Neil Patrick Harris & The Oscars (Sheridan Pierce - Supplemental Post #4)

I was not impressed with Neil Patrick Harris’ hosting, which is surprising since I really love when he’s hosted the Tony’s.  The jokes seemed forced and too “punny,” and I didn’t like how he w

It must be difficult to host an award show because there’s an awareness that you will not be able to please everyone.  However, the jokes were very lame (in my opinion, as well as the opinions of many on the twittersphere).  Even other comedians took to twitter to convey their disappointment with Harris' hosting, criticizing him for the briefcase/Octavia Spencer/locked box bit that just kept going on (and on, and on, and on...).

His hosting made me consider his persona in general.  He juggles many different jobs in the entertainment industry, including actor, magician, and host.  We as an audience are comfortable seeing Harris in a hosting position because he has already presented himself as a “personality” as well as a celebrity.  This is why it was especially disappointing for audiences to see him fail at something he usually does with ease.  Because let’s face it, it wasn’t all that surprising that Anne Hathaway and James Franco were not well equipped to host in 2011.

Another notable moment happened before the show, on the red carpet.  Dakota Johnson, star of 50 Shades of Grey and her star mom, Melanie Griffith, were interviewed, and Griffith revealed that she had not seen her daughter's film.  The awkward fight that ensued is something that must be seen to be believed.

It was interesting to see this exchange, since it seemed that Dakota didn’t really care if her mom did see 50 Shades of Grey, but her mother was the one opposed to viewing the movie.  The odd tension was definitely uncomfortable to see on live television, and I’m not surprised that the clip went viral.