I seriously did think about it

About live blogging the Oscars.

That was right up until I realized that some really funny, and some really stupid people are already doing that. And I'm way more interested in seeing what they have to say. Maybe next year.

Things to watch for:

1. Hugh Jackman. Even Ebert is excited about him. Probably not for the same reasons that I am excited about him, but he is excited. You should get excited too.

2. Montages. Enjoyable sometimes, horrific at others. Last years were better than past years, but they still weren't as good as they could have been.

3. How fast wikipedia pages get updated. I'm not even joking. As soon as they announce the winner, type in the name, and it's already on the page. It's usually updated before the winner has started their acceptance speech. Or better yet, have them all opened in separate tabs, click on the one who wins, refresh the page, and stand in awe.

4. The dresses. They will defy your eye, and several laws of physics. They are also often stunningly beautiful.

5. Men's Suits. There will be some of the most incredible, beautiful suits there. I have always loved men's clothing more than woman's, and tonight is one of the best times to be aware of men's clothing. It's going to be great.

5. Your printable ballot. You're kidding me, you don't have one of these?
Print one for each member of your party, and pass them around before the ceremony. To the right, circle what you think will win, and star what you want to win. There are 24 categories. You get one point if what you wanted to win, won. And two points if you picked the right choice. And yes, what you think will win, and what you want to win can be the same. Person with the highest points at the end of the evening wins nothing. And I mean nothing, no prize, no bragging rights, absolutely nothing. My favorite kind of game.

6. There are hints that they are going to smash all of the songs that are nominated into one huge package. That is probably going to be pretty painful.

7. Hugh Jackman. The host can carry, or drop the show. We know Jackman can host because he successfully hosted the Tonys twice, but let's hope he has enough Oscar in him to make this fun.

8. The length. The shortest recent Oscar ceremony was 3 hours and 15 minutes. Let's see how this one adds up.

Enjoy.
It's finally the most important awards of the year.