This year's show is sure to be one of the most heavily watched ever. Not because there were so many amazing movies (though No Country For Old Men, and There Will Be Blood were outstanding), but rather our bizarre interest in the untimely passing of celebrities. Heath Ledger's death couldn't have come at a better time for the academy. They must be tickled-pink by the fortunate unfortunate circumstances.
Not only does it beef up the "In Memoriam" section (maybe will even get its own subsection, which will pique our morbid fascination) but it also gives the acceptance speeches new gravitas material. Having been at war now for over 4 years, the anti-war speeches are becoming stale, and are already out of vogue with political candidates. So, now all of us idolaters can look to Daniel Day Lewis for more meaning in our life. etc.
We will of course, be watching them at Jour et Nuit.
[Why Do We Mourn Heath Ledger?] [Interview With Derek and Daniel Koch]