monoceros blogsI'm pleased to report that the first award given out on Sunday evening was the Best Animated Film to Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away. One of my favorite films and more than deserving of the award.
There were some excellent acceptance speeches - one notably by Peter O'Toole when he received his honorary Oscar. He'd been nominated seven times for Best Actor but never won, so I suppose the Academy decided to hand him an honorary one to make up for his being passed over seven times. Peter O'Toole - well known for his leading role in Lawrence of Arabia - was eloquent, sincere and gracious. "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, my foot!" quipped O'Toole.
Interestingly enough, one of the roles he was being honored for tonight is Lawrence of Arabia, based on the story of T.E. Lawrence, who aided the Arab rebellion against the Turks during World War I, a movement that led to the creation of the independent Arab state of Iraq.
Adrien Brody, who won the Best Actor award for The Pianist, drew much applause and the audience to its feet with his moving words on the effects and sadness that come about from war. He began his time on stage with a deep, dramatic kiss that he bestowed on a bewildered Halle Berry and ended with tears and a shaking voice, encouraging the audience to pray for peace and a swift resolution.
The Oscars were interrupted twice to provide updates on the Gulf War, although audiences at home were not privy to these.
Michael Moore, who won for Best Documentary Feature, fired up the night with his harsh words for President Bush. Read more.
Posted by Monoceros at March 24, 2003 1:47 PMoh boy oh boy was Adrien Brody a lucky chap! He stole such a smoldering kiss from the shell-shocked Halle Berry. Hahaha! I thought that was funny.
I must go and watch "The Pianist" now! I thought Adrien Brody's and Nicole Kidman's speech were really good.
And when "Spirited Away" won the Oscar, i was telling myself that Vanessa must be sssooooo pleased abt this!
:)
joan
Posted by: Joan at March 24, 2003 9:35 PMYou were right! I was very pleased about Spirited Away! Actually I think Halle Berry was the lucky lady - Adrien Brody has that chiselled handsome look. Tall, but a little thin after losing all that weight for his role. But what a kiss! Word has it that she kissed back! I've been wanting to see The Pianist too! No time - will get to theatre this week.
Posted by: Vanessa Heng at March 24, 2003 9:55 PMhey, i think Adrien Brody's cool. Just looking a tad gaunt that's all. But i think what's really attractive about him are those oh-so-soulful eyes!!!
Posted by: Joan at March 25, 2003 8:06 PM