Tom Hanks, rushed for time, strode onto the stage and announced that The Hurt Locker won the big prize: Best Picture of 2009.
I disagree with this very strongly. The Hurt Locker was a good film, but I don't think it deserved the big one. That award belonged to the biggest picture of last year, Avatar. Not just because Avatar was the highest-grossing film of all time, but because it so greatly affected the industry with its 3D innovations and new technology.
When we look at 2009 in film twenty years from now, it'll be looked upon similarly to how we look upon the 1977 Oscars, when Annie Hall triumphed over Star Wars. Sure, Annie Hall was great -- but Star Wars was legendary. I think we'll look at Avatar the same way.
The Hurt Locker is a good film, but Best Picture? I don't think it's quite on that level. Basterds was better, and Avatar was more well-made, but I suppose that's just how the chips fell. Congratulations to The Hurt Locker and everyone involved with it.
