jon

in a far too belated "review" of jon's Oscar work (jon stewart that is) i have to say i think he did wonderfully. had they let him write the script we would have all enjoyed it more - the improv that were so clearly his were the brightest moments of the night. he loosened up as time went on and whatever people may think i doubt it can be argued that he wasn't an excellent choice for this kind of Oscars. certainly jon hosting a titanic laden Oscars would be a mistake - but for an oscars featuring Brokeback Mountain, Good Night and Good Luck, Munich, Crash, Capote, Syriana, and such he is a great fit. i hope he'll be back despite the terrible numbers. i personally haven't watched the Oscars in years (maybe like 10 years?), but the combination of jon and the kind of films that i adore actually being nominated brought me back.

yes, in some ways i wish i could get back some of the 3 1/2 hours of my life (like the Academy Presidents speech - who was timing that ridiculous bullshit?!) but i was still glad i watched.

i often try to catch the Independent Spirit Awards and i have to say that while i know the world will likely never be the kind of place in my lifetime where the Oscars can be more like the Independent Spirit Awards i sure wish the Oscar people would go to the Independent Spirit Awards and take notes. sarah silverman's opening speech alone was worth it. so funny. she makes a comment (directed specifically to george clooney) about the cleanliness of her vagina. how great is that? george clooney laughed louder and more honestly than i have ever seen anyone laugh on any Oscars footage - ever.