I think that instead, we should try to celebrate. Conan, as he ended his monologue, reminded us that the Oscars are for celebrating film. I always tell folks that my favorite film doesn't have to win for me to enjoy the Oscars. I am a film buff through and through. I love that no matter what for 98 years, we have gathered to celebrate film. Let's celebrate an industry veteran winning after years in the industry with little recognition, for a horror film nonetheless. Let's celebrate two of our finest filmmakers winning their first Oscars on the same night after years in the industry. Let's celebrate a big studio promoting three populist blockbusters winning eleven awards proving that studios can and need to be original, that big films can also be great, and that the theatrical experience is worth continuing to fight for in the coming years.
My favorite film of the year, One Battle After Another (you will find out soon, so far behind on my personal awards this year), won Best Picture. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it is really cool. I also sat through so many ceremonies where my film didn't win, and it was still cool to be a part of the experience. I am so thrilled for the fantastic Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, Ryan Coogler, and Paul Thomas Anderson. I'm not the biggest fan of Sean Penn personally, but he was jaw-dropping in the film, and the performance is worthy of recognition. I love that the first woman won Best Cinematography, that we finally have a casting category, that big bold genre films did well across the board, and that some really great films, performances, and artwork was recognized. Do I have some thins I would change? Absolutely. Was the ceremony too long, too clunky, and still has issues? Of Course. I'll be long dead before that changes. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely.
I have been doing this for almost 18 years, as of July. I started as a freshman in college, and no matter what has happened in my life, I have always turned to this blog. Not a lot of people read this, but those who do are loyal and amazing. But I don't really do it for anyone else. I do it for me. I have a problem with saying no in my life, so it is kind of nice to have something that is just for me, whether anyone else notices or cares or not. I love film. I think that Conan said it best as he ended his monologue when he noted:
"Yes, tonight is an international event. If I can be serious for just a moment, everyone watching right now around the world is all too aware that these are very chaotic, frightening times, okay? It's at moments like these that I believe that the Oscars are particularly resonant. Check it out. 31 countries across six continents are represented this evening. And every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages, working hard to make something of beauty. We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience, and that rarest of qualities today, optimism. So let us please celebrate, not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better in the days ahead."
Let's hope this spirit of collaboration, this global connectivity, and this continued love of film never die. See you all in Year 18.
