I’m not sure that it’s the “new modern approach” that has wrought these changes to Oscar protocols. From what I hear, they are desperate to boost the TV audience for the telecast, which has been slipping in the ratings in recent years.
This is apparently the reason they included 10 nominees for Best Picture, so that more people would have a “stake” in watching the broadcast because their favorite film (or the ONLY movie they watched in 2009, usually a blockbuster) might win the award. Adding a few younger hosts sounds like a blatant attempt to interest a younger audience, the chief demographic for Hollywood movies these days and the crucial TV demographic.
Moving the Honorary Award to a separate ceremony is probably along the same lines: (1) the winner (Roger Corman) is an old-timer that “the kids” may not have heard of and (2) with 10 Best Picture nominees, they have to cut some time out of the program so why not cut the old guy (who may not be all that popular with most Academy members, other than the dozen or so who got their starts at AIP). (I understand that they’ve also cut back on the musical numbers this year.)
I won’t comment on AVATAR’s chances for the big one. Cameron himself seems to think that his ex-wife is going to get it (and/or the Best Director statue).
TITANIC won in part for its CGI effects, so how is this any different from years ago? Besides, going back in time to the “good old days” when the Academy Awards were only given to deserving films might mean going to THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (which wasn’t) or to the fantasy land of Oz. Come to think of it, TWoO didn’t win Best Picture either.
Want more people to tune into the Oscars? Cut out the stupid clip retrospectives!
Mademoiselle
This year, in the Oscars, several categories are going to be hosted by new teenager actors, the honorary award is now longer being given at the actual Oscars but in a separated ceremony and (unfortunately) the most likely film to win Best Picture is Avatar with its modern visual effects and 3D.
Doesn’t this new modern age that the Oscars are trying to promote seem a little bit forced and supperficial?
Let’s go back in time!