Sweet little paws; photo taken just this minute as my girl sleeps deeply in Mom’s “tunnel.’
I missed her so much. And her dad, too. I got home around 2:00 yesterday afternoon. Within an hour or so, I was vacuuming. Don did a great job around the house, but he doesn’t see what I see, you know? He made a wonderful dinner and we cuddled on the sofa.
Sigh of happiness.
What a lovely experience working on An Octoroon was. It was such a gift, out of the blue, and I’m very, very grateful. Yes, it’s nice to earn some money, but even more, I was exposed to a powerful new play that is simply stunning. I wouldn’t have seen it, otherwise. Every night, I looked forward to watching it again. The actors are very talented and perfect in their roles; in the case of some actors, multiple roles. The director is amazingly inventive. This play was mounted last year at Soho Rep, which is a well-known off-Broadway theater with a house that seats maybe 40 people. Theater for a New Audience is remounting it in their new theater, which is about 10 times the size of Soho Rep, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for the play to be seen by more people. It won the Obie Award for Best New Play of 2014. The director of the play is also the Artistic Director of Soho Rep.
As always, I leave one place and leave a part of myself there, while I sit here at home wondering how the Press Night tonight will go and how rehearsals will go this afternoon and tomorrow, ahead of Opening Night on Thursday. Such a lovely group of people – starting with Jeffrey, the Artistic Director of Theater for a New Audience.
Grateful.
And now, a little bit of a rant about the Oscars. First, let’s just agree that there can’t really be a “Best” anything. It’s all subjective. It’s all a matter of taste. Every year, I find myself feeling the push-pull to watch the ceremony, all the while knowing that this kind of competition is flawed and, in the end, unfair. That’s a given.
Sunday’s telecast brought some familiar complaints, along with a few new ones.
1. The tendency to play music and cut off an award winner’s acceptance speech. This is nothing new, it’s been happening for years. But it’s insensitive. This is an award show, after all, and for the winners, a dream come true. It well may be the greatest moment of their professional lives. They deserve to be heard. Is an inane joke from Neil Patrick Harris more important than 30 more seconds of an acceptance speech? It shouldn’t be. Pawel Pawlikowski, director of Best Foreign Film winner, Ida, was interrupted twice by ‘play-off’ music from the orchestra – fortunately for us, he ignored it. The winners of the award for Short Documentary, in this case, a film about suicide hotlines, were interrupted by play-off music as one of the winners was speaking about losing her own son to suicide.
Could the producers be any more insensitive?
2. And, in that same vein, right after that winner was interrupted in the middle of her heartfelt words about her son’s suicide, Neil Patrick Harris made what he thought was a humorous comment about her dress. Totally inappropriate – was he even listening to the speech? In a night full of not-very-funny jokes and in some cases, insensitive ones, this one really ticked me off. Listen, I know Neil Patrick Harris, I’ve worked with him. I’ve coached him. He is a lovely guy. So I’m not saying anything about his character. I’m speaking to the whole Oscar Show mentality – where gimmicks and jokes and not-very-good production numbers and constant hype about Lady Gaga or Neil’s Oscar predictions seem to take precedence over the the actual awards.
3. Yes, Lady Gaga sang beautifully. I wasn’t at all surprised because I know she’s a trained singer. Good for her- she did a great job. It’s lovely to see her show her quite impressive chops. But, it says something about the show itself when the appearance of Julie Andrews brought a sigh of relief. She is a true multi-talented movie and theater star, gracious, elegant, and as classy as they come.
4. In Memoriam. I don’t even want to go there. So many artists were omitted. I advise you to go to tcm.com and watch their In Memoriam tribute, which is much, much better and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Okay, I’ve ranted long enough. I’m happy for the winners, all of whom are immensely talented. But the Oscars are getting to be just another awards show: all glitz, ratings-driven, badly written and misdirected.
Just some thoughts from a movie lover.
Happy Tuesday.
Welcome home~enjoy!
Thank you, Lee!
So glad you made it home safely – the weather seems so unpredictable lately.
I watched about five minutes of the Oscars, then it was time for the latest installment of Broadchurch 2 which had me biting my nails. I like dressing up as much as the next person, but what I don’t understand about award shows is all the hype about who wears what.
Broadchurch starts here on BBC America during the first week of March.
Definitely a must watch!
Have you ever seen the gardening series “Recreating Eden”? I think it ran from 2002 to 2008. Really well done – might be on Netflix..
I’ll check it out.
Welcome home Claudia! Glad you made it safely and are with your two loves now. I haven’t watched the Oscars in years. The whole production just irritates me no end. I do feel badly for those who won and had their acceptance speeches interrupted. Rude – Yes! Insensitive – Yes! Repeated – Yes…every year. I watched Downton Abbey instead (which I am enjoying more this year than last).
I may have to stop watching the Oscars. Makes me too angry!
I didn’t watch the entire Oscars either, just bits and pieces, so overall about 10 minutes worth. So I didn’t see enough really to give an opinion, but mi disappointed that it was essentially business as usual. The local paper’s film critic was particularly harsh about the show and the winners who were selected.
I’m happy for you that you are home!
I have no complaints about the winners – I can’t really, because the voting is so subjective. But the tenor of the whole thing? There, I do have complaints.
Happy you got home safely and are enjoying a quiet morning with Scout. I watched the Oscars and once again was disappointed. I think it’s time I stop watching. Today is my daughter Sara’s birthday so I’m feeling nostalgic!
hugs,
Linda
Happy Birthday to your daughter, Linda!
I agree with Vera; I too watched Downton.
There is no place like home. Enjoy!
Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
I didn’t watch it this year…the whole production bothers me. I read about what I’m interested in later, and maybe catch a snippet of an acceptance speech…
A very good way to deal with the hoopla, Linda!
Glad you’re back home with your loves. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that I didn’t watch the Oscars.
Not surprised at all, Melanie!
My family always watches the Academy Awards. It is a tradition, but it was easy to drift in and out of the room doing other things because I was bored by it. I don’t doubt that Neil Patrick Harris is charming, witty, and delightful in person, but I didn’t see much evidence of it in his presentation at the Academy Awards. At best it was occasionally mildly humorous and at other times cringe worth. So I just did my rant.
I, too, like others who have commented before, want to welcome you home. As nice as it is to get away once in awhile, it is always good to come home.
Yes, it is very nice to be home.
NPH is a great guy, and a wonderful host of the Tony Awards. But, not a good fit for the Oscars or, at least, the producers’ and writers’ concept of the Oscars.
Home Sweet Home! Scout is certainly happy, as is Don, I am sure. And, yes, I totally know what you mean that we see things they don’t see. Or choose not to see.
I have not seen any of the movies from this year, although I do have Boyhood on my list. But I was inspired by a couple of the acceptance speeches that made a statement instead of reading a list of names. We just watched a bit of the show, and that was more than enough for us.
Glad you are back home and your pack is once again complete!!
I haven’t seen any of them yet, either, so I can offer no thoughts on winners, etc. I loved those acceptance speeches you are referring to. They were the best part of the night.
I love TCM’s “Remembrances” that they do each year in December. I’m always amazed at the number of people – so many that I missed on the news or wherever. And they always do a great job – makes me sad for what we’ve lost.
PS – I agree about Neil P and his comments. After all, he was paid to do exactly what he did and overall I thought he was much funnier than the last few hosts have been. Or his writers were, I don’t know. The little “Farmer’s Insurance” song he sang after JK Simmons’ win – I thought that was really cute. Timing was poor in a few other instances though, that’s for sure. And I’m going to – amiably – disagree a bit about winners being played-off during their speeches. I did feel badly about the woman who lost a child to suicide [the other person with her talked quite a bit first] – and if I was a winner I know I’d want my moment too BUT… I think there just HAS to be some kind of limit to the thank-yous. Otherwise can you imagine how long some people would go on? It’s the Oscar ceremony, not So-and-So’s night at the ballpark. Just my opinion…
Yes, but I have to respectfully disagree with you – thirty seconds is not enough for an acceptance speech. And that is all they are given, UNLESS, and this is part of the unfairness of it all, they are one of the Big Four winners: Best Actor, Actress, Director and Film.
Are they more important than someone who won for Best Foreign Film? Or created a moving documentary about suicide hotlines?
If I was a winner, I would do the same thing that the director of Best Foreign Film did, talk right through the music. Most likely, this kind of tribute, this big prize, will not happen to these winners again. They deserve their time in the spotlight. And as the audience cheered for that director when he kept talking, I think they feel the same way.
And speaking for myself, I’d much rather hear their words and their story, then hear the bad jokes and ‘interactions’ with the audience. xo
I completely agree – 30 seconds is not long enough for most people, and no, the Polish director is no less important than Meryl Streep or George Clooney. As I said, I would surely want my big moment in the sun too – without the band playing over me. But this isn’t a democratic thing. The public is, in general, genuinely interested in seeing Meryl Streep accept an Oscar – they “know” her. But most haven’t a clue as to who the Polish director of the winning foreign language film is. And unfortunately the people planning the Oscar ceremony have to pay attention to that. I bet they don’t like it either. There really isn’t a good solution – unless maybe they tape the awards and air only 30 seconds of all the winning thank-yous. Every year people moan about how dull the show is. How goofy some production number was etc etc. Maybe they could cut down on the presenters? Those “bits” are often pretty lame. I don’t know. Personally I’d like to see a different kind of award show for a change. How about the Plumbers Awards, or the Garbage Collectors, or the Nurses or Research Chemists Awards. I’d love to see some poor schlubby chemist in a lab trying to cure cancer get his due on national TV. That would be really great…
Glad you are home, sweet home! Nothing better! I watched the oscars…all 3 1/2 hours of it…DVR’d Downton Abbey…really shouldn’t have…watched that is. I did enjoy some of the more political/statement making speeches though! Think maybe in the future I will just skip it…I have better things to do with my time! Enjoy being home! ;)
I enjoyed those speeches, too – I really cheered! We don’t have a DVR, but DVRing the Oscars isn’t a bad idea. Then you can just watch the good parts!
I agree about this academy awards show … would like everyone to get their acceptance speeches out w/o the rush by music. and while I believe in freedom of speech and the causes they mentioned (equal pay for women, self-acceptance, talking w/ your parents …),I would prefer the politics and promotions be stated at another time, another venue (am sure there’s enough of that in the voting for awards). and found nph wearing just fitted underwear to be anything but appropriate for the occasion.
do, however, love the “ask her more” promotion!
and welcome home.
kathy
I don’t mind the causes being mentioned, Kathy. It livens things up and makes for a much more interesting evening!
Yes, “ask her more” is great – about time, too!
Couldn’t agree more with your rant. You have some very good suggestions to correct the matter, but I doubt if they will ever be implemented.
Sad to say, but I think you’re right, Jan!
Claudia, thank you for the photograph of Scout’s adorable feet. I’ve missed seeing her. Her fluffy toes remind me of a Dr. Seuss illustration.
Yes, the Oscars ceremony has become annoying in so many ways. It seems to get tackier every year. Who cares about the host’s predictions? I am so grateful that I missed the tighty-whities bit. Would you agree that the whole rigamarole has an air of desperation about it?
Anyway, I turned it off after 10 minutes and then had a lovely evening watching Downton Abbey and Grantchester, which is a mystery series set in a small village in England after WWII. You and Don might enjoy that. The sets and costumes are wonderful, as is the scenery, of course. The actor who plays the lead is very easy on the eyes. I believe the episodes are on the Masterpiece Mystery website now.
The tighty-whities bit was terrible, Nancy. Embarrassing.
So glad you are home and Scout is right there at your feet. What does she do when you’ve been gone and then come home?
I thought the Oscars show was awful. I just watch to see the dresses. LOL
Judy
She was a bit out of it when I got home yesterday, so she took a while to actually accept the fact that I was home. But then, she came down to the den and went in the ‘tunnel.’ She’s very sore right now from a walk she took the other day. Poor girl.
Glad that you are home safe and sound with your family. My husband and I always watch the Oscars. It’s been a tradition in my life since watching with my parents every year as a child. So I don’t feel that I will ever stop watching.
I was very impressed with Lady Gaga’s performance. She has an incredible voice and talent and it’s nice to see her venturing out into other areas that differ from her normal stage appearance. She has a gift that can be spread to many different genres and I look forward to more from her. Her recent performances with Tony Bennett have been wonderful! I felt that Julie was touched by the performance of Stephanie and it showed.
I think for me there’s always something about these award shows that I don’t like as I’m sure is the case with all of us. Neil did a great job in my opinion especially compared to some of the hosts we have had in the past.
I am one who always watches the Grammys as well and I think with both shows there just seems to be a lot of changes going on and I have to contribute that to the way that Hollywood is changing and how society is changing. I don’t see how it could not change. That’s just my opinion.
It seems to me that cutting off the acceptance speech of recipients has been going on for many years on all awards shows. Not saying that I agree with it but I can see that they do have a limited amount of time for the entire show. I’m not sure what the happy balance should be for that.
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity you always give on your blog for open discussion on topics. It’s good for the soul when opinions differ and respect as well as kindness are still shown.
I hope you have a blessed day!
Belinda
I like Neil and he does a fantastic job with the Tony Awards. Truly. He’s a great host on that show. Something tells me the material is just plain better there. Better writers, wittier jokes. The writing for the Oscars is not at all up to the standard of the Tony’s. Just the way it is. So I’m not blaming it on Neil, although something tells me he had a hand in the writing – though I may be wrong about that. I’ll have to check into that.
I stopped watching the Grammys years ago. Those awards just doesn’t speak to me or my musical tastes anymore. The occasional presentation does, but for the most part, it ain’t for me.
Cutting off the speeches has been going on for years – you’re right. But 30 seconds?? I’m thinking a minute might be a nice compromise. Not that the powers-that-be are listening to my suggestions!
I am glad to hear how much you enjoyed your new experience with this play and so glad that you are now safely home..I don’t watch the Oscars anymore..
I think the viewership is down, for sure. A sign of the times, maybe?
I always watch the Academy Awards, and I always watch as many of the nominated movies and performances as I can. I think Neil Patrick Harris did the job he was paid to do. I think the producers need to accept that it’s a 4 hour show, and let everyone have sufficient time to say what they want, rather than trying to cram the show into 3 hours. I do think some of the production numbers could be cut, but that is just personal preference. Overall, I loved the show. Loved NPH, loved all the political stuff (yay Patricia, Common, and John), and whooped when Pawel kept on talking. He’s a director, after all. There were some unfortunate mishaps, but I still loved the show. I also recommend Pawel Pawlikowski’s Oscar winning film.
I want to see that film, Sandra. And many others – I have some catching up to do.
Well said here, and well read.
It was an authentic visit here with you.
Beautiful days ahead for you and all it inspires from you.
By the way, you will get no argument out of me.
Plus truly not a fan of gaga!rather see the piano guys get some recognition :)
Xx
Beauty and grace to you.
Doré
Thank you, Dore! And thank you for stopping by.
How lovely to have a Don and a Dog to come home to (and maybe a little Dust to show you are missed!). I am always interested in the awards, and agree that the ‘best’-ness is completely subjective . . . and often wrong :), but the event does allow us to have lots of chats and pondering times about recent films which I am always up for. But here Oscar time was 2:30 on a Monday afternoon so I only got to see edited highlights, but some of your grumbles have been shared in various media. This year has attracted the most attention for its rudeness than any other year so hopefully changes are ahead. I really enjoyed this post and your reflections on the work you do.
I hope changes will come – that would be welcome to many, it seems!
I don’t watch it. For the same reason I do not stay tuned to the other award type shows… (Though I did enjoy a few key performances of the Grammys earlier in the month) … Lots of hype, and poorly written jokes – a lame attempt at getting a laugh.
It all seems pretentious.
I’m so glad that you’re home– Also wanted to mention, I turned a young lady onto your IG account. She is passionate about theatre… I thought she might find common interests there.
Hopefully, I’ll keep getting work, which will enable me to post some of that stuff on IG!
Yes!! I turned to Jim and said he’s giving an amazingly exuberant acceptance speech and they start the music! And then I said good for him he is ignoring it! I loved it! I’ve watched the Oscars for 62 years and I’ve seen a lot of changes. I still keep going back every year, for special moments like Pawel Pawlikowski’s speech.
You’re so right, Pat. We keep coming back for magical moments like that one!
It’s been YEARS since I’ve watched The Oscars. It always makes me grumpy … for all the reasons you mentioned, and more. Actually most awards shows make me grumpy – as you said, it’s all so subjective.
I’m glad you’re safely home with your family.
Yes, the Oscars are annoying, but I watch them every year for that one moment. This year’s was Eddie Redmayne. His speech was the one that every starstruck little girl or boy imagines looking in the mirror while holding their hairbrush microphone. J.K. Simmons was pretty cool too. As long as there are moments like those, all is not lost.
So glad you made it home safe girl:) I never even watched the Oscars this year!
I agree with you about the Oscars..It’s not entertaining any more..I don’t think it’s an appropriate time for everyone to air their agendas and causes..A lot of insensitivity throughout the show..I guess it’s changing with the times..Not a good thing from my eyes…So glad you’re home again with your family..Happy Wednesday..
The causes were the best part of the show, which perhaps is saying a lot. John Legend and Common’s performance and acceptance speeches were so powerful, with Julie Andrews hugging Lady Gaga coming in a close second as a good thing and praising her.
Well-said and you echo my thoughts about the Oscars! The mind-numbing jokes taking precedence over the acceptance speeches really ticked me off. I don’t usually watch, but for some reason I was interested this year. Had to turn off the TV after trying to cut-off the two speeches you mention. So insensitive and ridiculous. I also think the lifetime achievement awards should be included again – the short segment was ridiculous.
I was glad to see so many people acknowledging Wes Anderson – I think he is a creative genius and so glad he works with so many interesting people – it must be quite an experience to work on one of his films.
Ok – end of my own rant. Going to watch Ida this weekend.
Glad you are back home!
The Oscar ceremony lacked elegance this year. I missed the glamor and wit. I especially thought NPH in his underwear was in poor taste. But I will continue to watch the Oscars every year, although I DVR -ed it and watched Downton Abbey, which was great! Maybe next year will be better!
Glad your NYC stay and the job went well – I’ll be on the lookout for that play! Perhaps sometime in the future it will come south – or I’ll get a New York weekend and see it there!
Award shows are horrendous and so boring. I did see a few minutes of the people arriving in the rain and the leak in the tent etc., I thought no movie or joke could top that. Ha ha!!!!!
Whereas – Sunday’s Downton Abbey episode was, I thought, one of the best ever! Oh those clothes, hats and finery, those captivating looks, asides, and puns – that Dame Maggie is so amazing, what would theatre be with her! All the cast are awesome – please tell me you agree Claudia.
The south is COLD and white – we’ve had ice, snow, and lost power for a few hours yesterday. Guess it was our time. . . . . . and I did wish for snow didn’t I?
Love and warm at home weekend hugs –
Mary x
I watched the Oscars and the interminable Red Carpet, although next year, I’m not going to be watching nearly as much of that rubbish. The Oscars kind of felt like Seth McFarlane was still doing the writing, even though he wasn’t presenting. Just sayin’. It definitely lacked wit. They should hire the Tonys writers, who do a much better job.