I’ve just got to send a sincere and heartfelt “energy hug” to the people who created the 2009 Oscars on Sunday. Even though it was Hollywood and fantasy, there was an amazing array of human moments that touched my heart in multiple ways. Did you notice? Allow me to point out what uplifted me so much and see if you agree:
1. Hugh Jackman as host was a brilliant move. He’s handsome, quick, witty, healthy, full of positive energy and a joy to watch. Somehow I had forgotten he is an amazing dancer and singer, comfortable on stage and behind a camera. His love of the stage and the spotlight put us all into a great state of positive anticipation. He entertained us each and every second the camera caught him. It is marvelous to watch someone who loves what he does and makes it look so easy. Hugh is one of my heros for that and I am grateful that I got to see him in action.
2. Beautiful, Classic Images Abound – Lovely people, beautiful gowns and tuxedos, sparkling crystals and cinema images, we had lots to appreciate and enjoy. I suppose it is something common to every year, but I saw less of the gaudy and more of the tastefully classic images this year. At a time when our economy is in a recession, it was very appropriate to return to classic themes and I believe this was accomplished nicely with the assistance of all involved.
3. Gracious Words of Thanks and Appreciation – One of my favorite parts of the Oscars is how the winners handle their very brief acceptance speech. You have to admire how nerves and excitement can interfere with getting the right words out. This year there seemed to be an abundance of grace. People were able to make their statements brief, interesting and meaningful. I noticed that almost every single award winner expressed sincere gratitude and made a point of sharing the accomplishment with many who contributed to their success. There was certainly a global feeling of connection. I was particularly struck by Penelope Cruz’s words about how the arts and film are part of our joyful collective human experience, moving us beyond culture and language. Another international film, Slumdog Millionaire, the winner of so many awards also helped our world become uplifted by it’s grace and positive human story (and it a must-see film). This is where peace starts!
4. People Doing What They Love – There’s something about all this passion in one room, beaming into my home during the awards that lights up my soul. It’s the same reason I get a jolt out of watching those top 10 American Idol finalists. When you can feel how much the performer loves what they do, and it is contagious. The musical song and dance number featuring Beonce, Hugh Jackman and dozens of dancers was a great example of entertainers in their moment. You just gotta love that level of talent combined with fun. I wondered if they endure long rehursals to get it right, or did it all fall into place easily? They sure made it look like a piece of cake. We all want to live like that and can if we deliberately shift our choices to include more of what we love!
So until the 2010 awards, take time to live, learn and grown in your own human experience through film, the arts and most certainly doing something you love.
