Heads up, People.
I don’t know who won. I’m writing this the day before the Oscars and the day before I attend the Vanity Fair party after the Oscars. I was invited last year and didn’t go. I couldn’t wrap my brain around going if I didn’t actually attend the Oscars. I still kind of feel that way but I’m going this year. I am not attending the Oscars.
I almost didn’t go this year either. It’s actually still touch and go as I write this. I just don’t know how you don’t feel like a weird hanger-on, starfucker person if you aren’t part of the event. That’s how my brain sees it and me at this moment. Another way to look at is it would be fun to get dressed up and wander around saying hi to famous people I kind of know but not really. I still see myself as an outsider for some reason. A marginal character in the business. Even it Brad Pitt is a fan.
I went to the Indie Spirit Awards last night with Lynn Shelton because our film, Sword of Trust, was nominated for Best Editing. I had a reason to be there. I have to say that Aubrey Plaza did a fantastic job hosting the thing. I had no idea she was a song and dance person. It was like a traditional awards show with a bit of bite to it, a little edge. You know, because it’s Indie, man.
I did talk to a few people. I was excited to see the Safdie Brothers and chat with them for a few. Maybe they’ll come on the show at some point. I was also able to talk to Sandler for a few minutes. He won Best Actor and gave a fairly hilarious, touching acceptance speech. I was happy for him and that’s not always the case. People love that guy.
I congratulated Greta Gerwig for making the best movie of the year, Little Women. Then I told her husband, Noah Baumbach, who was standing next to her, that his movie was good, too. Nicolas Cage presented him with the Robert Altman Award for Marriage Story and Noah gave a very touching speech about making movies. He also won the screenplay award where he gave an honest talk about the pain of writing.
I have to say it was bizarre seeing Nicolas Cage there. I love the guy. He’s a great actor. He seems to have gotten away from us over the last decade or so. It’s sad to me. He seemed so lost and oddly out of place at an event where he should be the opposite. People’s desires and impulses and mental disposition can really mangle them. He looked like he wanted to be saved and returned to who he used to be, literally looked like he wanted out of his body. I’m sure I’m projecting. But I felt bad for him. I didn’t know if he was in on the joke or if he was making a joke or if he is a joke. I just felt profound sadness.
Just a quick check-in on the American Authoritarianism front… it's happening. Full on.
Today I talk to Ben Schwartz about his Ben Scwartzness. On Thursday stuntman Brett Smrz talks to me about stunt driving and the family business. His dad is a stunt guy, too, as was his uncle, who died doing it.
Enjoy!
Love,
Maron