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Roll in the red carpet: MoPA’s Oscar party cancelled!

February 21st, 2008 by Scott Marks

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Lest we forget, these two jadrools won Oscars and Hitchcock and Cary Grant didn’t!

Those of you wanting to witness my public rage when the former pole dancer picks up her best screenwriting statuette will have to rely on their imaginations. The Museum of Photographic Arts has called off its Academy Awards gala due to lack of interest.

What is it with San Diego’s film community? Worse yet, what’s with all the woosies scared to enter Balboa Park after sundown? Every decade someone is hurled over the Laurel Street bridge and locals fear that they’ll be next. We should be so lucky! Patrons can figure out how to make it to the Globe or Prado Restaurant, but when it comes to movies people look at the Park after dark as a leper colony.

Okay, maybe a buck-and-a-half a head was a bit stiff, but MoPA is a more than worthy cause. For you less charitable types there was free booze and a dinner whipped up by deliciously dependable Waters Catering. On top of that, Beth Accomando and I, two die hard Oscar-haters would be doing the color commentary. Even if you lose you win!

Just when I wrapped my mind around watching the Oscars outside my safety zone. Looks like another year sitting in my underpants, cleaning my gun and snacking on bread dipped in peach brandy.

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Vanity Fair Oscar party canceled due to Writers Guild strike

February 6th, 2008 by Scott Marks

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What would the Academy Awards be without the glitzy post game parties? A three-and-a-half hour snooze fest without the added incentive of a couple cocktails after the show.

Last night Vanity Fair decided to call off its annual Oscar gala. VF Daily issued the following press announcement:

“After much consideration, and in support of the writers and everyone else affected by this strike, we have decided that this is not the appropriate year to hold our annual Oscar party. We want to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and we look forward to hosting our 15th Oscar party next year. Inasmuch as Vanity Fair is a collection of writers, photographers and artists, we do feel ourselves in aligned solidarity with the writers, directors and actors in the film business.”

Remind me to renew my subscription to this fine, loyal, right-thinking publication.

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AMPAS President asks nominees to ignore WGA strike and attend Oscar ceremony

February 5th, 2008 by Scott Marks

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Salma Hayek & Sid Ganis announce last year’s nominations

During Monday’s annual Oscar luncheon at the Beverly Hilton hotel, Academy President Sid Ganis basically begged nominees to cross picket lines to attend this year’s fatuous popularity contest.The New York Times reports Mr. Ganis as saying, “Regardless of those circumstances, which are beyond our control, we will be presenting the awards as scheduled.”

Schmuck, the circumstances aren’t beyond your control. You’re the president of the all mighty Academy and what you say goes. Why can’t the Academy just hold off on the ceremony until the time comes when the writer’s strike is over? If nothing else, Sidney, think of how much more positive free publicity the Academy would amass in the time it takes to settle.

Stupid Sid couldn’t resist adding that the Academy Awards are not just about business but also about recognizing cinematic achievement.

The Academy Awards and artistic integrity?!?!? Since when? “It would be such a terrible shame,” said Sid, “if through no fault of yours and no fault of ours, the current conditions prevented us from shining that brightest possible light” on mediocrities like Juno and Michael Clayton.

And unlike the Publisher’s Clearing House raffle, Sid pointed out that the official certificate of nomination reads, “Must be present to win.”

Shockingly, the striking writers appear split in two camps: those who want winners to show up and use their acceptance speeches as a “bully pulpit” and those that feel a boycott would cause Hollywood further harm (and embarrassment).

The good news is that recent talks between striking writers and production companies show signs of hope.

As for me, strike or no strike, I’ll see you at the MoPA Oscar party on February 24.

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Brace Yourselves: KPBS Film Club goes public with MoPA Oscar party!

January 31st, 2008 by Scott Marks

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This will be a first for me. I don’t do Oscar well in public. Generally I watch them at home (preferably alone) and can’t remember the last time I viewed them in the company of others. I don’t want people to see me during or immediately after the ceremony. It’s nobody’s business.

Imagine my delight when my old stomping grounds the Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) invited the Film Club into the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Theatre to host an Oscar soirée. This year I leave the cocoon and join my KPBS partner Beth Accamondo live on stage and miked to do play by play commentary for this year’s Oscarcast.

Please, God, don’t let me work blue. And whatever you do, keep me away from the bar.

Neither of us has much good to say about the Oscars, but Beth insists that I harbor more contempt. Check the tapes; she’s said things about the beloved Academy that would render Jean Hersholt inhumane.

Luckily there isn’t much this year to outrage me, no Forest Gumps that would cause me to uproot seats and overturn tables. Then again, if Juno wins Best Screenplay, I just might pull a Sinatra and throw a tray of glasses.

Needless to say we were both a little surprised (and a lot flattered) when we got the call, so what the heck? It’s a great museum and if Beth and I have anything to do with it, there will be fun! A lot of fun and great food and libations (except for me) to boot. And the party is a lock strike or no strike.

The festivities kick off at 5 and will end when the last precious award is handed out. Tickets are $150.00 a head and it’s black tie optional. (Guess which option I’ll take.)

For more information, visit the MoPA website.

Come join us for an Oscar party you’ll never forget!

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