Is their a more bloated, self-important event held annually than the Oscars? I think not. But I still watch them because whether we like it or not, they have to ability to make anyone's career at the drop of a hat. It is a rare event that the Academy awards the film most deserving of the award and this year will be no different. Brokeback Mountain will likely take several awards including Picture, Director, screenplay and cinematography, with the rest be dispersed sparingly. Not that that is a bad thing, for Brokeback Mountain is a very good movie, and it being probably the weakest of the five Best Picture nominees says quite a bit about this years crop of contenders. But Capote, Good Night and Good Luck, Crash and Munich were all better films.

Despite this trend towards prdictability, I must say that I am quite impressed with the gaul of the Academy to nominate all films that have landed themselves on the political hotseat. They have all been attacked from one angle or another and some say that the Academy has alienated mass audiences because of the lack of blockbusters tossed into the mix. But since when do audiences know crap about what makes a film awards worthy? So from the heart of a cinema lover and not just a movie-goer, I am grateful.

Something else I am grateful for is host Jon Stewart. Regardless of whether you are a fan or not of the Daily Show, you must admit that there are not many comedians out their who are better suited to host a politcal Oscars like this years has shaped up to be. And to all those naysayers who proclaim, "Bring back Billy Crystal," I retort, "Just remember the Titanic Billy posing as Kate Winslet" and if you do not cring, you are a stronger person than I.

So if you are feeling lonely on Sunday evening, tune in to the 2006 Oscar ceremony and whether you like your cowboys Brokeback-style or more John Wayneish, you will probably have a good old fashioned overblown time.