There was much speculation about the Oscars, whether they would be recession proof. And also whether anyone would watch them. ABC had to be nervous because last year only 32 million people watched the Oscars. Which is the lowest that the ratings have ever been. Over all the attempts of ABC executives went well. Here are a few hits and misses of the 81 annual academy awards

Hit

Hugh Jack man was a great choice as a host. He can sing, he can dance, he is funny and most women think he is as close as you can get to prince charming. Jackman, a great song and dance man, brought a totally different feel to the ceremony. I loved John Stewart but I think that if he would have returned the Oscars would have had a more political feel to them.

Jackman’s opening number featuring Anne Hathaway(who knew she could sing?) was great. I love the Oscars and this opening was one of the best that I had seen in years. Sure everyone is feeling a little down, the economy sucks, people want to feel uplifted and be swept away in the glamour of it all. And this number did it. It also proved that next year we we’ll see Anne Hathaway staring in a musical version of the Princess Bride.

Miss

If I had given my two-year-old niece a glitter gun she could have done a better job at set decoration. There was so much glitter on stage it made me wonder if this was happening in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Also, at one point when Best Supporting Actress was being introduced the curtains failed to open. Come on people I know these things happen but this is the Oscars not my high schools production of Once Upon a Mattress.

Hit

I for one really enjoyed the introduction of the nominees by other winners of those categories. I am very sentimental, and I almost teared up a few times. Shirley MacLaines, words to Anne Hathaway were very heartfelt.

Miss

Why are the Oscars obsessed with Beyoncé Knowles? Maybe it’s because I’m not a huge fan but it seems like every year she is there, ruining great songs from great movie musicals. This year she was featured in a salute to movie musicals that was staged by Baz Luhrmann, who it seems to have lost his touch. Between Hugh Jackman, Beyonce, and a surprise visit from Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, every song in movie musical history was butchered. With the talent and rescoures that were available, I expected a lot more.

Hit

The acceptance speeches were very heartfelt and sincere. It was no surprise that Heath Ledger won for best supporting actor, but his family’s acceptance speech brought everyone to tears. I couldn’t help but smile when Kate Winslet finally won for Best Actress, when she talked about standing in front of her bathroom mirror practicing her acceptance speech as a little girl everyone in the audience connected with her. Penelope Cruz was gracious and totally adorable when she asked if anyone had ever fainted up there.

Miss

Sean Penn is a great actor but I really hate it when winners get up and blast half of America. I know that it is his moment, but you could seriously see everyone in the audience suck in their breath, and start looking around trying not to make eye contact. To be fair to Sean, I felt the same way when Michael Moore did the same thing a few years ago. However, Penn did make a nice gesture by recognizing Mickey Rourke and his comeback for the “Wrestler.”

Over all there were many nice moments. Jerry Lewis accepting an honorary Oscar was touching, Will Smith could be hosting next year and as everyone expected Slum dog Millionaire did win for best picture. Even though there was some misses the 81 Annual Academy Awards was a success.