83rd Academy Awards: Knowing the Winners & Nominees plus the Films that will be added to my DVD collection

I’m writing this hub while watching the live telecast of the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards. The introduction was stitches of Best Picture nominated movies in Hollywood where the main hosts for the night (February 27, 2011 at the Kodak Theatre) James Franco and Anne Hathaway inserted themselves in the most memorable scenes of those films. The characters didn’t even know them. Such video montage was included to set up the night for the two newbies.

As the hosts were introduced by the voiceover announcer and the curtains were lifted, they acted as if on films and jested with their closest relatives and family, Anne calling her mom and Franco his grandma.

The first presenter, Tom Hanks, paid tribute to one of the most endearing and classic films, Gone with the Wind (1939 Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction). Cinematography and Art Direction help create a best picture classic. Hanks cited Ben Hur, West Side Story, Lawrence of Arabia, Schindler’s List and Titanic.

Meanwhile, one of the most applauded presenters was the living legend Kirk Douglas (father of Michael Douglas), although having difficulty talking (after recuperating from heart attack) and with cane, have shown his jolly antics, much to the delight of the audience. I don't know why he was still included as presenter, when in fact he can be with the audience and just enjoy the show or the Oscar management just paid tribute to this ailing actor.

The former host Billy Crystal also graced the occasion as one of the presenters. He paid tribute to the original host, Bob Hope, who was the main man since the 1957 first televised Oscar presentation.

Other presenters include Justin Timberlake, Reese Witherspoon, Jude Law, Robert Downey, Jr., Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Steven Spielberg and some big names in Hollywood (I forgot to memorize their names, LOL!!!)

The enjoyment of watching it live here in the Philippines (care of ABS-CBN), while Americans are also watching it, was that some Filipino- Americans were also nominated, especially Hailee Steinfeld (as Supporting Actress in True Grit) and William Labatique (as Cinematographer in Black Swan).

The hosts were still awkward with their lines but the production was superb. Talk about Hollywood; nothing compares with their presentation, although it lasted for about 3 hours. Personal speeches of the winners vary from thanking families and friends and also other witty remarks that we’ll be reading on the future issues of international magazines, perhaps.

Anyways, here are the results of the star-studded occasion, the 83^rd Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences Awards.

1. Best in Art Direction – Robert Stromberg & Karen O’hara (Alice in Wonderland)

2. Best in Cinematography – Wally Pfister (Inception)

3. Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Melissa Leo (The Fighter)

4. Best Animated Film – Toy Story 3 with Director Lee Unkrich

5. Best Adapted Screenplay – Aaron Sorkin for The Social Network

6. Best Original Screenplay – David Seidler for The King’s Speech

7. Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Christian Bale for The Fighter

8. Best Original Score – Trent Rezno & Atticus Ross for The Social Network

9. Best in Make-Up – Rick Baker & Dave Elsey for The Wolfman

10. Best in Costume Design – Colleen Atwood for Alice in Wonderland (also a winner for Chicago & Memoirs of a Geshia)

11. Best in Visual Effects – Paul Franklin & 3 others for Inception

12. Best in Film Editing – Angus Wall & Kirk Baxter for The Social Network

13. Best Original Song – We Belong Together by Randy Newman for Toy Story 3

14. Best in Film Directing (Director) – Tom Hooper for The King’s Speech

15. Best Actress in a Leading Role – Natalie Portman for Black Swan

16. Best Actor in a Leading Role – Colin Firth for The King’s Speech

17. Best Picture – The King’s Speech ( This also my hunch)

I think, the clue was given when the last presenter, most notable and Academy award winning director Steven Spielberg paid tribute to the 10 nominated movies for 2011 while the voice-over was the speech of the King (Colin Firth).

The King’s Speech won 4 out of 12 Academy nominations. Other strong contenders that also won Oscars are The Social Network, The Fighter and The Inception (tying The King's Speech with 4 awards).

I’ve seen the Black Swan and The Kids Are All Right at home. I had to buy the DVD versions of the other films. Let’s have a review of these movies. I’m preparing my popcorn already (You like cheese-flavored or just natural?)

1. The King’s Speech

2. Winter’s Bone

3. The Social Network

4. True Grit

5. Inception

6. Black Swan

7. The Kids Are Alright

8. The Fighter

9. Toy Story 3

10. 127 Hours

I also like to collect DVDs of:

• The Wolfman
• The Way Back
• Blue Valentine
• How To Train A Dragon
• The Illusionist
• The Town
• Another Year
• The Country Strong
• · Plus other films that will interest me.

I wonder if they also include Best Foreign Film or I just missed it from the coverage.

Oh, by the way, when I watched the news at Channel 2, The entry of three Filipino-American producers, including former Filipino star Stefanie Walmsey, won Best Short Film for God of Love.