Oscars watch

As expected, Slumdog won in the best movie and best director categories. What wasn't expected was 8! (not 8 factorial, just 8!!) awards. Kudos to the entire cast and crew, but Danny Boyle in particular. And despite the fact that there's plenty to be displeased about in the movie's portrayal of India, the fact is, on a deeper level, it's a loving look at India, and when most western audiences leave the theaters, their predominant emotion towards the India shown in the movie is in one of affection, not judgement.

Update: Almost criminal of me to not mention Heath Ledger in a post called Oscars watch. Has there ever been a more deserving contender for an Oscar?

Update II: What is it with the Academy and straight dudes playing gay roles? Giving it to Sean Penn for Milk strongly reminds one of Tom Hanks and Philadelphia. (Not that there's anything wrong with it.)