Nightline’s Countdown to Oscar Starts Tonight

Posted by Sasha Stone2 on Feb 3, 2009 in AWARDS CHATTER | 0 comments

When it comes to hyping the Oscars, ABC has two rabbits in its hat. Nightline and Oprah. Nightline lends respectability and Oprah brings the numbers. JustJared reports that ABC’s Nightline will start their countdown to Oscar and of course, it looks like they’re leading with Angelina Jolie who, it sounds like, must talk yet again about Brad and the kids:

On her Oscars nomination: I feel very very lucky that I have won in the past. Listen, it’s lovely to be nominated. But I’m hoping Benjamin Button does really good on the night…. I’m rooting for Brad [Pitt].

Vanity Fair Director and Actor

Posted by Sasha Stone2 on Feb 3, 2009 in AWARDS CHATTER | 0 comments

I was looking for these lovely photos to appear online and of course they show up on Oh No They Didn’t but they are also on Vanity Fair’s site. I love them all.

The New 31 Days of Oscar Promo

Posted by Sasha Stone2 on Feb 3, 2009 in AWARDS CHATTER | 0 comments

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-7W93QORzc[/youtube]

Up in the Air and Locked, Cat by Cat

Posted by Sasha Stone2 on Feb 3, 2009 in AWARDS CHATTER | 0 comments

Okay, so let’s do this thing. I am supposed to be filling out my Gurus chart and my Buzzmeter chart, of course I haven’t done either. It’s hard out there for a pimp, what can I say. I’m working on it, fellas. Here we go.

Best Picture – mostly locked. Slim chance for a Reader or Button upset but the slimmest of ever-so-slim chances there. Slumdog has thing in the bag.

Backstage at the Luncheon

Posted by Sasha Stone2 on Feb 3, 2009 in AWARDS CHATTER | 0 comments

Photo snagged from BBC’s collection

I like the NY Times/Carpetbagger Michael Cieply’s take on the backstage goings-on at the luncheon. He takes a one-cool-removed tone to the whole affair. It makes me think it would make a great much longer piece. In fact, his and Mark Harris’ pieces would make good copy for a book on the season. I guess that’s why they pay them the big bucks. Cieply writes:

Apart from some official back-patting from the stage–”everybody wins” Mr. Ganis said of the day’s spirit –there was some serious body-language going on. Brian Grazer, nominated as producer of a best-picture contender “Frost/Nixon,” came off the stage, made a beeline to Danny Boyle’s table, and wrapped him in hugs. Given the front-runner status of Mr. Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” in the best picture race, it was hard not to see a little bit of good-natured concession in the moment.

Gus Van Sant, director of “Milk,” was chit-chatting in back of the room with Mickey Rourke, the star of “The Wrestler.” Mr. Van Sant looked schlubby and happy. Mr. Rourke, wearing what appeared like pink suede shoes, looked happy, too. Sean Penn alone outside on the smoking balcony, and (shockingly) did not look especially happy.