I’ve always loved to watch the Academy Awards, whether I’m doing it with a big group like I did at the Hyatt Hotel in Century City last year or just in my den with my dog and a big screen TV.  Either way, the experience is always the same for me—hopeful and engaged.  This year’s Oscars was very entertaining.  It seemed to flow better than past shows.   I enjoyed Anne Hathaway’s persona as she flitted from personality to personality exhibiting  a range of emotions the entire show.  I envied all her outfit changes too.  She looked stunning, even in her tuxedo during her performance of “On My own,” a song geared at embarrassing Hugh Jackman for bailing out on her.  That was just one of several highlights.

One thing I have always loved about the Oscars is the fact that they honor past actors, producers, filmmakers, editors, composers, and other entertainment professionals who have passed away.  Celine Dion sang “Smile Though Your heart Is Aching” as a tribute to those who have died (Tony Curtis, Dennis Hopper) in 2010.  Halle Berry gave tribute to legend Lena Horne for her pioneering spirit.  Horne also passed away in 2010.   I also enjoyed the “Best Song” performances from the nominees.  Especially Randy Newman’s performance to the Toy Story 3 montage. Marissa Tomei recognized those responsible for new technology in filmmaking.  But when actor Kirk Douglas came on stage, it was touching.  His reading the winner for Best Supporting Actress was so funny, especially when Melissa Leo asked him to pinch her.  Her speech was definitely unrehearsed.  “When Melissa Leo read the F-Bomb, she just set the tone for the show and gave us material forever!”—Anne Hathaway.  Here are some of the memorable quotes from the evening:

King’s Speech winner David Seidler, “My father always said to me, I would be a late bloomer.  I believe I am the oldest person to win this particular award.  I hope that record is broken quickly and often.“ “I accept this [Oscar] on behalf of all the stutterers throughout the world. We have a voice . . . we have been heard . . . thanks to you the Academy.”

Toy Story 3 winner Randy Newman for his song “We Belong Together” said “My percentages aren’t great. I’ve been nominated 20 times and this is the 2^nd time [only winning].”

The King’s Speech winner Colin Firth, “I have a feeling my career has just peaked.”

God of Love winner Luke Matheny “I should have gotten a haircut!” “I’d like to thank my mother who did craft services for my film.”

Inside Job winner Charles Fergusin, “After years of financial ruin, not a single financial executive has gone to jail and that’s wrong.”

Toy Story 3 winner Lee Unkrich, “Thank you to all the people who came out to a movie about talking toys who hopefully had something very human to say.”

The Fighter winner Melissa Leo, (her speech was hilarious), “Golly jeeze there are people up there too…” referring to those who have passed on who’ve helped her. “Thank you academy because it’s about selling motion pictures and respecting the work!”

83rd Annual Academy Awards List of Winners
Best Art Direction – Alice In Wonderland
Best Cinematography – Inception
Best Supporting Actress –  The Fighter (Melissa Leo)
Best Animated Film – The Lost Thing (Shaun Tann and Andrew Newman)
Best Animated Feature Film – Toy Story 3 (Lee Unkrich)
Best Adapted Screenplay – The Social Network (Aaron Sorkin)
Best Original Screenplay – King’s Speech (David Seidler)
Best Foreign Language Film – In a Better World (Denmark)
Best Supporting Actor – The Fighter (Christian Bale)
Best Original Score – The Social Network (Trent Ressnor and Atticus Ross)
Best Sound Mixing – Inception (Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick)
Sound Editing – Inception (Richard King)
Best Makeup – The Wolfman (Rick Baker and Dave Elsey)
Costume Design – Alice in Wonderland
Best Song – Toy Story 3’s “We Belong Together” (Randy Newman)
Best Short – Strangers No More Karen Litman and Kirk Simon
Best Live Action Short Film – God of Love, Luke Matheny
Best Documentary – Inside Job (Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs)
Film Editing – Social Network (Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter)
Best Director – The Kings Speech (Tom Hooper)
Best Actress – Black Swan (Natalie Portman)
Best Actor – The King’s Speech (Colin Firth)
Best Picture – The King’s Speech

View the Red Carpet Arrivals.

View the show highlights.