After a very restless night, I have a few comments I'd like to share.
In Reese Witherspoon's acceptance speech, she quoted June Cash's reply when people asked her how she was doing as "Trying to matter..." Let's face it, Oscar or not, BBM has made a difference in peoples lives. It does matter, and that is the most important thing to remember. Sure it didn't win an award as best picture as voted by the academy. But why do we care so much the opinion of these people? Are they the definitive voice of excellence in movie making? Surely the past history of winners would say not always. "Shakespeare in Love" over "Saving Private Ryan" anyone? While an enjoyable movie, "Shakespeare" was a total fluff piece. Guess what movie is seen every year on Memorial day here in the US? And it's not simply because it's a war movie. There are tons of war movies. "Saving Private Ryan" resonates in people and will be remembered as one of the greatest war movies ever. Perhaps BBM's greatest reward will be the legacy that endures, and I wholeheartedly believe it will endure the test of time as one of the best movies, ever.
I also don't think we should take anything away from "Crash." While I did not personally see it, it obviously has its supporters as well. Both Crash and BBM have people who support it and those that at best are indifferent towards them. Neither was a clear cut absolute best choice to everyone. The difference I see is that perhaps the fans of BBM are more passionate about this support. Crash touched on racial themes, BBM on sexuality. I would hope that both have had a positive impact on people. I know that BBM has made me a better person.
The other telling sentence I heard last night came from host Jon Stewart. After the Best Original Song award, he said something to the effect of "Oscar count: Three 6 Mafia=1, Martin Scorsese=0" That showed to me that the "best" do not always win the awards. Sure, maybe I'm judging Scorsese on his body of work, but you can't tell me that not one of his movies was deserving at some point?
About drinking wine, my wife is fond of saying "I don't know much about wine, but I know what I like when I drink it." I feel somewhat the same about movies. Sure, I can analyze fine points, but ultimately, I wouldn't know how to judge one film as being better than the next. The choice ultimately comes down to personal taste. BBM is an excellent movie in many aspects, but I'm not sure what it is that attracts me to it. No other movie has made me feel this way. No other movie has grabbed me like this before. No other movie has me still thinking about it every day months after I last saw it. No other movie has me listening to the soundtrack everyday. The experience of this movie is something I hold close to my heart. Hopefully those involved with the making of BBM have even a slight understanding of how important this movie is to so many people.
While disappointed with the final outcome of the Oscars, it has in no way diminished my love for BBM. Its legacy will prevail as long as we hold the story in our hearts.