Now that we all have had a good laugh over the Slate meme "Travoltify Your Name" let's look at what really happened at the Oscars. I thought the wins in the actor/actress categories were well-deserved. The competition was incredibly stiff; we were treated to many stellar performances this year. I hope my acting students had a chance to catch most of these movies. They could learn a lot from watching these actors ply their craft so brilliantly.Pros and cons
As an actor/director/teacher I watch the Oscars because I want to see good work rewarded. As a speaking coach, I watch for the speeches. Here's what I thought of them this year: Lupita Nyong'o's acceptance speech for her role in 12 Years a Slave was a textbook example of How It Is Done. She was gracious and grateful, even as she connected her good fortune with the historical reality of her character's grim fate. Her prepared speech struck just the right balance. Of course she prepared. She likely memorized her text--even rehearsed! Which is what you would expect from someone who studied at Yale School of Drama. She knows better than to "wing it." My other favorite speech was given by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez who won for Best Theme Song, "Let it Go" from Frozen. They presented, in duet fashion, a rhymed acceptance speech that was clever, short, and to the point. A treat--written by people who know how to write.
The really bad speakers of the night weren't those accepting awards--though with his "hero" riff, Matthew McConaughey almost went off the rails. This year it was the presenters who were lacking in stage presence. John Travolta should have come to rehearsal and put his contacts in on Oscar night. There is absolutely no excuse for the way he messed up the name of the star he was introducing! He is being mocked in all media, and deservedly so. And Harrison Ford's bling couldn't make up for the fact that he just stared stone-faced into the camera as he announced three of the best picture nominees. As if he couldn't be bothered to muster any enthusiasm. Truly a moment many of his peers and fans will remember.
The really bad speakers of the night weren't those accepting awards--though with his "hero" riff, Matthew McConaughey almost went off the rails. This year it was the presenters who were lacking in stage presence. John Travolta should have come to rehearsal and put his contacts in on Oscar night. There is absolutely no excuse for the way he messed up the name of the star he was introducing! He is being mocked in all media, and deservedly so. And Harrison Ford's bling couldn't make up for the fact that he just stared stone-faced into the camera as he announced three of the best picture nominees. As if he couldn't be bothered to muster any enthusiasm. Truly a moment many of his peers and fans will remember.
Accepting an award well (or bestowing one, for that matter) is something that takes practice. Next time you're in that enviable position, be more Lupita, less Matthew, more engaged than Harrison, and whatever you do, don't pull a Travolta!
