Atlast, Oscar Night gets it.

For me, this yearly ritual is met with the usual mix of excitement (love the fashion, makeup and hair), disappointment (favorite stars and films don’t get acknowledged) and eventual bordom (too much chatting, too many shout-outs, too much gushing and tears.)

But something was clearly different this year. The stage felt intimate...I felt like I was there. People accepted their awards with an unusual amount of grace-and gratefulness. There were no slipped in quips of negativity; no controversial outfits (although the white suit by Jean Paul Gaultier worn by Mickey Rourke caused a little buzz): no long-winded acceptance speeches (the winner of the makeup category for “Benjamin Buttons” clocked in 62 names in 48 seconds!)

But what brought me to my knees with awe was the presentations for The Best: Actress, Actor, Film. What a BRILLIANT way to acknowledge greatness by those who are already recognized by their own Oscar win, as great. The semi-circle of love that transported the stage into a dialogue between a winner and a nominee...an intimate moment that made us feel as if we were so lucky to be privy to such an exchange of recognition. What a moment! I was moved by the actor characterizing the nominee and by the expression of genuine emotion by the recipient of the words of endearment  we witnessed, from one professional to another. And the ultimate love fest as the winner mounted the stage to be embraced by them all.

This should be the paradigm we all embrace when recognizing a number of people on our team, in our circle or civic group. Let different individuals recognize others to personalize the sentiment. It is a stunning example of how individuals are highlighted more prominantly when the opportunity to recognize them is shared.

If I could, I’d give an Oscar to the Oscars for being the Best Annual Show that I’ve watched in a long time!

Kim, Editor