Oscar disappointment....

I am an avid film watcher. In fact, part of this post is to announce I am conducting a major research project...I am attempting to catalogue all of the movies I have ever watched. I expect that it is well over 1,000, so stay tuned for details. That aside, I usually enjoy watching the Academy Awards. However, this year was a down year in terms of the films that were nominated (my pick would've been Gran Torino, but alas, good ol' Clint has had a hell of a run in the past few years). Two things in particular irked me tonight. Thing one, I understand that Meryl Streep is a great actress, I get that she has 15 nominations, but greatest living actress?? Perhaps a bit much. Did everyone forget Dame Judi Dench? For my money, I also believe Cate Blanchett to be a better actress, and think Kate Winslett is on par with Streep, if not already a bit above her. Thing two, can someone please tell me why the hell that "P.o.S. walking" Sean Penn can't for the life of him ever summon any dignity? Hey Sean, get on stage thank the Academy for your ACTING award, and get the hell off. Wrong place for your self-indulgent, soapbox diatribe about the liberal topic du jour. In fact, no place is ever right I think for the pseudo-"love toward fellow man" crap that falls out of your mouth. I guess that doesn't apply to wives, photographers, and well anyone else that you dislike right? Speaking of which, way to thank your wife, Robin Wright and the kids, class, class, class pal...