The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Billy Crystal travels from beginning to end with wit, comedic performances remain surprisingly balanced, and tributes reliably move the audience. The eighty-fourth edition was definitely the best of those I've seen, and thanks to the optimistic atmosphere in the audience and on stage, I wished success to the enthusiastic creators of The Artist, even though they weren't among my clear favorites. The highest rating ultimately evades mainly due to the absence of a breathtaking number like Hugh Jackman's dancing, which has been awaited for a while. Nonetheless, among various presentations, it is undoubtedly at the top. (2012.02.28)