We are living in times of change as evidenced by 81st Academy Awards…It was more than the fact that the nominated movie’s content projected higher collective consciousness global themes(like World Team) that speak to universal truths.
Like the new breath of possibility in with leadership in the USA, the Academy Awards’ show–which supports, and awards the greatest talent in our entertainment industry– finally used some of the creativity present to serve more than “entertainment value”, “the advertisers” or “the industry itself”. It genuinely gave something authentic to humanity within the production of the television broadcast special event. And the award goes to producer Laurence Mark and director/writer Bill Condon.
Let’s start with the light as the main attraction of the set was the arch of LED lights and screens that projected images in not only a pure, crisp way, but also using colors like indigo, purple and violet which brilliantly illuminate transformation. Projectors screens and sets brought us into the reality of each category literally to become intimate with understanding what it really is all about.
It is wonderful to see the international presence, each year growing becoming more and more of a global event. This year India, Japan, the UK, got the light, and Hugh Jackman was the light.
The humanitarian and environmental deep waters moved a current harmonious to the tide of our changing times where the heart and contribution of time and energy may have at least equal value to money. Jerry Lewis was honored for his long amazing career, not only for all the laughter and genius, but also for the billions of funds he raised in his life time for the charity Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was one of the people, a leader it seems, a pioneer— who still gives back with his celebrity (way before the trend), evidenced by his upcoming long standing telethons. With a standing ovation form audience Jerry shared, “For most of my life, I’ve thought that doing good for someone didn’t mean you would receive any commendation for an act of kindness — until now,” said Lewis, “This award touches me in the very depths of my soul.” You touch us all Jerry.
Even the corporate sponsors’ ads were better and integrated to this theme; World MasterCard campaign touted a virtuous take on reality, with why and when to use money and what it can and can’t buy. The distinction of what is “priceless,” with truths about life. And True North Nuts-Yes all of us who are founders of Non-profit organizations have to be a little “nutty” to take the risk to use one life to serve. They showcased non-profit’s finding their “True North” in their ads how they give from a truth inside that leads and inspires with the work they do serving others ; “The Smile Train” and “Sustainable South Bronx,” (those of us at “World Team Now” can relate).
Each category was produced uniquely to reflect what the world of the category was genuinely about, bringing the audience into that reality. That antiquated dynamic that has for so long been the back biting negative force of “Competition,” and “Comparison” was used this time to unify appreciation acceptance and gratitude to motivate, inspire and bond. That unconditional love, team work, respect for diversity, was the creed heard in many ways this year…
For the leading categories like Best Actor, or Best Actress, to have five previous winners who are each legendary icons, in their own right share the limelight together at the same time, ritualized the passing moment where the spot light was on each of the nominees’ journey as a rite of passage, inaugurating them into the heart of the industry. It changed the winning and losing, duality into something greater like experience. The moment of the nomination was transformed from a one of uncertainty, fear and competition, to one of honor, respect, and gratitude and compassionate. It honored the love for the artist, the person who gave of themselves of their live in a role to become the life of another–for what could become transcendent for each of our lives. For each nominee it seems a mentor type was chosen to speak directly to the nominee, that bond and energy shared is immeasurable. The words spoken by each actor presenting, rang a truth like a toast they each made to the nominee, as they rallied admiration to enforce the nomination by inviting them to join in.
For all the other categories–each way the production was executed reflected what is was about to finally educate the public, and show how each of these incredible pieces have to come together to make that movie up on the screen—no more illusion and magic, it is love and something higher that allows films like “Slum Dog Millionaire”, “The Curious Condition of Benjamin Buttons” and “Milk” to be made–works of art that “move “us from the core with ineffable gifts.
Who was the genius that integrated a real aspect to the production an actual truth? It was less like illusion, façade, spectacle and more like inspiration, truth and love… ready and eager to accept a new leader and change here in this Academy’s production… It was great when the President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences who is stepping down was equated to the change in the White House, and relieved that there was no allowance of air time for his speech. Applause to all who were involved with the 81st academy awards, now there is a worthy production finally where the synergy of the event became something more with its own independent value.
More than a gold statue”Oscar” was brought to life–this year the awards production actually had a heart–more than entertainment, it was a work of art.
World Team: Notes from the Base Camp 