I was sitting watching the Oscars just now and apart from some very funny banter from John Stewart there was not a lot of entertainment for me this year. I remember for many years that staying up to watch the Oscars back in Ireland was almost worth it. I must be getting older and more cynical.
But there was one moment of pure joy for me tonight, well two, but they involved the very same people. The first was the moment they announced Best Original Song. It was won by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irgova for “Falling Slowly” from the film “Once”. A simple beautiful song from a simple beautiful and very low budget movie. Glen and Marketa accepted the award with great joy and amazement yet still seemed completely at ease amid the glitz of this huge occasion.
After Glen made his thank you comments which included a “thank you” in the Irish language, something you don’t often hear in Hollywood, Marketa went to speak and was cut off by the music. So the second moment of great joy was when they came back from the commercial break, John Stewart (and as a fan I really hope this was his idea) brought Marketa back on to the stage so she could get a chance to say thanks. And she took that moment and made it her own.
Well done to both Glen and Marketa. Such a great song and a well deserved award.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jennifer Doherty // Feb 26, 2008 at 6:32 am
Hi!
I found your blog while researching ar ais aris on the net. I’m from Buncrana, and try to go to as many gigs as i can during the festival each year.
Like you i’m delighted with Glen and Marketa’s win at the Oscars. I’m a big frames fan, they are both very nice, and really deserve it after their hard work.
Anyway i thought the Glen Hansard and ar ais aris thing was a nice coinsidence, so just thought i’d say hello. Keep up the good work.
Jennifer
2 John Cutliffe // Feb 27, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Hey Jennifer
So what family in Buncrana are you from. I am guessing you live in Dublin too if you know Glen. I spent a long night with him and the Frames in the Columbia Hotel in London many years ago. I really liked him.
Have you checked out the audio podcasts or the video casts I am doing yet over at http://jigtime.com/radio
Come and say hi in Buncrana..I am the geeky bass player with the Pyros
Slan
John
3 Mick T. // Mar 2, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I was thinking that the film would be an awful chick-flick. I finally sat down and watched it with the Missus the other night and it’s a great film indeed; very touching, funny, and emotional.
Best quote from the film:
“Naw we only do lizzy”.
Much recommended.
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