2009 took the Oscars back to the "Golden Age" of Hollywood, singing and dancing all the way. Song-and-dance man (not to mention Sexiest Man Alive), Hugh Jackman hosted the music filled three and half hour show.
Producers took the Oscars back to the 1950s by taking the orchestra out of the pit and onto the stage in a big band style setup. They infused classic movie scores with well-known big band sounds to create upbeat tunes throughout the evening.
Broadway veteran, Jackman opened the show with a rousing musical compilation paying tribute to the top nominees of the evening. He even pulled Anne Hathaway out of her front-row seat to sing with him. (Her voice was surprisingly good.)
Musical numbers broke up the normally dull show. Beyonce, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens all joined Jackman on stage to salute the return of the musical to Hollywood. Queen Latifah belted out a touching rendition of the tune "I'll Be Seeing You" (Originally from the Broadway musical Right this Way) during the In Memoriam video. Best Original Song nominees performed a confusing melody of the three songs with John Legend filling in for Peter Gabriel on vocals for "Down to You" from Wall-E.
I am a music fan but even I thought the Oscars had too much music. (Although I did appreciate that they did not cut off acceptance speeches with the orchestra this year, especially for Heath Ledger's family.) It reminded me more of the Tony awards than the Oscars. Producers needed to keep in mind their audience for the show. Jackman did a great job as a first-time host and his musical numbers were a welcomed change, but keep the singing and dancing to a minimum. The show is long enough without time-wasting Broadway-inspired over-the-top performances.
For a complete list of nominees and winners from Hollywood's biggest night visit www.oscars.com.
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