Oscar High(and low)lights

#1. Ellen
Not perfect, and not quite as comfortable as Billy Crystal (especially in the first moments of her monologue), but overall I think Ellen acquitted herself quite well. Certainly better than Jon Stewart or David Letterman. I also think she made a great fashion choice -- the velvet tux walked the line between masculine and feminine quite adroitly.
#2. The "Sound Effects Chorus" Stuck in the middle of the show was one of its best moments -- a tribute to sound effects people in the form of a chorus of human voices creating some very convincing sound effects for scenes from actual films.
#3. Pilobolus
Pilease. I can appreciate the skill it takes to create those shadow shapes with their bodies and a few simple props, but every time they cut to one of the Pilobolus segments, I felt the show grind to a halt.
#4. The Ovation for Martin Scorcese
Long overdue.
#5. Jennifer Hudson
Not for her win, but for the look on her face in the opening moments of the show when Ellen called attention to her and said, "I mean -- look at that." It felt like a sexual comment was coming and Jennifer looked very uncomfortable with being the possibility of being desired by a lesbian in front of an audience of billions.
#6. Philip Seymour Hoffman
For worst hair of the night. His head looked like it was being prepared for commercial agriculture.
#7. "The Nominees"
Errol Morris's beautiful, simple, egalitarian look at excitement, anticipation and dedication to craft.
#8. Meryl Streep
For being herself and dressing it down. (And her amazing take when she and Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway got back into their "Prada" characters for a moment.)
#9. Alan Arkin
I'm just glad "Little Miss Sunshine" was recognized. I had hoped Peter O'Toole would be a surprise winner over Forest Whitaker, but an upset is always fun.
#10. "I Need to Wake Up"
And there was no bigger upset than this -- I mean, the song from a documentary about the potential life-changing effects of global climate change beating out not one but three songs from "Dreamgirls"? Melissa handled the excitement with grace, especially her loving (but nearly chaste) kiss for her girlfriend.
#11. The Show Itself
A reinvention of the form, but familiar enough not to shock. Mostly well-written, with interesting inside looks at the industry. (Especially Errol Morris's short film, reference in #7.)