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Monday, February 23, 2009
The 81st Annual Academy Awards:
Oprah returned to the Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards, the morning after the ceremony for her annual Post-Oscar Party with the big winners. Oprah's entrance onto the stage to start the show didn't disappoint at the theater was filled with excited fans, ready to hear from the previous night's winners. Oprah expressed that this year's show was the best she's ever seen - and she's been watching it since she was 10!
She loved how the former winners presented the nominees, the design of the stage, and the air of class during the entire ceremony.
Oscar Host Hugh Jackman:
Oprah welcomed Oscar host Hugh Jackman back to the Kodak stage with a warm embrace and cheer of "You were SO great!" Hugh shared that he didn't stay out late partying Oscar night because hosting the awards was the real party for him. Shocked that he was so comfortable on the stage, he shared that his secret weapon was his wife sitting in the 6th row. Feeling as if the room was there supporting him, Hugh shared that he felt "good will and warmth" from the biggest movie stars in the world.
One of Hugh's best moments was his opening number - which received a standing ovation from the audience. Calling it a privilege to be backstage the moment the winners leave the podium, he shared that many of them reached the wings, they began to melt - especially Penelope Cruz. Enjoying the feeling of "history and fraternity" the presenters gave the new nominees as they announced their name, film and achievements.
An added bonus for Hugh was getting to dance with Beyonce - he laughed that his line "I've got chills" was not far from the truth!
Gayle King Backstage with Oscar Couples & Reese Witherspoon:
Gayle King had the privilege to be backstage with Oprah's cameras capturing interviews with celebrity couples. Among those she spoke to included Matthew Broderick & Sarah Jessica Parker, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jennifer Aniston & John Mayer.
Gayle also spoke with Reese Witherspoon who expressed her sheer happiness for girlfriend Kate Winslet. The two have supported each other in their careers and also now in their Oscar wins.
Best Actress Winner Kate Winslet:
Kate Winslet finally won the Oscar for Best Actress after being nominated for an Academy Award 6 previous times. After showing a clip from her acceptance speech, Oprah shared that her favorite part of the speech was when Kate called out for her father to whistle. Kate expressed that hearing her name called was a true out-of-body experience since she fully expected Meryl Streep to win. The reality of the win had not sunk in yet as the star spent the evening at parties such as Vanity Fair's where she said she took many photos of her dad with celebrities.
Oprah asked about Kate's recent comment that she would no longer do nude scenes, and Kate responded that her children are getting older - 8 and 5 - and they will soon know her history with nudity. Saying that her daughter commented how her dress looked gray on camera as she called her in the wing, she revealed that she doesn't consider herself a fashionista and she accepted when Eve St. Laurent offered to make her a custom dress.
Best Actor Winner Sean Penn:
Footage was shown of Best Actor winner Sean Penn's acceptance speech of his second Academy Award as he sat down with Oprah to talk about the experience. Oprah commented how powerful Sean speech was as he responded that he was 75% sure that he wouldn't win. Mentioning how she thought it was gracious how Sean spoke of Mickey Rourke, Oprah thought Sean would mention his wife Robin. Sean expressed wanting to keep his speech focused on his professional team of cast, crew and production. Many gay people were moved by Sean Penn's acceptance speech and he feels there is no better time than now for a film like Milk.
Best Supporting Actress Winner Penelope Cruz:
Best Supporting Actress winner Penelope Cruz was still running on adrenaline after being out at after-parties until 5am when she joined Oprah onstage at the Kodak Theater. Saying she wanted to win but was terrified of winning, Penelope thought she would possibly faint while making her acceptance speech. Thanking the actors and fans from her native country in Spanish, Penelope was worried about being the first award and only having 45 seconds to speak as English isn't her first language. She mentioned crying for 20 minutes when she exited the stage and the phone calls she received from Spain.
Gayle King with Heath Ledger's Family:
After showing a clip of Heath Ledger's family accepting his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Oprah showed footage from Gayle King's interview with Kim, Sally and Kate backstage. The family expressed that after months of grieving the loss of their son, Oscar night was a time to celebrate him and what he loved which also made them happy. Planning on giving the Oscar and all things of Heath's to his daughter Matilda, his family find comfort in knowing that he is around them all the time.
Best Picture & Director 'Slumdog Millionaire':
Best Director winner Danny Boyle along with Dev Patel and Freida Pinto from Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire joined Oprah to talk about their "little movie that could." Danny commented that the reason he feels people connected to the film was because of the character Jamal and wanting to root for him - not about the money, but the love. Dev and Freida, who starred in their first feature film, commented on the surreal feeling and a "sensory overload" they had experienced with the rollercoaster ride of Slumdog. The Oscar wins meant a huge deal to Danny and the actors, but also for the acceptance for India and Bollywood.
Also winning for Best Score and Best Song, the Slumdog Millionaire song "Jai Ho" was performed to end the show by AR Rahman. Rahman shared that Jai Ho translates as "may victory be yours" as it is a fitting song for the film soundtrack.
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