Oscah Observations: Busey, Travolta, Tilda and more...

(Getty Images) What struck me most about this year's show was the actual genuiness that prevaded the ceremonies. Starting with John Stewart as host himself, there was a tone of true appreciation tempered by an understanding that these are just the Oscars, not the Nobel Peace Prize awards. I have to admit that I found myself a little veklempt more than once with these really moving and awkward acceptance speeches.

But before I go there, can I just get a few things off my chest?  Where was Ben Affleck? I mean, both his wife and brother are in nominated movies, and he can't show?  And speaking of Jennifer Garner, did you see her get attacked by Gary Busey on the E! Red carpet?  It's truly disturbing -- watch.  How's Ben going to handle that one?

Did you SEE Regis Philbin in the pre-show call muy caliente Javier Bardem "Xavier"?  How does that happen? Bardem was completely gracious, but Philbin is an idiot. Can't they find someone under 60 to do this crap (other than Ryan Seacrest, that is). I mean, I'm free...clearly.

WHEN can we stop with the Jack Nicholson? Year after year, he does the same schtick and it's getting (gotten) old. Yes, I know...he's a living leged...he's done some great stuff, but do we have to continue to worship at the altar of Jack? And his whole "I own this place" demeanor, and cackling mid-sentence when nothing is funny but everyone laughs along with him...I am over it.

Did everyone except Diablo Cody know she was going to win, and that's why she wore a dress that she looked about as comfortable as a 14 year old girl going to a dance the night after she got her first period? There was something touching about her exit from the stage - touching because she looked so damn uncomfortable. And flats? Really???

Katherine Heigl was so nervous - how cute was that??

If there is anyone who didn't think John Travolta was gay before tonight, they must think so now. And you can officially add vampire to his title. And I think he's taking jaw-tightening classes from Tom Cruise.

And I will forego commenting on Tilda Swinton's get-up, because she is going to be target #1 for all the fashion police. In fact, she has a good chance as going down in history as the top offender of all time. It's just good they didn't have dark black curtains as a backdrop on stage; otherwise all you would've seen would be a floating glow-in-the-dark head and arm. A+ on the speech though - is she the only true match for George Clooney's charm?

A highlight for sure was sexy bear nerds Seth Rogan & Jonah Hill (ok, Rogan is def. sexier than Hill) stepping in for Halle Berry and Judi Dench. 

Cameron Diaz - same old story: amazing dress highlights amazing body, and then she looks like she did her hair & makeup in the car.

Who was Viggo's date?  It wasn't his daughter -- he doesn't have one....

And why was Roy Scheider missing from the Memoriam?

And finally, and I might be going to hell for this, but what the hell...can someone please give Miley Cyrus a toothbrush?! That girl always looks like she has some nasty ass film over her teeth, and that's why I actually believe her when she says she is a virgin.

OK, so back to my original thought. I can't figure out why exactly I am having this reaction to this year's show, because obviously every year there's emotional highs. I think maybe because things were just a little more muted, nothing totally over-the-top like Halle Berry or Sally Field freak outs.

Like when Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from the movie "Once" won for Best Song - they were literally on cloud nine but were able to make a clear, meaningful connection with the audience during their speeches. But what made it even sweeter was Stewart bringing the girl back out to say her thanks because she got Conti'd by the orchestra. I loved 1) seeing Stewart pull rank like that (or at least, that 's what I like to think) and 2) her speech, because it was just so damn sincere. (How cute was Stewart's palpable happiness for them? And his follow-up bit about how one of them suggested they make their Oscar's kiss, but the other noted, "they're two men", to which the first retored, "It's Hollywood!)

Or Marion Cotillard. She was shaking like Halle Berry but didn't cross the line over to nervous breakdown. Her speech, "Thank you life! Thank you love! And it is true there are angels in this city!" was so heartfelt and exuberant that I just melted. (I know many people are tired of the music bio pick and the apparent advantage it gives in Oscar voting, but I think what we have here is a case of Julie Christie and Ellen Page cancelling each other out, of the Academy's preference for the young ingenue - esp. after Helen Mirren sweeping in last year and representin for all actresses over 40, and frankly, a true talent being acknowledged.) I can't wait to see more of her.

And what about these Irish guys? They are just so intense. Daniel Day Lewis, looking better than ever, or at least, in a while, always amazes me with his way with words. Did he make that stuff about the statue being a "golden sapling sprung from (director) Paul Thomas Anderson" up on the spot? And I thought Colin Farrell was going to cry during his introduction of the duo from "Once". He's looking good too, although in need of a good combing. Sexy mom too!

And the ladies behind "Freeheld"...I'm not sure which one is Vanessa Roth and which is Cynthia Wade, but whichever one couldn't close her mouth was priceless.

I don't know; maybe I was just in the right mood to buy what everyone was dishing out. But I do believe it all starts with the host, and that Jon Stewart did an amazing job. He was able to be topical, edgy and respectful all at the same time. And I loved his "GayDolf Titler" bit.

I was not a big fan of Ellen's, and don't much go for the cutesy skits and elbow-rubbing she and the likes of Billy Crystal would do. Yes, we all know you have famous friends! I much prefer seeing the montage of winner from ages past, and watching the history of Hollywood unfold. It's so interesting to see the tastes of the movie going public and/or Academy evolve - late '60s to mid-'70s, and devolve - late '80s - mid-'90s (with some exceptions of course).

So I actually loved the show (then again, I watched it on Tivo). I am so disapointed Brangelina didn't show up (and I guess Jennifer Aniston didn't get the memo 'cuz she was a no-show too), but there was for sure enough good eye-candy (too much red though, I will say).  Unfortunately, Tilda Swinton's and Marie Cotillard's wins knocked me out of contention for my Oscar pool, but I'm ok with it because I am happy for these ladies. And if Jack can just stay home next year, I promise I'll not complain about anything else.

What about you? What were the highlights and lowlights for you? Did you love the show, or just think it "mah"?  Share your thoughts below.  Oh, and if you really want to have fun, you can caption Oscar pictures yourself on Gay.com.