Grand and Glorious Awards Show

“Too much of a good thing can be …wonderful,” Mae West once declared. That describes how I felt last night while watching the 81st Annual Academy Awards show. What a grand and glorious showbiz celebration!

Much of the credit goes to host Hugh Jackman for his wonderful song and dance numbers. Besides being “the sexiest man alive,” he’s a consummate entertainer. I loved it when Hugh announced that Mamma Mia! (my favorite film of 2008) has now surpassed Titanic in money earned throughout the United Kingdom -- and I cheered when he shouted, “The musical is back!” at the end of that splashy, sensational Baz Luhrmann tribute to film musicals.

Without a doubt, this year’s Oscars® show turned out to be the best one ever. It was well-organized, informative, glamorous and -- like Mary Poppins -- practically perfect. Here are some of the highlights for me:

Queen Latifah performing a tender rendition of "I’ll Be Seeing You" while clips of actors and other film personnel who passed away during 2008 flashed on the big screen behind her.

Steve Martin and Tina Fey showing off their marvelous comic talents as presenters of the screenplay awards. “Don’t you fall in love with me,” Steve warned Tina when he sensed she was staring at him.

Kate Winslet, in her acceptance speech, teasing fellow nominee Meryl Streep by saying, "Suck it up, Meryl.”

Winner of two music awards for Slumdog Millionaire, A. R. Rachman, explaining that in a world where the choice is between love and hate, he chose love.

All the Slumdog Millionaire folks displaying such pride and joy with each of the eight awards won by this impressive film.

Danny Boyle, who beamed throughout the entire evening, giving a most heartfelt acceptance speech for his Best Director Award (Slumdog Millionaire) and commending the Academy for putting on such a terrific show.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Danny. Bravo to everyone connected with the 81st Annual Academy Awards Ceremony.

AUSTRALIA Arrives for Thanksgiving

One of the most eagerly awaited films of 2008 opens on Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving. Titled simply Australia, it’s an old-fashioned sweeping epic co-starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman (be still my heart).

The film’s previews look absolutely gorgeous, just like its two megastars! In fact, the Hollywood Film Festival has already named Mandy Walker “Cinematographer of the Year” for Australia. Set in northern Australia during the 1940s, the story focuses on a member of the English aristocracy, played by Kidman, who inherits a huge cattle station and tries to foil a plot to take over her land. Jackman’s character, a rough-hewn drover, agrees to help her. Unfortunately, they face bombing by Japanese forces as they struggle to survive. And, of course, love blooms between these two very different people.

Wow! Action, adventure, romance -- plus direction by Baz Luhrmann, who did such a great job helming Moulin Rouge! Here’s hoping Australia doesn’t turn out to be a turkey.