As Hollywood gears up for the 85th Academy Awards, Vatsala Chibber complies a list of award categories and winners as a tribute to the Oscars
10 Biggest Oscar Omission Award
There have been moments in Oscar history when the wisdom of the Academy’s decisions have been questioned. For example, some of Hollywood’s most celebrated classics such as Citizen Kane, Psycho and Wizard of Oz have been denied the golden statue. But possibly the most regrettable omission is Alfred Hitchcock’s. Unfortunately, the master of suspense never recieved an Oscar in the Best Director category, despite being nominated five times. When he was finally given the lifetime achievement award, Hitchock limited his acceptance speech to a cold and curt “Thank you”. Ouch.
9 Best Host Award
Being asked to host the Academy Awards is almost as great an honour as winning the gold statue. Some of the famous names who have hosted the Oscars over the years are Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, David Letterman, etc. But the best remembered and arguably the wittiest host on the Oscar stage is Billy Crystal, who has hosted the awards 8 times, more than anyone else in the history of the Academy Awards. Since last year’s hosts Anne Hathway and James Franco were subjects of much mockery due to their awkward hosting skills, we hope this year’s host Seth McFarlene (creator of Family Guy) can meet the expectations of the millions who will be watching on the 24th of February.
8 Best Political Statement Award
“Shame on you Mister Bush!” These words used by documentary filmmaker Michael Moore during his acceptance speech resulted in immediate drama. The auditorium was filled with sounds of booing and cheering, and much was said about Moore using the Oscar platform to criticise George Bush and his policies, who was then the American President.
7 Best Gown Award
The one question that is heard more then anything else on the Oscar red carpet is “Who are you wearing?”. While nominees worry about winning the prestigious golden statue, most other celebrities are battling pressures of a different kind: making it to the ‘best dressed’ list. Some of the most memorable gowns in Oscar history include Audrey Hepburn’s dainty floral dress, Hillary Swank’s deep blue gown with an equally deep back, Anne Hathway’s sparkling Armani gown and Angelina Jolie’s white silk number with a daring neckline. However, Kate Hudson’s gown at the 2003 Academy Awards, designed by the talented Donatella Versace, is best remembered for its sophistication, elegance and glamour. The dress was made of 14 karat gold and contained intricate embroidery that transformed Hudson into a glowing, golden beauty.
6 Best Performance Award
The Oscar stage has witnessed performances by musical legends such as Bono, Micheal Jackson and Madonna. However, at the risk of seeming biased, we’d like to say the most mesmerising performance at the Academy Awards has been that of A.R. Rahman, whose collaboration with another music maestro, Hans Zimmer, easily qualifies as musical heaven.
5 Best Acceptance Speech Award
When Tom Hanks recieved the Best Actor award for his performance as a gay lawyer in the movie Philadelphia, he created one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history. A visibly emotional and teary-eyed Hanks thanked his high school drama teacher and a classmate in his speech. “I mention their names because they are two of the finest gay Americans, two wonderful men that I had the good fortune to be associated with, to fall under their inspiration at such a young age,” Hanks said. “I wish my babies could have the same sort of teacher, the same sort of friends.”
4 Biggest Scandal Award
Angelina Jolie tops the list of Oscar scandals because after the event where she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Girl Interrupted, the sultry actress shared a rather lingering lip lock with her brother! Tabloids immediately caught the intimate moment and speculations of a non-platonic relationship between the siblings emerged.
3 Longest Standing Ovation Award
Cinematic legend Charlie Chaplin made his way into the Oscar record books in 1972 when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chaplin was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chaplin was honoured with a 12-minute long standing ovation, the longest ever in the history of the Academy Awards.
2 Sore Loser Award
Looks like some children never grow up. Last year, Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the role of Harry Potter in the popular movie franchise, openly critisised the Academy for not giving Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows due recognition. He said, “I don’t think the Oscars like commercial films, or kids’ films, unless they’re directed by Martin Scorsese. I was watching Hugo the other day and going, ‘Why is this nominated and we’re not?’ I was slightly miffed.”
1 Biggest Curse Award
Winners of the Best Actress Award face marital trouble, which ends in divorce soon after their Oscar win. Leading actresses such as Kate Winslet, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Hillary Swank and Julia Roberts are some victims of this Oscar curse. However, some Hollywood wives have escaped such misfortune, such as Helen Mirren who won an Oscar for her performance in The Queen and remains happily married. For now.
Volume 2 Issue 8
