Oscar Recap

By Laura Nachman

For the Delaware County Daily Times

February 26, 2007

 

When Melissa Etheridge sang the lyrics “I Need to Wake Up,” from her Oscar-nominated song, it summed up the excruciatingly boring “79th Annual Academy Awards.”

 

53 – It took 53 minutes for the telecast to give away an acting award.

 

Host Report Card – Ellen DeGeneres had some funny moments like pitching a screenplay to Martin Scorcese and taking a picture with Clint Eastwood.  She gets points off if it was her idea to make those wacky interpretive dancers part of the show.  She was almost overshadowed by presenter Jerry Seinfeld.

 

Best Dressed – Penelope Cruz, Helen Mirren, Abigail Breslin, Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Hudson, George Clooney, Emily Blunt

 

Worst Dressed – Perennial Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio’s wet look, Will Ferrell’s “fro,” Jack Nicholson’s shaved head, Meryl Streep (Her movie character Miranda Priestly would have been appalled).

 

Bad Manners – Proper English actress Cate Blanchett was caught chewing gum in the audience.

 

Best Couple – Leonardo DiCaprio was positively smitten with former Vice President Al Gore during their time on stage.

 

Worst Couple – Will Smith’s son, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith and Abigail Breslin were the definition of “Goofus and Gallant” from “Highlights” magazine.  Smith did almost everything wrong (walking ahead of Breslin after getting introduced, jumping ahead in the script) while Breslin was more poised.  

 

Biggest Surprise – Alan Arkin’s win over Eddie Murphy for “Best Supporting Actor.”

 

Time to Scream – At 10:56 p.m., “Ladies and Gentlemen, Celine Dion!”

 

Best Accessory – Martin Scorsese’s glasses.

 

Worst Accessory – The “Oscar holder” brought out by Ellen since the producers didn’t spring for an extra podium