The Oscars

Every year, almost without fail, I watch the Oscars. I might have missed it once in high school and I remember missing it in 1992 when I was in rehearsals for Les Liaisons Dangereuses on stage down in San Diego. (I think it was tech week and the director wouldn't let us leave, but I remember it was the year Silence of the Lambs won for best picture.)

It was always an event in my family. It was one of three nights a year we could eat dinner in front of the T.V. (The other two were when Sound of Music and Wizard of Oz were on!)

I remember in Junior High passing a note on Oscar day to my world geography teacher Mr. Meierding.

It went something like this ...

Dear Mr. Meierding,

I am not sure if you are aware,

but tonight is the 54th Annual

Academy Awards ceremony.

I can't watch until my homework

is done and the movie stars start

walking in around 4 o'clock.

Please help.

I left the origami folded note anonymously on his desk.

I can't remember what else I wrote but at the end of class my teacher announced there would be no homework assignments, as he had been informed that it was Oscar night and decided to let us off the hook. Noone could believe it, except my friend Lisa who smiled at me, knowing it had to be me that had swindled this wonderful turn of events.

For me it's been an odd year for movies. I like them, and in some cases I actually liked them a lot. But alas I was not in love. There are no movies that I will watch over and over until I can quote them to my friends or movies that so moved me they changed my view of the world. I am actually more excited about the documentary category this year! The Cove? Food Inc.? For some rentals I loved, you can check a couple of my quick reviews.

Anyway, whether you watch for the stars, the movies, the fashion or for an excuse to drink champagne ... skip your homework and enjoy Oscar Sunday!

What was your favorite movie this year? Maybe I missed it!