Last night was Oscar night and I watched most of it along with millions of other people. Because I had not seen the movies it was not as interesting to me as it generally is. The H1N1 bug kept me away this year. I will see the movies when they are released for rental. At my tender age of – oh, never mind – I didn’t want to risk it.
As usual, the clothes stole the show and, again as usual, we saw everything from the bizarre to the exquisite. It’s always fun to see who’s wearing what and what they’ve done with their hair. Most of the time I’m grateful I don’t have to get squeezed into one of those dresses and have my hair done with an eggbeater. Last night was one of our more elegant showcases and I appreciated it.
The movies themselves revolved primarily around war, domestic abuse and the downhill slide of a country singer. With the exception of Avatar and Precious I will probably not see them. I like things that uplift my spirits – the feel-good stuff – and try not to overdose on negativity. I highly recommend this practice if you want to keep your thoughts and your energy positive since they affect everything you do and are.
It was interesting that a woman won for “best director” after all these years. It isn’t that they are not talented or capable of doing outstanding work – it’s just that they were women. They were’t even considered until recently. They didn’t belong to the “good old boys club” which is waning in clout. I’m certain that there are some who are not at all pleased but that’s their problem. I haven’t seen a “men only” stamp lately on much besides the men’s grill at country clubs (and those are rapidly disappearing). It’s nice to see everyone represented.
What is startling is that it seems so newsworthy that a woman won, that a black woman won, and that an obese, inexperienced black woman, Gabourey Sidibe, was nominated. Maybe we’re beginning to realize that all human beings have great value and that talent comes in all colors, shapes, sizes, and genders. Gabourey, good for you! You’re a real star!
The stars truly do work hard at their craft and they bring us entertainment that we need in these stressful times – economically, socially and politically. We need to laugh, to forget the daily traumas and to heal from the hurts. I thank them for doing that.
On the other hand I would love to see big awards and rapt attention focused on others who make a difference in our lives. Teachers are number one in my book. Our children are in their hands and some of them do amazing work. Where is their public award? Oh, it comes now and then and they are rewarded by the accomplishments of their students, but is that enough for some of these remarkable men and women? I don’t think so.
Firefighters and policemen are also on my hero’s list and I would love to see them receive the same kind of recognition that entertainers get.
Nurses are another group dear to my heart. How many are singled out every year for an award for outstanding service? Any? They work long hours, carry awesome responsibility and are often ignored when credit is handed out.
Sometimes it seems like we put emphasis an all that glitters and forget the people who contribute the most the the betterment of us all on a daily basis. Academy award night is my annual reminder to focus on what is meaningful and valuable.
