On The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Twitter account, a picture of a cheese platter was recently posted entitled, “this is the only time folks can say we’re cheesy.” The cheese was cut into the shape of Oscar statuettes with a dab of caviar by Oscar’s neck.
Hillsdale students like sophomore Carly Hubbard have been less than attentive with cheese plate updates, much less in their viewing of the Academy’s highly recommended films. For Hubbard this is due to organic chemistry homework, the Hillsdale theaters inconvenient movie times, and the cost of a movie ticket that is better spent on a McDonald’s midnight run. She has, however, seen “Les Miserables.” Twice.
“I cried,” Hubbard said.
Freshman Colton Duncan saw “Lincoln” over his winter break and found the film rather inspirational. But that was the extent of his knowledge of best film nominations.
“I thought it was a really good movie. It got me pumped for my American Heritage class,” Duncan said. “I was going to see ‘Django Unchained’ with my dad, but we went bowling instead.”
Although unable to see “Les Miserables,” Duncan was sure that the film was a shoo-in for Best Picture based on his sister’s touching reviews.
Junior Robert Geiger had a similar reaction to the film, even though it was the only picture he had a chance to see over winter break.
“It for sure deserves an award, “ said Geiger. “I thought about crying.”
Feb. 24 is a special evening to a handful of students such as senior Rachel Hofer, who plans on joining the Hollywood starlets for the glamour of the evening. Thoughts on cheese platters are still in the air.
“The Oscars are classy,” Hofer said. “I like celebrations, and I like things that are exciting.”
Hofer plans to watch the Oscars in the comfort of her Academy Awards garb, which includes a lot of gold.
“I love gold,” Hofer said. “I will be wearing solid gold nail polish on Oscar night. I also have a gold sequined overcoat that I will be wearing.”
President of the Hillsdale Film Society, senior Helge Bjerck, finds the Oscars less than exciting or surprising despite his interest in movies.
“I feel like the Oscars are pretty uninteresting to watch,” said Bjerck. “They just go for the safe choices rather than choosing the groundbreaking film.”
As the local movie expert, Bjerck thinks that “Lincoln” will win best picture because the “Academy loves Steve and Daniel Day Lewis. It’s Lincoln. It’s American.”
Junior Hayden Smith restarted the Hillsdale Film Society in 2012 with Joe Craig and Bjerck. Smith was shocked that Wes Anderson’s latest film, “Moonrise Kingdom,” was not nominated by the Academy this year.
“It was a critical film and a fan favorite that I thought would be a slam dunk,” Smith said. “Though it must be said that the Academy has never been very receptive to Anderson’s charms.”
Bjerck’s formula for a Best Picture Oscar incorporates three focal points: it must be artistically significant, something that is new and not “rehashable,” and over all good in every aspect, such as acting, directing, and writing.
