The Academy Awards Telecast Takes Over the Tube
Most Networks Schedule Repeats in Deference to the Annual Event
It’s that time of year again when all of the big names in the Hollywood film industry, with a sizable selection from abroad, gather together in a huge auditorium to pay respects to those the voters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences deem most praiseworthy. Given the immense number of viewers who tune into the always seemingly unending Oscars show year after year, most networks have wisely decided to air repeats opposite the ceremony.
I’ll be watching, if only to root for the three nominees in the categories I actually give a hoot about. So here’s crossing my fingers for Jennifer Hudson of Dreamgirls to win one of those golden boys for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (suck on that, Simon!), Helen Mirren of The Queen to get her due for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, and Forest Whitaker of The Last King of Scotland to score big for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. Since the television hostess with the mostest, Ellen DeGeneres, is the mistress of ceremonies, maybe her considerable comedic charms will make the six-hour wait until they finally get around to announcing the winners in those categories seem more like two or three. Ha! Don’t I wish!
Other Good Stuff on TV Tonight
- The Amazing Race: All-Stars—BEAUTY IS SOMETIMES SKIN DEEP: More of the usual maneuvering to get one over on the other teams and move ahead of the pack. [CBS/8:00]
- Barbara Walters Oscar Special: The 2007 edition of Walters’ annual pre-Academy Awards tradition features interviews with Oscar nominees Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, and Eddie Murphy, as well as this year’s host, funny lady Ellen DeGeneres. [ABC/7:00]
- Battlestar Galactica—DIRTY HANDS: Adama and Chief Tyrol go at it again when the latter decides to attempt instigating a strike on the ship. Incidentally, Adama—or rather the actor who plays him, Jamie Bamber—crossed over to Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Ghost Whisperer last Friday. [Sci Fi/10:00]
- Crossing Jordan—NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: Acting veteran Ron Silver drops by to play a dead man walking … literally. [NBC/10:00]
- The Dresden Files—BAD BLOOD: Somebody wants a bloodsucker dead, and Harry gets the honor of nailing—none of several puns intended—the culprit. [Sci Fi/9:00]
- Hogan Knows Best—THE CANINE MUTINY: In the 3rd-season finale, it all goes to the dogs. [VH1/10:00]
- Iron Chef America—FLAY VS. CRAWFORD: Chefs Bobby Flay and Lynn Crawford duke it out cuisine-style to rule the kitchen. [Food Network/9:00]
All times are PM and EST/Eastern Standard Time
Ellen DeGeneres photo courtesy of Michael Caulfield and WireImage.com
