Fair point, but then I don't think they were booing bringing politics into it, more booing his view point, i.e what he was saying. When you raise such a controversial issue, you are going to get that sort of a reaction, there were people clapping him as well, so there was some ballance.

As for the poor films, I'd disagree. I think the Pianist is a brilliant film, worth of best pic in any year. As far as I'm awear from critics GONY was very good, controversial in some areas, but still very good, well directed, and well acted, particularly by Daniel Day Lewis. The Two Towers was really really good, such a spectacular film, well directed, and just a superb piece of cinema. I didn't see Chicargo, didn't see the apeal of it, but it was different, and it seems a lot of peopel really did like it. I didn't see Jack Nicholsons film either, but people have told me it was really good, and it got an extremely good review on news night!

In terms of decent people, I thought Adrian Broody's acceptance speach was heartfelt, and came across as a decent guy. Similarly I thought Nichole Kidman came across ok..... The Oscars is about sentimental things like that, saying thank you, tears e.t.c.

I think the Oscars is ok, and should carry on. I don't think it's seen as nessesarily THAT important for most actors. I'm sure Pacino knows his performance in the Godfather, Serpico, Scarface, and Donnie Brasco were much more memerable than the film he did win an Oscar for (was it called Sea of Love? the one where he's blind). I'm sure it's nice to win, but I think it's only really important for those who are young, or those who are aspiring. If Jack Nicholson had won, I doubt it would have been too big a thing for him, he's a legend, and doesn't need the award to get scripts. For people like Hally Berry, it has made her a more sort after actress, and has boosted her carear. What's nice about the Oscars, is that it does bring some recognition to people, and make less blockbuster type films (i.e the Pianist was released over here on selected release) get the credit, and attention they deserve. I think it's also quite a nice tradition, where it isn't life or death for most of the people involved. . . . . Politics is involved, but it is in anything where there is a judge. The European song Contest is the best example..... but even things like Diving tournaments I'm sure have some level of politics in them.....

I also think people are still interested.... I'm not bothered at the end of the day who wins or not, but I'm interested, and I was still quite pleased that Adrian Broody won, as I think his performance deserved it.......