Before this goes on, the
Oscars will take place in March next year instead of February, for one reason — the Olympics. Nobody wants to compete in prime time with that world event, even the most-watched entertainment show of the year.
Now, back to Ellen. Award shows often get that extra publicity whether done intentional or not. This is intentional. “I had the best time making this,” said DeGeneres, in a
statement. “I love Paul, I love tWitch, I love Fitz and I like most of the Tantrums.”
Paul Feig, a new Academy member, conceived and directed the trailer, which was choreographed by freestyle dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
By releasing a teaser promo, they know it will be passed around, and truly hope it does. So, let's not disappoint on that level. But, too much praising or hyping is not needed, for this or any trailer or promo. It will be released into theaters on Jan. 3.
In other Oscar news, the foreign language film category is taking shape. And since
Oscar is international, all the world watches these movies, albeit not with the box office numbers of the others.
The shortlist
Belgium, "The Broken Circle Breakdown," Felix van Groeningen, director;
Bosnia and Herzegovina, "An Episode in the Life of an Iron Picker," Danis Tanovic, director;
Cambodia, "The Missing Picture," Rithy Panh, director;
Denmark, "The Hunt," Thomas Vinterberg, director;
Germany, "Two Lives," Georg Maas, director;
Hong Kong, "The Grandmaster," Wong Kar-wai, director;
Hungary, "The Notebook," Janos Szasz, director;
Italy, "The Great Beauty," Paolo Sorrentino, director;
Palestine, "Omar," Hany Abu-Assad, director.
From this list will come the five finalists. In order for that to happen, specially-invited committees will attend
screenings in New York and Los Angeles. They will spend Jan. 10-12 viewing three films each day. Then, they will cast their ballots.
