Does Oscar need a high-tech makeover?

I agree with Peter Bogdanovich that Jerry Lewis should get an Academy Award for inventing the "video assist". He was the first person to use video so he could direct himself back in 1960.

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Well, I think a film is what is made of it, and Hollywood clearly wants to emphasize the aspects of film production that it can pretty much do better than anyone else. Effects and CGI have been behind most of the top blockbusters, and by emphasising the technical aspects, Hollywood can more easily award these films the Oscars that tend to keep a film in theatres.

Cutting out Foreign, Short etc is a way of downplaying the storytelling element of films, and instead prioritizing the technical aspects; something which seems to me to be in line with Hollywood's development over the last ten years or so.

The more CGI and effects are used, the more sense it makes to reward those films that do it well, but it seems to me to change the understanding of film and cinema. A shame, I think, but perhaps an inevitable change with the success of effects-driven films. I hope they keep Foreign, Short, Documentary.

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I also think there should be an award for actors like Andy Serkis for his role as Gollum in LOTR. This in my opinion is a new form of acting. The more animated CGI is mixed with real life people they have to be considered.

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I don't agree with the fact that the numerous categories should be canceled while they play up the importance of the techie dudes. I mean, if that is the case, is some explosive blockbuster with some great special effects (... some Michael Bay film) be awarded more than a well-told (yet devoid entirely of sfx) foreign film, short film or animated short, just because, well, it's more high tech? I prefer the Oscars giving genre films (great superhero films like Spidey 2 and Batman Begins) more consideration for awards and not concentrating only on the supposedly 'arty' or 'non-mainstream' or 'gutsy' film, that these films shouldn't be penalized just because they don't package themselves as 'high art'.

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I'm the same opinion. "I don't agree with the fact that the numerous categories should be canceled while they play up the importance of the techie dudes."

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Oscar will continue to be relevant only if it changes with the art AND the science that make movies we go to see. Award categories needs an overhaul, no doubt about that. Should the Oscar Sciences group include Sound, Editing, Special Effects, Makeup, yes it should and add a few more as film changes.
The Oscar Arts group should consider a Best Cast Award to replace the Supporting Awards. Best Film needs a Best Musical and Dance Award. (After all, the Academy did establish the Best Animated Film.) Actors under 18 should have their own category or recognition award. Finally, keeping Documentary and Short Films is critical to those who toil in the field!

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I prefer Joan and Melissa on the red carpet to the boring Oscar show.

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The problem with the Oscars is it has now become just one of many awards shows. In the last few years there has been a proliferation of awards shows. So when one comes on... we the audiance just assume it is another self-congratulatory stroking of the actors egos. If you could ever convince this group of egomaniacs that less is more... the Oscars would hold more sway with the viewing public.

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Take a look at the Golden Globes, Peoples Choice and make some needed changes. More categories is so so needed. Comedies/musicals need their own category. It is so difficult to do comedy and it is hardly ever given the credit it deserves. Ensembled cast category. I hope we see some good changes next year.

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There's nothing wrong with the Oscar's. The broadcast is as the film industry is. When Hollywood comes up with a film actually worth going to, then, the Oscar broadcast will be better.

Once actors and directors stop taking themselves so seriously while thinking their opinion about world events is noteworthy (which they are NOT), we'll see better directors and better films. The day of the historical make overs has passed.

Your jobs are to entertain NOT preach. Remember your lines, please.

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I believe the Oscars should be entertaining and focus on the people who star in the movies and direct the movies...most of the categories are relevant...tech type awards should do their own awards. the computer technology has ruined a lot of movies for me. It is like watching a video game and MTV all rolled into one. There are still some great movies to make on subjects we have barely touched...we watch the Oscars to see our favorite actors and movies get awards...directors and music. This is a show to recognize excellence in acting and directing.
I used to be excited on Oscar day. This was the one night on TV when the stars shined and the entertainment was great. Now they are so worried about time and fear what some actor will say that the fun has been taken out of it. Where is the entertainment...It was great seeing the dancers and singers perform. You can really only get that by watching the Tony Awards. New is not always better...I have seen a lot of Oscar telecasts...and except for Whoopie Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, and Bob Hope........the other MC's have been boring...especially David Letterman. Bring us Hollywood...all the sites and sounds....Entertain us.........don't bore us..

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IM SICK AND TIRED OF SEEING THESE OVER PAID IDIOTS FLAUNTING THEIR WEALTH AND IN MANY CASES BAD BEHAVIOR WHEN TEACHERS, FIREMEN,SOLDIERS AND POLICE ARE SO UNDER PAID AND THEY ARE THE TRUE HEROS IN THIS COUNTRY !

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I think changes are in order. I would eliminate the short subject categories (or award them at a separate ceremony) because NO ONE ever sees these films. I would consider an ensemble award, but I would say another category or two should be added. Mainly, though still the big prize, the Oscars have become less relevant. Too often they are driven by external factors (sentimentality, box office, tradition, bias) rather than awarded for quality and merit. Look at some of the truly undeserving winners in past years. That's why SOME of the critics awards (and I don't mean Peoples Choice, which is a joke) hit the nail on the head more often and have risen in importance, prestige and popularity.

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The Oscars aren't interesting anymore. The big song and dance routines are boring. I appreciate all the background people who are involved in making a movie, but will we next have an award for best boy and gaffer? If these categories are relevant, they are relevant to a specific audience. There are so many show honoring the same people. Let's cut the show down to the basics with a host who doesn't try to entertain as much as introduce. Perhaps we can eliminate the red carpet also. No coverage until everyone is seated and the curtain goes up. How about we focus on the movie and the actors? How many categories were there at the first show? Who remembers what Janet Gayner wore? All the techi stuff should have its own recognition award but at another time and at another place. Actually, with all these changes I still wouldn't watch it anyway. One more thought, how about when the names are called the winner stands up and then sits down again. Perhaps the entire show would last less than an hour. GJ

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I think Helen Reid hit on the head (#10). I would add to that that I'm disturbed that certain films seem to be nominated simply because they seem to be furthering a narrow agenda. I have no problem with a film speaking inteligently to current issues, but lets make sure it's a quality piece of film making that truly resonates with most viewers before giving it an Oscar nod. Let's not simply reward a film for being controversial if it isn't also of high quality!

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Give Jerry Lewis the award. Cut Joan Rivers from the red carpet preshow. Cut out the unnecessary crap. Make comedy/musical a category of its own - it shouldn't have to compete - comedy and musical talent should be set apart. Then, just sit back and watch the "show" - just love to sit back and see who makes an idiot of themselves with their attire and who really has the "talent" to dress themselves properly. Also, Billy Crystal is the best host. Forget Chris Rock, he just doesn't fit into the glamour of the Oscars in my book, and his yelling voice gets on my nerves after the first 3 minutes. When Billy needs a break from hosting, maybe they should try a woman for a change. How about Ellen Degeneres? (as long as it's NOT Kelly Rippa).

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The Oscars need to be eliminated, as it has turned into a stage for the liberals to spout their slanted views without giving equal time to the opposition. Hollywood is learning that America just doesn't care as much about them anymore. I do not plan to watch the show this year.

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To many award shows on TV. The Oscars being the most unintertesting of the lot.

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I think its time for a realty check, they should keep there statements/life styles to thems selefs, there a group of over paid people such as sports players and TV personaltys,

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Cut out all acceptance speeches- Just allow them to say two words--"Thank you"

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