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Cintra, normally I agree with your eviscerations whole-heartedly, but I've gotta agree with the other comments here--Jon did a fine job. A little nervous at the outset, sure, but I really do think he helped instill the (still overly-long) ceremony with a bit more wit and light-heartedness. The cracks about Crowe, Scorcese, Theron, etc. were all spot-on without being cheap or cruel, the cowboy montage and attack ads were delightful, and in general it seemed like all the recipients and presenters felt a bit more license to joke and have a good time (the Penguin guys, the Wallace & Gromit guys, Ben Stiller, etc.). And Jon's comment about the unabashed joy of Three 6 Mafia highlighted the very real problem that the Oscars always face--everyone seems to feel pressure to be much more dignified than they are naturally inclined to be, which is why the whole evening so often seems to suffocate under its own stiffness and pomposity. The Oscars need to become a bit more like a high school graduation, where attendees celebrate honors and milestones, but still feel free to be a bit goofy and enjoy themselves.
