By Lubna Abdel-Aziz Here comes the king of all awards, to crown a season of film achievement. As usual, it is an auspicious event, in show business. As usual it is also a three-ring extravaganza of endless publicity, uttermost glamour, supreme talent, flamboyant fashion, not to mention the blinding blings of sparkling stones on ears, necks, wrists, fingers and maybe even toes None of the glitz and glitter of tinsel-town can diminish the power and prestige that Oscar carries. With the possible exception of the Nobel Prize, no other award has come to signify the pinnacle of excellence, not only in motion pictures but in all professional realms of show business or any other business. The whole world awaits the televised event, which is seen annually in 200 countries, by approximately 1 billion viewers. In recent years, the red carpet parade of the screen's beautiful people has taken precedence over the list of winners and losers, in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science's 24 categories. While names of Oscar winners are soon forgotten by everyman, they enter the annals of film history, to be studied, researched and analyzed by film scholars for decades. An Oscar provides the winner with a life- long title signifying supremacy and esteem, placed before his or her name, that only Nobel can offer. To some of us in the know, an Academy Award does not necessarily guarantee excellence. Judging from a list of gaffes by the Academy proves it is not an infallible entity. Too often the Academy has overlooked merit and rewarded mediocrity, but on the whole this octogenarian institution has maintained its gravitas, and its millions of followers. We accept their verdict and move on to the next adventure in a nearby theatre, where movies happen. For the first time in 50 years, the Academy has found 10 films to nominate for Best Picture of 2009. Unfortunately, viewers have probably not seen most of them. The Academy's attempt at doubling the excitement by choosing twice as many films, and two hosts instead of one, seemed to have backfired. It merely doubled our ennui, as we sat through one of the most boring ceremonies ever. Even the suave duo, comedian Steve Martin's, and actor par excellence Alec Baldwin's efforts at some humour fell flat Oscar's most wins were predictable, with few surprises. It however had the distinction of being the night of the underdog. History books could be the only beneficiaries. Best picture honours overlooked the sci-fi miracle of the 21st century, as is usual with the Academy, which is famous for not being too fond of the genre. It overlooked the top-grossing movie in history in favour of the little film that could. The Hurt Locker, an independent small production about the perils of modern warfare, not only stole the biggest trophy of the night, but again made history by offering director, Kathryn Bigelow, the first Oscar ever to be awarded to a woman. Only 4 women directors were nominated in the Academy's 82 year history. Another historic footnote is the fact that Bigelow was once married to James Cameron, who was poised to win both awards, for AVATAR. Cameron will have to be satisfied with the millions pouring in at the box-office, while Bigelow retains the distinction of receiving a Best Picture Award for the lowest grossing film ever. It is debatable whether the ex-husband or the ex-wife is the bigger winner.. The Hurt Locker, nominated for 9 awards, as was AVATAR, took home 6 awards including Best Original Screen Play by a total newcomer, journalist Mark Boal. All bets were on Quentin Tarantino to win for Inglorious Basterds Actor Jeff Bridges has never given a bad performance in his illustrious career, yet he was always overlooked for the big prize. Nominated 6 times, he finally held that golden statuette for the first time, for his incredibly poignant performance in "Crazy Heart". Son of veteran actor Lloyd Bridges and younger brother of Beau Bridges. Jeff grew up in a home that knew nothing else but show business. He would often accompany his father to the set and started acting at age nine. Bridges is a low-key, family man, married with three children, and has no desire to join the glowing tinsel of tinsel-town. Sandra Bullock has starred in numerous hits for the last two decades, but this is her first Oscar nomination and her first win. She beat the unbeatable Meryl Streep, and cuddled with the golden boy for the first time. Another first were the winners of Best Supporting Actor and Actress. Christoph Waltz a relative unknown won for "Inglorious Basterds", which was no surprise. His winning streak started at Cannes, in May 2009, and he has never looked back since. How about that Mo'Nique? Born Monique Imes, ln 1967, this African American entertainer is best known for her stand=up comedy act and for her work in radio and BET {Black Entertainment Television}.Professionally known as Mo'nique, she has had a number of supporting roles in films recently, Her role as the cruel, abusive mother in Precious brought her media attention and critical acclaim, She first won the Sundance Film Festival's Jury Award and has collected every acting award since. She has recwived 17 awards and crowned her year of glory with her Oscar trophy. Time Magazine ranked Mo'nique's performance as the Best Female Performance of 2009. She gave one of the better speeches at the ceremony and is scheduled to appear mext opposite Leonardo Di Caprio , in "A Place [n Heaven", an adaptation of J. Eric's famous novel. Much of the glamour we have traditionally associated with the Oscar ceremony has evaporated, The stars of yesteryear, the 'grandes dames' like Katherine Hepburn and Bette Davis are no more, Even the love goddesses of the Big Screen such as Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor or Grace Kelly are also a thing of the past. Your matinee idols the Gables and the Coopers are only a memory. If it were not for ' the Clooney', as in George, you would think Hollywood has been invaded by ordinary looking aliens. To those fortunate among us who can still remember those glory days, their memory will be cherished, To the rest, the present state of Oscar will have to suffice, No matter how long or how loud we criticize it, the Award of the American Academy of Arts and Science, fondly known as Oscar, is the odest and most prestigious award in motion pictures. "We are not amused" Queen Victoria of Britain (1819-1901)
