Ben & Shae Cecka's family in Gilbert, AZ

I still can’t believe that I sat down and watched even part of this confounded foray of Hollywood idolatry… but I did. It’s all Jon Stewart’s fault. Further, just because they picked a great host doesn’t mean I’m going to watch any of the crappy movies nominated (unless they come to a McMenamins theatre, which doesn’t show crappy movies, thus negating my previous comment) or buy anything presented during the advertising segments of the show.

During the show I noticed that some of actors actually have brains — and use them! It was refreshing. My respect for George Clooney ran up tenfold because not only did he not thank ten-thousand people that I don’t know, and humble himself by recognizing each nominee was an excellent actor (I hadn’t seen any of the films so I’ll take his word), but he also proceeded to talk a little about the progressive nature of Hollywood over its history. I learned something. Totally not expected, but very well received. He set the bar, being the first acceptance speech, and everyone after him utterly failed in his wake.