2008 Oscar Surprises

Every year we watch … well, we set the television channel to and attempt to stay awake through the full four hour extravaganza that is called the Academy Awards. Every year we find ourselves mostly numb to the results because they’re usually what we expect. However, every year there are some surprises that make us do a double-take and say … “really?” This year was no exception.

The Golden Compass won the  Best Achievement in Visual Effects award, over Transformers, which I thought was a shoe-in … but what do I know? The Golden Compass had some really cool special effects, but I didn’t think it achieved on the same level as Transformers.

Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), while very much deserving,  won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role over the buzz-favorite [not mine]  Saoirse Ronin (Atonement)  and my favorite, Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There). I accept this Oscar completely.

Diablo Cody (Juno)  won the award for Best Original Screenplay, which amazed me not because it didn’t deserve it, but because I really liked the film but figured the only  possible outcome in this category more unlikely was Ratatouille. In a category dominated by comedies, I was certain the Oscar was going to Michael Clayton, but this goes to show you not to assume to readily.

And finally, not a surprise, but  a hearty congratulations to Joel and Ethan Coen for their second, third and fourth Oscars … which includes their first and long-overdue Oscar for Achievement in Directing. Paul Thomas Anderson, keep up the incredible work and yours will come as well.