With no major upsets expected this year, and no blockbusters nominated, the Oscars really had to shake things up to interest viewers and keep them watching for the full three plus hours of industry-focused awards. From most people’s estimation, Jackman’s first act succeeded. The Oscars definitely have a different feel this year.
The introductory song and dance number was incredible. Jackman performed quick musical tributes to all of the nominated pictures after joking that he wasn’t able to do an opening number due to the recession. A rudimentary set was then brought out to represent the Slumdog Millionaire game show set with pizza boxes.
Jackman’s next number was for Frost/Nixon. He dragged a faux surprised Anne Hathaway from the first row of audience. Anne can really sing as we’ve seen on SNL.
There was an hysterical skit with dancers in unitards for The Reader, with Jackman singing that he hadn’t seen it. He posed with his face behind figures of different ages for Benjamin Button, eliciting laughter from star Brad Pitt in the first row. Hugh was his hands on knees for Wrestler, ending up in a hastily-made ring with two cut-out Oscars.
He sang at the end “I am the Oscars, I am the Wrestler, I am the Reader, I’m Wolverine” and earned a standing ovation.
Hugh promised drunk, naked Oscars with some YouTube moments and he seems to have brought it. He still has to deliver on the naked part, although I’ll settle for shirtless.
We’ll update this post with the video when it becomes available.
i like hugh jackman hosting. even though my first true love will always be jon stewart, i am willing to admit he can’t hold a candle to hugh on this one. =)
no upsets expected? Isn’t the fun of an upset that it is, in fact, UNexpected? I wouldn’t call it an upset if people saw it coming…
Hugh was just AMAZING . i smiled ear to ear the whole time through .
Hugh should host again =]
Yeah “no upsets expected” makes absolutely no sense
Hugh Rules!!!
Hugh was the only good thing about the whole show. He helped me get over the fact that my beloved Jon Stewart wasn’t hosting.
I dunno, I thought the whole thing was a very desperate attempt of “Oh hai LOOK AT MEEEEEE” to the rest of us who are experiencing the recession breathing down our necks. :/ But Hugh was fab. He made me smile.
The entire thing was way too long.
The opening number was not good enough for the Oscars, and for crying out loud the brought Beyonce again.
The good parts when they brought past winners to honor current nominees.
That was a very good idea.
By the way, next time cover the singers’ thighs.
“The Reader. I haven’t been to see The Reader.”
So awesome!
And wasn’t Anne Hathaway terrific! I have a much higher opinion of her now!
The musical numbers were not my cup of tea at all. I hate all that darling luvvy crap and this show had way too much Baz Lurhmann for my liking… (Yeah I get this is a show business awards show but it’s movies.. not Broadway). The past winners lineup was cringe worthy (with the exception of Shirley McLaine who actually seemed like she meant what she said to Anne Hathaway) and having people kiss ass and try to be genuine from a script is just the pits. On the other hand, Queen Latifah was radiant and I did enjoy her performance. It seemed fitting. The rest of the numbers were way too ‘jazz hands’ for me.
Hugh was fantastic. Loved Queen Latifah
doodahs: I agree that the past recipients heaping praise on the nominees was painful. As my husband finally said: “Just announce the winner and get on with it, for f*ck sakes.”
Without a doubt Hugh is a great host. The man has it all in my book! But did anyone notice how FAT Beyonce looks! Good Lord! what thunder thighs!!
Hugh is the Bomb. He is sincere and brings a level of entertainment to the Oscars that I personally have not seen before. Furthermore he is one of the few where the outside matches the inside perfectly.Praise for Hugh.