Oscars to go on, possibly with 'packages of film and concepts'

Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

I don't even know why I bother watching the damn thing anymore. I'm always complaining about whose dress is the ugliest or that the host isn't funny enough or that the speeches are too long. My parents claim that in spite of all of that (they do it too), they really want to see the Oscars. They're not fooling anyone.

Eric Friedmann Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

I gave up on the Oscars years ago because it's become nothing short of a cheap, pathetic pageant that, at times, resembles the Donny & Marie variety show from the 1970's. I would only tune in during the last 20 minutes to catch the awards for best director and best film. This year, I'm not even going to bother with that. I'll read about it the next morning.

Babs Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

Well, I usually do something else during the Oscars (or any awards show) telecast anyway, so I'll probably have it on. I'm sure there will be dishes to wash or clothes to iron.

ja$04 Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 05:01 AM EST

My hats off to everyone who says they'll watch the Oscars either way. I watched 15 minutes of the Golden Globes and sheer embarrassment made me turn. When I started sweating for Queen Latifah I just knew that was my cue to start channel surfing. I don't think I could bear to watch Jon Stewart struggle like that. I'll just as soon get my Oscar news here, thank you very much.

Fay Liotta Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 09:24 PM EST

I have a weakness for award shows [Emmys, Oscars, Tonys] and clip shows and flashbacks. Any excuse I have to hoarde chips and dip while chugging Dr Pepper is good enough for me. THE GOLDEN GLOBES clocked in at 30 mins this year? Priceless! If I can save wear and tear on my TiVo it will be worth it. I love Daniel Day Lewis! Has it really been 19 years since his last Oscar win? More Heath Ledger tributes, please!

the oscars Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

If there is not going to be any stars and they need to kill time why not show the oscar nominated live action shorts and the animated ones. We never get to see them. I saw some of the animated ones on youtube and they were impresive.

Rich Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 05:08 PM EST

If they limited it to an hour or two, I think I would actually prefer a clip show.

Carli Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

* That was supposed to say 'watch.'

Carli Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

Well, I want to want Glen and Marketa perform!!

v Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

I've watched the Oscars for as long as I can remember. In recent years, my movie buff friend and I try to watch as many nominated films as possible before the big show, then we get together and make a night of it with food, drink, friends, etc. We're still doing all that, because, even in the abscence of the show, we'd still have all the other good stuff. But should Plan B ("Operation Clip Packages") be put into effect, I really really hope it's not a 4+ hour thing!

Mike Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

Whether it's plan A or B, I'll DVR the whole thing anyway. I don't want to miss the Coen Brothers night.

M Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

To tell you the truth, I wouldn't watch either way. I'm so sick of hollywood constantly fumbling over themselves to kiss their own butts? I personally think it's ridiculous how much these people are paid, simply for saying words they did not even write. Don't we have teachers and soldiers who do way more for this country than them, who should be honored and revered?

Snarf Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

I'll watch - curiosity killed the cat satisfaction brought it back.

Sven Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

I will absolutely watch it, regardless of whether it is Plan A or B. It's the Oscars!

donner Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

I didn't watch the Globes, I think the DGA were televised, but I didn't watch them (and if they weren't well, I wouldn't have watched them if they were)...and nope, I have no interest in watching a Dumbed Down version of the Oscars...even a GOOD version of the Oscars is tedious and time consuming and I tend to get bored...I love Jon Stewart, tho...

Snsetblaze Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

I will watch the first few minutes to see if Jon Stewart wears the writers strike solidarity unibrow again.

Nick Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

I will watch, but I have already cancelled my Oscar Party, which has always been a huge event. This would have been the 10th anniversary for it. I just didn't want to have it if no stars are going to be there, and it takes way too much planning to do it on a "what if" the strike ends.

MKS Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

I'll watch it either way, but I better not see that dimwitted idiot as known as Billy Bush. He's the reason why I decided not to watch the Golden Globes press conference.

Anna Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

I agree with Mr. Cates as well. The Oscars have been on for EIGHTY years! That is a long history... So even if you're not that big of a fan, the least you can do is appreciate the importance of this one awards show. As much as I love and support the writers, I think it would incredibly sad if the history book recorded 2008 as the year the Oscars didn't go on because of a writer's strike.
Plus, I really want to see beautiful people walk the red carpet! haha

Andrea Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

I barely even noticed that the Golden Globes weren't on so I doubt that I'll tune in for the Oscars...especially if its some lame clip show. I usually only watch award shows for the fashion anyway, and since that is pretty heavily covered in the gossip rags (thanks, Us, Life and Style, Star, etc) I won't be missing much

Nancy Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

No I will not watch some "clip" show. Sorry, Jon Stewart. I WANT THIS STRIKE OVER NOW!!!!!

tuppy Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

I agree with Mr. Cates.

Ever since I was little and memorized 70-some best picture winners in order (right after I learned all the presidents), the Oscars have been MY superbowl. I will watch whatever they broadcast, but I hope the show can go on!

BrandonK Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

I'll probably watch the show regardless. I would prefer the regular show happen, but I'm interested in seeing what they come up with without "writers". I don't think anyone will miss Bruce Vilanch.

AA Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:25 AM EST

I'm actually curious to see what a writer-less Oscars will be like. Aren't the Oscars regularly lambasted for the lame "banter" that the cue card readers--I mean, presenters--have to struggle through? I'll miss the stars if they don't cross the picket lines, but the writing on the show? Not so much.

Cristina Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

I'm with you, Mandi! I never watch any of the award shows as I view them as Hollywood's opinion of itself. It's like throwing an award show for one's own family: "Award for Best Father goes to....!"

Beth Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

I'm with you, Mandi. As much as I have enjoyed watching the Oscars over the years, I don't think I'll shed any tears if it doesn't happen this year. So little of my time is my own these days, so I have to admit it's been a little refreshing knowing that I don't have to block out a period of time these days to watch my fevorite shows (except Lost, naturally), let alone four plus hours to devote to the award show. I think I'll be able to cope if it doesn't go on this year.

Rebekah Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

I will watch the Oscars whether it is Plan A or Plan B. I hope Jon Stewart will host either way. Because of a possible Plan B, I plan on watching the BAFTA awards for the first time ever on BBC America.

Chris G Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

If there are no Oscars, I'm going to pull a Zsa Zsa and slap Hollywood in the face!

kelsey Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Let me say, first of all, that I love and admire Jon Stewart. BUT as for the Oscars ... last year was my first time watching the show without giving up during the first hour. I still haven't recovered. I won't plan on watching this year's show (I mean, if it's that boring with writers, I can't imagine what it'll be like now) but I certainly wish Jon Stewart a lot of luck.

Go writers! I'm on your side!