Oscar Blows Ledger Tribute

I am a sucker for anything that pulls at the old heartstrings, so it was with some weird mix of masochism and enthusiasm that I looked forward to the Heath Ledger portion of Oscar's "In Memoriam" tribute. The lump in my throat was building, as it became clearer with each deceased actor, writer and excecutive producers that they were saving Ledger for last.

So imagine my disappointment when they showed only two pictures of him, and one from a distance. They didn't even feature him speaking (nor did they for anyone else, but c'mon...he uttered one of film's instant classic lines). I was shocked and disappointed; I had every expectation that there would be much more substance to his tribute.

Am I morbid in wanting more? Is it possible the producers of the Academy Awards have more taste than I do, and felt it would be over-the-top to highlight Ledger's career? Sure, cinephiles can argue that Ingmar Bergman had a bigger influence on movies than Ledger did in his short career riddled with bad choices, but he was the only one of the group to have been nominated for an Oscar in the not-too-distant past. And "Brokeback Mountain" will go down in history as a pivotal moment in cinema.

So shame on you, Academy. I don't think anyone would've thought it in bad taste to have offered one last, more meaningful, salute to Ledger. You know he was on the minds of everyone there  (I half expected Daniel Day to dedicate his award to him) and I think the audience would've responded warmly to one last nod of the hat to someone who meant so much to so many.

Image courtesy Focus Features

Comments

[Nathan Bolden]

I think the Oscar producers did exactly what was tasteful and nothing more. As much as Ledger's death was a tragedy, his impact in Hollywood hasn't been that great or far-reaching. I am just surprised that his death has been more or less in vain when it comes to young stars' realizing their mortality. As long as the American public continues to condone and excuse the sorts of activities that ultimately cost Ledger his life, I think we will see more and more young talent tragically taken.