Oscar Telecast Retrospective Part 4: Home Stretch

With six categories still to go the time crunch was clearly being felt by the producers, as they sped through the two music categories and onto the final four.

This is where I sounded my loudest cheer and my most prolonged groan of the night, in rapid succession.

Firstly, despite the fact that it was largely foreseeable for weeks in advance, hearing Quincey Jones announce Ennio Morricone (followed by “My brother, congratulino!”) was a tremendous thrill, as was watching him embrace fellow legend John Williams while the house rose to its feet. Bar none, the most special moment of the night.

One Category at a Time: Original Song

Not gonna lie: This doesn't promise to be an especially enjoyable Oscar telecast from a musical standpoint. These five tunes don't exactly form a chipper playlist. Only this time the music branch can't be blamed, as they were clearly starved for choice. On the one hand, it's guaranteed to keep me in suspense until the envelope is opened. On the other, it's also guaranteed to reveal a winner that I'm not all that excited about.