I was not looking forward to this year’s Oscars ceremony. The winners seemed awfully  predictable and after watching the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, etc., I dreaded hearing the same speeches and seeing the same eyes tear up. However, I am pleased to say that I actually thoroughly enjoyed this year’s ceremony.

Host Hugh Jackman’s musical numbers were brimming with humor and energy. The format of the show was much more appealing than previous years as well with the technical categories being presented at a faster pace and past winners for acting elegantly discussing this year’s acting nominees. It was delightful to see Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Christopher Walken, Nicole Kidman, and other powerhouses share the stage and speak directly to the nominees, commending their performances. Most powerful and poetic was Kevin Kline’s speech regarding Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight.” Here’s a taste for those who were not able to see it—

“In a year of striking film images, perhaps the most unforgettable was that of a man, his face smeared with clown make-up, gleefully sticking his head out of a speeding car, relishing the night wind and reveling in the chaos he has unleashed on the streets of Gotham City.”

I could not have said it better myself. Kline’s eloquent description of this scene in “The Dark Knight” literally sent chills down my spine. He went on to say–

“Menacing, mercurial, droll, and diabolical, Heath Ledger as The Joker kept us all on edge, anxious to see which appalling act of mischief he would commit next.”

This speech was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the Oscars ceremony.

As for the winners, I was not disappointed. Even though I find “Slumdog Millionaire” mediocre, I have “gotten over it.” I was not disappointed by Sean Penn winning Best Actor either. His victory does not lessen fellow nominee Mickey Rourke’s performance or the performances of any of the nominees for that matter. I’ve come to realize that it is pointless to get upset about The Oscars because it really does not matter who wins or loses. The films are still powerful and still speak for themselves.