The Academy Awards are undoubtedly Hollywood’s biggest night. But the past few years, I’ve found the event to be rather drab and dull. Not since Hugh Jackman hosted in 2009 have I been truly captivated by an Oscars ceremony–it was probably due to this awesome musical number he made honoring the nominees. With a few fresh twists this year, however, it’s quite possible the Academy Awards could finally overcome its entertainment dry spell. Here are the top things I’m looking forward to at this year’s Oscars:
An awesome host (finally!)
Oscars hosts are a dime a dozen; the ones remembered are those who play to their strengths while thinking outside-the-box. When I found out Seth MacFarlane, creator of Ted and voice of Stewie on Family Guy, was tapped to host, my spirits lifted. If his past work has taught us anything, Seth is definitely not afraid to be brash with his comedy. After nailing a hosting stint on SNL this past September, there’s no question he’ll find the right balance of effortless celebrity humor that’s all in good fun. And it doesn’t hurt he can sing and is easy on the eyes.
Jen’s first win
If there was one celebrity I could choose as my BFF, it would be Jennifer Lawrence. Frankly, anyone who accepts an award by calling attention to her sweat is cool in my books–see People’s Choice Awards acceptance speech. Though her first Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook is not set in stone, I’ve been rooting for her all awards season. Up until the Screen Actors Guild Awards, she mainly won in comedic categories. But at the SAGs, she beat out veteran actors for her leading actress trophy. Her star has risen, and there’s no snuffing it out now.
Dynamic performances
Usually, the Oscars shy away from musical performances, but producers are upping the entertainment factor this year. Modern songstresses Adele and Norah Jones will grace the ceremony with their musical talents, performing Best Original Song contenders “Skyfall” from the recent James Bond movie and “Everybody Needs A Best Friend” from Ted respectively. On top of that, there will be a tribute to movie musicals of the last decade, including Dreamgirls, Chicago, and this year’s nominee Les Miserables. Oh, and did I mention diva Barbra Streisand will be belting as well? Don’t know what’s gotten into the Oscars this year, but I love the renewed spotlight on movie music.
Ben’s triumph
The biggest shocker of this year’s Oscar nominations: the major snubs in the Best Director category. Most surprising, fan favorite Ben Affleck was shut out for Argo, largely considered the best film of the year. Though Argo was nominated for Best Picture, only three times has a movie won in that category when its director wasn’t nominated. The curveball: Mr. Affleck has since gone on to win every top directing honor at other awards shows, including the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Directors Guild Awards. If my hopes come true, he’ll have the Academy regretting their snub come the announcement of Best Picture winner.