas seeming empty without Rooney Mara but so beautifully spoken. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:26

11:27

"You are unreasonably good." I think that's right, if she wins or not. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:27

11:29

First surprise. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:29

11:29

But I am happy. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:29

11:29

And I adore Viola Davis. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:29

11:29

I just am Sunday February 26, 2012 11:29

11:29

happy Sunday February 26, 2012 11:29

11:30

that "whatever" gesture--comic perfection Sunday February 26, 2012 11:30

11:33

"inexplicably wonderful career" no, meryl, it is explicable. I saw you at the Yale Rep 35 years ago and it is very explicable. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:33

11:33

[Comment From MissAmynae MissAmynae : ]  "I know I don't deserve this for this performance, but Imma take it anyway." where was kanye when we needed him!!!!?? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:33 MissAmynae

11:34

Oh, no. If Viola Davis had won, I'd have whooped, too, but... I do love ties. There haven't been enough of them. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:34

11:34

Boy is Harvey happy tonight. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:34

11:35

Undefeated, Streep, and The Artist. He has cleaned up. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:35

11:35

The SOB deserves to gloat. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:35

11:36

Oh God I hate that music Sunday February 26, 2012 11:36

11:36

[Comment From quietcoyote quietcoyote : ]  you think all 9 films deserved nom? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:36 quietcoyote

11:36

No. Not Extremely Loud... Sunday February 26, 2012 11:36

11:37

Thousands of people have actually been following this feed. Did anyone think it was a great show? Anyone? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:37

11:37

One person please make a case. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:37

11:37

Fair and balanced. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:37

11:38

Also tell me why global warming is a hoax. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:38

11:38

The French guy butters Hollywood up but as Paula P. says, the Republican presidential candidates will be fuming. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:38

11:39

[Comment From Meghan Meghan : ]  *crickets* Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 Meghan

11:39

[Comment From JT JT : ]  Bored to tears with it. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 JT

11:39

[Comment From DannyFlannel DannyFlannel : ]  I'm not really sure what a good show would look like... is that even possible? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 DannyFlannel

11:39

[Comment From teec teec : ]  Jim Rash making fun of Angelina's leg pose was great? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 teec

11:39

[Comment From NP NP : ]  The alternative may have been my 4th cycle of 30 rock on Netflix, so I think it was great? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 NP

11:39

[Comment From JT JT : ]  But I liked Cirque du Soleil Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 JT

11:39

[Comment From AW AW : ]  Loved the Artist and wanted to see it win Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 AW

11:39

[Comment From quietcoyote quietcoyote : ]  waiting to inhale Sunday February 26, 2012 11:39 quietcoyote

11:40

[Comment From shinyshinysocks shinyshinysocks : ]  Justin Bieber's comic timing. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:40 shinyshinysocks

11:40

[Comment From Anni Anni : ]  We need Hugh Jackman, less Botox, more fun and spontaneity. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:40 Anni

11:40

I need to pee finally. Final thoughts? Sunday February 26, 2012 11:40

11:40

[Comment From Imogen Imogen : ]  At least James Franco and Anne Hathaway weren't present! Sunday February 26, 2012 11:40 Imogen

11:40

Sweet. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:40

11:41

Good night, my friends. Thank you for your comments, not all of which I could post. This was fun. Let's stay in touch. Sunday February 26, 2012 11:41

12:00