Interactive Oscars

So, we were all invited to the new awesomely interactive Oscar Award ceremony. Cameras would allow us access to the red carpet, backstage and on stage, making our vantage point better than guests attending in the conventional way. Sadly, my entry was denied; mine and all those outside of the USA. Not fair! Check out http://oscar.go.com/ for a disappointing no-go.

the Oscar Bloopers

http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/film_salon/2011/01/28/oscar_controversies_revisited/slideshow.html

The appeal of "The King's Speech"

With the Oscar season upon us, critics are trying to read a public/nation/culture's psyche through the films that they love. Jonathan Freedland (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/18/kings-speech-republican-challenge-war-queen) reveals his own ambivalence toward his British heritage in his reading of "The King's Speech" as a study in reverence for class and British Royalty. Have a look at his interesting analysis of the film, and of those who like it.

Politics and prizes

Here's an interesting interpretation for the "kinder, gentler" route that American Idol's judges are taking:

"And the horrific shooting in Arizona earlier this month raised our collective consciousness about the power of aggressive speech, and whether taking the overall tone of conversation down a notch might not be such a bad idea. Even when it comes to telling people they can't sing."

Prizes reflective of the mood of the times?

According to the article found at
http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/2011/01/20/kinder_gentler_american_idol/index.html
the selection of judges for this reality show was informed by the need to recreate an image, not just of a show, but of a country.

the golden globes

Who cares about the winners? It's fashion, cynicism and bad taste that makes for great viewing. See the article below:

http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/2011/01/17/golden_globes_2011/index.html

Art Prizes - British Style

The bookies are taking bets; the protesters are getting worked up. The Turner shortlist has been announced. There is a rich (some would say an impoverished) tradition of controversial artists getting acknowledgement from the Turner Prize judges. The debate about whether this is ART is lively. If the intention is to get people who are not interested in art, talking about art, it works.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704584804575644672469156424.html

The Man Booker is announced

The judge chair announced that the choice of a winner was simple: it won because it was the best.
However, 3 out of 5 judges voted for it, which means that 2 judges do not think it is the best! Spot the contradiction?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/12/howard-jacobson-the-finkler-question-booker