Oh, I wish I was an Oscar Mayer...

Well ladies and gents,  the Oscars are finally over.  The votes have been tallied, the results are in, and the winner is...

"No Country for Old Men" for best picture.

Though I was rooting for "There Will Be Blood," I can fully understand why this one got 1st place this year.  The cinematography was beautiful.  The writing was impeccable.  The performances were strong all around.  And, not to mention it's the Coen Brothers' first film to be declared "Best Film of the Year."  In my opinion, it's about time.

Thank God, however, that "There Will Be Blood" went home with Best Cinematography.  'Nuff said.

As for best actor, the award rightly went to Daniel Day-Lewis.  As if there was any other option for the Academy?  Day-Lewis put forth the best performance of his career and he earned that Oscar with every bead of sweat and drop of blood.

This is Day-Lewis's second Oscar for best actor in a leading role.  The first he won way back in 1989 for his role in "My Left Foot."  Good for him!  There is a shortage of method actors in Hollywood these days and their craft should be respected.

It seems, though, that Johnny Depp was snubbed again for the prestigious award.  I would like to point out that he's been nominated three times and still has yet to take home that pretty little golden anthropomorphism we so light heartedly call Oscar.  Maybe next year Mr. Depp.

Best actress in a lead role went to Marion Cotillard for her performance in La Vie En Rose.  Still have to see this one, but I hear it's well done.  An update on my opinion of her performance will eventually be posted.

Well, how did you feel about the divvying of the awards last night?  Leave me a few comments about your predictions, disappointments and reliefs!

Image taken from www.oscar-the-grouch.com.

Oil!

Undoubtedly, most of you have heard the Oscar buzz as of late about the Paul Thomas Anderson film "There Will Be Blood," and rightly so. I was fortunate enough to see the film last weekend and it was indeed a spectacle to behold. I was struck, however, when I spoke to others who had seen the film who were not already familiar with P.T. Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis. Shame on you.

For those who are not previously versed on the subject, P.T. Anderson was the force behind such films as "Magnolia," "Boogie Nights," and "Sydney" (aka "Hard Eight"). All of which, are spectacular films in my own humble opinion. And for God's sake, see them! P.T. Anderson is one of the most original and talented directors gracing our silver screens these days.

And now for Daniel Day-Lewis. This star has been tearing up the scene since the mid-eighties and is one of the more eccentric stars on the A-list. According to IMDB.com, Day-Lewis takes roles only every few years because of his dedication to method acting, and it shows. Apparently he spends an extensive amount of time preparing for roles. TimesOnline.com wrote, "Two years of meticulous preparation went into his role of Daniel Plainview." If that's not dedication, I don't know what is.

Did I mention that in addition to acting, Daniel Day-Lewis made his living as a cobbler and enjoys woodworking (IMDB.com)? What's not to love?

Notable roles for Day-Lewis include his Oscar-winning performance in "My Left Foot," as well as his Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-nominated roles in "Gangs of New York" and "In the Name of the Father" respectively.

All I can say is buy a big box of popcorn and get watching. Who knows, you may just find a few new favorites to add to your collection.

(Photo taken from www.toxicshock.tv)