Andy, you and I actually agree on most of what we're saying. We're kind of repeating the same things back at each other. I think the difference I'm finding is that I just found the movies this year to be a little better than last year's selection - and the same went for the Oscar nominations. I mostly agree with you in your assessments. I saw I, Tonya before anyone talked to me about it and just enjoyed it for what it was. Agreed on Dunkirk and Lady Bird. Agreed on Darkest Hour (and you can see my review of the same at Home Theater Forum. I'll have one up on I, Tonya by the weekend.) I was a little more partial to Three Billboards, but disliked its ending. Too indie-movie for me in deliberately not ending. But I really liked Molly's Game, Hostiles and particularly The Shape of Water. Also liked All The Money in the World and The Big Sick.

Eric, you've completely missed the point here. Please understand that there is a difference between someone actually watching a program and opining about it, and someone just reading a few quotes from a program and then opining about it. You don't know what was said throughout the Oscars since you didn't watch the show. You made blanket judgment statements about the program without watching it. That's an unfortunate position for anyone to take, particularly an educator. My point was that I totally understand that you dislike the people and the shows in Hollywood and that you don't want to watch the Oscars as a result. It just seems a bit of a cheap shot (and yes, an inaccurate one) to cast judgments on a show you didn't see and therefore only know from hearsay.

I commented on remarks that were offensive and represented an f-off message to the one-half of the country that doesn't share their views. Unless you're going to dispute the accuracy of those comments that they made during the show and which were then dutifully reported on by other outlets, then methinks thou dost protest too much.

Eric, you didn't watch the show. You're watching cherry-picked remarks to fit your preset opinion about the event.

You're entitled to your opinion.

I have seen more than my share of "cherry picking" to criticize other venues but I don't think you really want me to rehash those moments.

Eric, as I said, you're entitled to your opinion.

We are discussing the Oscars. You passed a judgment based on second-hand quotes you read, since you didn't watch the show. You're certainly entitled to have your opinion about those quotes and to not wish to watch the Oscars or any current Hollywood movies, as you've made clear. The blanket condemnation just doesn't hold any water if the information is completely second-hand, particularly if you came in with the preset opinion. But you knew that already, as an educator.

There are plenty of us who do find value in the movies that were nominated, and do find interest in the event. For me, personally, it's been a part of my life since I was very young, and it's part of an annual tradition where those of us who work in the business take the time to look over what shows we found worthwhile during the year. For others, the event is a chance to see celebrities and a night about the movies. Not everyone likes the show or the movies, particularly in today's polarized environment.