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.
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.
It feels strange whenever there's a year in which the music branch doesn't do something outright embarrassing. I guess you could disparage the disqualification of Antonio Sanchez's percussive Birdman score, but that's not so much a fresh embarrassment as the branch simply continuing to follow their own foolish rules.
But in regards to their Best Original Song selections, we have nothing on the level of 'Alone-Yet-Not-Alone-gate' from last year, or the hilarious two-nominee field from 2011. The music branch mostly obeyed the rules, singling out the three main songs that most people expected to be nominated, plus shining a light on couple of lower-profile tunes without any embarrassment.
"Welcome To Burlesque" from Burlesque
(Charlie Midnight, John Patrick Shanley, Matthew Gerard, Steve Lindsey):
Dianne Warren's power ballad "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me" may be the one making all the rounds on the awards circuit, but if you ask me, this glamourous number that introduces Cher and her posse of loyal burlesque tarts is much more memorable, and represents what I would have liked the film to be like.
"I See The Light" from Tangled (Alan Menken, Glen Slater):
I was already enjoying Tangled thoroughly up to the second act, but this is the moment when my heart melted. The song provides a well timed pause in the action for the characters to introspect. The lyrics may be a tad simplistic, but it's still gorgeously romantic in the old Disney tradition.
"Mother Knows Best" from Tangled (Alan Menken, Glen Slater):
Such a delightful villain ditty. And so catchy too! What a perfect way to subvert the usual badguy tropes with a faux lovey-dovey tone thinly veiling barbed condescension.
"Shine" from Waiting for Superman (John Legend):
An absolutely beautiful and moving song that draws attention to an important issue. Legend's lyrics are poetic and meaningful, effectively buttressed by his talented work on the piano. The film may not be a great one, but this song is, giving the movie a soulful and artful conclusion.
"You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" from Burlesque (Dianne Warren):
A rousing anthem about never underestimating oneself. And who better to belt this one than the immortal Oscar-winning Cher?
Just missed: "Coming Home" Country Strong, "Me and Tennessee" Country Strong
The Social Network wins 4, The Kids Are All Right and The Fighter each take two.
Best Picture (Drama): The Social Network Best Picture (Comedy or Musical): The Kids Are All Right Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network Best Actor (Drama): Colin Firth, The King's Speech Best Actress (Drama): Natalie Portman, Black Swan Best Actor (Comedy or Musical): Paul Giammatti, Barney's Version Best Actress (Comedy or Musical): Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter Is the Oscar hers? Best Screenplay: The Social Network Best Animated Film: Toy Story 3 Best Foreign Language Film: In A Better World nice boost for this Oscar hopeful Best Original Song: "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me", Burlesque Best Original Score: The Social Network
-Ricky Gervais wasn't funny at all. His jokes are so classless and unappealing. Fail.
-So The Social Network is clearly not just an early season fad. If the guilds confirm it has an industry favourite, then I'll have to finally put it in my #1 Best Picture slot.
-Does Melissa Leo have the Oscar wrapped up? Her precursor wins are lining up, but that acceptance speech was all kinds of arrogant. Will it hurt her chances?
-It's looking like "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me" is primed to bring Dianne Warren her first Oscar after six (soon to be seven) nominations.
