Why not?

Dustin Lance Black for Best Original Screenplay:

Oh my God. This was not an easy film to make. First I have to thank name, and name, and all the real life people who shared their stories with me. When I was 13 years old my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope, it gave me the hope to live my life, it gave me the hope one day I could live my life as openly as who I am, and then maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. I want to thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by their churches, by the government, or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of a value. And no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon I promise you that you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.

Kate Winslet for Best Actress in a Leading Role:

Okay that fainting thing, Penelope.. I’d be lying if I haven’t made a version of this speech before, I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror. And this would have been a shampoo bottle. But it’s not a shampoo bottle now. I feel very fortunate to have made it all the way from there to here and I’d like to thank some of the people along the way who had faith in me. My friends and my family, especially my mom and dad. They are in this room somewhere, dad whistle or something because then I’ll know where you are. **Dad whistles very loud** Yesssss. I love him. [She thanks a lot of people here]. There was no division between the cast and crew on this film and that’s what made it so special. To have been surrounded by a remarkable group of people who provided an unbroken chain of support. From name to name, name. From hair and makeup to cinematography. From the art department to the AD’s. And From New York to Berlin. And I’m so lucky to have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children who let me do what I love and who love me for just the way I am. Antony and Sydney, this is for you, this is for both of you. And I want to acknowledge my fellow nominees, these goddesses. I think we all can’t believe we’re in a category with Merrll Streep at all. I’m sorry Merrill, but you have to suck that one up. And just to the Academy, thank you so much, my God, thank you, woowwww.

This is the first time in a long time that I actually watched the entire showing of the Oscars. It wasn’t even Tivo’d. I watched from beginning to end mainly because I was rooting for some things. Kate Winslet, check. WALL-E, check. Slumdog Millionaire, 8/10 check. Overall it was a really great show and it didn’t seem as long as I thought it would (yesss). Here are some other comments.

Hugh Jackman did a really great job as host.

Anne Hathaway has a really great voice (who knew?)

The Pineapple Express guys, Seth Rogen and James Franco, were funny during the Comedy 2008 dedication.

The thing you looked for but don’t want to talk about: Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt all being under one roof. They all looked great, so that’s over with. Now, did anyone else notice that Jennifer Aniston was in the TV shot several times when Sean Penn won the award for Best Actor (aka not Brad Pitt)? I really hope that was not intentional. While Jennifer Aniston was presenting, they showed a close-up of Angelina Jolie with a big smile. Nothing to say there. And did anyone else notice Jennifer Aniston getting kind of antsy when she was presenting her award? Kind of like she had just seen a ghost perhaps? Whatever, I honestly love movies by Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie and hope they continue being professionals and keep making great movies.

The dance/song number with Hugh Jackman and Beyonce, as well as Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Amanda Seyfried was cute and cheesy (just how I like it). I told my friend that I thought Beyonce was lip syncing…which is different and surprising… I’m really good at spotting a lip-syncer… I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, however. I’m sure we’ll learn more soon. Say it ain’t so B.

Tina Fey and Steve Martin were kind of funny. Still love Tina Fey though.

You know who else wasn’t funny? Will Smith. Yeah, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Will Smith. Sigh.

Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech for Best Adapted Screenplay (Milk) was very awesome and hopeful. I’d YouTube that one for sure.

I’m glad Heath Ledger won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. I know a lot of people think he won just because he died, but he really did do a great job in The Dark Knight. The speech by his family (dad, mom, and sister) was humbling and naturally made me sad.

I’m really glad Kate Winslet finally won her Oscar for Best Actress. She seemed very genuine and humble in her acceptance. Although saying practicing this moment with a shampoo bottle was kind of cliche, it still worked. She’s come a long ass way since Titanic. She looked beautiful.

Reese Witherspoon was cute. Can’t go wrong with her. I’m looking forward to her next movie.

I also really enjoyed Penelope Cruz’s acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress. It was very well written and hit all the important points. I especially liked how she spoke something in Spanish because it made it seem like she really knows where she comes from.

Slumdog Millionaire won the top awards tonight including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Director. Did anyone notice how genuinely excited the actor Dev Patel (male lead of Slumdog Millionaire) was to be at the Oscars? I feel like there was never a shot when his mouth wasn’t wide-open smiling from excitement. And Freida Pinto (female lead of Slumdog) looked gorgeous as usual.

A.R. Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire said something that really stuck with me. Cheesy but great. Rahman said, “All my life, I’ve had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I’m here.” He won an award for his work in Slumdog FYI.

Other people who looked cute: Alicia Keys, Sarah Jessica Parker, I’m sleepy.

Honestly, that’s everything I remember. Great show this year (even if it seemed awkward at times). Congrats Slumdog Millionaire (love you, dog).

BTW, how on point were my predictions earlier? Kate Winslet, Slumdog Millionaire, and WALL-E. There’s a reason I keep saying those three names. Go support