The 11th Annual Oscar Party

Prize baskets for the trivia games

March 2 2014 is one for the books.  Though I could be a little biased in saying that, because at the time of this writing it is in fact a short 24 hours later. 

Last night was the

ballots being filled out

academy awards and my 11th consecutive Oscar party.  It was a night many months in the making and more then worth doing the time to create the night.  The time spent in the months leading up to the event were spent assembling prizes, writing and verifying trivia.  As time got closer the invitations were created and sent out.  Ballots were designed and printed.  Baskets themselves were completed and food prepped as the party arrived at warp speed.

Around 7 last night friends and family started gathering for the evening.  Ballots were being filled out as food was being enjoyed.  (The ballots were for the three prediction contests.  Please predict what those contests were).  Prior to Ellen Degeneres taking Oscar stage for the second time games of trivia were happening at my party.  Each trivia game was sealed its own uniquely created envelope.  Individual themed baskets were being handed out to the respective winners.  This would go through the evening as attendees cheered on as their favorites won awards.  

Many hours later, after all the envelopes had given up their contents, the evening concluded with one final game awarded.  Ballots were soon counted and those who had more prizes to claim were notified. 

As I eagerly await next years gathering I will not forget this magical evening in the near or distant future.

Me & a date

The Oscars themselves were also one for the record books.  I was skeptical about Ellen Degeneres returning to host.  A lot of that has to do to with her being a such a safe choice after last years Seth MacFarlene, who I happened to enjoy and was disappointed that he turned the Oscars down this year.  In her role as host Ellen Degeneres commanded the stage creating a fun atmosphere, perfectly complementary to my party.

I wasn’t surprised that Gravity did so well.  After all it is the kind of movie that was made for the technical awards.  

Enjoying the party

12 Years A Slave taking best picture? Yes I thought the movie was very powerful and well crafted but a best picture winner to me has to be well crafted and entertaining, something I can watch over and over again with no reservations.  12 Years A Slave does not meet the latter criteria.  I will watch it again but with much hesitation due to the brutality of it.  That is not meant to deter from the movie that the talented filmmakers crafted.

And the night goes on

So what would I of awarded best picture? Of the three front runners for the award (American Hustle, 12 Years A Slave, Gravity) I would award Gravity.  Of all nine movies (the three previous front runners led the pack that also included Nebraska, The Wolf of Wall Street, Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena, Captain Phillips, and Her) Dallas Buyers Club was clearly the best and robbed of its award.  However Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto winning for their respective performances was two categories well awarded.  In fact all four acting awards were well placed. Actress was awarded to Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine and Lupita Nyong’o was awarded the supporting actress award for 12 Years A Slave.

The one disappointing award for me came in the documentary category.  I enjoyed seeing the winning film 20 Feet From Stardom but felt that last years winner was in the same general vein.  Also The Act of Killing I found to be an incredibly bold & powerful documentary.  I walked out the theater a bit disturbed and a bit more educated, which make for one incredible documentary and movie going experience.

I do enjoy the Oscars and the spirit of the movies they create.  I hope everyone who attended the party enjoyed themselves.