So its Oscar Night and here are my picks with why I picked them. Just remember, all that matters is that The Walt Disney Company beats the Weinstein Company:
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire- (It promotes Who Wants to be a Millionaire which is distributed in the US by Disneys Buena Vista)
Directing: Slumdog Millionaire- (see above)
Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn- (Milk takes place in San Francisco and I am from there, so it is my hometown pick)
Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep- (Miramax released Doubt, and anything that can get Disney more awards than the Weinstein Company is good in my book)
Actor in a Supporting Role: Phillip Seymour Hoffman- (For Doubt; see above)
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Adams- (For Disneys Doubt, in addition, I loved Enchanted)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Doubt- (Once again, see above)
Writing (Original Screenplay): Wall-E (Go Pixar!)
Animated Feature: Bolt (While Wall-E has better chances, I liked Bolt better)
Short Film (Animated): Presto (I really enjoyed this Pixar short. I liked how it was just a funny cartoon)
Short Film (Live Action): The Pig- (I dont know any of the nominees in this category, so I am going with the one that sounds the most fun. Pigs remind me of Porky Pig, and who doesnt love him)
Foreign Language Film: Walk with Bashir- (It is animated, and I have to stick up for that)
Documentary Feature: Encounters at the End of the World- (Sounds like is made to promote Disney/Pixars upcoming Up movie, maybe it will be on the DVD J)
Documentary Short: The Witness- From the Balcony of Room 306- (Perhaps this is about the construction of the DVC units at the Contemporary. I mean, DVC has the money to sponsor a documentary about themselves)
Music (Score): Wall-E (At least it wasnt Randy Newman).
Music (Song): Down to Earth (Not only is it from Wall-E, it is also sung by Pita Gabriel from Food Rocks fame)
Art Direction: Revolutionary Road (What better way to welcome Dreamworks to Disney then by supporting them on Hollywoods biggest night)
Cinematography: The Dark Knight (I have to support my favorite Non-Disney film of the year. It should have been nominated for Best Picture)
Costume Design: Revolutionary Road (Did I mention, I love having Dreamworks to help pay for Disneys distribution and marketing infrastructure)
Film Editing: The Dark Knight (Loved this movie!!!)
Makeup: The Dark Knight (My love for this film is only matched for my dislike of the other two films in this category; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hellboy 2).
Sound Editing: Wall-E (This film actually deserves this award. They did amazing things to make up for the fact that there was no talking).
Sound Mixing: Wall-E (Well maybe it deserves this award. I really dont know the difference between sound editing and sound mixing. On second thought, Wall-E should win both)
Visual Effects: The Dark Knight (This film was beyond awesome. It was Be-Awesome)
Quick Takes:
Media Networks: It looks like Russias anti-monopoly agency rejected Disneys attempt to start a joint-venture broadcast network. Disney is trying to establish themselves in Russia and a network is a good way to reach the most people. It will be interesting to see what Disneys next move is.
Studio Entertainment: Disney Vacation Club announced they will be opening up a second Doorway to Dreams in the Roosevelt Field mall in Long Island, N.Y. Is anyone surprised that DVC is the one unit of the company that still gets to expand? I am not.
Disney Interactive Media: Disney Interactive Media announced they are releasing a new game in the Spectrobes franchise for the Wii. This is Disneys first, and most successful, attempt at creating new intellectual property in video games. I hope Disney stays committed to developing new IP as well as using existing franchises. I think this could be a smart move for Disney. Spectrobes : Origins will be coming to the Wii this Fall.
Consumer Products: Here is an interesting look at the Walt Disney Signature furniture collection. While this product line is not well known, it has been successful. This is despite the fact that there is no character presence on the product. I think it shows that if the product uses Disneys commitment to quality, you dont need to rely on any franchise.
Who is Celebrating: Ellen Greene, from Pushing Daisies, is celebrating her birthday. I miss that show. Did you catch the Petes Dragon inspired episode?
Video of the Day: Learn how to do the Hoedown Throwdown from Miley Cyrus. It is the new dance number from Hannah Montana: The Movie. You better learn it before you take your next Disney Cruise.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: ABC News looks at the 11 folks that are trying to revive the Oscars. I have any idea. Nominate films people actually like.
NY Times: Remember when Meg Whitman was considered to be the head of Disney? Well that didnt work out, so now she wants to be Governor of California. I just hope Eisner doesnt get any ideas. California is in enough trouble.
USA Today: Miley Cyrus says there is nothing weird about her relationship with her dad in her autobiography which Disney is releasing next month. Why is this news?
LA Times: Looks like we are in for the long haul, as SAG has turned down the studios offer. Now SAG will start negotiating with commercial producers so we wont be getting a contract anytime soon. Sigh.
Orlando Sentinel: A gas leak at the Harry Potter site, led to a brief evacuation of Universals Islands of Adventure. Insert own joke here.
Variety: ABC has cut back its pilot order for the upcoming season. The network had a hefty slate to make up for last years slim haul due to the writers strike. Remember they premiered only two shows and only one is still on the air.