74th Annual Academy Awards

Is it that time of year already? I watched this ceremony recorded – one of the first times when my `maturity' and `love of my job' that stopped me doing an all-nighter, watch a movie till 2 then watch the ceremony then go to work! So taping it gave me the luxury of fast forwarding all the breaks etc (and there are tonnes) and get though it quicker. The first weakness for me was Goldberg doing the compere. I like her in some movies but she can't compare to Crystal's (or even Martin's) quick wit. Many of her jokes were poor and her flamboyant entrances etc were simply weak. I didn't laugh at all at her which is a real downer as I always count the compere as the backbone of the show.

The ceremony after 11/9 had the potential to be sombre and reflective and in a way it was, but not to the detriment – it was more a celebration of New York than a sad time. Woody Allen's appearance was quite moving and witty considering his loathing for the ceremony and the New York compilations were good. Chan and Wilson were funny together too but too brief!

The actual awards were memorable as they were historic if nothing else. Halle Berry became the first Afro-American woman to win Best Actress and went all to pieces. Washington won for Best Actor for the slightly unworthy film Training Day – but it was a strong role I guess. Rounding up the `Hollywood makes amends' feel was an honorary award for Sidney Poitier without whom neither of the previous two would have as easily got where they are. Best picture for Beautiful Mind was a bit of a surprise as was best director but ah well.

Overall not a great show because of Goldberg's weak routines. The shadow of terrorism was over the whole thing and the awards were unsurprisingly despite being a little disappointing. It's a shame so much was made of the fact that three `black Oscars' (not my words!) were given out in one night – it may it feel like it was the Academy being PC rather than the actors deserving them.